One of the most common questions we get from caravan owners who’ve invested in solar panels is some version of the same thing: “Can I still use a storage cover?” The answer is yes, and here’s exactly how it works.
A tailored caravan storage cover is designed to cover and protect an entire caravan precisely, following the roofline, the front and rear profiles, and every feature of the exterior.
For most caravans with a rooftop solar panel, this isn’t an issue. Modern solar panels tend to sit fairly flat to the roof surface, and our tailored covers are designed with enough clearance that the panel sits comfortably beneath the cover without any special accommodation needed.
Where a perspex solar panel window becomes relevant is when a caravan owner wants to continue charging their van via solar power while it’s in storage. If the van isn’t hooked up to mains electric during storage, which is the case for many owners, particularly those using off-grid storage sites, the solar panel is the primary charging source keeping the van’s battery topped up throughout the winter months.
A standard cover over the panel, however flat it sits, will block the light the panel needs to generate that charge. The solution is a bespoke perspex solar panel window: a transparent panel sewn into the cover at the exact position of your solar panel, allowing light to reach it while the cover maintains its weatherproof integrity around it. The van stays covered. The panel keeps working. The battery stays charged.
The perspex window is an add-on to your tailored storage cover, priced at an additional cost. Because every solar panel installation is different, different panel sizes, different roof positions, different mounting configurations, we can’t accommodate these from our standard pattern database alone.
When you order a cover with a solar panel window, you’ll need to complete our solar panel dimension sheet, detailing the size and position of your panel on the roof. Once completed, email this to our team referencing your order number and our production team will incorporate the window into your cover at precisely the right position.
When ordering a Full Caravan Storage Cover or Caravan Roof Cover, you’ll be taken through a cover configuration process. Work through each option one by one — these are the personalisation choices that make your cover specific to your van. You’ll see the solar panel window option listed here.
Click the solar panel window option. On the next page, tick either Required or Not Required. Wait for the black tick circle to appear on your chosen selection to confirm it’s been registered.
Click Save to add your selection to your cover configuration and continue through the remaining options to complete your order.
Tailored to your make, model and year — We hold patterns for the vast majority of UK caravan makes and models, built up over more than 40 years of cover production. When you select your caravan from our pattern database, you’re getting a cover made precisely for your van’s dimensions — not a size bracket that roughly covers it.
Waterproof and breathable fabric — Our covers are made from Torrent fabric, a non-abrasive, multi-layered material that is 100% waterproof and breathable. The breathability is important — it allows moisture vapour to escape from beneath the cover rather than trapping damp against the van’s bodywork. Some condensation under the cover in cooler months is completely normal and nothing to worry about — it evaporates as temperatures rise and escapes through the fabric.
Door access as standard — Every storage cover includes door access as standard, meaning you can enter and exit the caravan without having to remove the cover. This is one of those features that sounds minor until you need it — particularly useful if you’re accessing the van in storage for maintenance, to retrieve something, or to check it over during the winter months.
Straps and Elasticated corners — The cover is secured underneath the van with webbing straps (more for longer vans) that fasten with buckles, combined with four elasticated corners. Full fitting instructions are included, and fitting videos are available in our Knowledge Centre.
Storage bag, A-frame cover and extendable fitting poles — Every full storage cover comes complete with a storage bag to keep it tidy when not in use, a universal A-frame cover to protect the hitch and coupling, and extendable fitting poles to help get the cover on and off without a step ladder.
Aerial and flue allowances — The cover makes standard allowances for roof aerials & flues.
At An Additional Cost:
Solar panel perspex window:
As detailed above — a bespoke transparent panel sewn into the cover at your solar panel’s position, with a dimension sheet required at order.
Additional access points:
Need access to a specific locker, hatch or feature that isn’t covered by the standard door access? Additional access options can be specified when ordering.
Bike rack allowance:
If your caravan has a bike rack fitted to the rear, we can accommodate it in the cover’s design rather than having the cover sit awkwardly around it. This is specified at order and built into the pattern for your van.
Roof furnishing pockets
Allowances for satellite dishes, roof boxes, air conditioning units or other mounted accessories can be incorporated where relevant.
Upgraded storage bag:
Our standard storage bag is included with every cover, but if you’d prefer a larger bag with a full-length zip that makes repacking easier, our upgraded storage bag is available in the same waterproof and breathable material as the cover itself.
Wheel covers:
Designed to sit alongside your storage cover, our wheel covers protect the tyres from UV degradation and the elements during storage. Available in the same colours as the cover for a coordinated look.
The perfect solution for protecting your caravan when not in use. Made-to-measure with our extensive pattern database, our covers provide all-weather protection, UV resistance, and a bespoke fit to keep your caravan safe and ready for your next adventure.
Starting from £589.00 + FREE DELIVERY
Designed to protect your caravan in storage, our Made to measure roof covers shield the front, top, and back from all weather conditions and UV damage. Using the awning channels for a secure fit, it’s the ideal solution for those looking to solely protect these key areas.
Starting from £489.00 + FREE DELIVERY
The perfect solution for protecting your caravan when not in use. Made-to-measure with our extensive pattern database, our covers provide all-weather protection, UV resistance, and a bespoke fit to keep your caravan safe and ready for your next adventure.
Starting from £389.00 + FREE DELIVERY
One important note to consider: When creating the solar panel access into the Caravan and Roof Storage covers we incorporate a clear plastic window using high quality Perspex® material. This will allow your solar panel to charge even when one of our storage covers is on your caravan. Perspex® is an artificial plastic made from acrylic material. It is often used as a light weight and shatter-resistant alternative to glass. Its tensile, flexural and high-level transparency is a great solution to keep your solar panel charged and body of your vehicle protected. The long term performance of the material is dependent from temperature applied stress. Perspex® like all acrylic materials will expand or contract with temperature change, especially during summer months, when average solar panel surface temperatures during the day is 35°C and during the night 20°C. In some cases, the solar panels cells can get as hot as 65°C and as a result of this Perspex® will become soft and extra flexible which will increase absorption of water up to 2% over long periods, leading to development of stress-cracks and as a result the reduced life of the full storage cover. If the temperature exceeds 35°C, we recommend removing the cover. Due to the factors listed above we do not recommend using the cover with an incorporated solar panel window during the summer months.
