When you're heading off-grid, lugging around a bulky generator isn't your only option. Thanks to modern solar technology, it's easier than ever to turn Australia's abundance of sunshine into reliable power for your camping, caravanning or 4WD adventures.
Whether you're keeping the fridge cold, charging your phone, powering camp lights or running a few creature comforts, a well-planned solar setup can help you stay off grid for longer. The best part? Once your system is set up, the sun does the heavy lifting.
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What Do You Need for a Camping Solar Setup?
A basic off-grid solar system typically includes:- Solar regulator or charge controller
Deep cycle battery (AGM or lithium)
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12V outlets or power inverter (if running 240V appliances)
During the day, your solar panel collects energy from the sun, the charge controller regulates power going into the battery, and the battery stores that energy for use whenever you need it.
Types of Solar Panels for Camping
Not all solar panels are built the same. The best option depends on how much power you need, how often you travel and how much room you've got in the rig.
- Fixed Solar Panels are the most popular option in modern camping and touring setups.
Best for: Regular campers and travellers looking for maximum performance.
Pros Cons High efficiency Typically cost more than other panel types Excellent power output for their size Rigid panels may be vulnerable to damage if not stored correctly Great for caravans, 4WDs and camper trailers where space is limited - Folding Solar Panels use high-efficiency cells but can be packed away when not in use.
Best for: Campers who regularly move between sites or prefer flexibility.
Pros Cons Portable and easy to store Require setup and pack-down each day Can be repositioned throughout the day Often include adjustable legs to maximise solar gain - Solar Blankets have become increasingly popular with 4WDers and campers where storage space is at a premium.
Best for: Touring setups where space and weight matter.
Pros Cons Lightweight and compact Generally, less durable than rigid panels Easy to transport Can be more susceptible to wear if dragged across rough surfaces Quick to setup - Flexible Panels are commonly mounted on caravan roofs, camper trailers and curved surfaces.
Best for: Permanent installations where traditional rigid panels aren't practical.
Pros Cons Lightweight May have a shorter lifespan than rigid panels Low-profile installation Can be more difficult to cool in hot conditions Suitable for curved mounting surfaces
What Does a Solar Regulator Do?
A solar regulator, also known as a charge controller, protects your battery by managing the power flowing from the solar panel. Two common types include:
- PWM Regulators: They are basic and affordable, most suitable for smaller solar setups
- MPPT Regulators: They are more efficient than PWM controllers and can improve charging performance, particularly in larger systems. They’re popular for lithium battery setups
They are more efficient than PWM controllers and can improve charging performance, particularly in larger systems. They’re popular for lithium battery setups.
Understanding Solar Connectors and Adaptors
When putting together a camping solar setup, it's important to make sure all your components can actually connect to each other. Different solar panels, batteries, portable power stations and regulators can use different connector types, so you may need an adaptor cable to get everything working together. Common solar connectors include MC4 connectors, 50A anderson-style connectors or alligator clips.
How Much Solar Power Do You Need for Camping?
Before buying panels, it's worth working out how much power you'll use each day. To calculate your daily power requirements, add together all the appliances you intend on running. These may include lights, fridges, air compressors, fans, chargers, etc. This figure needs to be in amps to aid in adding all the usages together.
Amps x hours of usage per day = Total power usage for that appliance
If there is no amp value on the specifications, you can roughly work it out by dividing the wattage by the volts. Keep in mind that this figure will not take into consideration losses in the system, inefficiencies, and imperfect conditions.
Watts / volts = amps (for 1 hour) x expected hours of use
Remember that these calculations are estimates only and don't account for system losses, weather conditions or battery efficiency. Once this has been done for all appliances, add the totals together to get the total power usage for your entire campsite for 1 day.
Some approximate solar panel figures for power generation (based on 8hrs of sunlight):
| Solar Panel Size | Output Per Hour | Daily Production |
|---|---|---|
| 80W | 4–5A | ~35Ah |
| 100W | 5–6A | ~45Ah |
| 120W | 6–7.5A | ~55Ah |
| 160W | 9–10A | ~75Ah |
| 200W | 11–12A | ~90Ah |
| 240W | 13–14A | ~110Ah |
Example Solar Power Calculation
Let's look at a typical campsite setup:- LED Campsite lights- Draws 0.4 amps x 4 hours = 1.6 amps
- Camping Fridge - Draws 2.5 amps x 24 hours = 60 amps (40amps for 16hrs running from battery)
- Phone charger - Draws 1 amp x 1 hour = 1 amp
In this example, you'll need to generate roughly 63Ah each day to remain power neutral and avoid drawing down your battery reserves over time. Not keen on crunching the numbers yourself?
