Gear
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The growing reliance on electronics when in the bush for things like fridges, battery tools, GPS, 12V ovens, induction cookers and pretty much anything else you can think of, has meant a growing reliance on auxiliary battery systems.
Charging or maintaining those systems when driving is simple enough, but what about when you set-up camp for a few days without any driving? You could run a generator but that relies on a limited supply of fuel; plus they’re noisy and not often welcome at camp. This is where solar comes in.
Portable or vehicle-based solar offers the flexibility to stay within remote areas without relying on fuel to recharge batteries. Simply connect a solar panel with a regulator to your batteries and away you go. Sounds simple, right? Until you go to purchase a potable solar panel and start hearing words like monocrystalline and amorphous silicon, and a grey cloud of confusion descends.
In this guide we've outlined some of the best solar panels on offer for four-wheel drivers, and we've split the panels in to three categories: Rigid; Folding/Flexible; and Solar blankets.
JUMP AHEAD
Rigid solar panels
- Camec fixed solar panel (170W)
- Hardkorr fixed solar panel (170W)
- Adventure Kings fixed solar panel (110W)
Folding/Flexible solar panels
- Redarc folding solar panel (120W)
- XTM folding solar panel (160W)
- Powertech folding solar panel (160W)
- KickAss folding solar panel (200W)
Solar blankets
Rigid solar panels
Camec fixed solar panel (170W)
This panel is technically a fixed rather than portable unit, but with a massive 25-year warranty, we had to include it as it is a lifetime purchase.
It uses A-grade cells, which means it will maximise the power output from whatever sunlight is available. The panel also includes a diode bypass, which serves to minimise power drop caused by shade by redirecting power around shaded cells and features toughened glass to protect the cells.
These top-range panels are designed to be permanently fixed to a vehicle or caravan and, as such, do not come with a stand of any sort. So, if using them as a portable option, you will need to jimmy up your own stand. They would likely outlive most vehicles and, with an operational temperature range of -40 to + 85°C, will work pretty much anywhere.
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| Power output | 170W |
|---|---|
| Cell type | Class A Monocrystalline |
| Warranty | 25 years |
| Weight | 12.5kg |
Pros
- That warranty, a massive 25 years
- Class A cells
- Quality build
Cons
- The price
- Lack of stand to make it truly portable
- At more than 1m long, it really suits bolting on rather than carrying as a portable panel
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Hardkorr fixed solar panel (170W)
This panel is also technically a fixed rather than portable unit and is best suited to permanent mounting rather than being used as a portable unit.
With 170W and a claimed 9.5 amps of power output, this is a great value option. Customer reviews indicate that even in overcast conditions this panel will output two amps of power; but without a bypass diode feature, shade will impact the output of the panel. The unit comes with a healthy 10-year warranty and utilises Class A monocrystalline solar cells. At only 17mm thick, this is a slimline panel that will assist in reducing wind drag and assist fuel economy.
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| Power output | 170W |
|---|---|
| Cell type | Class A Monocrystalline |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Weight | 10kg |
Pros
- Good value
- Class A cells
- Thin design makes this more aerodynamic than the competition
Cons
- Reports of corner caps coming off and mounting bracket holes not lining up
- No bypass diode to assist with shade functionality
- Over 1.3m long, which would limit mounting options on some vehicles
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Adventure Kings fixed solar panel (110W)
As the budget-friendly option in this group, this panel is cheap. However, with only a one-year warranty this would suit the occasional user rather than someone looking for a long-term option.
With a maximum power output of around 6 amps, this panel is on the lower side compared to the competition and real-world reviews suggest achieving this output is near impossible. If you are a regular tourer that relies on off-grid power via solar then this is probably not the panel for you. But if you’re the type of camper that does one trip a year and doesn’t want to spend big on something that may not get much use, then this panel may represent great value. As you would expect from a cheaper panel, no bypass diode means that shade will severely limit the output.
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| Power output | 110W |
|---|---|
| Cell type | Class A Monocrystalline |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Weight | 7.4kg |
Pros
- Cheap (price)
- Class A cells
- Short enough to be mounted sideways on most vehicle roofs
Cons
- Cheap (build) and a little over ambitious with output claims
- Any shade at all will kill the output
- Poor warranty
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Folding/Flexible solar panels
Redarc folding solar panel (120W)
The gold standard. Redarc has been producing top of the line products for a number of years. Its solar panels, in particular, have an excellent reputation, but some might argue there is a badge ‘tax’ associated with this.
