Nomad & Overlander Systems

Nomad & Overlander Systems: Mobile Solar Power for Life on the Road

The best journeys happen off the beaten path. Where campsites don't have hookups. Where the view is worth the rough road. Where freedom means choosing your own horizon every morning.

Nomad & Overlander Systems give you the power to go farther and stay longer—without sacrificing the comforts that make adventure sustainable. These mobile solar solutions are engineered specifically for vans, RVs, trailers, and overland rigs, delivering reliable electricity wherever the road leads.

From weekend warriors to full-time travelers, these systems power the lifestyle you're chasing.

What makes Nomad & Overlander systems different:

• Mobile-Optimized Design — Compact, lightweight components built to handle vibration, movement, and constant travel
• Roof-Mountable Solutions — Low-profile panels and aerodynamic mounting systems that don't compromise fuel economy or clearance
• Fast Charging Performance — High-efficiency MPPT controllers maximize solar harvest even while driving through variable conditions
• Modular & Expandable — Start with essentials, add capacity as your adventures evolve
• Vibration-Resistant Components — Inverters, batteries, and controllers rated for mobile installations and rough roads

Whether you're living full-time in a van, crossing continents in an overland rig, or taking extended RV trips—these systems keep your devices charged, your food cold, and your adventures powered.

Perfect for:

• Van life conversions (Sprinter, Transit, ProMaster)
• Overland vehicles and expedition rigs
• Travel trailers and toy haulers
• Class B and Class C motorhomes
• Truck campers
• Off-road adventure builds
• Full-time nomadic living

Adventure farther. Stay powered everywhere. That's the nomad life—fueled by freedom.

Why Solar Power for Van Life & Overlanding?

Freedom from Campground Dependency

Hookups cost money, limit your location choices, and tie you to crowded campgrounds. Shore power is convenient—until you want to boondock in that perfect spot with the epic view, 20 miles from the nearest RV park.

Mobile solar systems eliminate that compromise. Park anywhere. Stay as long as you want. Wake up to views that campgrounds can't offer—all while keeping your batteries charged, your fridge running, and your devices powered.

This is what true travel freedom looks like.

What's Included in Nomad & Overlander Systems?

Every mobile solar system includes components specifically chosen for travel reliability:

• Lightweight Solar Panels — High-efficiency monocrystalline panels with low-profile design for roof mounting
• Vibration-Rated Batteries — LiFePO4 batteries with robust BMS, designed for constant movement and road vibration
• Mobile-Grade Pure Sine Wave Inverter — Powers laptops, cameras, drones, and sensitive electronics safely on the road
• MPPT Charge Controller — Extracts maximum power even in partial shade, varied angles, and changing conditions
• Roof Mounting Hardware — Aerodynamic brackets, adhesive mounts, or drill-through hardware for secure installation
• Marine-Grade Wiring — UV-resistant, weatherproof cables and connections rated for outdoor exposure
• Compact DC Distribution — Fuse blocks, breakers, and disconnects sized for space-limited vehicle installations

Sizing Your Mobile Solar System

Your power needs depend on how you travel and what you run:

Weekend Adventurers (200-400W Systems)

• Phone and tablet charging
• Portable fridge/cooler (12V)
• LED interior lighting
• Camera and drone batteries
• Laptop (occasional use)
• USB device charging

Perfect for: Weekend trips, occasional boondocking, supplemental power

Extended Travelers (400-800W Systems)

• All weekend features, plus:
• Full-time fridge operation
• Laptop for remote work
• Starlink or mobile internet
• Fan ventilation
• Water pump
• Multiple device charging simultaneously

Perfect for: Multi-week trips, seasonal travel, digital nomad setups

Full-Time Van Life / Overlanders (800W+ Systems)

• All extended features, plus:
• Microwave or induction cooktop
• Diesel heater or A/C (DC models)
• Power tools (occasional)
• Entertainment systems
• Multiple work devices
• Year-round living in all climates

Perfect for: Full-time living, expedition travel, off-grid for months

Not sure what size you need? Use our mobile solar calculator—input your devices and travel style, and we'll recommend the perfect system for your rig.

