Lighting specialist KC Hilites has announced a new product a bit outside of its typical offerings of off-road and auxiliary lighting: A 12-Volt solar power kit.
Called the KC Solar Charge Hub, the $350 system consists of a folding 150-Watt solar panel and a small inverter (the “hub”) that connects to common 12-Volt vehicle batteries. The hub features a magnetic base for keeping it in place and KC Hilites says the wiring meets SAE specifications.
To be clear, the Solar Charge Hub is not designed to add power to a large electric vehicle (EV) battery. It is designed to keep the 12-Volt battery in typical gas-powered vehicles charged up while on site. With as many things as we plug into a car’s electrical system these days, it’s not uncommon to run down a vehicle battery over the course of an outing, especially while it’s parked. The Solar Charge Hub is designed to keep the battery topped up.
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However, the system also works in reverse, with the vehicle battery powering the hub like a small inverter for charging or operating small tech like 12-Volt radio kits and other 12-Volt devices. Video supplied by KC Hilites shows the hub mounted on a quarter panel (below) and roof rack via its magnetic base.
The solar panels fold flat for storage and transport, or they can be mounted on Molle panels with an optional adapter. They can also be placed on the ground and include a kickstand to keep the panels pointed at the sun. KC Hilites says the small system “requires no permanent installation, offering flexibility, off-road durability, and convenience that traditional systems simply can’t match.” It can be moved quickly from vehicle to vehicle and set up in a short time.
KC Hilites says the new solar power kit is “perfect for off-road warriors with trucks, Jeeps, Broncos, and UTVs, as well as weekend explorers with RVs, campers, and trailers.” The new Solar Charge Hub system sells for $350 and is available now. We hope to get one in soon for an evaluation.
