​12V Solar Panels

To determine the right solar panel size, calculate your total daily power consumption in amp hours. Start by identifying the current draw of your appliances and multiplying that figure by the hours they run each day. Your 12V fridge is typically the largest consumer, often requiring between 30 and 60 amp hours daily depending on the ambient temperature and then the size of the fridge.

Your solar setup should be capable of replacing this energy during the four to five peak sun hours available in a typical day. It is practical to oversize your panels by about twenty percent to account for cloudy weather or shading. Browse our selection of 12V Deep Cycle Batteries to find the right storage capacity for your needs, or explore our range of 12V Solar Panels to find a setup that matches your daily consumption.

Fixed glass panels are generally the most effective choice for permanent mounting on roof racks or flat canopy surfaces due to their durability and heat management. Flexible panels are a practical alternative when vehicle weight is a concern or when mounting to curved surfaces where a low profile is required.

Glass panels typically provide a longer service life because the aluminium frame and tempered glass handle the vibration of corrugated tracks effectively. They are installed using brackets that create an air gap, which allows for cooling and maintains charging efficiency in high heat. Flexible panels are significantly lighter and can be bonded directly to a campervan roof or cabin. This installation method avoids the need for drilling and keeps your overall height low. You can compare our range of Glass Solar Panels for a permanent setup or browse our selection of Flexible Solar Panels for a lightweight alternative.

You must use a solar controller or regulator to safely manage the power flow from your panels to your battery bank. The primary function of a controller is to regulate the high voltage produced by the cells to a level that your battery can safely accept.

Connecting a panel directly to a battery bank risks overcharging and permanently damaging the internal cells once they reach full capacity. Modern controllers include specific charging profiles for Lithium and AGM batteries to maintain peak performance and extend the service life of your gear. Browse our range of Solar Controllers to find a matching unit for your setup or explore our high output 12V Solar Panels to start your build.

The best way to mount a solar panel depends on your vehicle type, with aluminium brackets being the standard choice for roof racks and ABS kits preferred for flat canopy roofs. Using sturdy brackets makes sure the panel stays secure on corrugated tracks while creating an air gap that manages heat and maintains charging efficiency.

Aluminium mounting brackets are typically bolted directly to the crossbars of a roof rack or platform, providing a rigid connection that handles high vibration. For composite caravans or alloy canopies where you want to avoid drilling holes, ABS mounting kits use high strength adhesive to bond the panel to the surface. Both methods are designed to withstand coastal salt air and intense UV exposure. Browse our range of Solar Panel Mounting Brackets to find a compatible fit for your rig, or explore our Aluminium Mounting Brackets for a more permanent installation.

Connecting multiple solar panels is typically done in series or parallel. A parallel connection links the positive terminals together and the negative terminals together, which increases the total amperage while keeping the voltage at 12V. This is the most common method for simple setups. A series connection links the positive of one panel to the negative of the next, doubling the voltage while the amperage stays the same.

Using series is often better when using an MPPT controller because the higher voltage helps the system start charging earlier in the morning. To link your panels, you will need specialized MC4 branch connectors or adaptors. Using high quality cabling is also critical to prevent power loss over the distance to your battery bank. Browse our selection of MC4 Connectors for your wiring or explore our Solar Cable and Accessories to complete your installation.

The actual amperage a solar panel produces in the field is typically lower than the maximum rating found on the spec sheet. Specs are calculated under perfect laboratory conditions, which are rarely matched during a standard camping trip. In real world Australian conditions, you can expect to harvest about 70 to 80 percent of the rated output during peak sun hours. Roam Gear Solar Panels on the other hand have been designed to bring in 100% of the amperage that is displayed on there spec sheet.

High ambient temperatures are a major factor that reduces efficiency, as solar cells produce less energy when the panel surface becomes very hot. The angle of the sun and even a light layer of red dust also impact how much charge reaches your battery bank. Using an efficient MPPT regulator and keeping your panels clear of obstructions helps you get the most from your setup while off grid.

Solar panels continue to produce energy on cloudy days, but the total output is significantly lower than in direct sunlight. While the cells can still capture diffuse light filtered through clouds, you might only see 10 to 25 percent of the rated capacity during heavy overcast weather. Shading from trees or roof racks is often more problematic, as even a small shadow on a single part of the panel can cause the power flow of the entire unit to drop sharply.

To manage these low light periods effectively, using a high efficiency MPPT regulator is a practical way to squeeze every available watt into your battery bank. These controllers are better at finding the optimal voltage point when conditions are not perfect. Browse our range of MPPT Solar Controllers to improve your charging performance, or explore our 12V Solar Panels to see how larger arrays can help offset cloudy days.