Van & RV Solar Installation: Mobile-Specific Considerations

Installing solar on a mobile platform has unique requirements:

Roof Space Planning:

• Measure usable roof area (avoid vents, AC units, antennas)
• Consider roof curves and contours
• Plan for future expansion
• Account for shade from roof accessories

Mounting Methods:

Adhesive Mounting (Most Common)

• 3M VHB tape or Sikaflex adhesive
• No roof penetrations, no leaks
• Strong enough for highway speeds
• Removable if needed
• Best for: Fiberglass, metal, or painted roofs

Bracket Mounting (Most Secure)

• Drill-through with rubber gaskets
• Requires proper sealing (Dicor, Eternabond)
• Maximum wind resistance
• Allows panel tilt for winter performance
• Best for: Permanent builds, metal roofs

Portable/Deployable

• No roof installation required
• Set up panels at campsite
• Optimizes sun angle daily
• Takes up interior storage space
• Best for: Rental RVs, temporary setups

Wire Routing:

• Enter vehicle through existing roof penetrations when possible
• Use cable glands or roof entry plates
• Protect wires from sharp edges and movement
• Secure wiring to prevent chafing from vibration

Component Placement:

• Batteries: Low in vehicle for center of gravity, secured against movement
• Inverter: Ventilated area, easily accessible
• Charge Controller: Near batteries, out of direct sunlight
• Distribution: Centralized location for easy access

Travel Considerations for Mobile Solar

Performance While Driving:

• Solar charging continues while moving (bonus power!)
• Alternator charging + solar = faster battery recovery
• Some systems include DC-DC chargers to optimize alternator charging

Weather & Climate:

• Rain and snow don't stop solar (panels are waterproof)
• Extreme heat: Ventilate battery and inverter spaces
• Extreme cold: LiFePO4 batteries with low-temp cutoff protection
• Desert sun: Maximum production (perfect for southwestern travel)

Aerodynamics & Fuel Economy:

• Low-profile panels (2-4" height) have minimal impact on MPG
• Tilted panels create more drag (trade-off for winter efficiency)
• Flexible panels offer lowest profile but lower efficiency

Maintenance on the Road:

Mobile solar requires minimal maintenance:

• Monthly: Visual inspection of panels and connections while refueling
• Quarterly: Clean panels (dust reduces efficiency 5-15%)
• Bi-annually: Check all wire connections for vibration loosening
• Annually: Verify battery health, test system capacity

Most travelers spend less than 30 minutes per month on solar system maintenance—far less than generator upkeep or finding hookups.

Common Mobile Solar Questions

Can I run my roof AC on solar? Rooftop ACs draw 1,500-2,000W and require massive battery banks. Most van lifers use efficient 12V DC mini-splits or fans instead. For RVs, you'd need 2,400W+ of solar and 1,000Ah+ of batteries—possible but expensive.

How long will my batteries last boondocking? Depends on consumption and solar input. Example: 400Ah LiFePO4 battery + 400W solar typically provides 3-5 days of autonomy in summer, 2-3 days in winter (assuming moderate usage).

Can I install this myself? Yes! Most van lifers install their own solar. Basic electrical knowledge helps, but our systems include clear diagrams and video guidance. Many customers complete installation in a weekend.

Will this work in cloudy/rainy weather? Solar panels still produce power in clouds (20-40% of full capacity). Systems should be sized for your worst-case scenario (winter in Pacific Northwest vs. summer in Arizona).

Do I need a generator too? Most properly sized solar systems eliminate generator needs. However, some full-timers keep a small portable generator as backup for extended rainy periods or unexpected high power needs.

Real Van Life & Overlanding Power

Remote Work: Power laptops, monitors, Starlink internet, and mobile hotspots—work from anywhere without searching for coffee shop WiFi.

Food Storage: Run 12V fridges and freezers 24/7—fresh food on long trips without ice runs or cooler drainage.

Comfort Systems: Power fans, lights, water pumps, and USB chargers—make your rig feel like home, anywhere.

Creative Equipment: Charge camera batteries, power drones, run editing laptops—document your journey without power anxiety.

Safety & Communication: Keep phones charged, run weather radios, power emergency lights—stay connected and safe in remote areas.

Why Nomads Choose Solaris Realm

We understand mobile living because many of us live it. These systems aren't theoretical—they're proven on actual roads, in actual rigs, by actual travelers.

You're not just buying solar panels. You're getting:

• Systems sized for real travel needs (not overbuilt or undersized)
• Components proven in constant movement and varied climates
• Installation guidance designed for DIY van builds
• Support from people who understand mobile power challenges
• A community of nomads and overlanders who've gone before you

Start Your Powered Journey

Every sunrise is a new parking spot. A new view. A new adventure—powered by the sun overhead.

No generators. No hookup fees. No limitations.

Just you, your rig, and the freedom to go wherever the road calls.

Explore mobile solar systems above and take the first step toward powering your journey with independence and confidence.