A solar power system captures sunlight and charges a vehicle’s or caravan’s battery bank, providing a quieter alternative to generators while off-grid. Adventure Additions specializes in designing and installing these systems for 4x4s, utes, caravans, boat trailers, and agricultural trailers, tailoring each setup to the client’s power requirements.
Solar panels use cells that vary in wattage output for the same surface area, which affects panel selection for each vehicle or caravan. Adventure Additions assists clients in choosing panels that fit their available space and daily power needs.
Roof-mounted rigid panels, ultra-thin flexible panels, or portable panel inputs, chosen to suit the vehicle
Victron Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solar controllers, which regulate the charge reaching the battery bank
Solar panels can be mounted in various ways, depending on the vehicle and its use. Rigid panels are ideal for vehicles with permanent bracket space, while flexible panels and portable inputs are better for setups with weight or access limitations.
Solar panels can also be integrated into roof-mounted equipment. For example, a panel was mounted directly to a rooftop tent shell, allowing the tent to serve as both a sleeping platform and a mounting point for the charging system. Wiring is routed through weatherproof conduit from the roof to the cabin, maintaining a secure connection to the battery bank without exposed cables.
A Victron SmartSolar MPPT controller is installed between the solar panel and the battery bank. It monitors panel voltage and adjusts the current to ensure safe charging and prevent battery damage from excess power.
This regulation is important because sunlight and panel output fluctuate throughout the day. An MPPT controller automatically adapts to these changes, ensuring efficient battery charging in varying light conditions.
Solar charging is typically used with a dual battery system. The panel charges a separate auxiliary battery, keeping the starting battery isolated and protected. While driving, a DC-DC charger recharges the auxiliary battery from the alternator, allowing the battery bank to recharge from both the alternator and solar power.
A properly sized solar setup keeps batteries charged at camp, eliminating the noise and fuel requirements of a generator. Adventure Additions provides consultation, installation, and ongoing maintenance of solar power systems across Melbourne.
Adventure Additions designs and installs a professional off-grid power management system for the Ineos Grenadier, integrating premium lithium storage, smart DC-to-DC alternator charging, ultra-fast MPPT...
Adventure Additions upgraded a 2023 Van Cruiser X17 with a 250W Exotronic solar panel and a Victron inverter system with AC passthrough.
