LOOKING FOR THE BEST CAMPING SOLAR PANELS AUSTRALIA? 

Well, you have come to the right place – because I regularly go camping around Australia, and I have tried and tested a lot of solar camping panels on different camping trips so I consider myself an expert on this topic. 

Finding a power source during camping trips and planning for access to power can be a hassle – trust me, it took me a long time to invest in solar panels and I regret not doing it sooner as my trips became less stressful and more environmentally friendly – not to mention all the money I saved in the long run! 

In this article about the best camping solar panels Australia, I can confidently guide you through the best solar panel choices for camping, including top options for caravan solar panels, small portable solar panels, and affordable camping solar panel options.

So let’s dive in, and discover the 11 Best Camping Solar Panels in Australia.

The Best Camping Solar Panels Australia: Quick Glance

11 Best Camping Solar Panels Australia

⭐️ Rating:4.5 | ☀️ Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline   | 💡Power Outage: 24V | ⚖️ Weight: 33kg | 🛒 Check price here

The Renogy 12V Solar Panel Premium Kit is an excellent choice for campers who seek high-efficiency and long-lasting solar energy sources for their outdoor adventures.

During our recent camping trip, we found the Renogy 12V Solar Panel Premium Kit to be a reliable power source for our off-grid needs. With its high-efficiency monocrystalline cells, we noticed an impressive module efficiency that kept our devices charged and running smoothly.

The durable and corrosion-resistant aluminium frame of the Renogy solar panels is perfect for extended outdoor use. Even after days of exposure to the elements, we experienced no issues with its performance. The panels’ extra thick, anti-reflective, and low iron-tempered glass added enhanced stiffness and impact resistance to the overall build quality.

One of the standout features of this solar kit is its four-stage battery charging process, which ensures rapid, efficient, and safe battery charging. The Rover charge controller boasts a peak conversion efficiency of 98% and high tracking efficiency of 99%, which we found to be highly effective during our camping adventures.

The only downside we encountered was a minor power drop caused by shade, although the built-in bypass diodes helped minimize this effect and maintain excellent performance in low-light environments. Additionally, if you want to remotely monitor your solar kit, you should be ready to purchase the separate Renogy Bluetooth Module. Lastly, some users may find that the pre-drilled holes on the panel might not line up perfectly with their preferred mounting systems, requiring additional adjustments.

Overall, the Renogy 12V Solar Panel Premium Kit offers a solid combination of efficiency, durability, and charging capabilities for your camping adventures. With the mentioned minor drawbacks in mind, we still believe this kit is a fantastic addition to any off-grid camping setup.

2. Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus Solar Panel Recharger

⭐️ Rating:4 | ☀️ Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline   | 💡Power Outage: 7W | ⚖️ Weight: 0.36kg | 🛒 Check price here

The Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus is a reliable and portable solar panel recharger that we recommend for anyone in need of on-the-go power for their devices.

Next up is the Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus Solar Panel Recharger that we tested during a camping trip in Australia and found it quite useful for maintaining power to our USB devices. The ultra-lightweight design made it easy to carry, and the weather-resistant construction ensured it could handle the elements. The detachable kickstand was a helpful addition, as it allowed us to find the best angle for harnessing sunlight.

One of the standout features of the Nomad 7 Plus has to be its auto-restart function. This intelligent feature can distinguish between a fully charged device and one that has disconnected due to environmental factors, like shadows or clouds. This way, it continues charging as soon as the sun is available again without having to unplug and reconnect the device.

It’s important to note that this solar panel works best with small devices and direct charging, meaning it may not be as effective for more significant power requirements. Additionally, it sometimes required extended exposure to direct sunlight for an adequate charge, depending on the device. Although the LED indicators are designed to provide real-time feedback on solar charging strength, we found them to be a bit less accurate than we’d like in certain instances.

In conclusion, the Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus Solar Panel Recharger is a dependable and portable option for those seeking an on-the-go power solution for their devices while camping in Australia. Its innovative features, lightweight design, and weather-resistant construction make it an excellent choice for various outdoor adventures.

3. AIMTOM Portable Solar Charger

⭐️ Rating:4.5 | ☀️ Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline   | 💡Power Outage: 60W | ⚖️ Weight: 1.35kg | 🛒 Check price here

The AIMTOM Portable Solar Charger is an excellent investment for keeping your devices charged while camping or on outdoor adventures.

