When it comes to choosing the right power system for your campervan, it all boils down to lifestyle. At Taylored Campervans, we specialise in both gas and gas-free campervan conversions, offering fully off-grid solutions powered by solar panels, lithium batteries, and inverter systems.
But how long can you run your campervan purely on solar power? How does a gas-free setup compare to a more traditional system with a gas hob? And what’s realistic in the UK versus sunnier Europe?
In this blog, we’ll break down the different solar power options we offer across our builds, from VW Transporter T6.1 conversions to larger vans like the MAN TGE, and help you understand what to expect in real-world conditions.
⚠️ Note: These figures are rough estimates. Real usage will vary depending on what appliances you’re running, how long they’re used, and your location. High-demand items used simultaneously can overload systems, so it’s important to manage your power use and set realistic expectations.
☀️ What Is a Campervan Solar Setup?
A solar-powered campervan uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. This charges a leisure battery, which powers your onboard systems—fridge, lights, USB sockets, and sometimes even your hob or microwave.
Key factors that affect your power output:
- Solar panel size and voltage
- Weather conditions
- Battery capacity
- Appliance usage patterns
Below we compare four different solar setups we regularly install in our builds.
1️⃣ 115W Solar + Gas Hob Setup (T6.1 or similar)
Perfect for: Weekend campers or touring vans with basic needs
Includes:
- Van type: VW T6.1 (or similar)
- Solar panel: 115W MIPV (OCV 34.03V)
- Battery: 100Ah Quasar Carbon Nano AGM
- Cooking: Gas hob
- Appliances: 12V fridge, USB sockets, water pump
- Extras: 240V hook-up and alternator charging
Solar performance:
- UK summer: 25–40Ah/day
- Southern Europe: 40–55Ah/day
Typical usage:
- Fridge: 30–40Ah/day
- Lights & sockets: 10–15Ah/day
Summary:
This setup works well for 2–3 days off-grid in the UK and up to 5 days in Southern Europe—ideal for light users. The gas hob keeps cooking demands low, making this a solid entry-level eco campervan conversion.
2️⃣ Clayton Power 2500 Gas-Free Setup (T6.1 or similar)
Perfect for: Those wanting to ditch gas but keep things simple
Includes:
- Van type: VW T6.1 (or similar)
- Solar panels: 2 x 135W MIPV (OCV 39.70V)
- System: Clayton Power LPSII 2500 with 100Ah lithium
- Cooking: Twin Sterling induction hob (240V)
- Extras: Alternator charging + hook-up
Solar performance:
- UK summer: 70–90Ah/day
- Southern Europe: 90–120Ah/day
Typical usage:
- Induction hob: 40–60Ah/day
- Fridge + 12V: 30Ah/day
- Extras (laptops/USB): 10–20Ah/day
Summary:
This fully gas-free campervan setup is ideal for shorter off-grid trips. With careful management, you can expect 2–3 days in the UK and up to 4 days in warmer climates.
3️⃣ Clayton Power 3000 + 160Ah Lithium (T6.1 or similar)
Perfect for: Longer off-grid trips with more cooking needs
Includes:
- Van type: VW T6.1 (or similar)
- Solar panels: 2 x 135W MIPV (OCV 39.70V)
- System: Clayton Power LPSII 3000 with 160Ah lithium
- Appliances: Induction hob, optional 900W microwave
- Extras: Superfast DC-DC Clayton supercharger, engine, hook-up
Solar performance:
- UK summer: 70–90Ah/day
- Southern Europe: 90–120Ah/day
Typical usage:
- Cooking: 60–90Ah/day
- Fridge/lights/devices: 40Ah/day
Summary:
A powerful and compact off-grid campervan setup for those who want the freedom to roam. The added 160Ah lithium capacity and rapid charging options make it ideal for full-time or extended travellers.
4️⃣ Ultimate Gas-Free Off-Grid System (MAN TGE or similar)
Perfect for: Full-time travellers or larger van builds
Includes:
- Van type: MAN TGE (or similar)
- Solar panel: 275W MIPV (OCV 80.83V)
- Battery: 460Ah Roamer lithium
- Inverter: Victron 3000VA Multiplus
- Solar control: Victron MPPT
- Appliances: Twin induction hob, 900W microwave, 1420W air fryer
Solar performance:
- UK summer: 100–130Ah/day
- Southern Europe: 130–160Ah/day
Typical usage:
- Cooking (induction + air fryer): 100–140Ah/day
- Fridge, lighting, charging: 40–60Ah/day
Summary:
This is the ultimate gas-free campervan conversion. With careful power management and solar top-up, you can comfortably live off-grid for multiple days. It’s important to avoid running high-draw appliances at the same time to prevent inverter overloads.
⚠️ Managing Your Power System
Even with a large lithium setup, power still needs to be monitored and managed:
- Don’t run heavy appliances at the same time (e.g., air fryer + induction hob)
- Watch your daily consumption, especially in cloudier UK weather
- Use your engine drive or hook-up when needed
- All systems have cut-off protections to avoid damage, but smart usage ensures smoother trips
🔋 Comparison Overview
| Van Setup | Battery Size | Solar (UK avg) | Gas-Free | Off-Grid (UK) | Off-Grid (Europe) |
| T6.1 + 115W MIPV + AGM | 100Ah | 25–40Ah/day | ❌ | 2–3 days | 4–5 days |
| T6.1 + Clayton 2500 | 100Ah Li | 70–90Ah/day | ✅ | 1–2 days | 3–4 days |
| T6.1 + Clayton 3000 + 160Ah | 160Ah Li | 70–90Ah/day | ✅ | 2–3 days | 4+ days |
| MAN TGE + 275W + 460Ah | 460Ah Li | 100–130Ah/day | ✅ | 3–5 days | 5+ days |
🌍 Why Choose a Solar-Powered, Gas-Free Campervan?
Choosing a gas-free, solar-powered campervan conversion isn’t just about eco credentials—it’s about futureproofing your van for modern travel. Benefits include:
- Fewer safety checks and certifications
- No need to refill gas bottles abroad
- Cleaner, greener power
- Easier maintenance and simplified layouts
From entry-level systems to high-end off-grid campervan setups, we offer solutions that fit how you want to travel. Whether you’re chasing waves in Cornwall or sunsets in Spain, we’ll help you travel further, cleaner, and smarter.
Ready to spec your van or have questions about solar power?
Contact Taylored Campervans to talk through your needs—we’re here to help you make the most of your adventures.