solar esky

Ah, the solar esky — the dream of keeping your drinks cold and your conscience clear under the Aussie sun. These clever devices use solar panels to power a small compressor or thermoelectric cooling system, which can keep your esky contents chilled without ice. Typically, they offer 12V or USB power input, and a solar panel rated around 10-20 watts.

Expect to pay around $150 to $400 AUD for a decent solar esky new, with used options occasionally popping up on Tradingpost or CarShowroom for less. They won't turn your esky into a fridge on steroids, but they'll certainly help keep things cooler for longer while you're off-grid. Perfect for camping, fishing, or impressing your mates at the beach.

Remember, performance varies with sunlight intensity and panel size, so check specs carefully before parting with your hard-earned dosh.