Reliable power has become non-negotiable for Australian caravan owners. Whether you're chasing remote beach campsites or spending weeks in the outback, quality solar panels keep your fridge running, devices charged, and lights on without relying on powered sites.
But choosing the right solar setup isn't straightforward. Panel types, wattage requirements, and installation options vary widely, and what works for a weekend camper won't suit a grey nomad spending months on the road.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about caravan solar panels in 2026. We'll cover the main panel types, help you calculate your power needs, and explain which setups suit different travel styles. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of what to look for and how to match a system to your specific requirements.
Types of Solar Panels for Caravan Use
Solar panels for caravans come in three main form factors, each suited to different installation methods and travel styles. Within each form, you'll find panels using different cell technologies—primarily monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film—which affect efficiency and price.
Rigid Fixed Solar Panels
Rigid panels are the most common choice for permanent caravan roof installations. These panels feature aluminium frames and tempered glass faces, providing excellent durability against road vibration, hail, and UV exposure.
Most rigid panels use monocrystalline cells, achieving efficiency ratings between 20-22%. This higher efficiency means more power output per square metre—critical when roof space is limited. Polycrystalline rigid panels cost less but deliver lower efficiency (15-17%), requiring more surface area for equivalent output.
Rigid panels suit full-time travellers and grey nomads who want a set-and-forget system. Once installed, they charge automatically whenever the van sits in sunlight. The trade-off is weight—expect 10-12kg per panel—and permanent commitment to mounting locations.
Flexible Solar Panels
Flexible panels bend to conform to curved surfaces, making them ideal for pop-tops, hybrid campers, and caravans with unconventional roof shapes. They're significantly lighter than rigid alternatives, typically weighing just 2-3kg each.
These panels predominantly use monocrystalline cells in a polymer laminate rather than glass. While this construction enables flexibility, it reduces heat dissipation. On hot days, flexible panels lose more output than rigid equivalents because they sit flush against the roof surface.
Efficiency ratings for flexible panels typically range from 15-18%, and their lifespan is shorter than that of rigid panels—generally 10-15 years compared to 20-25 years. Choose flexible panels when weight savings or curved mounting surfaces outweigh longevity concerns.
Folding Solar Blankets and Portable Kits
Portable solar options fold down for storage and deploy wherever sunlight is strongest. Solar blankets usually use thin-film or monocrystalline cells in a lightweight fabric backing, while folding kits typically feature rigid monocrystalline panels connected by hinges.
The key advantage is shade-chasing capability. While roof-mounted panels are stuck wherever you park, portable kits can be repositioned throughout the day to maximise exposure. They're invaluable for shaded campsites, allowing you to park your van under a tree for comfort while setting panels in full sun nearby.
Outbax stocks a comprehensive range of portable solar panels suited to various camping setups, from compact weekend options to high-output systems for extended trips. These panels also work across multiple vehicles and camping configurations, offering flexibility that fixed systems cannot match.
How to Calculate the Right Solar Panel Size for Your Caravan
Undersizing your solar system leads to flat batteries and frustration. Oversizing wastes money. Getting the calculation right starts with understanding your actual power consumption.
Assessing Your Daily Power Consumption
Every electrical device in your caravan draws power measured in amp-hours (Ah). To calculate your daily consumption, list each device, note its current draw in amps, and multiply by hours of daily use.
A typical 12V compressor fridge draws 3-5 amps and runs intermittently, averaging around 40-60Ah per day. LED lights might draw 1 amp for 4 hours, adding another 4Ah. Phone and laptop charging, a water pump, and a diesel heater fan quickly push daily consumption to 80-120Ah for a moderately equipped caravan.
Write down your specific devices and usage patterns. This baseline figure drives every other calculation.
Matching Panel Wattage to Battery Capacity
Solar panels need to replace what you consume, plus account for inefficiencies in the charging system. As a general rule, you'll need roughly 1 watt of solar per 1Ah of daily consumption, assuming 5-6 hours of effective sunlight.
For a caravan consuming 100Ah daily, a 200W solar system provides a reasonable baseline. Heavier users running inverters for appliances or spending extended periods off-grid should consider 300-400W systems.
Your battery bank size also matters. A 100Ah lithium battery, like the VoltX 12V 100Ah Lithium Battery, paired with a 400W solar array, will reach full charge quickly, but can't store the excess. Matching panel capacity to battery capacity ensures you're capturing available energy effectively.
