We are on the cusp of purchasing a campervan but one possible deal breaker is lack of solar panels on the van which wouldn't be a problem when touring as regular driving will keep the leisure batteries charged but we will be likely to use it for long stays (2 week holiday breaks), and on campsites without EHU.
Is their an alternative method of being able to charge the leisure batteries in the absence of a solar installation on the roof?
Simple answer - not really an alternative to solar in some form!
Marginally more useful answer - maybe, BUT! A small 'suitcase' generator is pretty much the only alternative to running vehicle engine, EHU or Solar!
Now the BUT, or should that be the multiple BUTS! Most campsites simply ban their use on the grounds of annoying noise and fumes, and maybe fire risk too. Sometimes 'wild camping' or on a rally field you can get away with them if no neighbours to object. You will need to carry a lot of fuel for prolonged stays, or need to go get fuel frequently, maybe using 3 to 5 litres/day (circa 4-5 hours runtime) depending on how much charge your batteries require. Even the so called 'silent' ones are far from noise free and can be quite annoying in a otherwise quite location. Don't underestimate the fire risk, the hot exhaust can set alight grass and foliage, not just the hot pipe, but the hot fumes (Been there, done that!)! - some oversized fireproof surface required to stand it on. They are rarely weatherproof, so either fair day only use, or some shelter required. They are relatively bulky and heavy, and the smell of fuel if transporting inside a vehicle can be unpleasant.
And the cost of a decent reliable one would buy you a suitcase solar panel that has no running costs, and is weatherproof! - unless you need 240v, that makes it a bit of a no brainer for solar!
A suitcase solar panel is probably the best option. If touring or on EHU pitch you may choose not to take it with you to save on the transport storage/weight. Be aware that solar panel effectiveness plumets in the dull sunless days outside of the summer months, so may not work for you throughout the year. Even in sunny summer days you'll only get the best output for around 8 hours a day with it facing the sun, maybe 10 hours if you move it to align with sun.
As to connecting solar to the battery(s), that rather depends on where your battery(s) are located and access, and we can't guess that. Suitcase solar setups often just connect to the battery with crocodile clips, but some folks have a suitable socket fitted for external access on the vehicle, and use the matching connected on solar leads instead of croc clips.
If you're going to driving during that 2 week stay you'll be adding charge to the battery although cha4ge speeds can vary depending on set up. Quality b2b charges are thecway to go but not always standard.
Battery capacity will also be a factor. Standard 95ah lead acid battery may last us a couple of days without solar but as an example we upgrading to 460ah lifipo4 which is effectively 10x the capacity for only double the weight. Charging will be primarily vis b2b but topped up by 240w solar.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Charging Leisure Batteries without solar
via mobile 31/3/2026 at 10:49am
