► Nu and f of Multi-v with gap rib roughened solar air heater duct are investigated. ► There exist optimum Gd/Lv, g/e for which Nu and f are highest. ► Discuss thermo hydraulic performance parameter. In this work, results of an experimental investigation of the effect of geometrical parameters of Multi v-shaped ribs with gap on heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics of rectangular duct with heated plate having rib roughness on its underside have been reported. The range of parameters for this study has been decided on the basis of practical considerations of the system and operating conditions of solar air heaters. The experimental investigation encompassed the Reynolds number (Re) range from 2000 to 20,000, relative width ratio (W/w) of 6, relative gap distance (Gd/Lv) of 0.24–0.80, relative gap width (g/e) of 0.5–1.5, relative roughness height (e/D) of 0.043,relative roughness pitch (P/e) of 10, angle of attack (α) of 60°. The maximum enhancement in Nusselt number and friction factor is observed to be 6.32–6.12 times of that of the smooth duct, respectively. The thermo-hydraulic performance parameter is found to be the best for the relative gap distance of 0.69 and the relative gap width of 1.0.