This panel comes with Anderson plugs already equipped, which makes it ready to plug in to a vehicle – a nice, simple, advantage over a lot of competitors. The panels fold up to a little over 500mm to fit in the average 4WD boot and includes a stand to allow it to be angled towards the sun when on the ground at camp. To make it tougher for touring, this product features an ETFE coating as opposed to glass. ETFE is more flexible than glass and can withstand higher temperatures. This also makes the panel very lightweight.
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| Power output | 120W |
|---|---|
| Cell type | Class A Monocrystalline |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Weight | 6.3kg |
Pros
- Top quality
- Clever EFTE coating
- Anderson Plugs pre-installed
Cons
- Very pricey
- The 300m lead is on the short side
- No regulator included
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XTM folding solar panel (160W)
A budget-friendly option with a solid 160W output and pre-installed 5m cables and regulator, this panel comes ready to use right out of the box.
Inclusion of a 90cm long cable with alligator clips adds to the versatility and means this panel can be connected direct to a battery. With Class A monocrystalline cells, this panel outputs a genuine 160W or around 8.8 amps at a maximum. Users have reported it topping 10 amps in full sunlight. The panel includes an aluminium frame and dual stands to allow it to be angled towards the sun. A slightly larger folding size than a similar 120W unit means a little more space is required for transport.
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| Power output | 160W |
|---|---|
| Cell type | Class A Monocrystalline |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Weight | 10kg (approx.) |
Pros
- Good value
- Regulator included
- Anderson Plugs, alligator clamps and a long 5m lead pre-installed
Cons
- Heavy compared to premium panels
- The regulator may not be suitable for lithium batteries
- Regulator mounted on the back of the panel means lifting the panel to see the read-out
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Powertech folding solar panel (160W)
This is a like-for-like competitor with the XTM unit that includes excellent versatility thanks to the same built-in regulator and included cables.
The biggest difference between the two is the excellent warranty offered by the Powertech unit. This panel also includes a solid aluminium frame and stands to allow it to be angled towards the sun. The big question with this panel is: How much extra is peace of mind worth?
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| Power output | 160W |
|---|---|
| Cell type | Class A Monocrystalline |
| Warranty | 5/25 years* |
| Weight | 15.5kg (kit weight) |
*This warranty covers the panels for defects in construction and manufacturing for a period of 5 years and warrants that the electrical power will remain above 80% for 25 years.
Pros
- Class-leading warranty
- Regulator included
- Anderson Plugs, alligator clamps and a long 5m lead pre-installed
Cons
- More pricey than the similar XTM unit
- The 300m lead is on the short side
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KickAss folding solar panel (200W)
The 200W package folds up to a very similar size to competitors’ 160W panels.
So, if you’re power hungry without a huge amount of extra space then this thin offering from Kickass is well-worth considering. This panel comes with pre-installed Anderson plugs and a regulator. The kit includes an additional Anderson-to-Anderson extension lead and a cable with alligator clamps meaning it comes ready to use right out of the box.
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| Power output | 200W |
|---|---|
| Cell type | Class A Monocrystalline |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Weight | 11.85kg |
Pros
- Thin design means this is one of the best closed-size to power ratios available
- Weatherproof including hail-resistance
- Full ready-to-use kit including extension cables and regulator
Cons
- Pricey compared to 160W offerings
- Magnets that hold the panels together when folded have been reported to be too weak
- Cheap PWM regulator should really be a MPPT for this price
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Solar blankets
Redarc solar blanket (240W)
This Redarc unit is a premium folding solar panel at a premium price.
This top-quality unit features bypass diodes that connect each solar window, which effectively means if one window is blocked or shaded, then the remainder of the panel will still work. The panel is constructed with heavy-duty canvas and an anti-reflective, is scratch resistant with ETFE coating, which makes it tough and light. The Redarc panel comes pre-installed with Anderson plug connections but does not include a regulator.
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| Power output | 240W |
|---|---|
| Cell type | Class A Monocrystalline |
| Warranty | 2/25 years* |
| Weight | 7kg |
*This warranty covers the panels for defects in construction and manufacturing for a period of 2 or 5 years and warrants that the electrical power will remain above 80% for 25 years.
