Visitor's Guide: Exploring the Unplugged Destinations
Off-Grid Caravanning: A Guide to Sustainable Power Solutions
Off-grid caravanning, a popular choice for those seeking a more natural camping experience, involves setting up camp without electric hook-ups, Wi-Fi, or other modern luxuries. Here's a guide to help you navigate the world of off-grid power solutions for your caravan.
Leisure Batteries and Solar Panels
When off-gridding, your leisure battery becomes your primary source of electric power. It's crucial to keep it properly charged, especially during the off-season and while in storage. A leisure battery, with its thicker lead plates, is better-suited to off-grid caravanning than a standard car battery.
The National Caravan Council (NCC) has established the Verified Leisure Battery Scheme, providing clear guidance on a battery's capacity. Brands such as Banner, Exide, Leoch Battery UK, Lifos, Manbat, Optima, and Yuasa offer potential options.
Solar panels can be fixed to the caravan roof or bought in portable metal frames. Look for a solar panel with international IEC 61215 quality certification. All panels over 18W will require a voltage regulator/controller. An AGM-type leisure battery is particularly efficient when used with a solar panel for topping up.
Maintaining Your Leisure Battery
Avoid letting the charge in your lead-acid leisure battery get too depleted. 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. 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.
Solar Power Tips
Photovoltaic panels generate electricity from all light, not just direct sunlight. Aim to fit a solar panel that can keep the system charged, typically a 100-200W setup. For ultimate performance, keep non-sealed batteries topped up with fluid, and ensure that battery posts are clean and the clamps are fitted tightly.
Gas for Off-Grid Outings
To ensure sufficient gas for off-grid outings, consider investing in a self-refill system like Safefill or Gaslow. Gas costs significantly less when refilled at Autogas fuel stations compared to buying from Calor distributors.
Energy-Efficient Home Improvements
Innovative home improvement ideas to save on electricity and gas usage include installing heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors, adding smart technology such as smart thermostats and smart plugs, and improving insulation or using external insulated wall cladding. These upgrades can significantly reduce energy consumption and may qualify for tax credits through 2025.
Off-grid sites often have a 'camping X-factor' that bigger, facility-filled parks can't compete with. With the right preparations, off-grid caravanning can be a rewarding and sustainable way to enjoy the great outdoors.
- To optimize your off-grid caravanning experience, consider incorporating energy-efficient home improvements such as heat pumps and smart thermostats, which can help reduce electricity and gas usage whilst potentially qualifying for tax credits through 2025.
- For those planning long off-grid travel excursions, investing in a self-refill system like Safefill or Gaslow can ensure a steady supply of gas, as it costs significantly less when refilled at Autogarden fuel stations compared to buying from Calor distributors.
