The basic idea
Solar panels on your roof (or set up outside) turn daylight into electricity. A charge controller feeds that electricity into a leisure battery, which stores it until you need it. From the battery you can run 12V kit such as lights, fridges, pumps and USB chargers directly, or add an inverter for anything that needs a normal three-pin plug.
Most setups in Scotland also charge the battery from the engine while driving, using a DC-DC charger. That matters in winter, when short days and low sun mean the panels alone may not keep up.
What's installed
| Part | What it does | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Solar panels | Turn daylight into DC electricity.Fixed rigid panels on the roof, flexible panels for curved roofs, or folding portable panels you set up outside. | Fixed rigid panels on the roof, flexible panels for curved roofs, or folding portable panels you set up outside. |
| Charge controller (MPPT) | Manages the power flowing from the panels into the battery.Protects the battery from overcharging and gets more from the panels in low light. | Protects the battery from overcharging and gets more from the panels in low light. |
| Leisure battery | Stores energy for evenings, cloudy days and nights.Lithium (LiFePO4) or AGM. Kept separate from the vehicle starter battery. | Lithium (LiFePO4) or AGM. Kept separate from the vehicle starter battery. |
| DC-DC charger | Charges the leisure battery from the alternator while you drive.Needed with most modern smart alternators. Very useful in Scottish winters. | Needed with most modern smart alternators. Very useful in Scottish winters. |
| Inverter | Converts 12V DC to 230V mains-style AC.Pure sine wave models suit laptops and sensitive electronics. | Pure sine wave models suit laptops and sensitive electronics. |
| Fuses, isolators & cabling | Keep the system safe and serviceable.Correct cable sizes and fusing are essential, whatever the system size. | Correct cable sizes and fusing are essential, whatever the system size. |
| Battery monitor | Shows charge level, current and remaining capacity.Often viewed on a small display or a phone app. | Often viewed on a small display or a phone app. |
Plug-and-play or fitted system?
Portable power stations combine the battery, inverter and charge controller in one box. There is no wiring, they can come indoors with you, and they suit weekend trips, renters and anyone starting out.
Fitted systems are permanently installed with roof panels and a dedicated leisure battery. They offer more capacity and suit longer trips, full-time living, and park homes or lodges that are used regularly.
How our process works
1. Tell us about your vehicle or home
Use the form below to tell us what you have (campervan, motorhome, caravan, park home or lodge), how you use it, and what you need to power.
2. We size the system to your real needs
We work out your daily power use and match the panels, battery and charging to it, allowing for Scottish weather and the seasons you travel in. You'll get plain-English advice with no jargon.
3. Receive your free quote
We reply within 24 hours, usually sooner. Where you want the work done for you, we install through MCS-certified partners. There's no pressure and no obligation.
Wondering about budget? Our costs guide explains what drives the price, and the grants & finance guide covers VAT and loans.