Choosing the right roof mounting solution is essential if you're looking to install fixed solar panels on your recreational vehicle—whether it's a caravan, motorhome, 4WD, or boat.
The ideal solar panel roof mount will depend on your specific application. To simplify the process, we've made it easy to identify the perfect roof mount kit for your needs. Keep reading to explore the best options for roof racks, pole mounts, and tin roofs.
Read more: Why you should install solar panels on your caravan
Application #1
Roof Racks & Vehicle Decks
If you own a 4WD, caravan, motorhome, or boat, mounting a solar panel on roof racks is an excellent choice.
Roof racks offer a versatile accessory for any vehicle but can be a game-changer for off-grid or camping adventures if you attach solar panels to provide reliable power when you're away from conventional electricity sources.
Solar panels can be temporarily or permanently mounted to roof racks to continue to produce power while you are travelling.
For many, this is a preferred option over portable solar panels or solar blankets, where you need to set up your solar setup at each destination. Mount your solar panels to your roof racks for a set-and-forget solution that doesn’t take up valuable space in the back of your vehicle.
Read more: The best 12V solar panels in Australia for caravans and camping
We recommend the following solar panel mounting kits depending on your type of roof rack:
Alvolta Black 30-35mm Roof Rack Solar Panel Mount
The Alvolta 30-35mm roof rack solar panel mount clamp is designed to mount any Alvolta Eclipse panel to almost any kind of roof rack.
Simply slide the washer into the roof rack channel and secure it to the panel by tightening the clamp. This is an easy and cost-effective way to temporarily or permanently mount solar panels to your roof racks.
These solar panel mounts are suitable for Rhino Racks and a variety of other roof rack brands. If the clamp does not fit on your rack, it can be cut down to size.
Alvolta 7-Piece Solar Panel Mounting Kit
With the Alvolta 7-piece mounting kit, you can easily mount solar panels to the deck of your caravan or boat for a permanent solution.
Simply silicon the mounts to your deck as per your panel’s size requirements and then screw your panel into the mounts. This is a great solution if you don’t have roof racks or you’d like to leave your roof racks free for other equipment.
This solar panel mounting kit is available in black or white.
Alvolta Aluminium Solar Panel Brackets (undrilled)
The Alvolta aluminium solar panel brackets are another great option to mount solar panels to your 4WD, caravan, or boat.
These brackets are designed to suit any solar panel, but it’s recommended to scale the number of brackets to the size of the panel to ensure sturdy securing. Alvolta offers aluminium solar panel brackets both undrilled and drilled - undrilled allows you to customise to your requirements.
Alvolta Aluminium Solar Panel Brackets (drilled)
These are the same aluminium solar panel brackets as above but with pre-drilled holes. Save some time and install immediately to your 4WD, caravan, motorhome, or boat.
Application #2
Pole Mounts
Solar panel pole mounts are a popular choice for systems that need to be permanently installed even if you don’t have access to a rooftop. This is often handy for remote applications such as electric gates, automatic feeders, water troughs, weather stations, telecommunications, and remote security cameras.
Pole mounts are simple to set up and don’t require much maintenance. You must ensure that your pole mount kit is suitable for your panel size, or, that the pole mount kit is adjustable.
Alvolta Single Panel Adjustable Pole Mount Kit
The Alvolta Single Panel Adjustable Pole Mount Kit is the perfect solution if you need to mount one solar panel, regardless of its size. Designed to adjust to suit any solar panel at any size, this kit offers a flexible mounting option.
Alvolta Twin Panel Adjustable Pole Mount Kit
If you wish to produce more power, sometimes two panels is better than one. If that’s the case, you can still easily mount two solar panels with the Alvolta Twin Panel Adjustable Pole Mount Kit. Adjustable for any panel size, this kit is a flexible solution for any application.
Alvolta Single Panel 50W Pole Mount Kit
The Alvolta Single Panel Adjustable Pole Mount Kit is the perfect solution if you need to mount one solar panel on a pole, regardless of its size. Designed to adjust to suit any solar panel at any size, this kit offers a flexible mounting option.
Application #3
Tin Roof
If you would like to install a 12/24V system to your shed, barn, outhouse, or other remote structure, you can easily install solar panels to your tin roof with mounting kits from Alvolta. Tin roof solar panel mounting kits offer a permanent and sturdy solution for structures that receive minimal maintenance and are expected to withstand tough weather conditions.
Before you purchase a solar panel mounting kit for solar panels, you need to determine whether you are happy for your panels to be laid flat against the roof or tilted at an angle. This will narrow down your mounting options.
Alvolta 4x Solar Panel Tin Roof Mounting Kit (for flat applications)
With the Alvolta 4x Solar Panel Tin Roof Mounting Kit, you can install up to four solar panels flat-to-roof. This is the ideal solution for flat-lay applications requiring significant power from an array. This kit offers a straightforward, modular solution where you can add up to 2 additional kits to your original array thanks to the extra joiner bars.
Made of 304 stainless steel and aluminium, this kit will host your solar panels for as long as you need it to, even in extreme temperatures.
Alvolta Solar Panel Adjustable Tripod Mounting Kit (for tilt applications)
For tilt applications, the Alvolta Solar Panel Adjustable Tripod Mounting Kit is the best solution. The frames can be easily adjusted to achieve any tilt degree you require, ensuring that your panels are best positioned for optimum production.
Similar to the flat application kit, the adjustable tripod mounting kit is made of high-quality steel and aluminium that can withstand extreme temperatures. It can also be added to a later time should you require more power, thanks to its modular design and extra joiner bars.
Solar Panel Mount Accessories
To ensure a simple and seamless installation of your solar panels, no matter where or how you’re installing them, Alvolta also offers a number of accessories and components to complete your set up. Keep your cables tidy and connections tight with Alvolta’s range of solar accessories:
Alvolta Pre-Wired Dual Entry Junction Box with Solar Connectors
Available in black or white
Alvolta Dual Entry Junction Box
Available in black or white
Alvolta Stainless Steel Module Cable Clip (2x4mm)
Alvolta Branch Solar Panel Parallel Connectors
Alvolta Solar Male & Female Connectors
Portable Solar Panels
If you’re chasing a solar panel solution that is less permanent or doesn’t sacrifice valuable roof space, we recommend checking out the Alvolta range of portable solar cases. The Alvolta 220W Solarcase and 440W Solarcase offer a rigid folding solar panel solution, guaranteeing high production of power for minimal size.
Rigid folding solar cases offer a far superior outcome to portable solar blankets, which are flimsy, break easily, and aren’t capable of producing high output. Simply fold your solarcase, insert it into its hard protective carry case, and store it in the back of your 4WD or motorhome ready for use when you need it.
Best Solar Panel Roof Mounts