The Solarcamper by Peter Freitag – A Lightweight Powerhouse With a Big Solar Vision
The Solarcamper built by Peter Freitag is quickly becoming one of the most impressive DIY solar-vehicle projects in the German-speaking world. With a clear goal in mind — maximum self-sufficiency at minimum weight — Peter shows just how much performance you can unlock with smart engineering and thoughtful design.
Latest Update: 2,400 Watts of Planned Solar Power
The newest upgrade focuses on the Solarcamper’s solar array. The final goal is 2,400 watts of solar power, and 1,200 watts are already installed.
The impressive part: the entire solar system currently weighs only 24 kilograms.
As soon as the budget allows, the remaining 1,200 watts will be added — turning this camper into a true mobile power station without a single drop of fossil fuel.
Smart Technology, Clean Execution
The Solarcamper combines:
- Three inverters
- One transfer switch
- Flexible 400-watt solar modules
- Solar rails and professional solar connectors for the frame
- A 72V / 100Ah LiFePO₄ battery
- Biderectional charging
The two upper panels are connected via a Y-cable, and before driving you simply switch on the drive assist mode.
Even with the large solar surface, the vehicle stays slim: the 2 mm side overhang is barely noticeable while driving. The entire construction remains storm-proof and vibration-stable.
Solarcamper vs. Aptera – A Practical Comparison
The Aptera is often showcased as a solar mobility icon, but Peter offers a more realistic view:
- Aptera uses only about one-tenth of the possible solar surface area.
- Living inside with two people? Practically impossible.
- Everyday usability? Very limited.
- Positive point: its extremely low weight.
The Solarcamper, on the other hand, focuses on real daily practicality and full self-sufficiency: living, cooking, heating — everything runs on solar electricity.
Fully Electric Living — Year Round
Peter drives fully electric, cooks electric, and heats electric. The Solarcamper handles it all.
A good question he likes to ask critics:
“How far can your house and electric car get with a single 100-watt solar panel?”
The Solarcamper’s 72V 100Ah LiFePO₄ battery gives it the storage capacity needed for off-grid living and long-distance travel.
Lightweight, Practical Insulation
Instead of conventional materials, the camper is insulated with baby foam puzzle mats.
Why? Because they are:
- non-toxic
- easy to cut and install
- stable in heat and sunlight
- surprisingly effective in insulation value
By contrast, materials like Armaflex tend to break down under heat and release gases — not ideal for a small living space.
The result:
Peter camps all year round and enjoys 23°C inside the vehicle even in winter — often just in a T-shirt and shorts.
500 kg Payload Capacity
Despite all the solar gear and insulation, the Solarcamper still offers 500 kilograms of additional load capacity — making it suitable for tools, camping equipment, or even long-term living.
The Solarcamper by Peter Freitag is more than just a DIY project — it’s a demonstration of what is possible when creativity, engineering skills, and sustainable thinking come together.
With up to 2,400 watts of solar power, lightweight construction, and year-round usability, this camper shows a path toward true off-grid mobility and autonomous living.