Lensun Solar: Adding the power of the sun to your adventures
When it comes to overlanding, roof tent camping, or just getting off the beaten track, keeping your kit powered can be a right headache. Enter Lensun Solar—a brand specialising in flexible, durable solar panels designed for vehicles, boats, and off-grid setups.
Whether you’re looking to keep your leisure battery topped up or run a fridge, a good solar panel setup means less time worrying about power and more time enjoying the wild.
Whether you’re embarking on a month-long overlanding expedition, spending weekends camping in your rooftop tent, or hitting the road in your camper, having reliable power is absolutely essential.
After all, from charging your phone, action camera, and drone to keeping your fridge or power bank running, staying off-grid means your battery will only last so long before it needs a recharge.
Moreover, without a mains hookup, it won’t be long before you’re running on empty, struggling to keep your devices powered. In such cases, having an alternative power source becomes not just a convenience, but a necessity for a smooth and enjoyable adventure.
Why Install a Solar Panel on Your Vehicle?
If you spend any amount of time camping, working remotely, or just escaping into the backcountry, a solar panel is one of the best investments you can make. Unlike a generator, solar is silent, requires zero fuel, and works as long as the sun shines. A proper setup will keep your battery topped up, meaning no more flat batteries, no more rationing power, and no need to run the engine just to charge a phone or power some lights.
Getting around the problem of not being able to install a solar panel on your folding roof tent.
Now with many roof tents, like the Tentbox Lite its impossible to install a solar panel on to your setup as most have a removable cover and then even the top of the stowed tent becomes the under side of the floor.
Mounting a panel onto your bonnet gets around this problem allowing you to recharge your power banks what ever type you have.
Lensun’s 100W Hood-Mounted Flexible Solar Panel.
One of the best places to mount a solar panel on a truck is the bonnet (or hood, for any Americans reading).
Lensun’s 100W flexible solar panel is designed specifically for the Isuzu D-Max, making use of otherwise wasted space.
Unlike a bulky rigid panel, this one is sleek, lightweight, and flexible—making it perfect for vehicles that actually see some rough terrain. Additionally, its flexibility allows it to conform to the curves of your vehicle, ensuring a secure and efficient fit.
This design not only maximises space but also ensures optimal performance, even in more challenging conditions. Ultimately, it’s a practical solution for anyone seeking reliable off-grid power without compromising on durability or efficiency.
Lensun Solar offers bonnet-mounted flexible solar panels tailored for various vehicle models, enhancing battery maintenance and providing auxiliary power for devices during daylight.
Here are some of the models compatible with Lensun’s bonnet-mounted solar panels (see here for a full list):
- Suzuki Jimny 3rd Gen (1998–2018): quipped with a 60W flexible solar panel designed to fit the bonnet’s contours.
- Toyota Hilux 6th Gen: Features a 90W bonnet flexible solar panel customised for this model.
- Isuzu MU-X: Fitted with a 90W hood flexible solar panel tailored for optimal integration.
- Hyundai Elantra: Offers a 90W hood flexible solar panel specifically designed for this vehicle.
- Toyota Land Cruiser LC200 (2016–2021): Equipped with a 90W (2x45W) car hood/bonnet solar panel.
- Mazda BT-50 3rd Gen: Features a 100W hood flexible solar panel customised for this model.
- Range Rover Sport HSE 1st Gen (2005–2012): Fitted with an 80W hood flexible solar panel tailored for optimal integration.
These panels are engineered to seamlessly integrate with each vehicle’s bonnet, ensuring efficient solar energy harnessing while maintaining the vehicle’s aesthetics.
Installation Process
Unlike drilling into your bonnet (which would be a right faff), Lensun has designed this panel to be mounted onto a large vinyl decal that sits between the hood and the panel itself. This method prevents damage to the paintwork, provides better adhesion, and ensures a clean removal if needed.
Here’s a quick rundown of the install process:
- Prep the Surface – Give the bonnet a good clean and dry before applying the decal. Any dirt or moisture will affect adhesion.
- Apply the Decal – Unroll the decal, weight down the corners for an hour or so, so it becomes flat. Measure the bonnet so it it directly in the middle and tape the backing paper to the bonnet using masking tape. Next using a spray bottle, wet the bonnet with some soapy water gently peeling back the decal whilst spraying the underside of the decal.
- Carefully position the vinyl – The decal and using the squeedgy supplied push from the middle to the edges, carefully pushing out any excess water and air. Leave overnight to cure (make sure it’s done in a warm environment). The decal acts as a mounting surface for the solar panel.
- Mount the Solar Panel – The panel itself needs to be bonded to the decal with either 3m double sided tape (you’ll need 3 rolls) or be using Sika-Flex (my preferred method). Once the panel has been put onto the decal, cover with a sheet or blanket and put some weight on it to help it bond to the decal.
