Fixed Solar Panels

At Home of 12 Volt, we specialise in high-quality fixed solar panels designed for those who need consistent and reliable power on the go or in remote settings. Our 12V fixed solar panels are perfect for caravans, RVs, boats and off-grid applications, ensuring you have access to sustainable energy wherever you are.

Discover the benefits of fixed solar panels 

Fixed solar panels provide a stable, long-term solution for capturing solar energy, making them ideal for installations that don't require movement or portability. Unlike portable panels, fixed solar panels can be securely mounted on various surfaces, providing optimal solar capture and reduced maintenance needs.

Shop our essential accessories for easy setup

Paired with the correct battery, your solar panels deliver consistent power storage. Our selection includes AGM, Gel, Wet Cell and Lithium batteries for various energy needs. Our Battery Boxes also offer safe storage, enhancing battery longevity. In addition, our pure sine inverters provide clean, stable power for sensitive electronics if you need to convert DC power to AC.

Power up with free shipping on solar panels

When you shop at Home of 12 Volt, you can enjoy free shipping on all fixed solar panel orders over $100. This offer is available in major capitals across Australia. Get the reliable power you need, and let us handle the delivery!

Need more help? 

Home of 12 Volt Online are specialists in the field of 12 Volt. If you are unsure of what package best suits your needs, then why not contact our staff directly on 08 8391 3121 or via the CONTACT US page

FAQs

Why choose Home of 12 Volt for your 12v fixed solar panels?

Home of 12 Volt is your 'One-Stop- Shop' for all your high-quality electrical equipment. Our staff specialise in everything 12 Volt from lithium caravan batteries, 12v solar panels, portable battery solutions to 12-volt solar panels! Home of 12 Volt Online keeps all our products IN STOCK and ready for fast delivery!

Buy now and PAY LATER with your choice of Afterpay, ZIPPAY or PayPal via our secure checkout. 

What is a 12v solar panel?

Solar panels are a fantastic alternative power solution when no 240-volt or vehicle power is available. Solar allows for a clean and effective charge back to the battery system from power directly harnessed from the sun. 

When ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight contact a solar panel, the light energy is converted into electricity. 

This process can be referred to as photovoltaic (PV) effect, hence the reason why solar panels are referred to as photovoltaic panels, PV panels or PV modules.

Solar panels will operate best in direct sunlight, however, they will also continue to operate in times of overcast/cloudy conditions. The best way to know what condition a fixed solar panel will charge is to consider that any time you can  be 'burnt' by the sun, this is when the solar panels will continue to operate. It is important to state that solar panels will produce the most amount of electricity whilst in full sun and will reduce their efficiency with overcast conditions. 

How much power will a 12-volt panel produce? 

There are many different 'grades' of solar panels available on the market, each with its own efficiency rating. The higher the grade of the panel, the more efficient it will be in producing power. 

At Home of 12 Volt Online, we only stock and sell A-grade quality panels. These high-grade panels offer a high output in full sun and overcast, shady conditions. 

The average size panel chosen for a 12v camping panel is between 100 watts and 160 watts. A true A-grade quality 100-watt panel will produce, on average, 5 - 6 Amps per every hour of input charge to the battery. A 160-watt panel will produce, on average, 7 - 9 Amps per hour of input charge to the battery. 

Can I connect a solar panel straight to a 12v battery? 

It is always recommended to install a solar charge controller between the solar panel and the battery to prevent overcharging. 

12 Volt solar panels have a starting voltage of between 17 - 26 Volts. This starting voltage is called Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) and it is the amount of power the panel produces before it enters the solar charge controller/regulator. 

The solar charge controller converts the high Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) to a level that will not overcharge a battery. Usually, the solar regulator brings the voltage down to approximately 14.2 - 14.5 volts when charging 12-volt batteries. 

Solar regulators / charge controllers can be purchased in many forms, from being built into the pouch or back of a portable panel to a control box designed to be mounted in the caravan with a display screen or even via a DC battery Charger. 

Without a solar charge controller/regulator, the user risks overcharging the battery that the panel is connected to. Overcharging will cause damage to the battery and will lessen the life of the battery. 

Can I use a household panel on my 12-volt system? 

Just like 12v solar panels have a Voc of 17 - 26 Volts, household panels will have a Voc of 35 - 50 Volts. This high voltage is not usually compatible with the standard regulator on the market and will require the use of an MPPT Solar regulator. 

MPPT (Multiple power point tracking) solar regulators will allow for a higher Voc input and often include an automatic battery voltage detection to allow the output voltage to suit either 12v or 24v battery systems. 

It is important to identify that the solar regulator has this auto battery detection as many solar regulators on the market identify themselves as MPPT but will not act this way. 

If you are not sure about your purchase, please CONTACT US for more details on the regulator that would suit your application. 

What gauge 12v cable should be used for solar panels? 

The size of the cable for your solar set-up depends on several variables, such as:

• How long is the total cable run for your solar panels?
• Is the panel unregulated or regulated before your cable length?
• How big is the solar panel bank you are charging through?
• What connections do you use on your solar set-up?

On average, it is always best to over-engineer your system regarding cable. The best method to determine the cable size for your fixed solar panel would be: 

1. First consider the overall size of the solar panel bank and the maximum power it can produce.
2. The next step would be identifying where the solar charge controller/ regulator will be positioned in line. Is this closer to the battery location or is it closer to panels? Consider that the voltage is lower after the solar charge controller, therefore the voltage drop is more prominent and therefore, a larger gauge cable should be used to minimise voltage drop.
3. What is the length of the cable run from the solar panels to the batteries? The longer the length of the cable run, the higher the possibility a voltage drop will occur. 

Our staff can help answer these questions by phoning 08 8391 3121 directly or using the CONTACT US page for more enquiries..

Can fixed solar panels be installed on any surface?

Fixed solar panels are designed to be securely mounted on various surfaces, but their suitability depends on the specific material and structure. For optimal stability and performance, they should be installed on sturdy, flat surfaces. We recommend consulting with a professional installer to assess the best mounting options for your setup.

Are fixed solar panels suitable for RVs or camping setups?

Yes, fixed solar panels can be an excellent option for RVs or long-term camping setups. When mounted securely, they provide a reliable power source, making them ideal for powering essential devices.

How durable are 12V fixed solar panels in extreme weather?

Our 12V fixed solar panels are built to withstand various weather conditions, including rain and moderate wind. However, like all outdoor equipment, extreme conditions such as high winds, heavy hail or severe storms may impact their longevity. For maximum durability, consider additional protective measures if your installation area is prone to extreme weather.