Solar Panels and the 4x4 industry 

The use of the sun for charging up batteries has been with us ever since solar charging started, and the 4x4 industry was not slow to catch on to this free power source!

The use of solar panels is particularly useful for those who like to stay in one location, away from Mains power, and without using the vehicle.

PMP offers a wide range of high-quality panels from 5W right up to 140W – which is about as big as you will be able to fit onto the average roof! Many users prefer to have their panel portable, so that they can put the vehicle in the shade (working the fridge a little less!) but keep the panel in the sun. This also helps in making it easier to ensure that the panel is facing in the correct direction and at the correct angle.

Looking at charging capability, a 100W panel, for example, should give you around 500-600 Watts, which is just about enough to keep the average small 12V fridge going – if the ‘rugrats’ aren’t opening the fridge every 5 minutes helping themselves to Cokes & Fantas!!!

We are often asked how effective a panel is when travelling - as the direction and angle of the panel are far from optimised. One can expect pretty good performance when the sun is right overhead, but with impaired performance as it starts to set (when you are usually sipping your first ‘sundowner, anyway?!). Irrespective, it will give you some charge from your roof- and every little bit helps, right?!

The foldable/rollable panels are popular with many 4x4 users, and very practical, of course, but we have found them to be expensive and not too efficient. The rigid panels definitely offer better value per watt – if a little more cumbersome to pack and set up.

Read more information about solar panels for the 4x4 industry on our Solar Power website