- Wire It Up – Route the cables along the bonnet, securing them neatly before feeding them into the engine bay.
The result? A seamless, low-profile solar panel that blends into the truck and charges your system while you drive or park up for the night.
The Lensun 10A Waterproof MPPT Solar Controller
A solar panel on its own isn’t much use without a way to regulate its output. That’s where a solar controller comes in.
The Lensun 10A MPPT solar controller ensures you get the most efficiency out of your panel, converting excess voltage into usable power while protecting your battery from overcharging.
Key Specs:
- Max Input: 10A
- Waterproof Rating: IP67 (so it won’t die if it gets splashed)
- MPPT Efficiency: Up to 98%
- Compatible with: 12V systems, including AGM, lithium, and lead-acid batteries
Installing the controller is simple. It’s best mounted near the battery with a clean wiring route from the solar panel. The MPPT technology means it optimises the charge, even on cloudy days or during partial shading, making it a much better option than a basic PWM controller.
My Full Solar Setup: Hood Panel, Roof Tent Panel & Leisure Battery
I’ve rigged my setup so the hood-mounted 100W panel works alongside the 100W panel mounted on my Tentbox Cargo 1.0 roof tent. Together, they provide a combined 200W of solar power feeding into a leisure battery housed in the back of the truck.
Power Breakdown:
- Solar Input: 2x 100W panels (bonnet + roof tent)
- Battery Storage: Leisure battery system in the rear
- Output: 12V for appliances, 5V USB for charging small devices
- Mains Hookup: 240V charger for when shore power is available
This means I’ve got enough juice to power lights, charge cameras and drones, keep the fridge running, and generally live comfortably off-grid. And when I do pull into a campsite, I can plug into the mains and charge the system via a 240V inlet.
Final Thoughts
Lensun’s solar products are well-designed, easy to install, and properly rugged. The bonnet-mounted panel is a brilliant solution for making use of wasted space, while the waterproof MPPT controller ensures you get the most out of your solar setup. Combined with a secondary panel on the Tentbox, I’ve got a reliable off-grid power system that keeps everything running smoothly.
For anyone considering a solar upgrade for their vehicle, this setup is a solid, hassle-free option that blends seamlessly into an overland or expedition build. If you’re serious about off-grid adventures, investing in a quality solar system is a no-brainer.
A bonnet-mounted solar panel is a game-changer for anyone who spends time off the beaten track, whether you’re overlanding, camping, or just want to keep your vehicle’s battery topped up without relying on mains power.
Why a bonnet / hood mounted solar panel?
Unlike portable panels that require setup and ideal positioning, a bonnet-mounted panel is always working, passively charging your battery while you drive or when parked in the sun. It’s perfect for running 12V / USB accessories, maintaining dual-battery setups, or ensuring your vehicle starts after long periods of inactivity. Plus, with its low-profile design, it won’t interfere with aerodynamics or add unnecessary bulk. If you’re thinking of upgrading your vehicle with a bonnet-mounted solar panel, now’s the perfect time—use my 10% discount code VILDMARK at checkout and save on your setup!
The installation video.
Here’s the video of my install, along with the power unit I’ve built into the back of the Isuzu D-Max. The bonnet-mounted solar panel from Lensun Solar, combined with the 100W panel, the Tentbox Cargo, and all the other gear, makes this setup a top-tier rig for over-landing and adventure.
Lensun offers a variety of solar panels tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, overlanders, and off-grid explorers. Whether you’re rigging up a camper, equipping a 4×4, or looking for a lightweight solution for backpacking, Lensun has a panel to suit your needs.
- Flexible Solar Panels – Perfect for curved surfaces like vehicle hoods, these lightweight and durable panels offer an aerodynamic, low-profile charging solution.
- Folding Solar Panels – A portable and versatile option for campers, van-lifers, and overlanders who want to set up camp and harness the sun’s energy with ease.
- Foldable Solar Panels – Ultralight and compact, these are ideal for hikers, cyclists, campers & packrafters who need a power source that stows easily in a backpack.
- Solar Blankets – Offering high efficiency in a foldable, compact design, solar blankets can be draped over a vehicle, tent, or laid out at camp for quick and easy energy capture.
Whichever setup suits your adventure, Lensun’s range of solar panels ensures reliable off-grid power, so you can keep your devices charged, your fridge running, and your journey going—wherever the trail leads.
Lensun is a leading solar panel manufacturer based in China, known for its high-quality, innovative solar solutions for outdoor adventures and off-grid living. With warehouses located in the UK, US, and Australia, Lensun ensures that you won’t face any import tax or customs delays when ordering. For customers in the UK, you can expect fast delivery, typically within 3 to 5 working days from order.
