Getting Ready for a Summer Camping Trip

Nothing beats a beach-side camping trip in summer! (Photography by Christopher Millen)

 

Heading off on a summer camping trip? While the warm weather is perfect for getting outdoors, it does bring a few challenges when it comes to managing your off-grid power.

Heat affects everything, from how much charge your solar panels can produce, to how efficiently your inverter runs, even how much apower your appliances use. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect when camping in summer and how to keep your power system working efficiently, so you can enjoy the sunshine without power worries.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Solar panels lose efficiency in high temperature conditions: Even clear skies won’t mean full output in summer.
  • Dust build-up reduces solar performance:  Pack a microfiber cloth to keep your panels clean.
  • Fridges draw more power in the heat: Plan ahead with cooling tips to save power.
  • Inverters don't like the heat: Good ventillation is a must.
  • Battery monitoring keeps you in control: AllSpark Bluetooth Batteries give you live data, right on your phone.

 

How Heat Affects Your Offgrid Power System

Cam and Tiff from Wild Touring experiencing the red dust first hand!

 

Solar Panels:

With clear skies and the sun shining, you’d expect your solar panels to be at peak performance, but high temperatures actually reduce solar cell output.

All solar panels are rated at 25°C. As the temperature rises above this, output current drops. AllSpark Solar Panels use high-temperature tolerant cells that handle heat better than most, but physics still wins: you’ll likely see reduced amps during those hot summer days.

Tip: Always pack a microfiber cloth. Dust builds up fast in dry summer conditions (especially our red dirt - it has a knack for building up everywhere!) and can reduce your panel’s performance. A quick wipe with a damp cloth when you park up for the day can boost your charge rate significantly.

 

Inverters:

Inverters produce heat all on their own, and this is only exacerbated in hot summer conditions, which can cause them to shut off completely as they enter into protection mode. 

AllSpark Pro-Series Inverters are designed with quality heat sinks and efficient cooling fans, but placement matters. Install your inverter somewhere with good airflow, not in a sealed compartment or crammed under a seat with no venting. Just be mindful of dust: avoid areas where vents are open to dust ingress. 

 

Batteries & Monitoring:

Batteries don't like the heat either, and monitoring becomes even more important when solar input is variable and loads increase (think fridges running flat-out).

AllSpark Bluetooth Lithium Batteries come with built-in smart monitoring. You can view real-time stats (voltage, current, SoC) right from your phone. If you're using a standard battery, add a battery monitor, such as the Victron SmartShunt, to keep an eye on your availabile power.

 

Fridge Management in Summer:

Thunderfab canopy with a Bushman Fridge

 

Your fridge is likely the biggest continuous draw on your system, especially in summer when it will be working overtime to keep your beers cold!

Here’s how to keep it efficient:

  • Pre-cool your fridge/freezer using mains power the night before.

  • Load it with chilled/frozen items, not warm food.

  • Keep it full - cold drinks (yes, beers count!) act like ice bricks - helping your fridge stay cool without working as hard.

  • Ensure airflow around vents - be aware of where the vents are on your fridge and don’t block air movement in these areas.

 

Hot ambient temps can double your fridge’s power draw. Smart setup makes a big difference.

 

Step-by-Step: How to Optimise for a Summer Camping Trip:

1. Clean your solar panels regularly
Dust and grime reduce output. Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth every day or two, or after a long drive.

2. Monitor your power usage
Use AllSpark Bluetooth Batteries or a SmartShunt to track charging and usage in real time.

3. Ensure inverter cooling
Install your inverter in a ventilated space and keep the vents clear.

4. Pack your fridge smart
Cool it down before departure, load with cold goods, and maintain airflow.

5. Plan for lower solar input
High temps = lower solar amps. Consider adding an extra portable panel or reducing loads in peak heat.

 

Conclusion

Summer is awesome for camping by the beach or enjoying a lakeside retreat, but the heat brings with it higher demands on your off-grid setup.

With a few smart habits - cleaning panels, smart fridge packing, airflow around gear - you can keep your system running efficiently. AllSpark power products are designed by Aussies for for Aussie heat, from our Pro-Series Inverters to Bluetooth Lithium Batteries and durable Solar Panels, we've developed them all and put them through real world testing to ensure they stand up to our harsh conditions. 

Still unsure? Contact Offroad Living for tailored advice before your next summer adventure.

 

FAQs

Q: Why are my solar panels underperforming in full sun?
A: Heat de-rates all solar panels. At 40°C+, even top panels like AllSpark will produce less than their rated output.

Q: Is it safe to run my inverter in a hot storage compartment?
A: Not recommended. Even quality inverters need ventilation. Heat can cause thermal shutdowns or shorten lifespan.

Q: Do I really need a battery monitor?
A: Yes. Especially in summer, when inputs and loads fluctuate. AllSpark Bluetooth Batteries make this easy.