How Much Solar Power Do You Need While Overlanding

Overland Solar Set-Up

Thinking about spending some nights out under the stars this year? Here’s our guide to how much solar power you might need – and how to find the right products!

You're three days deep into Moab's legendary trails, your rig is covered in that perfect layer of red dust, and sunset is quickly approaching as you set up camp miles from the nearest power outlet. 

But here’s the catch: Your fridge needs to keep running to preserve your food, your communication devices need charging for safety, and you're hoping to enjoy some camp lighting and maybe even a portable shower after a day of conquering the terrain. 

Without reliable power, this can quickly spiral into a nightmare that ruins your entire trip.

Sure, we’re all about roughing it here and there, but sometimes, even the most serious off-roaders and overlanders need a bit of power to get through an adventure.

Many trail enthusiasts don't fully understand just how much power they need for their specific setup – but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

How Do You Calculate Your Trail Power Needs?

Here’s the reality of the “how much power do I need when offroading” question: there's no universal answer. 

Your Toyota setup will have different requirements than your buddy's Bronco rig, and weekend warriors have different needs than those tackling multi-week expeditions.

The first step is understanding all your trail essentials – be it your ARB fridge and camp lights or your recovery winch and communication devices. Everything is extremely power-hungry. 

Each device draws electricity measured in Amps, which is the rate of current flow. The more devices you run simultaneously, the more power you'll need.

To plan properly, you’ll want to make a list of all the electrical equipment you'll use at camp and on the trail. Check each device's product manual or label to find its power consumption (usually listed in Amps or Watts). 

Some common overlanding equipment power draws include:

• 12V camping fridge: 1-5 Amps when running

• LED camp lights: 0.5-2 Amps

• Phone/device charging: 1-2 Amps

• Portable shower pump: 3-6 Amps

• Recovery winch (when used): 80-100 Amps

Once you have your list, estimate how long you'll use each item throughout a typical 24-hour period. This calculation gives you the total Amp hours (Ah) used daily. Amp hours represent stored power (the amount of current drawn multiplied by the time used).

Amps × hours = Ah

For example, if your camping fridge draws an average of 2 Amps and runs approximately 12 hours per day (considering it cycles on and off), that's 2 Amps × 12 hours = 24 Ah per day just for the fridge!

So, to properly size your trail power system, you need to know:

• All electrical equipment you'll use and their amp requirements

• How long each item will run during a typical day

• How many days you'll be off-grid before recharging

Now, you can determine exactly how much power capacity your overlanding setup requires to keep you comfortable, connected, and prepared on even the most remote trails.

Power System Options for Off-Roaders

Once you understand your power needs, it's time to choose the right system. For off-road adventurers, you have a few popular options that will keep you powered up on the trails. Here are some of the most common ones:

Dual Battery Systems

A second battery dedicated to running your accessories ensures your main vehicle battery stays charged for starting the engine. This is a common way to keep your main battery from draining while still having enough power for all your devices – and the package usually includes:

• A deep-cycle auxiliary battery

• An isolator to prevent draining your starting battery

• A management system to control charging and usage

Portable Power Stations

There are all-in-one units that combine battery storage and output ports. These options give you more of a plug-and-play solution that’s great for weekend warriors or those who don't want to modify their vehicle's electrical system.

Solar Power Solutions

When you want to get power no matter where you are, trust in old faithful: the sun. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, providing a renewable power source that's ideal for extended trips. Here’s how you can size your solar setup:

Volts × Amps = Watts

For example, if you have a 12V system and need to replace 50Ah of charge back into your batteries each day, with approximately 6 hours of good sunlight:

50Ah × 12V = 600Wh (Watt-hours)

600Wh ÷ 6h = 100W of solar panels needed

In reality, it's recommended to overrate your requirements by at least 20% to account for inefficiencies and less-than-ideal conditions, so you'd actually need about 120W of solar capacity.

How to Choose the Right Equipment for Your Adventures

When selecting power equipment for your off-road adventures, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind – from how durable the equipment is to how efficient it is. This will help you determine if investing in a power system – particularly solar – is the best choice.

Durability

Off-road conditions can be harsh. Look for equipment designed to withstand vibration, dust, and temperature extremes. Ruggedized solar panels and sealed batteries are worth the investment.

Efficiency

Higher-quality solar panels and charge controllers maximize the power you can harvest. Though more expensive than PWM controllers, MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers can increase charging efficiency by 20-30%.

Weight and Space

Every pound and cubic inch matters in your rig. Consider the power-to-weight ratio of different solutions. Lithium batteries provide more usable capacity and weigh significantly less than lead-acid alternatives, though at a higher initial cost.

Expandability

Your power needs may grow as you add equipment or extend trip durations. Choose systems allowing expansion, like modular solar panels or battery banks.

Our favorite power solutions for off-roaders include:

• Portable solar blankets you can easily deploy at camp while leaving your vehicle free to explore

• Impact lithium power stations for weekend trips

• Dual-battery systems with integrated solar charging for extended overlanding

Don’t Risk Losing Power On The Trails

At Goats Trail, we know that staying powered while out on the trails is important (even for those who get out to avoid being connected.) That’s why we always encourage our customers and friends to invest in the right power solutions for their trips. 

Just remember, your power system is just as important as your recovery gear or off-road tires. Without reliable electricity, even the most capable vehicle can leave you in the dark. Investing in quality power equipment ensures you can enjoy all the comforts of camp while exploring even the most remote trails.

While you’re powering up for the next big excursion, don't forget to grab your Goats Trail Off-Road Apparel to complete your adventure-ready look while you're out there enjoying the powered-up comforts of your campsite! 

Shop our full lineup of apparel online – sure to keep you warm on those cold nights while you’re saving up your power for the next day's adventure.

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