The AIMTOM Portable Solar Charger provides a reliable source of power when you’re camping, hunting, or backpacking, making your outdoor adventures worry-free. With a high efficiency of 23%, the 60W foldable panel allows you to harness the sun’s power to charge up your devices. The compact design (11.4×6.3″) and lightweight (2.9lbs) make it easy to carry around.

This solar charger is compatible with most power stations, solar generators, laptops, iPhones, and cameras, thanks to the included 10-in-1 connector kit, various cables, and SAE connectors. The smart charging IC integrates advanced protection features, making it an ideal option for any electronic device you need to charge, including action cams, radios, and GPS devices.

Although the AIMTOM Portable Solar Charger may be considered pricey by some, its high efficiency and performance, along with its compatibility with multiple devices, undeniably make it a worthy investment. Keep in mind that, depending on the sunlight conditions, it might take a few days to fully charge. However, it still offers a convenient and eco-friendly power solution for those who love the outdoors.

4. BLAVOR Solar Charger Five Panels Detachable

⭐️ Rating:4.5 | ☀️ Solar Cell Type: Polycrystalline   | 💡Power Outage: 18W | ⚖️ Weight: 0.57kg | 🛒 Check price here

We highly recommend this solar charger for its exceptional solar charging efficiency and versatility, perfect for outdoor adventures in Australia.

As outdoor enthusiasts, we took the BLAVOR Solar Charger on a camping trip a few months back, and we’re extremely pleased with its performance.

With its five detachable solar panels, this charger can generate a maximum of 1.3A current to recharge itself. This translates to 8x higher solar charging efficiency compared to single-panel solar chargers. We found this feature crucial when spending several days off the grid.

The solar charger stands out for its Qi wireless charging compatibility, allowing for cord-free charging of Qi-enabled devices. With dual USB outputs, multiple devices can be charged simultaneously, making it a versatile and convenient charging solution for the entire family.

The BLAVOR Solar Charger is a must-have camping tool with its three-mode flashlight, offering super bright steady mode, SOS mode, and strobe mode. The package includes a compass carabiner, enhancing security during outdoor travels.

While we found the solar charging capability to be impressive, it’s worth noting that even in the Australian sun, it occasionally required charging from the mains power source. We also noticed that the glue around the edges of the solar panels might melt under extreme heat, but this did not affect the overall functionality of the charger. Lastly, the compass carabiner might not be the most accurate, so we recommend bringing a separate, high-precision compass for any serious navigation needs.

The BLAVOR Solar Charger Five Panels Detachable is a top choice for campers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an efficient, versatile, and feature-packed solar charger. Despite some minor concerns, its solar charging efficiency, Qi wireless charging, and flashlight features make this charger stand out as an excellent investment for modern adventurers in Australia.

5. ALLPOWERS 100W Flexible Solar Panel

⭐️ Rating:4.0 | ☀️ Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline   | 💡Power Outage: 100W | ⚖️ Weight: 2.15kg | 🛒 Check price here

The ALLPOWERS 100W flexible solar panel is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a lightweight and efficient power source.

The ALLPOWERS 100W flexible solar panel is a game-changer in the world of portable power solutions. We recently used this solar panel on our camping trip, and we were thoroughly impressed with its efficiency and overall performance. The high-efficiency SunPower cells ensure that you get more power output from this panel compared to other conventional models available in the market.

What sets this solar panel apart is its flexible design, allowing it to be curved up to a 30-degree arc. This made it incredibly convenient for us to mount it on our RV and other irregular surfaces during the trip. Its lightweight (4.7 lbs) and frameless design, coupled with the pre-drilled holes, made carrying and installing this solar panel a breeze.

While the ALLPOWERS solar panel has many advantages, it does have its limitations as well. Since it is a flexible panel, it needs to be handled carefully to avoid any damage. Additionally, it may not be the most suitable choice for larger-scale power requirements. We also observed that this panel works best when placed in direct sunlight, so you might have to move it around to ensure the best performance.

In summary, the ALLPOWERS 100W flexible solar panel is an ideal choice for people who need a lightweight and efficient power source for their camping, boating, or RV adventures. Its high efficiency, durability, and ease of installation make it a reliable companion on your outdoor escapades.

6. GOLABS Portable Solar Panel

The GOLABS Portable Solar Panel is a reliable and versatile option for those looking to power their devices while camping in Australia.

