By Ted Springs 

For caravanners seeking true off-grid freedom, the Flexible Solar Awning from Luxury Awnings offers a seamless blend of shade, style and serious solar power. Designed to replace or upgrade your existing awning, this unit unrolls to reveal an integrated sheet of flexible solar panels capable of generating up to 1050 watts of power, which is enough to run appliances like air conditioners, fridges and inverters without relying on a generator or mains power. 

The awning uses Heterojunction Back-Contact solar cells, which are cutting-edge and maintain performance in extreme heat, capturing light even when the sun is low or indirect. With electrical contacts hidden behind the cells, there’s minimal surface shading and more efficient energy capture throughout the day. Interestingly, even when the awning is retracted, a small, exposed portion acts as a trickle charger, keeping batteries topped up between uses. 

The awning rolls down to about the same size as any other awning. 

The awning is built for longevity, tested for more than 10,000 roll cycles, and includes integrated LED lighting with warm white, bright white, and amber insect-repellent options. It installs easily for most vans and motorhomes and is available in 12 or 16-foot lengths, with matte black or silver finishes to suit your setup. When deployed, it provides 2.3 metres of shade, and the included solar controller manages power safely and efficiently. 

“These panels are very capable. The technology is unique and reflects light back into the prisms to generate more power than you’d expect,” says Matt Durdin, GM of Australia RV Accessories. 

Matt says these Solar Awnings are also suitable for tiny homes and off-grid cabins. It’s a great way to stay powered up. 

“More sizes are becoming available shortly and this will allow us to sell them and have them fitted to more caravans by manufacturers. These longer awnings will naturally generate more power as well.” 

While it’s not the cheapest solar panel on the market, the combination of solar generation, shading and lighting in one sleek easy-to-open and close panel is impressive. Having the solar panel as an awning also gives caravans back their roof-space for antennas or other storage. The 16-foot version sits around the $6000 mark – a big investment, but one that could pay off in comfort and independence on the road. 

Generate up to 1050W of solar power with every setup. Flexible solar tech meets smart design for life beyond the caravan park.

Matt Durdin GM of Australian RV Accessories– matt@austrv.com.au