Roam Gear 160W 12V Black ETFE 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.

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.

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.

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.