Best solar panels for camping trips: complete guide

Photo by Rose Erkul on Unsplash

Camping is the perfect way to escape busy, everyday life. But should you disconnect 100% from the outside world? Getting to each destination takes a lot longer without GPS, reaching others in an emergency is challenging with a dead phone, and snapping your adventures is impossible if your camera’s battery is drained. Not to mention all of that gone-off food when your fridge warms up. That’s why every smart camper should have easy access to electricity!

Setting up solar panels for camping is an effective, environmentally-friendly way to charge your appliances and gadgets when you’re off the grid. But with heaps of models, brands and extras to choose from, it’s hard to find the right camping solar system for your RV.

Thankfully, Camplify’s guide to the best camping solar panels is here to help. First things first, let’s run through the basics of using solar energy for camping.

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Keen to try out a solar-powered RV before you bite the bullet? Find out more about hiring through Camplify here .

How Does Solar Power Work?

Solar panels are made from cells that absorb the kinetic energy in the light before releasing electrons to generate electricity - In other words, they soak up the sunshine and turn it into power for your appliances. Each cell type has its pros and cons.

Monocrystalline solar cells are efficient and long-lasting, meaning you can buy a smaller solar power kit without compromising on power. However, these solar panels are expensive and need to be placed at a 90° angle to the sun on clear, bright days for optimal performance.

Polycrystalline solar cells are made with multiple crystals, which can lead to small internal energy losses. That said, they can be placed at various angles to the sun and perform well even in dim conditions. Polycrystalline solar panels are cheaper than monocrystalline solar panels, despite being just as durable.

Thin-film solar cells are made by stacking thin layers of silicon blocks. They are popular with RV owners, as the silicon can be attached to the flexible material. They are also more resistant to heat, dust and shading. But be warned, they’re usually less efficient than crystalline solar panels.

You’ll need a deep cycle battery to store solar power once it’s generated. However, solar energy levels depend on the amount of sunlight throughout the day rather than voltage, so it’s not a great idea to connect solar panels directly to your battery.

Use a charge controller to continually stabilise the solar panel’s electrical output and match your battery’s voltage (Generally 12V or 24V for RVs).

As the energy stored in batteries is usually direct current and most appliances run on alternating current, you may also need a power inverter for current conversion.

Fixed, Flexible & Portable Solar Panels: What's the Difference?

Fixed solar panels are great for nomads, mounting to the roof of your RV. You can charge as you go and don’t need to set up anything when you get to your camping spot. Bare in mind that you can lose about 20% of potential power if your vehicle isn’t in direct sunlight at all times, so carefully consider where the panels should be installed and what dimensions are suitable.

Flexible solar panels are best suited to caravans, campervans and motorhomes with curved rooftops. The main benefit of these lightweight panels is their ability to bend up to 30° (because an eyesore is the last thing you need when you’ve come this far to appreciate the great outdoors!).

Portable solar panels are a wallet-friendly option for the occasional camper, and are often large enough to power demanding appliances. Set up is simple - All you have to do is place the solar panels in the sunlight as a cable connects to the battery. What’s more, these folding solar panels can be safely stored between excursions.

How Much Power Do You Need?

Before you start searching for solar power kits, make a few calculations to determine what size solar panel you need for a comfortable camping trip.

The first (and obvious) step is to consider where your RV is located - Cloudy days have a significant impact on solar energy production. Luckily, Australia is renowned for its strong sunshine. Just to be safe, double-check that your region has reliable sunlight.

Next, estimate your energy demands. What appliances will you be powering with these solar panels? Check the wattage of each one and work out how many hours it will be running. Multiply these two figures and you’ll have the solar energy required for each appliance. Sum all of this energy consumption to get the total amount of power you’ll need.

Now, let’s get this show on the road!

The Top Solar Panels for Camping-Friendly Power

ACOPower 120W Portable Solar Panel Kit

Image sourced from Amazon

ACOPower’s 120W solar panel kit is one of our favourite options for campers who are new to the renewable energy game. Set up the solar panels beside your caravan or go exploring with their bungee loops attached to your backpack. No matter where your camping adventure takes you, the ACOPower solar kit will keep your appliances and devices charged.

Foldable and portable, this solar panel kit is seriously compact. In fact, all of its bits and pieces are stored inside a suitcase weighing only 8.4lbs. It’s small but mighty, with SunPower monocrystalline cells boasting a conversion efficiency of up to 25%.

Along with the solar panels, you’ll receive a 10A LCD Charge Controller, two 5V USB ports and MC4 connector cables. As everything is pre-wired, the solar panels can be mounted in seconds. Simply connect them to your 12V battery, whether it’s sealed, flooded AGM or GEL.

Lightweight, efficient and foldable, this solar panel is ready to be brought on the go, meeting all of your charging needs along the way!

