- What Are Flexible Solar Panels?
- Pros and Cons of Flexible Solar Panels
- What to Look for When Buying Flexible Solar Panels
- Versatile Applications of Flexible Solar Panels
- Maintenance and Care for Flexible Solar Panels
- Flexible Solar Panels vs. Rigid: Which Is Best for You
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Flexible Solar Panels Suit Portability Over Permanence
Are Flexible Solar Panels Worth It? Pros, Cons & Best Use Cases
- What Are Flexible Solar Panels?
- Pros and Cons of Flexible Solar Panels
- What to Look for When Buying Flexible Solar Panels
- Versatile Applications of Flexible Solar Panels
- Maintenance and Care for Flexible Solar Panels
- Flexible Solar Panels vs. Rigid: Which Is Best for You
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Flexible Solar Panels Suit Portability Over Permanence
Flexible solar panels bring portability and versatility to solar power. Made from thin, bendable materials instead of rigid glass and aluminum frames, they can be installed on curved surfaces, packed for travel, and used in places where traditional panels just won’t fit.
Whether you’re outfitting an RV, boat, or off-grid adventure, they offer a lightweight way to generate clean energy on the go. Here’s what to know before deciding if flexible panels are the right choice for you.
What Are Flexible Solar Panels?
Flexible solar panels are a different type of photovoltaic panel that doesn’t use a glass and aluminum frame.
Like traditional photovoltaics, they use silicon cells to generate electricity via the photovoltaic effect. However, their cells are made ultra-thin and sandwiched between protective but thin and bendable plastics rather than glass, making them thinner and more pliable. This allows them to be fitted to curved surfaces like unusual roofs, boats, RVs, and more.
Pros and Cons of Flexible Solar Panels
What Are the Advantages of Flexible Solar Panels?
Versatility for installation on different types and shapes of surfaces
Lightweight and portable
Easy installation using adhesives; no need to drill into the surface
What Are the Disadvantages of Flexible Solar Panels?
Shorter lifespan than rigid panels (5-10 years vs 25+ years)
Many (but not all) have lower conversion efficiencies than their rigid counterparts
Prone to overheating if not properly ventilated
What to Look for When Buying Flexible Solar Panels
Here are some things to look for when shopping for flexible solar panels.
Durability
Look for durable models with an IP68 water and dustproof rating to withstand the elements.
Efficiency
Flexible photovoltaics usually have a lower conversion efficiency than rigid models, generally between 15% and 22%. However, EcoFlow 100W Flexible Solar Panels have the same industry-best 23% conversion efficiency as their rigid and portable models, so you get more bang for your buck.
Flexibility
Check how bendable the panel is. Some can only bend 30° or less, while others offer 258° or more of flexibility.
Warranty
Since they are thin and bendable, they naturally don’t last as long as rigid panels, so you won’t find a 10-year warranty like you can with quality rigid models. Some manufacturers only offer limited 1-2 year warranties, so look for ones with a 3-year warranty.
Installation
Finally, some models come with pre-cut holes for easy mounting or can be installed using adhesives, while others require additional mounting systems. Choosing models like EcoFlow flexible panels with pre-cut holes and adhesive options makes installation a breeze.
Versatile Applications of Flexible Solar Panels
Pliable photovoltaics are useful in numerous applications due to their lightweight, flexibility, and ability to conform to curved surfaces. You can even use them on unusual roofs as part of your home solar system.
Off-Grid Adventures
RV, van life, and camping are ideal applications since they are lightweight and can be fitted to RV and van roofs, providing a dedicated power source. Since they’re so lightweight and portable, they can even be carried in a backpack and used to charge phones, cameras, lights, GPS, etc., when hiking or backpacking.
However, suppose you plan to be off-grid in an RV for an extended period. In that case, you may want to supplement your higher energy needs with the EcoFlow 125W Bifacial Modular Solar Panel. It collects sunlight from both sides, making it perfect for off-grid adventures.
Portable Power for Outdoor Activities
Flexible panels offer a convenient way to harness solar energy for outdoor activities. You can pack them to sporting events, outdoor weddings, and other outdoor activities where you don’t want the noise and fumes of a gas generator.
Maintenance and Care for Flexible Solar Panels
Flexible photovoltaics are low-maintenance energy sources that require minimal care.
Regular cleaning is essential. Usually, you should only use soft, low-pressure water to remove dust, dirt, and bird droppings at least 1-2 times a year, depending on environmental conditions. Avoid harsh cleaners, soaps, and abrasives, which can permanently damage their surface, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.
Flexible Solar Panels vs. Rigid: Which Is Best for You
Which is best depends entirely on how you’ll use them. Let’s take a look.
Flexible
These are ideal when lightweight and flexibility are your key priorities, so they are best for outdoor applications like RVs, boating, camping, hiking, and van life. They’re also easy to install using pre-cut holes, adhesives, and even Velcro, with no drilling required.
Rigid
Rigid panels are best for permanent applications. They tend to have a higher efficiency (though some bendable models are just as good) and have a much longer lifespan of 25+ years. But they’re heavier and not as portable, requiring special mounting hardware to attach them to surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Lifespan of a Flexible Solar Panel?
Flexible panels typically last between 5 and 15 years, but it all depends on where and how you use them, the environmental conditions, and the amount of wear and tear they endure.
Can You Use Portable Solar Panels at Home?
Portable solar panels can be used at home, especially for backup power, to supplement your household energy needs, and to deal with tricky lighting where panels must be moved throughout the day/season. However, they’re not generally used as a primary energy source.
Do Flexible Solar Panels Get Too Hot?
Yes, pliable panels tend to overheat when mounted directly to a surface with no air gap underneath to supply ventilation. This can reduce their efficiency on hot days and ultimately shorten their lifespan.
Flexible Solar Panels Suit Portability Over Permanence
Flexible solar panels are portable and versatile, making them ideal for RVs, boats, camping, and other off-grid adventures where weight and space matter. While they don’t match the lifespan of rigid panels, modern models like the EcoFlow 100W Flexible Solar Panels deliver industry-best efficiencies with easy installation on curved or unconventional surfaces.
If your priority is lightweight solar power you can take anywhere, flexible photovoltaics could be the perfect fit.