← Back to all services

  • Solar panel with wiring on a white background
1 2

Solar Panel Installation

Solar Panel Installation

Stay powered wherever you travel

Keep your campervan running off-grid with a professionally installed solar system. At Vanlifer, we install high-quality 12 V solar panels, regulators, and battery systems using trusted brands such as Victron Energy and Dometic. Each setup is designed to safely integrate with your existing electrical system and meet New Zealand’s Green Warrant self-containment standards.

Why add solar to your campervan?

Solar power gives you the freedom to stay off-grid longer while keeping your batteries charged, fridge running, and lights powered. It’s silent, efficient, and eco-friendly, making it one of the most valuable upgrades for any self-contained campervan.

Available solar options

Solar System

Description

Power Output

Recommended For

Price Tier

Bonnet Panel

Bonnet-mounted flexible solar panel

80–150 W

Compact or daily-use vans

$

Roof-Mounted Fixed Panel

Standard rigid solar setup

200–400 W

Weekend campers or small motorhomes

$$

Victron Smart Solar Kit

Full system with MPPT controller

400–600 W

Long-term travellers or fleet vans

$$$

Premium Off-Grid System

Dual battery bank, inverter, solar array

600 W+

Full-time off-grid living

$$$$

Installation details

Item

Information

Inclusions

Solar panel(s), regulator, fuses, cables, gland fittings, mounting brackets, and system testing.

Mounting Options

Bonnet-mounted, roof rack, or fixed roof installation.

Electrical Setup

Integrated with 12 V house battery and charge controller.

Time Required

1–2 days depending on system size.

Warranty

12-month workmanship warranty on installation.

Compliance

Installed to meet NZ electrical safety standards.

Optional Extras

Battery monitor, inverter, DC-DC charger, lithium battery upgrade.

Before you book

A few things to check before your install:

  • Roof or bonnet space available for panels
  • Current battery type and capacity
  • Whether you already have a charge controller or inverter
  • Power requirements (e.g. fridge, lights, laptops, appliances)

RV repair

If your existing solar system isn’t charging properly, cutting out, or showing faults on the controller, our RV repair service can help. We diagnose issues like damaged panels, faulty wiring, failed regulators, and worn connectors, then repair or replace what’s needed to restore efficient solar charging. Whether your setup needs a quick fix or a full electrical tidy up, we can get your camper’s solar system working reliably again.



Get a quote View full details

People are asking

How much solar power do I need for caravans and motorhomes in NZ?

Most caravans and motorhomes do well with 200W to 400W of solar power. If you run a compressor fridge, inverter or charge laptops daily, 400W to 600W is ideal.

Do you install solar panels for campervans, caravans and motorhomes?

Yes. We install solar power for caravans and motorhomes NZ wide, and we also fit systems into campervans and panel vans such as Toyota Hiace, LDV Deliver 9, Ford Transit and Sprinter.

What is the difference between Victron MPPT and a PWM controller?

Victron MPPT controllers deliver more usable power, especially in low light or cloudy conditions. PWM controllers waste energy and can undercharge batteries.

Can solar panels run my fridge, lights and a 12V system?

Yes. A solar system keeps your house battery charged and powers your 12V appliances. For larger loads like inverters and induction cooktops, we size the solar system to match.

Can solar power charge lithium batteries?

Absolutely. Lithium performs best with MPPT charging, and we set the controller to the correct lithium profile so your batteries charge safely and efficiently.

Do you install flexible or fixed solar panels? Which is better?

Fixed solar panels are more efficient and last longer. Flexible panels are lighter and work well when roof space is tight, but we recommend fixed panels for most vans and motorhomes in NZ conditions.

Where to find us

Based on Auckland's North Shore

Find us at our Auckland workshop, where we bring your campervan upgrades to life. Drop in for advice, quotes, or to see our latest installation projects in action.

Message us 0800 VANLIFE