Flexible Solar Panels

Thin, light and able to follow a curve. Bonds nearly flush to canopy lids, pop-tops and cabin roofs where a framed panel will not sit.

Roam Gear 70W 12V Black ETFE Flexible Solar Panel
5 Year Warranty

Regular price$159⁰⁰

View details
Roam Gear 100W 12V Black ETFE Flexible Solar Panel
5 Year Warranty

Regular price$199⁰⁰

View details
Roam Gear 160W 12V Black ETFE Flexible Solar Panel
5 Year Warranty

Regular price$249⁰⁰

View details
Roam Gear 200W 12V Black ETFE Flexible Solar Panel
5 Year Warranty

Regular price$299⁰⁰

View details
Roam Gear 250W 12V Black ETFE Flexible Solar Panel
5 Year Warranty

Regular price$349⁰⁰

View details
Roam Gear 300W 12V Black ETFE Flexible Solar Panel
5 Year Warranty

Regular price$399⁰⁰

View details

Flexible Solar Panels

Overview

Flexible Solar Panels Overview

About Flexible Solar Panels

Not every roof was built with a solar panel in mind. A pop-top lid, a curved canopy, the moulded front of a van, the cabin roof on a half cabin boat. Plenty of good surfaces are simply the wrong shape for a rigid frame, and you tend not to notice until you go to fit one.

Flexible solar panels exist for exactly those surfaces. The cells sit in a laminate rather than a frame, so the panel follows a curve, sits nearly flush and adds a couple of kilos instead of fifteen. On a vehicle already close to its roof rating, that difference settles the question on its own.

They ask for more care in return. Bond the whole face rather than the edges, give them somewhere to shed heat where you can, and treat them as fixed rather than as something to walk on. Handled that way they last.

The flexible panels here are Roam Gear's own, with an ETFE surface layer, and they carry a five year warranty. ETFE is what keeps a flexible panel from clouding over after a few seasons in the sun.

If your roof is flat and you have the space, a framed panel will out-perform a flexible one of the same rating. Flexible is the answer when shape or weight has already made that decision for you, which on plenty of Australian setups it has.

FAQs

Flexible Solar Panels FAQs

What is a flexible solar panel?

A flexible solar panel is a thin and lightweight alternative to traditional rigid glass panels. These units are designed to conform to curved surfaces such as van roofs, boat decks, or 4WD canopies, providing a low profile charging solution without the weight or bulk of an aluminium frame.

Most flexible panels are only a few millimetres thick and are constructed using monocrystalline cells protected by a UV resistant polymer. This design makes them perfect for setups where aerodynamics and weight are priorities. They can be mounted directly to surfaces where a standard rigid panel would not fit.

Explore our range of gear to see how these fit into your off grid setup.

What are the benefits of flexible solar panels compared to glass solar panels?

The main benefits of flexible solar panels are their lightweight design and low profile. These panels often weigh up to 80 percent less than rigid glass models, making them an excellent choice for vehicles where roof load limits are a concern. Because they lack a bulky aluminium frame, they sit thin against the roof to reduce wind drag and noise.

Adaptability is another major advantage for custom builds. These units can curve to follow the lines of a van roof, a 4WD canopy, or a boat deck, allowing for a flush install on surfaces where a flat glass panel would be impossible to mount. This versatility means you can maximize your solar coverage without compromising the aerodynamics or aesthetic of your rig.

Explore our 12V Batteries collection to see how much power these panels can store, or find the right Solar Panel Mounting Brackets for your setup.

Do I need an air gap under my flexible solar panels?

Roam Gear ETFE flexible panels are engineered for direct surface mounting and do not require an air gap to operate effectively. These panels use high grade ETFE coating that is more heat resistant and durable than standard polymer alternatives, allowing them to be fixed flat to a roof or canopy without significant performance loss.

Mounting directly to your vehicle keeps the setup as low profile as possible, which minimizes wind noise and maintains aerodynamics. This makes them a practical choice for van roofs or 4WD canopies where a clean and permanent installation is the goal.

Managing the energy from these panels is best handled with a quality regulator. Explore our range of MPPT Solar Controllers to maximize your daily charge, or see our Solar Panel Mounting Brackets for more installation options.

How do I mount or fasten flexible solar panels to my vehicle or boat?

Mount flexible solar panels using structural adhesive or heavy duty VHB tape. Roam Gear flexible panels do not feature grommets, so bonding them directly to a clean surface is the best way to achieve a secure and low profile fit that handles highway speeds.

For a permanent install on a caravan roof or 4WD canopy, use a specialist adhesive like Sikaflex 252 or a similar high bond equivalent. If you prefer a mounting method that does not require drilling, double sided VHB tape is another popular choice. Thoroughly cleaning the mounting surface is critical for a bond that lasts, especially when your rig faces constant vibration and weather exposure.

Find the hardware you need in our Solar Panel Mounting Brackets collection, or see how to manage your new solar input with our DCDC Converter with Built-In Solar Controller.