Solar

About this range

Solar keeps fridges cold and batteries topped up when you are away from power for days at a time. This range covers portable solar blankets, flexible panels and fixed panels for canopies, caravans and camper setups.

We stock HardKorr solar blankets and panels alongside the REDARC solar blanket. Order online with Australia-wide shipping, or talk to our Burwood team about matching solar to your battery setup.

5 products

Buying guide

Dual battery and 12 V power explained

A second battery runs your fridge, lights and charging without touching the starting battery. Modern vehicles and lithium batteries change how that system should be built.

  1. Smart alternators

    Many late-model vehicles have smart alternators that vary their voltage. A simple isolator doesn't charge a second battery well from these, so a DC-DC charger is recommended (Redarc).

  2. Where lithium can go

    Lithium batteries must not go in the engine bay: the heat is too much (Redarc, Enerdrive). They go in the cabin, tub or canopy.

  3. Charge it correctly

    Lithium needs a charger with a lithium profile, and most can't be charged below 0 C unless the battery is heated. Don't mix battery brands or sizes in one system (Redarc).

  4. Sizing solar

    Work out how many watt-hours you use a day and divide by 5 to 6 sun hours to size your panels. A panel laid flat can lose up to 38% of its output (Enerdrive).

Choosing Solar for Camping and Touring

Start with what you need to run. A fridge, lights and phone charging draw a certain amount from your battery every day, and your solar needs to put that back plus a margin for cloudy weather. Bigger battery banks and longer stays justify more panel capacity.

Then choose a format. Solar blankets fold small, stow easily and can be moved to follow the sun through the day, while fixed panels mount permanently and work whenever light hits them. HardKorr covers blankets, portable panels and fixed panels in this range, with a REDARC solar blanket alongside, so you can mix formats to suit your setup.

Related categories

Common questions

Do I need a DC-DC charger?

If your vehicle has a smart alternator, yes: isolators charge poorly from them. A DC-DC charger also gives the second battery the right charging profile, including for lithium (Redarc).

Can a lithium battery go under the bonnet?

No. Battery makers say lithium batteries can't handle engine bay heat and must not be installed there (Redarc, Enerdrive).

Lithium or AGM?

Lithium needs a charger with a lithium profile, a location out of the engine bay and, below 0 C, a heated battery to charge. Compare usable capacity and weight on each battery's specifications, and follow its maker's mounting guidance.

How much solar do I need for a fridge?

Add up your daily use in watt-hours, then divide by 5 to 6 sun hours (Redarc). Allow extra if the panel will lie flat or sit in shade.

Can I run my fridge off the starting battery?

You can, but you risk a flat battery and no start. A second battery with a DC-DC charger keeps the starting battery for the engine.

Keep going

Lithium Batteries & Battery ManagementLithium batteries and monitors50 in range Battery TraysTrays by vehicle21 in range ChargingChargers20 in range Switches & AccessoriesSwitches and wiring17 in range