Pros
- Outstanding power output in a small and lightweight package
- Build quality
- Bypass diodes that mean if one window is blocked the other 11 will work as normal
Cons
- The price
- For the money, a ready-to-use kit should be included
- No regulator included
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KT solar blanket (200W)
If the thought of spending more than $1000 on a solar blanket gives you panic attacks, then considering a KT blanket might be the way to go.
The unit comes with a confidence-inducing two-year warranty on the build and 25 years on the output. It also comes as a complete kit with regulator, cables etc included, so there’s nothing more to spend and the blanket is ready to be used right out of the box. This blanket includes a 12-window design for flexibility and includes a regulator that will charge all kinds of batteries, including lithium. The regulator also includes staged charging and is IP67 waterproof so a rainy day won’t hurt it. The open size of this blanket is quite large for a 200W unit indicates that the 200W output is very achievable and realistic.
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| Power output | 200W |
|---|---|
| Cell type | Class A Monocrystalline |
| Warranty | 2/25 years* |
| Weight | 7.5kg |
*This warranty covers the panels for defects in construction and manufacturing for a period of 2 or 5 years and warrants that the electrical power will remain above 80% for 25 years.
Pros
- Good value
- Warranty comparable to far more expensive blankets
- Realistic output claims
Cons
- Lighter grade nylon material compared to canvas of premium units
- Heavier than premium units
- The regulator is very good but an MPPT unit would be a welcome inclusion
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Redarc Amorphous solar blanket (112W)
Amorphous panels are designed to capture the full spectrum of light compared to conventional monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells. This means they work better in shade and overcast conditions.
Featuring the same heavy-duty canvas and ETFE coating as the monocrystalline panels, the amorphous version is every bit as lightweight and tough. With the better low-light performance, this panel would suit those that spend time camped in partial shade or in areas that are frequently cloudy (Tasmanians, I’m talking to you). Amorphous cells also cope with heat better, so would be a good option for those that spend time in the tropics.
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| Power output | 112W |
|---|---|
| Cell type | Amorphous |
| Warranty | 2/5 years |
| Weight | 4.8kg |
Pros
- Unbeatable low-light performance
- Build quality
- Bypass diodes that mean if one windows is blocked the other 11 will work as normal
Cons
- Pricey for output
- For the price, a ready-to-use kit should be included
- Output versus size is not as high as monocrystalline panels
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A buyers' guide to portable solar panels
We're consuming more power when out and about than ever before. Fridges have been the norm for a while now but, with AGM and lithium batteries, four-wheel drivers have once again pushed the limits. Things like induction cookers are becoming more common; plus, we use our batteries to charge all kinds of electronics such as mobile phones, GPS units, camera gear and camp lighting.
This is where solar comes in. Portable solar panels come in all shapes and sizes: semi-portable/fixed panels, which work best bolted on to vehicles; folding rigid panels, which are super easy to set-up and pack-down; and solar blankets, which are lightweight and easy to transport.
Solar panels can be vital if you spend long periods camped at one spot without moving on, but buying a solar panel can be risky if you’re not sure what you’re looking at.
Cell construction
The most common cell construction you will come across is monocrystalline and, to a lesser extent, polycrystalline, which is becoming less common. We won’t get in to the technical aspects too much, but will note that polycrystalline is the cheaper of the two. Both types begin to lose output as temperature increases above 25°C, but monocrystalline cells lose less than polycrystalline cells. For this reason, monocrystalline cells are the more efficient of the two.
Monocrystalline cells are what you will find in the vast majority of portable panels on sale in Australia. These are great, cost-effective little cells, but shade, cloud and heat will severely limit their output. If you want to test this, try pouring some cool (not cold, as you may crack the glass) water over a solar panel on a hot day and watch the output increase briefly. Good quality monocrystalline cells will satisfy the vast majority of users.
‘Good quality’ is typically evident through the grade of the cell. Grade A cells are free of visible imperfections or defects; Grade B cells may have some slight defects but the power output will be the same. You will need to rely on manufacturers here because spotting those imperfections will be near enough to impossible for the layman.
If monocrystalline isn’t cutting it for you due to shade (cloud) or heat issues, the solution may be amorphous cell technology. These cells maintain a higher power output through overcast conditions and in high heat. These are far more expensive (up to double the cost of monocrystalline cells) but if you spend a lot of time in the tropical north where temperatures are regularly over 25°C or in the Apple Isle down south where it’s regularly overcast, then amorphous cells might be the only way to get reliable solar.
