Flexible Panels Vs. Rigid Solar Panels: What Are the Pros and Cons?
There’s never been a better time to explore solar energy, whether you’re heading out for life on the open road or trying to ride out an outage.
Two of the most common solutions are flexible and rigid solar panels. One may be a better fit depending on your energy consumption, available space, budget, and more.
This guide will examine the differences between flexible and rigid panels, their pros and cons, and their uses so you can make the best decision for your energy needs.
What Are the Difference Between Flexible Panels and Rigid Solar Panels?
As the name suggests, flexible solar panels can bend, while rigid ones are stiff to the touch.
Traditional solar panels are constructed with a rigid aluminium case and covered with durable tempered glass, allowing light through and protecting the photovoltaic cells inside. These framing materials create a long-lasting and tough unit that is durable and waterproof. These rigid panels are thick, heavy, and less portable.
Flexible solar panels comprise a combination of monocrystalline cells and laminate, allowing these panels to mould to curved or angled surfaces. They are ideal for boats, motorhomes, and roofs that can’t accommodate the flat surface required for rigid solar array frames. However, they’re also typically less durable.
What Are the Pros of Flexible Solar Panels?
Flexible panels are useful for applications such as boating, motorhomes, and campers and outdoor activities like hiking and camping where occasional power is needed. Read on to learn more about their advantages:
Lightweight
Flexible panels weigh about 20% of their rigid counterparts, meaning you can affix them to structures that wouldn’t usually support the weight of a rigid frame. For reference, most flexible panels weigh between four to five pounds, while traditional ones weigh 30 to 50 pounds.
With its lightweight construction, a flexible panel is a practical solution to use in places where weight would affect energy usage. For instance, adding a heavy frame to your motorhome would add to your total load, increasing your fuel usage. Flexible options can be a more energy-efficient option for motor vehicles.