Factoring in Australian Climate Conditions
Australia's varied climate affects solar output significantly. Northern regions receive more consistent sunlight year-round, while southern states see substantial seasonal variation.
Winter camping in Victoria or Tasmania might deliver only 3-4 hours of effective charging time, compared to 6-7 hours in Queensland. Cloud cover, dust, and high temperatures also reduce panel efficiency.
Most experienced travellers oversize their systems by 20-30% to account for these variables. The additional capacity costs relatively little upfront and provides valuable margin when conditions aren't ideal.
Essential Features to Look for in Caravan Solar Panels
Not all panels are created equal. Beyond wattage figures, several features distinguish reliable panels from disappointing purchases.
Durability and Weather Resistance Ratings
Caravan solar panels endure harsh conditions—corrugated roads, extreme temperatures, hail, and constant UV exposure. Quality panels feature tempered glass faces that resist impact and scratching, while aluminium frames provide structural rigidity.
Check the IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which indicates resistance to dust and water. An IP67 or IP68 rating means the panel is fully dust-tight and can withstand temporary submersion, offering confidence in all weather conditions.
Efficiency Ratings and Real-World Performance
Manufacturer specifications represent laboratory conditions. Real-world output is typically 10-15% lower due to temperature, angle, and atmospheric factors.
When comparing solar panels, look beyond headline wattage to efficiency percentage and temperature coefficient figures. A panel that maintains output in high temperatures will outperform a nominally higher-rated panel that suffers heat degradation.
The Outbax range includes panels tested under Australian conditions, with specifications reflecting practical rather than theoretical performance.
Here’s what one of our customers said:
“Excellent product that performs extremely well, the panel is running in parallel with another 160W VoltX solar blanket to give close to 300watts on a sunny day. Simple and easy ordering process and fast delivery.”
Compatibility with Charge Controllers and Battery Types
Your Outbax solar panels must work with your charge controller and battery chemistry. MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers, like Outbax’s Solar Charge Controller 40A 12V/24V MPPT with Bluetooth, extract more energy from panels than basic PWM controllers, particularly in variable light conditions. For systems over 200W, an MPPT controller is generally worthwhile.
Lithium batteries accept charge faster than AGM alternatives and handle partial charging cycles without damage. If you've upgraded to lithium, ensure your panels and controller can deliver the higher charge rates these batteries accept.
Rigid vs Flexible vs Portable: Which Setup Suits Your Travel Style?
Your travel patterns should guide your panel choice more than specifications alone.
Permanent Roof-Mounted Systems for Full-Time Travellers
Grey nomads and full-time travellers benefit most from fixed roof-mounted systems. Once installed, these panels charge automatically whenever the van is parked in sunlight. There's no setup required, no equipment to store, and no risk of leaving panels behind at a campsite.
Rigid monocrystalline panels mounted on tilt frames offer the best output, allowing you to angle panels toward the sun seasonally. Professional installation ensures weatherproof mounting and proper cable management.
Flexible Panels for Weight-Conscious Setups
If your caravan's payload capacity is tight, flexible panels reduce weight significantly. A 400W flexible system might save 30kg compared to equivalent rigid panels—weight that could mean an extra jerry can of water or additional camping gear.
Flexible panels suit hybrid campers, pop-tops, and smaller caravans where roof weight affects towing dynamics. These are best when reducing roof weight matters more than getting the highest possible solar output.
Portable Kits for Versatility and Shade Management
Travellers who frequently camp in shaded locations benefit from portable solar's flexibility. National parks with tree cover, riverside spots, and beach campsites often shade caravan roofs while leaving open ground nearby.
Portable panels also work across multiple vehicles. Use the same kit with your caravan, camper trailer, or 4WD on different trips.
Choosing the Right Solar Setup for Your Next Adventure
Selecting caravan solar panels comes down to three decisions: panel type, system size, and installation method. Match these choices to your travel style, power consumption, and budget.
Quality solar panels from reputable suppliers last 20-25 years and deliver reliable power throughout. Cheaper alternatives often underperform their specifications and degrade faster, making the initial savings illusory.
Before purchasing, calculate your actual power needs using the method outlined above. Consider where and how you travel, and choose a system with an appropriate margin for Australian conditions.
Outbax offers a comprehensive range of caravan solar panels, from entry-level portable kits to high-output roof-mounted systems. With free shipping and expert support available, finding the right solar solution for your setup is straightforward. Browse the collection to compare options and specifications for your next off-grid adventure.
