​Solar

Roam Gear solar panels are engineered for high performance energy harvest in high heat and high UV environments. Our designs prioritize a clean aesthetic and minimal branding while using efficient monocrystalline cells capable of handling the intense sun found across Australia. Every panel is refined through field testing to verify that the frames and connections manage the constant vibration of corrugated tracks and the corrosive effects of coastal salt air.

By focusing on practical durability rather than unnecessary features, we provide a consistent power source that helps you stay off grid for longer. This approach reduces the friction of remote living, giving you the confidence to settle into isolated locations without the noise of a generator.

Selecting between fixed glass and flexible panels depends on your mounting surface and weight requirements. Glass panels are the preferred choice for permanent installations on roof racks or flat canopies where durability and heat management are priorities. These units use a rigid frame and tempered glass to handle the vibration of corrugated tracks, and the air gap created by the mounting brackets helps keep the cells cool for better efficiency in high heat.

Flexible panels are a practical alternative for curved roofs or weight sensitive setups. These are much lighter and can be bonded directly to a surface, which helps maintain a low profile and improves aerodynamics while traveling. They are often preferred for campervan roofs or boat decks where drilling is not a viable option. Browse our selection of Glass Solar Panels for a permanent roof setup, or explore our Flexible Solar Panels for a lightweight alternative.

You connect a solar panel to your battery system by using a solar controller or a DCDC charger with a built in solar regulator. You must not connect a panel directly to a battery bank, as the unregulated high voltage produced by the solar cells will lead to overcharging and permanent damage to your internal battery cells. The regulator acts as the smart bridge that manages the energy flow to suit your specific battery chemistry.

Most travelers choose between a standalone Solar Controllers for maximum energy harvest or an integrated DCDC Chargers that manages power from both your vehicle alternator and your panels. This coordinated approach makes sure your setup stays charged safely while you are at camp or on the move.

Roam Gear glass solar panels typically feature MC4 connectors pre installed on the output leads. Portable equipment, including our solar blankets and mats, more commonly utilizes Anderson plugs to allow for quick connection and disconnection at your campsite or battery box. The MC4 connectors provide a watertight and secure bond specifically designed for permanent outdoor mounting on roof racks or caravans.

These are engineered to handle constant exposure to UV and rain without degrading. Anderson plugs are the standard choice for portable gear because they allow for a fast setup without specialized tools. This flexibility helps you move your panels to follow the sun while your rig stays in the shade. Browse our range of MC4 Connectors for permanent installations or explore our selection of Anderson Plugs for your portable setup.

Connecting multiple 12V solar panels involves wiring them in either a series or a parallel configuration. A parallel connection combines the positive leads and the negative leads to increase the total current while the voltage remains at 12V. A series connection links the positive lead of one panel to the negative of the next, which increases the voltage while the amperage stays the same.

Using a series setup is often more effective when using an MPPT controller, as the higher voltage helps the system begin charging earlier in the morning. To link your panels securely, you will need specialized MC4 Connectors such as branch adaptors. It is also important to use high quality Solar Cable & Accessories to prevent voltage drop and maintain the efficiency of your array.

Mixing different panel sizes and wattages is possible, but it is generally not recommended because it often leads to significant energy losses. For a system to run effectively, the electrical characteristics of the panels must align. If you mix panels with different ratings, your system will usually be limited by the performance of the smallest or weakest unit in the array.

In a parallel setup, the panels should have matching voltages to prevent the more powerful units from being throttled. In a series string, the amperage must match, or the total current flow will be restricted to the output of the lowest rated panel.

To achieve the best results and protect your system from technical bottlenecks, it is a practical move to use identical panels throughout. You can browse our current selection of 12V Solar Panels to find a match for your setup, or explore our Solar Controllers to see how they manage your total array.

Solar cables can be extended, yet adding length increases electrical resistance, which results in a loss of power through voltage drop. This loss can prevent your battery from receiving a full charge even in peak sunlight. To minimize the impact, you must use a cable with a larger cross sectional area for longer runs.

Using the correct gauge for the distance is a practical move to maintain system efficiency. For a standard run from a roof rack to a regulator, 6mm cable is often sufficient. If you need to extend this beyond five or ten meters, switching to a thicker gauge cable prevents the energy harvested by your panels from being lost as heat. This approach helps you maintain a functional setup during long distance touring.