Keeping auxiliary batteries charged using camping solar panels has been something camping enthusiasts have known about and done for years. Here at Outbax, using solar energy as a backup power source for camping is a well-discussed topic.
We have written why it is a good idea, and why you as a camper should use solar panels and we have identified the ways you can create a safe, comfortable camping experience using portable solar panels as power sources.
But what most people would love to know is exactly how much solar power they will need for camping. In this post, we will break down everything that you need to know to get you started.
What solar panel wattage do I need for camping?
If you have been asking the question above, the truth is there is really no fast answer to it. This is because no two camping set-ups are exactly the same. Your camping needs are different from your next-door neighbour's. Add the fact that there are so many different types of solar panels and solar panel accessories in the market, so it can be a little overwhelming to get started.
For example, if your camping gear setup includes high-powered appliances or portable fridges, pairing your solar panels with 24V lithium batteries can give you a more stable and efficient energy system, especially for extended off-grid adventures.
Find your amperage requirements
The first and most important thing you need to learn is that all electric devices from refrigerators to phone chargers are measured in Amps. Amps are the measure of how quickly electric current flows in the device. So, a bigger current equals more electricity.
How does this relate to you? You have to determine just how much of an electrical load you will need and the total amount of amps that those electric devices will draw from your auxiliary battery. You can easily find this information in the device's user manual or its packaging.
Also, knowing the amperage will help you determine just how big an auxiliary battery you will need. Assuming, of course, you do not have one yet. Rule of thumb: the bigger the current/amps, the bigger the Outbax battery. For weekend camping trips with moderate energy needs, 100Ah lithium batteries are a great option—they’re lightweight, efficient, and can easily handle your lighting, phone charging, and small fridge requirements.
Determine how long you will use the electric device(s)
You need to take note of how long you are going to use each electrical device over a period of 24 hours. This will give you the total daily amp hour requirements (Amp hours = Ah).
So, Amp hours is the total number of Amps drawn for the number of hours that you need to draw that electricity.
This means that the amount of solar power you need (or the number of solar panels to get) is determined by the total number of charges that you have to return to your auxiliary batteries during daytime hours every day. For larger, power-hungry camping setups or off-grid caravans, 300Ah lithium batteries provide extended energy storage, allowing you to run more devices comfortably through the night.
So again, what solar panel wattage do I need for camping?
The best way to answer this question is to compare different types of solar power by their wattage or power ratings. Wattage is the unit of power that measures how much electricity a solar panel can generate. Here is an example:
You need to replace 75 Amp hours (Ah) of charge back into your auxiliary battery to keep on running a 12-volt system (this could be a camping cooler, lights, whatever). Let's say that you have a total of 6 hours of good sunlight every day that you are out camping. So by crunching the numbers, you need:
75 Amp hours X 12 volts = 900 Watt-hours
900 Watt hours ÷ 6 Daylight hours = 150 Watts of solar panel magic.
The rule of thumb is to always go beyond your Amp requirements by 20% or so. So, the number you are looking for should be around 180 Watts. That's the solar panel you need.
Is there something else that I need to complete my solar panel set-up?
Every solar panel setup should be used with a solar regulator. Solar panel accessories like this help you make sure that the electricity that is produced and transferred to your auxiliary batteries remains stable and safe.
Solar Charge Controller 40A 12V/24V MPPT with Bluetooth
You can easily get a solar regulator as well as other accessories through online retailers like Outbax. If you are looking for a more convenient and easier, plug-and-play approach, you can check out other types of solar panels solar mats and blankets in particular that already come with their own solar regulator. Keep in mind though that because these are more portable, they may not have as much power output as their bigger counterparts.
VoltX 12V 200W Folding Solar Mat ETFE
So, what is the best size solar panel for camping?
Again the answer depends on what type of camper you are, and what electric devices you plan to use for your trip. If you are a backpacker and just need something to keep your phone charged and power LED lights at night, mini solar panel kits and solar blankets would be sufficient.
These are very portable and solar blankets usually have an integrated bag and handle, for convenience. Keep in mind though that they may not have the capacity to power bigger electronic devices for longer periods of time.
On the other hand, if you enjoy bringing the comforts of home with you and do not mind setting up a solar panel system while you are at camp, fixed or folding solar panels are better choices. These have higher wattage and can be used to power electric devices for a longer time.
Conclusion
Just because you are camping doesn't mean you have to forego being comfortable and safe in your campsite. And using solar panels to charge your auxiliary battery that powers up electric devices is by far the safest and most eco-friendly way to go camping.
