There’s nothing like rolling into a remote campsite, cracking open a cold one, and knowing your setup is completely self-sufficient. No more stressing about battery life, noisy generators, or powered sites. With the right 12V solar system for camping setup, you can stay longer, travel farther, and enjoy the great Aussie outdoors the way it’s meant to be—wild and free.
At All12volt, we live and breathe off-grid adventures. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about building a reliable 12V solar setup that works hard, lasts long, and keeps the lights on (and fridge cold) wherever you roam.
Solar is one of the most efficient, quiet, and cost-effective ways to generate power while camping. Once installed, it delivers free energy every day the sun’s out. It’s perfect for:
Keeping fridges and freezers running
Charging devices and lights
Powering pumps and accessories
Reducing fuel use and generator dependency
Plus, a good solar system pays for itself over time and adds serious value to your rig.
Choose between fixed panels (roof-mounted on your vehicle or van) and portable panels (foldable or briefcase-style). Fixed panels are great for continuous charging, while portable ones let you chase the sun.
Look for high-efficiency monocrystalline panels designed for Aussie conditions. Common sizes range from 100W to 300W, and most setups benefit from a combination of fixed and portable panels for flexibility.
This essential bit of kit regulates the voltage coming from your solar panels to protect your battery. MPPT controllers are highly efficient and perfect for variable weather, giving you up to 30% more power compared to older PWM types.
At All12volt, we recommend Victron and Redarc MPPT regulators for their reliability and Bluetooth monitoring features.
Your battery stores all the solar energy for use during cloudy weather or at night. Lithium batteries are lightweight, efficient, and ideal for frequent use. AGM batteries are cheaper but heavier and less durable long-term.
Size your battery bank based on what you’re running (e.g. fridges, lights, fans, etc.) and how long you plan to be off-grid. A 100Ah lithium battery is a common starting point for weekenders.
Want to run 240V appliances like laptops, blenders, or TV? You’ll need an inverter to convert 12V DC to 240V AC. Choose a pure sine wave inverter for sensitive electronics and size it according to the appliances you plan to run.
This depends on how much power you use. A basic setup powering a fridge, lights, and a few devices might only need:
200W solar panel
30A MPPT controller
100Ah lithium battery
For larger rigs or families, consider a 300–400W solar array and up to 200Ah of battery storage to ensure comfort over extended stays.
Use quality cable and fuses to avoid voltage drops and overheating
Install panels with tilt brackets if roof-mounted for better winter performance
Add a solar monitor (like Victron SmartSolar) to track input/output via smartphone
Combine fixed and portable panels for flexibility on shady campsites
At All12volt, we offer both off-the-shelf kits and custom solar solutions. Our pre-wired kits are great for DIY installs and include everything you need. For complex builds or bigger rigs, our team can help design a tailored system based on your camping style, gear, and goals.
When your 12V system is dialled in, you gain the freedom to explore deeper and stay longer. No noisy generators. No stress about flat batteries. Just peace of mind—and plenty of power.
Contact us today and we’ll help you choose the perfect solar setup for your rig.
CTA: Shop our full range of solar panels, regulators, batteries, and more at All12volt—Australia’s trusted name in off-grid power.
Contact us: https://www.all12volt.com.au/contact-us/
Need help or have questions?
Email: sales@all12volt.com.au
Phone: 02 4656 4643
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Who does not love the outdoors and camping? It's a great adventure and opens up new destinations and often unexplored places. But you need to be well equipped with the safe and durable caravan and camping accessories for these outdoor activities. It is undoubtedly thrilling and exciting, but unless you take good care of what you need to do and what you should avoid, there's always a chance of an unpleasant experience. It pays to take sound advice from a 4WD specialist when going on a camping trip.