⭐️ Rating:4.5 | ☀️ Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline   | 💡Power Outage: 100W | ⚖️ Weight: 5.26kg | 🛒 Check price here

We took the GOLABS Portable Solar Panel with us on a camping trip and found it to be a well-rounded solution for our off-grid power needs. The high conversion rate, thanks to its monocrystalline silicon composition, ensured efficient power generation throughout our trip.

One feature that stood out was the multiple output ports. With a 45W USB-C port, a Quick Charge 3.0 USB port, a regular USB-A port, and a DC output, it allowed us to charge a variety of devices from smartphones to power banks.

The portability of the GOLABS solar panel made it an excellent addition to our gear. It’s foldable and easy to carry, and we could place it on various surfaces with its included kickstand. However, we noticed that the kickstand might not withstand strong winds or uneven terrain, so we had to secure it properly.

Although the solar panel performed well for the most part, we did experience some minor issues with the cables provided. One of our USB cables stopped functioning after a few uses. Fortunately, we had spare cables with us, but this could cause inconvenience to some users.

The GOLABS Portable Solar Panel proved to be an efficient and versatile power source for that camping off-grid in Australia. Despite some minor drawbacks, we would still highly recommend this product to anyone in need of a portable solar charging solution.

7. Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel

⭐️ Rating:4.5 | ☀️ Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline   | 💡Power Outage: 100W | ⚖️ Weight: 4.72kg | 🛒 Check price here

We highly recommend the Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel for anyone who enjoys off-grid camping or needs a reliable power source during unexpected power outages.

The Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel has an easy setup and kickstand included, you can start soaking energy from the sun in just a few seconds. The TPE rubber handle allows you to carry it around easily when taking off-grid adventures.

The higher energy conversion rate of the SolarSaga 100 is one of its best features, thanks to its monocrystalline silicon solar cells and multi-layered cell technology. It generates energy from sunlight and performs better with a higher conversion efficiency of up to 23% than other conventional panels.

The Jackery SolarSaga 100 is also durable and splash-proof, thanks to its ETFE-laminated case. It is IP65 water-resistant that protects from water splashing, and has zippers on the pocket to hold the power cords and cover the power port.

However, the SolarSaga 100 cannot charge the Jackery Explorer 440/ PowerPro, and it is relatively heavy, weighing 5.5 pounds. It is also not designed to be placed under the rain or to soak in water.

The Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel is an excellent option. Its easy setup, higher energy conversion rate, and durable and splash-proof design make it a top choice for any outdoor enthusiast.

8. Hardkorr 200W Heavy Duty Portable Solar Panels with Crocskin Cell Armour

⭐️ Rating:4.0 | ☀️ Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline   | 💡Power Outage: 200W | ⚖️ Weight: 13.4kg | 🛒 Check price here

If you’re looking for a reliable and durable solar panel for your camping trips, the Hardkorr 200W Heavy Duty Portable Solar Panels with Crocskin Cell Armour is an excellent option.

In our experience, the Hardkorr 200W Heavy Duty Portable Solar Panels are an excellent investment for those who prioritize reliability and durability in their camping gear. The high-quality materials and meticulous manufacturing process ensure that this panel is built to last, even in harsh conditions. The efficient energy production and inbuilt legs make it an excellent source of power for camping trips.

That being said, the weight of the panel may be a concern for some campers, especially those who are backpacking or have limited space in their vehicle. Additionally, the price point may be a barrier for some, but we believe that the investment is worth it for the quality and reliability of the product.

Overall, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty and reliable solar panel for your camping trips, the Hardkorr 200W Heavy Duty Portable Solar Panels with Crocskin Cell Armour is an excellent choice.

9. Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Portable Solar Panel

⭐️ Rating:4.5 | ☀️ Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline   | 💡Power Outage: 100W | ⚖️ Weight: 5.81kg | 🛒 Check price here

If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient solar panel for camping, the Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Portable Solar Panel is definitely worth considering.

We recently took the Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Portable Solar Panel on a camping trip and were impressed with its performance. The foldable solar suitcase is small in size, providing more flexibility for outdoor and off-grid use. We found it easy to carry, store, and set up.

The solar panels use grade A+ monocrystalline solar cells, which provided the ideal output of 500 Watt-hours per day (depending on sunlight availability). We were able to charge our power station directly with the solar suitcase. The low-voltage system avoids electric shock hazards, ensuring safety of usage.

The solar panel comes with a premium rugged canvas protective case, heavy-duty handle, and latches for longevity. However, we did find it a bit heavier than expected. Additionally, some users reported issues with the adjustable kickstand.

