Thinking about adding solar power to your setup? Whether you’re heading off-grid, powering a campsite, or keeping your batteries topped up while your gear sits idle, solar charging is a smart and sustainable way to stay powered up.
This beginner’s guide will walk you through exactly what you need, how it works, and how to get started—no jargon, just practical advice from the team you trust.
If you’re still working out which battery type best suits your setup, our complete guide to choosing the right deep cycle battery for camping, marine, and off-grid use is a great place to start
What is Solar Charging?
Solar charging uses energy from the sun to recharge batteries. The system converts sunlight into electricity using solar panels and directs it to your battery—ideal for camping, boating, caravanning, or powering tools remotely.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Here’s a breakdown of the core components:
- Solar Panel(s)
This is your sunlight catcher. Available in portable fold-out, blanket, or fixed roof-mounted styles. Choose a wattage that matches your needs—commonly from 100W to 300W for camping setups.
More sun = more watts = faster charging.
- Battery
The solar panel charges your deep cycle battery, which stores the power for later use. Popular types include:
- AGM
- Gel
- Lithium– lighter and faster-charging, but more expensive
Not sure whether AGM or lithium is the better fit for your setup? Read our practical comparison of AGM vs lithium batteries and what’s right for your setup.
- Solar Regulator / Charge Controller
A must-have. It protects your battery from overcharging by regulating the voltage and current coming from the solar panel. Options include:
- PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) – basic and affordable
- MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) – more efficient, especially in low light
- Cables and Connectors
Look for UV-resistant cables, fuse protection, and connectors like Anderson plugs or MC4. Always use the right gauge cable for your wattage and distance.
Optional Extras
- Battery Monitor: Track voltage and usage.
- Solar Panel Stand: Angle your panel for max sunlight.
- Dual Battery System: Run gear from your auxiliary battery without draining your starter. If you’re building a camping or touring setup, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wire a dual battery system for camping.
How to Size Your System
Here’s a basic way to estimate what you need:
- Add up your daily power use (in amp-hours)
- E.g. fridge (30Ah/day), lights (10Ah/day) = 40Ah/day
- Choose a battery that stores at least double that
- 100Ah minimum (deep cycle)
- Choose a panel that replaces that power daily
- 200W–300W of solar will suit most setups in NZ
Keep in mind, winter and cloudy days mean you’ll get less solar input—oversize your system if in doubt.
Pro Tips from the Battery Warehouse Team
- Park Smart: Position your panels towards the sun (north-facing in NZ).
- Keep Panels Clean: Dust and dirt reduce output.
- Secure Your Cables: Avoid frayed or pinched wires.
- Use a Reputable Regulator: Cheap ones can cook your battery.
Not Sure What You Need? Let’s Chat at Battery Warehouse NZ — your local battery experts
Every setup is different—and our team is here to help. Whether you’re just starting out or upgrading to lithium, we’ll help you choose the right battery, solar, and charging setup for your needs and budget — without the guesswork.
Battery Warehouse – Power You Can Count On. Advice You Can Trust.
