General information only
Swags & Volts provides general information and planning estimates for 12V battery, solar and charging setups. It is not professional electrical, engineering or safety advice, and it does not take your particular vehicle, equipment or circumstances into account.
Before buying or installing anything, check the results against the manufacturer's specifications and instructions, and get advice from a qualified auto electrician.
Estimates, not guarantees
All results are estimates based on a nominal 12V system and on the figures you enter. Appliance draws are typical values. Sun hours are seasonal averages derived from Bureau of Meteorology solar exposure data for one station per region, and conditions at your location will differ. Real-world results vary with weather, temperature, shade, panel angle, cable runs, battery age and condition, and how you use your gear.
Allow a safety margin, and do not rely on these calculations where running out of power could put health or safety at risk, such as refrigerating medication or powering medical or safety equipment.
Electrical safety
Low-voltage DC systems can still cause fires, burns and damage if cables, fuses or connections are undersized or poorly installed. Batteries, including lithium batteries, store a large amount of energy and must be mounted, ventilated, fused and charged as their manufacturer specifies.
Have fixed wiring checked by a qualified auto electrician. Any 240V wiring in a vehicle, camper trailer or caravan must be carried out by a licensed electrician in line with the rules in your state or territory.
Your responsibility
You are responsible for how you use the information on this site, for the equipment you choose, and for making sure any installation complies with the laws, standards and manufacturer requirements that apply to it, including vehicle modification rules and insurance conditions.
Limitation of liability
To the extent permitted by law, Swags & Volts and its operator are not liable for any loss, damage or injury arising from use of, or reliance on, this site or its results.
Nothing on this page excludes, restricts or modifies any right or remedy you have under the Australian Consumer Law or other law that cannot lawfully be excluded.
Independence
The calculators recommend sizes, not brands. No manufacturer or retailer pays for a result. If sponsored content or featured listings are added in future, they will be clearly labelled.
Changes
Figures, methods and guides may be updated as better information becomes available. Check back before a major purchase.