Overall, we highly recommend the Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Portable Solar Panel for those looking for a reliable and efficient camping solar panel. While it may be pricey compared to other options, the quality and performance make it worth the investment.

10. DOKIO 300w Solar Panel Kit Mono Portable Flexible Folding

⭐️ Rating:4.0 | ☀️ Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline   | 💡Power Outage: 300W | ⚖️ Weight: 7.48kg | 🛒 Check price here

If you’re looking for a powerful and portable solar panel, the DOKIO 300w Solar Panel Kit is a great option.

We recently took the DOKIO 300w Solar Panel Kit on a camping trip and were impressed with its power and portability. The lightweight design made it easy to carry and transport, and it was simple to set up and use.

The high conversion efficiency of the monocrystalline solar cell meant that we were able to get greater power efficiency even though the panel was smaller than a traditional model. This was particularly useful when we were in areas with limited sunlight.

One downside was that the current was not stable when used without batteries, so we made sure to use it with batteries or car batteries. Some users have also reported that the panels are flimsy and difficult to orient without a stand, but we didn’t have any issues with this.

Overall, we would recommend the DOKIO 300w Solar Panel Kit for anyone looking for a powerful and portable solar panel for camping or other outdoor activities.

11. BigBlue 28W Solar Charger

⭐️ Rating:4.4 | ☀️ Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline   | 💡Power Outage: 28W | ⚖️ Weight: 671g | 🛒 Check price here

If you’re looking for a reliable and portable solar charger for your camping trips, the BigBlue 28W Solar Charger is definitely worth considering.

We recently used the BigBlue 28W Solar Charger on a camping trip and were impressed with its performance. The triple USB-A ports allowed us to charge multiple devices at once, and the smart charge technology recognized our devices and provided optimal charging speed.

The compact and lightweight design made it easy to carry around and fit in our backpack, and it was a must-have in our emergency kit. The high solar conversion rate ensured efficient charging even in low sunlight conditions, and the PET polymer surface protected the solar panel from occasional rain or wet fog.

However, we did notice that the solar charger cannot store electricity, so it needs to be used in direct sunlight to charge devices. It may also not be compatible with some Apple devices without an extra original cable, and the charging speed may be influenced by cloud or cover.

Overall, the BigBlue 28W Solar Charger is a great option for camping and outdoor activities, and we highly recommend it.

How Camping Solar Panels Work

Solar panels are essential devices for camping enthusiasts who want to harness the power of the sun to generate electricity while enjoying the great outdoors. Understanding how solar panels work can help you make an informed decision when selecting the best camping solar panels for your needs.

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are composed of multiple solar cells. These cells are made of semiconductor materials, usually silicon, that have the ability to convert sunlight into electricity. When sunlight hits the surface of a solar panel, it excites the electrons in the semiconductor material, causing them to flow and create an electric current.

The basic working principle of solar panels involves three key components:

Best Camping Solar Panels Australia: Buying Guide

Types of Solar Cells

Monocrystalline Solar Cells

• Made from a single crystal structure of silicon.
• High efficiency, converting a larger percentage of sunlight into electricity.
• Sleek black appearance, known for being efficient and expensive.

Polycrystalline Solar Cells:

• Made from multiple silicon crystals melted together.
• Lower efficiency compared to monocrystalline cells, but more affordable.
• Distinctive blue colour, slightly lower heat tolerance.

Thin-Film Solar Cells:

• Made by depositing a thin layer of semiconductor material onto a substrate.
• Lightweight, flexible, and less expensive to produce.
• Lower efficiency and larger surface area are required for the same power output as crystalline panels.

Note: Thin-film cells are less commonly used in camping due to lower efficiency, but can be useful for specific setups where flexibility and weight are important such as camping in Australia solo.

Should you Buy Fixed, Flexible or Portable Solar Panels?

There is no one-size fits all answer when it comes to selecting the type of camping solar panel (fixed, flexible and portable) for your adventure, therefore we have crafted the below table to help you decide based on your needs:

Factors to Consider	Fixed Solar Panels	Flexible Solar Panels	Portable Solar Panels
Power Output	High	Moderate to Low	Moderate to High
Efficiency	High	Moderate to Low	Moderate to High
Durability	High	Moderate	Moderate
Portability	Low	High	Moderate to High
Installation	Permanent	Flexible	Easy Setup
Mobility	Limited	High	High
Cost	Higher	Moderate	Moderate
Suitable For	Regular campers	Hobby campers	First-time campers

Based on this table, campers can assess their priorities and requirements to determine which type of solar panel suits them best:

• Regular campers who prioritize higher power output, efficiency, and durability may opt for fixed solar panels.
• Hobby campers who value portability and versatility might prefer flexible solar panels.
• First-time campers seeking a balance between convenience, performance, and cost-effectiveness can consider portable solar panels.

