Maximize Your Off-Grid Adventures: The Superior Performance of Fixed Solar Panels

RVers, caravanners, and other dedicated off-roaders aren’t strangers to fixed solar panels. They’ve relied on photovoltaic panels for decades to power everything from a few small lanterns and a laptop, to fully-equipped camping gazebos with their complete complements of conveniences.

The fact is, no matter if you’re planning on going completely off the grid for a few days, or just looking for a reserve power source to keep your boat’s batteries topped off when you’re on the water, solar panels are the answer to all of your power demands. They’re an investment that’s well worth making; and not surprisingly, there’s one panel size in particular that’s considered to be the best when it comes to building optimal charging packages that are as efficient as they are compact.

Low Profile 170W Solar Panels Give You Maximum Performance

Let’s be honest: size matters when it comes to solar panels. You want the largest possible wattage from the smallest possible footprint, which is why high-performance 170W fixed campervan solar panel arrays are the optimal size for the most efficient photovoltaic setups. With their superior size-to-output production ratio and exceptionally slim profile, these panels aren’t just for campervans, though. They’re perfect for all types of fixed panel solutions for RVs, utes, and boats; and their reinforced construction means they’re built to handle the toughest environmental conditions Oz has to dish out.

Make no mistake: modern fixed caravan solar panel design is dramatically different from similar wattage panels that were available only a few years ago. Innovations in materials and manufacturing processes, along with a better understanding of these materials’ long-term performance under severe conditions have all contributed to a generation of high-quality, mid-sized panels boasting a range of features that include:

• A space-saving, 1320mm x 664mm  mounting area;
• Lightweight aerodynamic design, including braces and fasteners;
• Tempered, impact-resistant 3.2mm low-iron clear glass covers;
• Minimal height, 17mm frames with reinforced end caps; and,
• An operating temperature range of -40°C to 75°C.

Ideally, not only do today’s high-performance fixed solar panels enjoy a 30% lower profile than earlier models, but weighing just 10kg, they’re light enough to safely mount atop any ute canopy or RV roof. And with size, convenience, and ultimately portability available as obvious advantages, it’s no surprise that their output wattage is going to be just as efficient.

170W Specifications for Power and Efficiency

Although there’s no shortage of fixed solar panel brands on the market in the 180W – 200W range, even the modest advantages they hold in voltage are easily overshadowed by their physical size and solar cell efficiency. High-efficiency, Australian-made 170W panels are manufactured using long-life, A-grade mono-crystalline cells that deliver up to 20.31% solar cell efficiency. That’s the equivalent of a solar conversion increase of more than 25% over standard panels with even moderately higher voltage ratings.

With a maximum working voltage of 17.8V, today’s premium grade 170W panels are engineered for efficiency, and they host a range of key performance specs that include:

• A maximum power output of 9.55A;
• An open circuit voltage of 25.00V; and,
• A short circuit voltage of 10.58A.

High-performance 170W caravan solar panels also boast a maximum system voltage rating of 1000V. That means they give you the flexibility to mount them either individually onto a ute canopy or 4WD rooftop, or as part of a full-powered, 5 – 6 fixed panel array atop a tradie or recreational trailer or full-sized RV. And if you’re worried about whether they’re likely to ruin your vehicle’s appearance, their anodized aluminium frames, as well as their cells and substrates are all black, making them the perfect visual trim for any vehicle’s exterior.

Accessories That Help You Get the Best From Your Panels

Compatibility is a crucial attribute for any modern caravan solar panel kit, and that’s not just because today’s off-grid power demands are more extensive than they’ve ever been. The batteries used in off-grid system banks can vary from flooded wet and EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) cells, to long-life lithium-ion and AGM (Absorbant Glass Mat) variations, which means you also have to have the proper selection of connectors and fasteners to make them work.

Together with choosing an appropriately sized charge controller, there are a few high-performance accessories that you need to be sure that you’re getting the fullest range of solar panel compatibility, including:

• IP-rated connectors. For safe, reliable 12V – 48V series and parallel connections, clearly marked, IP-67 rated, 30A MC4 and Anderson plugs with crimp-type terminals are essential equipment for preventing dangerous polarity reversals.
• Proper gauge cabling. No matter if you’re using Anderson-to-Anderson or MC4-to-Anderson-type cable connectors, you want to be sure that you’re using the correct gauge and length of cabling to maintain stable power connections.
• Mounting brackets. Low-profile, corrosion-resistant mounts make it possible for you to safely attach your panels to any level surface, while still allowing satisfactory air flow under and around them.

With proper cabling and installation hardware, today’s fixed solar panels for camping can be configured to power everything from a radio and a few small appliances, to a heavy-duty inverter for big-draw fridges and tools. They’re the key to both stable power and battery bank reliability.

The Final Word

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how long you plan on staying off the grid, or which conveniences you intend to take with you, solar panels can supply all the power you need. Some panels, however, are more efficient more convenient, and simply better suited for the job than others, and those are the panels you can’t afford to go away from the grid without. 

High-performance 170W fixed campervan solar panel kits and arrays have everything that’s needed to confidently go off the grid, knowing that your power demands are going to be met. No other size panel delivers the combination of power and performance that they do, making them the smartest package you can invest in for customizable, off-the-grid solar.