Flexible solar panels

huskydog
huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
1000 Comments
edited March 2017 in Parts & Accessories #1

Are they as reliable as the "solid" type?, just looking at weight saving and the flexible ones are quite a weight saving.........your thoughts ! 

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  • SteveDSD
    SteveDSD Forum Participant Posts: 36
    edited March 2017 #2

    Yes, they're pretty reliable if permanently installed on a flat surface and not walked on.

    Although they're "flexible" they don't bend or flex very much without breaking and so always follow the instructions that come with them of how much of a flex they can handle.  (Don't use them as a "wobble-board" like a YouTube guy did as they do break)

     

  • Vicmallows
    Vicmallows Forum Participant Posts: 580
    500 Comments
    edited March 2017 #3

    In the boating world many flexible panels that have been in use for 10+ years  have now deteriorated to the point of being useless, whereas rigid glass panels of similar age are still working well.  There is also the factor that rigid panels generally tend to have a higher output for a given area.

    Of course PV technology is advancing all the time, so past experience is not necessarily a guide to future performance.

  • Boff
    Boff Forum Participant Posts: 1,742
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2017 #4

    If you google them there seems to be reports of problems with them. Closer to home Cyberyacht has had problems with one. It's a real shame because the weight saving would make them a no brainer for me otherwise. 

  • dmiller555
    dmiller555 Forum Participant Posts: 717
    500 Comments
    edited March 2017 #5

    My understanding is that they are use the same cells as the rigid panels. 

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