Solar panel sizing for overlanding — is 200W enough to run a camp fridge?
This comes up constantly so let me give you the detailed breakdown based on real-world experience in Kimberley.
The technology: Rigid panels give better efficiency than flexible — flexible panels lose performance in heat and the adhesive fails over time on a vehicle roof. For overlanding, 200–300W mounted on a roof rack with a quality MPPT controller will keep a 100Ah LiFePO4 topped up and run a medium-sized fridge without any generator use in winter, and almost without generator use in summer.
Pricing in SA (2025): R1,800–R3,500 per 200W panel depending on brand and supplier. Get at least 3 quotes — pricing varies significantly between installers and online suppliers.
My setup: 108Ah LiFePO4 battery, 347W solar panel, Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 controller, and a Redarc BCDC1225D for DC-DC charging from the alternator. Total investment: R20,000 all-in. It powers a National Luna 40L fridge 24/7 and runs LED lights, phone charging, and a 12V air compressor without any issues.
Common mistakes to avoid: Skipping the SmartShunt — flying blind on your battery state is how you kill expensive lithium batteries.
Happy to share my wiring diagram or go into more detail on any component. This stuff seems complicated but it really is not once you understand the basics.
4 Replies
The Eskom situation is interesting. My view: the 224 loadshedding-free days is excellent progress but I am not dismantling my solar system. Load reduction on overloaded feeders will continue regardless of Eskom's generation performance. And a home battery system has value beyond loadshedding — cheaper overnight electricity from time-of-use tariffs, backup during faults, and off-grid capability when you need it.
What MPPT controller are you using? I am running a Victron SmartSolar 100/20 and it has been faultless. The Bluetooth monitoring via the VictronConnect app means I can see exactly what the panels are producing and what the batteries are doing in real time. No more guessing.
On the alternator damage question — it is a real risk with large lithium banks if you do not manage the charge rate. A DC-DC charger (Redarc BCDC or Victron Orion) limits the current drawn from the alternator to a safe level. This is not optional if you have more than 100Ah of lithium connected to your starting circuit.
What MPPT controller are you using? I am running a Victron SmartSolar 100/30 and it has been faultless. The Bluetooth monitoring via the VictronConnect app means I can see exactly what the panels are producing and what the batteries are doing in real time. No more guessing.