Key Feature

• Monocrystalline SunPower solar panels

• Compatible with 12V AGM, flooded, sealed or GEL batteries

• Foldable and portable design

Specifications

• Power output: 100W

• Conversion efficiency: 25%

• Panel dimensions: 56.7’’ x 22’’ x 0.2’’

• Included: Solar panels and suitcase, 10A LCD charge controller, MC4 connector cables, USB ports, alligator clamps

Suaoki 60W Solar Charger

Image sourced from eBay

Suaoki is a market leader in camping gadgets so it’s no surprise that its 60W portable solar panel has some stellar features.

Functioning like a standard briefcase when folded and weighing only 7.7lbs, it’s the perfect travel buddy. That said, this is so much more than a basic foldable solar panel, achieving an impressive 20% conversion efficiency that can charge two devices simultaneously.

The instant power source offers a 5V USB port and an 18V DC dual output, keeping your devices full of juice. You’ll also find SAE and DC connectors for energy storage applications, as well as a 10-in-1 connector to charge most laptops. They’ve thought of it all, even including a car charger in case your battery dies.

Perhaps best of all, this monocrystalline solar charger has integrated smart TIR-C technology that automatically adjusts the current to maximise the charging process while preventing any overloading or overheating.

Set it up anytime, anywhere and feel the power.

Key Features

• TIR-C technology for optimal charging efficiency and protection

• 10-in-1 laptop connector cable (Excl. Macbooks)

• 5V USB port and 18V DC dual output

Specifications

• Power output: 60W

• Conversion efficiency: 20%

• Panel dimensions: 11.5’’ x 7.1’’ x 2.9’’

• Included: 1x foldable solar charger bag, 1x car charger, 1x 10-in-1 laptop cable, 2x DC-to-DC cables, 1x DC-to-SAE connector, 1x SAE-to-clamp connector

TCXW 100W Portable Solar Panel

Image sourced from Amazon

Buy Now For $272

This one is for the dedicated adventurers who brave all seasons. TCXW’s super lightweight 100W solar panel offers convenience, longevity and punch-packing power - The monocrystalline cells reach efficiency values as high as 22.5%.

The simple folding design, complete with handles and four attached lanyards, makes this solar suitcase easy to carry, install and adjust to the right angle. Its solar panel comes with supreme strength PET polymer on one side and a polyester canvas on the other, providing durable protection against the elements. So if you’re planning to explore some wild climates off the beaten track, this is the portable panel for you.

To complete the package, it is equipped with a dual USB and DC port for your many devices. The included MC4 connector will also connect the solar panels to a charge controller (but you’ll have to supply this yourself).

Key Features

• Monocrystalline solar panel

• Ultra-compact for effortless transport, weighing only 5.1lbs

• Dual USB and DC port

• PET polymer faced panels and polyester canvas for water-resistant durability

Specifications

• Power output: 100W

• Conversion efficiency: 20.5% – 22.5%

• Panel dimensions: 47.6’’ x 21.1’’ x 0.2’’

• Includes: 1x solar panel, 1x dual 5V USB and 18V DC port, 1x MC4 connector

ALLPOWERS 100W Flexible Solar Panel

Image sourced from Amazon

Last but not least, ALLPOWERS have designed an impressively efficient solar panel in allegiance with SunPower (the top dog in solar panel manufacturing).

Packing 100W of power, this compact monocrystalline solar panel somehow manages to weigh a mere 4.1lbs. Combine this with its four metal reinforced mounting holes and set up just got a whole lot easier. In between uses, bend the arc up to 30° for handy storage in cramped corners or crowded caravan parks.

Rigorously tested against mother nature, the aluminium frames of this sturdy solar system can withstand extreme winds of 2,400 Pa and snowfall of 5,400 Pa. Its tempered glass panel is also water-resistant, adding to the overall durability. Lastly, the junction box protects against dust and dirt, including a blocking diode to prevent reverse currents.

Yep, it’s safe to say that this is a top pick for your next RV camping trip.

Key Features

• Compact, folding design

• Blocking diode included in the IP65 rated junction box

• Water-resistant

• Withstands winds of 2,400 Pa and snow loads of 5,400 Pa

• Compatible with batteries up to 18V

Specifications

• Power output: 100W

• Conversion efficiency: 21%

• Panel dimensions: 46.8’’ x 21’’ x 0.09’’

• Arc: 30°

• Includes: 1x monocrystalline solar panel with MC4 connector charging, 1x car battery charger, 1x cigarette lighter plug, 1x clip line, 1x set of suction cups

Own a solar-powered RV? Hire it out and earn as much as $5,000 - $35,000 per year! Learn more about how Camplify works for owners here .

Want to experience camping in a solar-powered RV? Find out more about hiring through Camplify here .