Design for purpose
When looking at a solar panel (be it rigid, folding or a blanket) the most important thing is whether it works for your needs and fits in with your set-up. If you have a lot of unused roof space then a rigid panel might suit you, but if you only have a tidy little space beside the fridge then a folding panel might work. Whichever design you go for, the panel needs to be built to work.
A rigid panel should be tough enough to resist hail and can be forgiven for not including a regulator and cables as it assumes a vehicle will be set up with those things. A folding panel should be light enough to transport and move around, come with functional stands and include a regulator and cables. Solar blankets should pack up small, be flexible and ideally should include a regulator and cables out of the box.
Output is obviously the most important thing to factor when determining which panel is for you. As a general rule of thumb, divide the quoted output in Watts by 18 to estimate the amps of power a panel will develop. (e.g. 200W panel would expect to develop around 11 amps of charging power at peak). Assess your power needs and remember this is a peak output not average.
Versatility
Fixed units are the least versatile of the group and can be used as portable panels in a pinch but are not designed for it. Folding panels and solar blankets are designed to be used anywhere, anytime. Units that come with regulators and cables genuinely meet the anywhere, anytime brief. Some top-of-the-line units lack everything required to be truly versatile but are better constructed and would be expected to last in the elements for longer than budget-friendly units.
Price and value
Hunt around eBay and you will find a bunch of very cheap panels. A low price is great and all, but with something like solar what we are really looking for is value. Many of the cheaper panels will underperform and not actually reach their quoted power output. In addition, cheaper panels are often poorly made and some time in the harsh Australian sun will see them quickly deteriorate.
For this reason, we’ve excluded eBay ‘specials’ from unknown suppliers and generally only included reputable manufacturers. We’ve also excluded anything below 100W, as less than this is simply not enough to keep up with even running a fridge on a hot day.
Value-adding inclusions like regulators and cables are highly rated here. A solid warranty ensures peace of mind and adds to that value.
How to avoid being ripped off
Unfortunately, this industry is rife with sellers claiming unrealistic power outputs from panels that simply cannot ever achieve it. The simplest way to avoid buying a claimed 200W panel that only outputs 100W is to check the size of the panel and compare it to the size of a reputable manufacturer’s panel. A panel that has half the area of a comparable reputable panel cannot output the same power. Monocrystalline panels should have a cell efficiency of around 15 to 24 per cent and any massive variation outside of this would be questionable.
Based on a 200W panel size of 1110mm x 992mm, the area required should roughly be 0.0055m2 per Watt. Use the following size guide as a reference when shopping. Any panel with a significantly lower area and you’re probably looking at a dodgy unit.
- 100W panel = 0.55m2
- 120W panel = 0.66m2
- 150W panel = 0.825m2
- 160W panel = 0.88m2
- 200W panel = 1.1m2
- 250W panel = 1.375m2
What to look for
Searching for solar panels can be overwhelming, but if you consider your power needs and the type of functionality you require, it begins to become clearer. Consider the level of portability you require and that will quickly decide whether you need a rigid, folding or portable panel.
When considering your usage, consider whether something ready to go out of the box is for you or maybe whether your existing top-of-the-line DC-DC charger accepts solar. Look at output and compare it to the size guide above. Ensure you will have enough output to power all of your gear (and don’t forget the toys). Ensure the panel you are looking at actually has a chance of meeting the quoted power output, and remember the quoted output is usually peak power. Less than optimal conditions will reduce this output.
The type of cells can be very important to people who spend a lot of time in extreme conditions. Amorphous may seem expensive, but if they work where others won’t then they may represent great value.
After-sales support
A well-known and respected brand with a good warranty and manufacturer support should provide confidence during the purchase process and many happy years of portable power. Try to cheap out and chances are you will be buying again in the near future. Be sure to check what the warranty covers, as many will have separate warranties on the build versus the power output.
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How we review products
4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles, aftermarket products and camping gear for more than 40 years. When looking for the best swags in Australia there are some things that are essential to ensure you sleep soundly under the stars.
When we compared each of the swags in the list with hundreds out there we looked at the size, weight, durability and price. We also searched for additional features that make these swags stand out from the rest.
We looked at hundreds of user reviews and drew on our own experience sleeping in swags to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.
Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.
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