Discussion Corner: Strategies for Exploring Off-the-Grid Locations

Off-Grid Caravanning: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Power, Gas, and Energy Management

Embarking on an off-grid caravanning adventure? Here's a rundown of best practices to ensure a comfortable and sustainable experience.

Solar Power Setup

Install a robust solar panel system with lithium batteries and an inverter. Aim to fit as much solar capacity as possible on your caravan roof, and consider adding portable solar panels for flexibility. This ensures continuous battery charging from renewable energy, essential for longer off-grid stays.

Energy Management

Know your appliances’ power draw to plan battery and inverter size effectively. Use an RV Power System bundling 100–200Ah lithium batteries with solar panels and a charger. This provides reliable power for essentials and even some high-draw appliances without relying on noisy generators.

Multiple Charging Methods

Supplement solar with vehicle alternator charging and the ability to plug into external 110V or 220V outlets when available. Having multiple ways to recharge batteries increases reliability while off-grid.

Gas Usage

For cooking and heating, use propane or LPG gas systems as a reliable off-grid fuel source. Gas is often more efficient and easier to manage for heating and cooking than relying solely on electric appliances, reducing electricity demand.

Water Pump and Utilities

Use solar-powered battery water pumps to maintain water supply efficiently without drawing excessive power, matching sustainable off-grid practice.

Additional Tips

Carry adequate water storage and be self-sufficient for extended periods. Carefully plan your energy usage to avoid depleting resources unexpectedly.
Prioritize energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting to extend battery life.
Consider portable solar panels (like foldable ones) for easy setup and to supplement rooftop panels, especially when parked in shaded or less sunny spots.

By combining these strategies—investing in a good solar battery system, managing power carefully, supplementing with gas for heating and cooking, and planning water and energy use—you can maintain a comfortable and sustainable off-grid caravanning experience. Consulting equipment manuals and professionals can further optimize your setup.

Best Practices for Off-Grid Caravanning

Look for a solar panel with international IEC 61215 quality certification and buy from a dealer offering a good warranty.
All panels over 18W will require a voltage regulator/controller.
Lithium batteries are perfect for off-gridding, as they can be discharged much further than lead-acid batteries with no detrimental effects.
An AGM-type leisure battery is particularly efficient when used with a solar panel for topping up.
The control panel in most vans displays the level of charge in the leisure battery, but it might not always be the most accurate indicator of charge.
Remember that trackers and alarms rely on leisure battery power, so check before you remove it.
Running out of gas or battery power during an off-grid trip can negatively affect a caravanning holiday.
A gentle trickle charge is better for leisure batteries than fast charging.
When off-grid, you'll rely on your leisure battery for electric power.
Off-grid caravanning means no electric hook-up, Wi-Fi, or other luxuries.
The NCC has set up a Verified Leisure Battery Scheme with three categories: A, B, and C. Category A batteries have higher storage capacity for caravanners who typically camp away from an electric hook-up.
There are two types of bottle gas: butane and propane. Butane vaporizes at temperatures down to -2°C, while propane vaporizes as low as -42°C.
Solar panels can be useful for keeping leisure batteries charged during off-grid caravanning.
Aim to fit a solar panel that is capable of keeping your system charged; typically this will be a 100-200W set-up.
Avoid letting the charge in your lead-acid leisure battery get too depleted.
Leisure batteries are less efficient in cold conditions; every 1°C fall below 25°C results in a 1% decline in battery performance.
An ideal size for off-gridders is a 110Ah leisure battery, but it's a large item, so check carefully that it will fit your leisure battery locker.
It's important to keep batteries properly charged through the off-season and when in storage.
The best off-grid sites are small, wild, and located in extraordinary locations.
A leisure battery has much thicker lead plates inside than those provided in a car battery.
Solar panels generate electricity from all light, not just direct sunlight, and will produce a fraction of their maximum output in winter.
Solar panels can be fixed to the caravan roof or bought in portable metal frames.
It's recommended to buy a solar panel from a recognized UK supplier.
It is recommended to ensure sufficient gas for an outing, and investing in a self-refill system like Safefill or Gaslow can help.
The individual discusses their habit of conserving resources while at home and off-grid camping.
Some battery brands recommended for off-gridding include Exide, Leoch Battery UK, Lifos, Manbat, Optima, Yuasa.
Off-gridding doesn't necessitate roughing it; gas can power the hob, oven, heating, and fridge, and battery power can light and power the TV.
Use a smart charger where possible, or remove the battery from the caravan and store it in a well-ventilated room, checking its power levels periodically.
For ultimate performance, it's best to keep non-sealed batteries topped up with fluid, and to ensure that battery posts are clean and the clamps are fitted tightly.
A Maximum Power Point Tracking charge controller can eke out 20% more power from the system.
The angle of the solar panel affects its performance, and the optimal angle can be found online at solarelectricityhandbook.com.
Gas costs significantly less when refilled at Autogas fuel stations compared to buying from Calor.

[1] Solar Power for Off-Grid Caravanning: A Comprehensive Guide [2] Solar Power and Off-Grid Caravanning: Tips and Tricks [3] Off-Grid Caravanning: Planning for Success [4] Going Off-Grid with Solar Power: A Practical Guide [5] Off-Grid Caravanning: The Ultimate Guide

To optimize your off-grid caravanning lifestyle, consider incorporating technology such as a smart charger for better battery management and solar panels to generate renewable energy for home-and-garden essentials like cooking appliances powered by propane or LPG gas systems.
When planning for an off-grid travel adventure, prioritize finance and savings by choosing energy-efficient appliances, investing in quality solar panels, and implementing strategies like supplemental charging methods during longer stays to reduce reliance on noisy generators.
For luxury off-grid caravanning experiences, research technology advancements in home-and-garden essentials like solar-powered water pumps, efficient battery systems, and off-grid-friendly appliances like LED lighting, televisions, and refrigeration options while allocating budget for lifestyle indulgences like battery-powered portable heaters and fans.