While it is understandable to feel overwhelmed with all the available choices in the market, our team at Outbax will be happy to help you find the perfect solar panels for your next camping trip. Give us a call today and let us help you get your outdoor gear together.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the first step in calculating the solar panel size I need for camping?
The first and most crucial step is to calculate your total daily power consumption. This involves listing all the 12-volt appliances you plan to use, determining their power draw, and estimating how many hours per day you will run each one.
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How do I figure out the power consumption of my camping appliances?
You can find the power consumption of your appliances, usually listed in Watts (W) or Amps (A), on their specification labels or in their user manuals. If the power is listed in Watts, you can convert it to Amps by dividing the Wattage by the voltage of your system (typically 12V for camping). The formula is: Amps = Watts / Volts.
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What are Amp-Hours (Ah) and how do I calculate them for my setup?
Amp-Hours (Ah) measure the total amount of energy your appliances will consume from the battery over a day. To calculate this for each device, you multiply its power draw in Amps by the number of hours you expect to use it daily (Ah = Amps x Hours). Summing the Ah values for all your devices gives you your total daily energy requirement.
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What are "peak sun hours" and why are they important?
"Peak sun hours" refer to the number of hours in a day when the sunlight is at its most intense, providing enough power for your solar panels to operate at their rated wattage. This is a critical factor because it determines how much time your panels have to generate the energy needed to replenish your battery. This value varies depending on your location, the time of year, and weather conditions.
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How many peak sun hours should I assume for my calculations?
While Australia can get 7-8 peak sun hours in summer, it's safer to use a conservative estimate to account for cloudy days, winter months, and less-than-perfect panel positioning. The article recommends using an average of 5 peak sun hours for your calculations to ensure you have enough power year-round.
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What is the formula to calculate the required solar panel wattage?
The formula to calculate the minimum required solar panel wattage is: Solar Panel Watts = (Total Daily Amp-hours / Peak Sun Hours) x 12V. This will tell you the panel size needed to cover your daily energy consumption.
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Why is it recommended to get a solar panel that is larger than my calculated minimum?
It is highly recommended to oversize your solar panel capacity by at least 20-25%. This buffer ensures that your system can still generate enough power to charge your batteries on overcast days or when conditions are not ideal. It provides a crucial safety net to keep your essential appliances, like a fridge, running.
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What kind of battery do I need for a camping solar setup?
You need a deep cycle battery, which is designed to be regularly discharged and recharged. The two main types are AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) and Lithium (LiFePO4). While AGM batteries are a common budget-friendly choice, lithium batteries are highly recommended for their lighter weight, longer lifespan, and higher efficiency.
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What does a solar charge controller do?
A solar charge controller, or regulator, is a vital device that sits between your solar panels and your battery. Its function is to manage the flow of electricity, ensuring the battery is charged efficiently and, most importantly, protecting it from overcharging, which can cause permanent damage.
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Why is an MPPT charge controller better than a PWM controller?
An MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controller is superior to an older PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) model because it is significantly more efficient. An MPPT controller can intelligently convert the voltage from the solar panels to match the battery's needs, harvesting up to 30% more power, especially in cold weather or low-light conditions.
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Can you walk through a sample calculation for a camping fridge?
Certainly. Let's say you have a 35W camping fridge. First, convert its wattage to amps: 35W / 12V = 2.9A. A fridge compressor runs intermittently, so we'll estimate it runs for about 8 hours a day. Calculate the daily amp-hours: 2.9A x 8 hours = 23.2Ah. Now, calculate the minimum solar wattage needed using 5 peak sun hours: (23.2Ah / 5h) x 12V = 55.68W. Finally, add a 25% buffer: 55.68W x 1.25 = 69.6W. Therefore, a 100W or 120W solar panel would be a suitable choice.
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Do I need to get a lithium battery for my solar setup?
While not strictly necessary, a lithium (LiFePO4) battery is the highly recommended choice for a modern camping solar setup. Compared to traditional lead-acid or AGM batteries, lithium batteries offer a much longer service life, are significantly lighter, can be discharged more deeply without damage, and charge more efficiently, providing better overall value and performance
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What are the three essential components of a camping solar power system?
The three core components of any functional camping solar system are: 1) the solar panels to generate power, 2) a deep-cycle battery (preferably lithium) to store the power, and 3) a solar charge controller (preferably MPPT) to safely manage the charging of the battery.
