Solar-Powered Car Accessories You Need

You’ve heard about solar panels on rooftops and solar farms powering cities. But have you considered using that energy while driving?

Solar energy is no longer reserved for off-grid cabins or mega-installations. Car owners can now use many solar-powered accessories thanks to new solar technology. These gadgets boost convenience and provide real eco-friendly benefits.

In 2025, solar car accessories will be more innovative, efficient, and cheaper than ever. These tools can help you reduce your carbon footprint, charge your battery, or power devices without using your car.

This guide highlights the top gadgets, kits, and upgrades for eco-friendly drivers. You’ll find real-world examples, expert tips, and ways to maximise the sun’s free energy.

Why Go Solar with Your Car?

Let’s begin with the “why.” Choosing solar mods for your vehicle is more than just following a trend.

Benefits of Solar Car Mods:

• Reduce load on your alternator
• Extend battery life
• Charge accessories without the engine running
• Lower your emissions
• Ideal for camping, road trips, and remote locations

With petrol prices changing and global talks focusing on renewables, using solar tech in your car is a wise choice for the future.

Top Solar-Powered Car Accessories to Consider in 2025

Here are the most impactful solar-powered upgrades and accessories available this year.

1. Solar Trickle Battery Chargers

Purpose: Keep your car battery charged. This is especially useful for vehicles parked for a long time.

Why it matters: Batteries slowly discharge even when not in use. Solar trickle chargers provide a steady top-up without overcharging.

Top Picks:

• AA Solar Trickle Charger
• Eco-Worthy 12V 10W Solar Car Charger
• Suner Power 12V Portable Panel

Tom, a campervan owner from Cornwall, uses a solar charger. This keeps his battery charged while parked off-grid for days.

2. Solar-Powered Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

Function: Monitor tyre pressure in real time and send leak alerts, all using solar power.

Eco Benefit: No need for wiring or disposable batteries. Maintaining correct pressure also improves fuel economy.

Popular Models:

• Vesafe Solar TPMS
• Jansite Wireless TPMS
• Tymate M7-3

3. Solar Roof Fans and Ventilators

Purpose: Use solar power to cool your vehicle while parked. This helps lower internal temperatures.

Perfect For:

• Hot climates
• Pet owners
• EV drivers preserving battery range

Recommended Brands:

• Solar Eclipse Car Fan
• Aramox Solar Ventilator

Pro Tip: These aren’t air conditioners, but can significantly reduce heat buildup.

4. Solar Dash Cams

What they are: Security dash cams that use solar panels for round-the-clock monitoring. These panels can be built-in or powered externally.

Benefits:

• Continuous recording without draining the car battery
• Great for fleet vehicles, commuters, and busy car parks

Top Picks:

• Nexar Beam (with solar integration)
• Z-Edge S4 Dual Dash Cam
• RedTiger F7N with solar power pack

5. Solar Interior & Ambient Lighting

Solar-powered LEDs charge during the day. They light up the interior at night.

Why it’s useful:

• No wiring hassle
• Ideal for campers, road trippers, or those upgrading interiors for comfort
• Low energy draw and stylish

6. Solar USB Chargers for Devices

Purpose: Charge phones, tablets, sat-navs, and laptops using portable or foldable solar panels.

Eco Benefit:

• Avoids using the car battery or the alternator
• Ideal for remote travel or emergencies

Top Picks:

• Anker 21W Solar Panel Charger
• BigBlue 28W Portable Charger
• Renogy 10W USB Solar Charger

7. Portable Solar Generators for Cars

Description: These power stations are not mounted to the car but are perfect for road trips. They are solar-chargeable and can run small appliances.

Top Brands:

• Jackery Explorer 500
• Bluetti EB3A
• Goal Zero Yeti 200X

Best Use Case: Combine with roof-mounted panels or fold-out kits to create a fully mobile off-grid power source.

8. Integrated Solar Panel Roof Kits

What they do: They add flexible solar panels to your vehicle’s roof. These panels power auxiliary batteries or solar generators.

Great For:

• Campervan conversions
• EV range extensions
• Overlanding and vanlife setups

Top Kit Providers:

• Renogy 100W Monocrystalline Solar Kit
• BougeRV Flexible Solar Panels
• EcoFlow Solar Panel System (for power station integration)

How Much Energy Can Solar Accessories Save?

Solar accessories can’t run your engine, but they help your car’s electrical systems. This can improve longevity and fuel efficiency over time.

Accessory	Energy Saved (Est.)	Impact
Trickle Charger	5–10% alternator relief	Extends battery life
TPMS (Solar)	Self-powered	Boosts tyre health and fuel savings
Roof Vent Fans	Lowers cabin temp by 5–10°C	Reduces aircon use
Solar USB Chargers	~10W per device	Less alternator strain
100W Roof Panels	~400Wh/day	Run fridges, lights, devices off-grid

What to Look for in a Quality Solar Car Accessory

When shopping for solar-powered car gear, check for the following:

• High-efficiency (monocrystalline) solar cells
• Waterproof/durable construction
• Good performance in low-light or cloud cover
• Plug-and-play or universal compatibility
• Compliance with UK safety and electrical standards

Avoid cheap or unregulated panels — they may degrade quickly or lack overcharge protection.

Real Driver Stories: Solar Mods in Action

Priya – Manchester “I park in an open-air car park every day. The solar dash cam and TPMS give me peace of mind without touching the car battery. It’s effortless and effective.”

Dan & Jess – Vanlifers, UK “Our camper runs on a 200W solar setup. We power the fridge, lights, fans, and charge everything. Haven’t needed to plug in for three months — we just follow the sun.”

Common Mistakes with Solar Car Mods

• Mounting behind tinted glass: Reduces solar absorption and performance
• Skipping charge controllers: These are essential for safe and efficient power regulation
• Improper wiring: Poor routing or insulation can lead to damage or short circuits
• Voltage mismatch: Always check that your device matches the solar output. It’s usually 12V for car systems.

Conclusion: Sun-Powered Simplicity on the Road

Solar energy isn’t just for rooftops anymore. Today’s more innovative and smaller accessories help you use clean energy in your daily drive or weekend trips.

Using solar car accessories helps you save money and become more self-sufficient. Plus, it lowers your impact on the environment. No matter what you need—charging devices, saving battery, or cooling your car—every driver has a solar upgrade.

Ready to Go Solar?

• Choose two solar accessories you can install this weekend
• Track how much you save over the next few months
• Share this guide with a fellow eco-conscious driver