Check out our Power Calculator to quickly work out how much solar power and battery capacity you'll need for your next off-grid adventure.
Choosing the Right Battery Size
When working out battery capacity, focus on usable capacity, not just total capacity. As a general guide, AGM batteries are often managed to avoid regularly discharging below around 50%. Lithium batteries typically provide far more usable capacity from the same Ah rating. Always refer to your battery manufacturer's recommendations and ensure batteries are fully charged before heading off on a trip.
AGM vs Lithium Batteries: Which Is Better for Camping?
While AGM batteries remain popular, lithium batteries have become increasingly common in camping and caravan setups.
AGM Deep-Cycle Batteries
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower purchase cost | Heavier than lithium |
| Proven and reliable technology | Lower usable capacity |
| Widely available | Slower charging |
Lithium (LiFePO4) Batteries
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Significantly lighter | Higher upfront cost |
| Faster charging | |
| Higher usable capacity | |
| Longer lifespan when used correctly |
For occasional campers, AGM batteries still provide excellent value. For frequent off-grid adventures, many travellers find lithium batteries worth the investment.
12V Outlets and Power Inverters: What's the Difference?
Most camping appliances are designed to run directly from a 12V battery system, making 12V outlets the simplest and most efficient option. Common 12V appliances include portable fridges and freezers, lighting, fans, air compressors etc. Because these appliances run directly from your battery, there are fewer energy losses compared to converting power through an inverter.
A power inverter converts 12V DC power stored in your battery into 240V AC power, similar to the power available in your home. You may need an inverter if you want to run appliances such as laptop chargers, coffee machines, medical devices, or small kitchen appliances. When choosing an inverter, make sure its power rating exceeds the wattage of the appliances you intend to run. It's also worth remembering that inverters consume power during the conversion process, so running 12V appliances directly from your battery is usually the more energy-efficient option where possible.
If you're planning to run more than basic camping essentials, it's worth working out your inverter requirements before purchasing your battery and solar system. A large inverter can significantly increase power consumption and may require additional battery capacity and solar input. Ensure to check the battery discharge rate against the accessories as some require a significant initial surge to power on. If the battery's discharge limit is too low, the built-in Battery Management System (BMS) will shut down to protect the hardware.
Factors That Affect Solar Performance
Even the best solar setup won't produce maximum output 100% of the time. Several factors can affect charging performance:
- Overcast weather
- Rain
- Tree cover and shade
- High ambient temperatures
- Dirty panels
- Poor panel positioning
- Fixed panels that cannot be angled towards the sun
- Additional appliance use
- Electrical losses through cabling
- Faulty regulators
- Ageing batteries
Tips to Get More from Your Solar Setup
Want to squeeze every amp out of your panels?
- Position panels in full sun whenever possible
- Re-angle portable panels throughout the day
- Keep panels free of dust and dirt
- Pre-cool fridges before departure
- Switch appliances off when not in use
- Upgrade to LED lighting
- Monitor battery charge levels regularly
- Match your panel size to your actual power usage
Solar Frequently Asked Questions
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What size solar panel do I need to run a 12V fridge?
For many camping fridges, a 160W-200W solar panel paired with an appropriately sized battery is a common starting point. However, requirements vary depending on fridge size, ambient temperatures, battery capacity and daily sunlight conditions.
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Can I charge a portable power station with solar panels?
Yes. Many portable power stations are designed to accept solar input, allowing you to recharge while camping. Always check the manufacturer's recommended solar panel specifications and input limits.
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Can solar panels charge a battery and run appliances at the same time?
Yes. During daylight hours, solar panels can charge your battery while also helping supply power to connected appliances. If your appliances are using more power than the solar system is generating, the battery will make up the difference.
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What size inverter do I need for camping?
Choose an inverter with a continuous power rating higher than the total wattage of the appliances you intend to run. It's also a good idea to allow extra capacity for appliances with high start-up loads, such as some coffee machines or power tools.
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What can I use to power my camp other than solar?
Portable power stations have become a popular alternative. Many can be recharged using solar panels and are a convenient option for weekend campers, families and occasional travellers who want a simple plug-and-play solution.
Every camping setup is different. The family running a caravan fridge, starlink and a coffee machine will have very different power requirements to the solo traveller charging a phone and running a few camp lights. The best way to size your solar system is to understand your daily power usage, battery capacity and charging requirements before you hit the road. Get the setup right, and you'll spend less time thinking about battery levels and more time enjoying what you came for in the first place - getting out there and making the most of the Aussie outdoors.
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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