Size and Weight

Consider your camping style and transportation options when assessing the importance of size and weight:

• Backpackers and hikers: If you plan to carry solar panels on your back, prioritize lightweight and compact panels that won’t weigh you down during your adventures.
• Campers with vehicles: If you have a camping vehicle or ample storage space, larger and heavier panels may be viable options, as they can provide more power for extended camping trips.

Power and Efficiency

Solar panel output is typically measured in terms of wattage (W) or kilowattage (kW). The power rating of a solar panel indicates the maximum electrical power it can produce under standard test conditions (STC), which include specific temperature, sunlight intensity, and other defined parameters.

To calculate the approximate amount of power you can expect to generate from a solar panel, you can use the following Solar Panel Output Calculator:

Solar Panel Power Output Calculator

Solar Panel Wattage (in watts):
Daily Sunlight Hours:
Efficiency (decimal form):
Calculate

Here’s a breakdown of each component:

1. Solar Panel Wattage: This is the power rating of the solar panel, usually mentioned in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). It represents the maximum power the panel can produce.
2. Daily Sunlight Hours: Estimate the average number of sunlight hours your location receives per day. This value may vary depending on factors such as seasons and weather conditions.
3. Efficiency: Solar panel efficiency refers to the percentage of sunlight that can be converted into usable electricity. It is typically provided by the manufacturer and can range from 15% to 25% or more.

By multiplying the solar panel wattage by the daily sunlight hours and efficiency, you can obtain an estimate of the power output in watt-hours (Wh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day.

It’s important to note that this calculation provides an approximate value, as actual power generation can be influenced by factors like shading, panel orientation, temperature, and system losses.

Other Great Features of Camping Solar Panels

When purchasing solar camping panels, there are several additional features that can enhance your camping experience. Here are some key features to consider, presented in an easy-to-read format:

Carry Bag

• A carry bag or case provides convenient storage and transportation for your solar panels.
• It helps protect the panels from scratches, dust, and other potential damage during travel.
• Look for panels that come with a well-designed, durable carry bag for easy portability and protection

LCD Screen

• An LCD screen or display on the solar panel allows you to monitor important information.
• It provides real-time data on factors like power output, current, voltage, and charging status.
• This feature enables you to track the performance of your solar panel and optimize its positioning for maximum sunlight exposure.

Kickstand

• A kickstand or adjustable stand built into the solar panel provides stability and optimal positioning.
• It allows you to easily adjust the tilt angle of the panel to capture the most sunlight throughout the day.
• The kickstand ensures efficient energy generation by keeping the panel at the ideal angle for improved performance.

Wireless Charging

• Some solar panels come with built-in wireless charging capabilities.
• This feature enables you to charge compatible devices wirelessly, eliminating the need for additional cables or adapters.
• It offers convenience and reduces clutter, especially when charging devices like smartphones, smartwatches, or other wireless-enabled gadgets.

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Solar Panels for Camping in Australia

Best Camping Solar Panels Australia: Final Verdict

After thoroughly researching and testing various solar panels for camping in Australia, we can confidently recommend the Renogy 12V Solar Panel Premium Kit as our top pick. This kit has consistently proven to be reliable and efficient, making it our go-to choice for most of our camping adventures. The high-quality construction and exceptional performance ensure that we always have access to clean, renewable energy while exploring the great outdoors.

Our runner-up is the Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus Solar Panel Recharger, which boasts a lightweight and water-resistant design that’s perfect for campers who prioritize portability. Its smart charging technology ensures that your devices receive the optimal amount of power, protecting them from potential damage.

Australia offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems on the planet, and there’s no better way to experience them than by camping under the stars. With the right solar panel setup, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in nature while still maintaining a sense of comfort and security.

By investing in the Renogy 12V Solar Panel Premium Kit or the Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus Solar Panel Recharger, you’ll be taking a significant step towards sustainable, eco-friendly camping experiences that leave a minimal impact on the environment. So, pack your bags, grab your trusty solar panel, and venture forth into the wild – the adventure of a lifetime awaits!