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​Portable Solar Panels


Set up where the sun is, not where the vehicle is parked. Folding panels, blankets and mats for people who would rather not pick between shade and charge.

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Portable Solar Panels

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Overview

Portable Solar Panels Overview

About Portable Solar Panels

Most of a 12V build is a commitment. You pick a battery chemistry, cut a hole for the cable, decide where the charger lives, and changing your mind later means undoing work.

Portable solar is the exception. It is the one part you can buy before you know what the setup will become, and the one part that comes with you when the vehicle changes. Plenty of people start with a single camping solar panel and an Anderson lead, run that for a season, and only then work out what they want permanently mounted.

It keeps earning its place once the build is finished, too. A roof panel is stuck with wherever the vehicle is parked. A portable one is not, which counts for more than it sounds in a country where the good sites are usually the shaded ones.

Two formats. Solar blankets fold like a swag and stow behind a seat. Solar mats roll flatter still and take up almost nothing. Most ship with a lithium compatible regulator already on the lead, and the choice between them is mostly about where it lives for the twenty three hours a day it is not in use.

If you are not sure yet what your solar setup should look like, this is a sensible place to find out.

FAQs

Portable Solar Panels FAQs

What types of portable solar panels does Roam Gear offer?

Roam Gear offers several portable charging solutions designed to suit different camping styles and space requirements. Our range includes lightweight solar blankets that can be draped over a windscreen, and folding mats with built-in legs that offer a balance of durability and portability.

Each type serves a specific purpose depending on your setup. Solar blankets are the most compact and easy to store, while mats are stiffer and easier to prop up in breezy conditions. These portable options allow you to park your vehicle in the shade while placing the panels in direct sunlight to maintain a steady charge.

Explore our compact Solar Blankets or versatile Solar Mats to find the best fit for your next trip.

Portable solar panels vs. fixed roof panels: Which is better for camping?

The choice between portable and fixed solar panels depends on how you prefer to camp. Fixed roof panels are a set and forget solution that charges your system while you drive and whenever you are parked in the sun. Portable panels offer more flexibility because they allow you to park your vehicle in the shade while placing the panel in the best possible sunlight to maximize energy harvest.

Many travelers find that a combination of both provides the most consistent power. Fixed panels handle the baseline charging throughout the day, while a portable unit can be deployed to top up the batteries when you are stationary for longer periods. This approach helps manage the load of power hungry appliances like fridges without needing to constantly move your vehicle to chase the sun.

Check out our 12V Batteries to see how much storage your setup needs, or find the right Solar Controllers to manage multiple solar inputs.

Are portable solar panels worth it?

Portable solar panels are worth the investment for any traveler who values flexibility and efficient power management. They allow you to capture maximum energy by manually angling the cells toward the sun throughout the day, often harvesting more power than a flat mounted roof panel.

This portability is a huge advantage for parking your vehicle in a shaded campsite to keep your cabin or canopy cool. Deploying the panel on a long lead to a sunny patch nearby keeps your batteries topped up while you stay comfortable. They are also a practical backup for overcast days or when roof space is limited by gear or rooftop tents.

Explore our range of portable options to see how they can improve your off grid setup.

Are portable solar panels durable enough for long-term travel?

Modern portable panels are built with rugged materials like ETFE coatings and reinforced backing to handle the vibration, dust, and heat of Australian touring. High quality monocrystalline cells are protected by UV resistant polymers, making them resilient for frequent packing and unpacking.

While they lack the solid frame of a glass panel, their flexibility and impact resistance make them highly durable for off road travel. Regular cleaning and secure storage when on the move will keep them performing through years of remote adventure. These units are specifically designed to survive the harsh conditions encountered in the outback or along coastal tracks.

Check out our 12V Batteries to see how much power your panels can harvest, or see our Battery Monitors & Shunts for accurate data on your charge levels.

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