Flexible solar panel

[retiredhappy]

Here's an article from my RV Travel magazine thought might be interesting.

Flexible solar panels: worry-free sun power
by Greg Illes

Sometimes it seems like there are only two kinds of RVers: those who have solar systems and those who are going to. For those folks still thinking about if and how to "do solar," the flexible panel option can be very appealing.

Not widely known — even among the RV solar experts — an American company called Unisolar is making high-quality solar panels using amorphous technology. Amorphous is an extreme contrast to the typical panels we're all accustomed to, because it is non-crystalline, plastic-backed and flexible with a powerful acrylic-adhesive backing.

The end result is a game-changer for RV solar systems. Standard framed poly-crystalline panels are bulky, rigid and somewhat fragile. They need mounting brackets (read this as "holes in your roof"), and they project off your roof enough to catch on low-hanging tree branches. They often require angling toward the sun for any significant output, and if you forget to stow them before traveling it can totally ruin your day.

Flex panels are the complete opposite. They mount by sticking down to your roof with no holes or drilling. Their height is about one-half inch, and they can't catch on trees or brush. They are extremely angle-tolerant, and can deliver more than half of their maximum capacity even in partial shade or winter sun. And the most amazing part, you can actually walk on them.

There are some caveats. While the cost per watt is roughly the same for either panel technology (presently about $3 a watt without controller), the area efficiency of the amorphous cell is much less than crystalline. Amorphous panels will take about two to three times the area for the same power; so if you're trying to get the most watts from your roof, you'll need crystalline panels for that.

Unisolar has been doing very well with these panels on industrial and commercial metal roofing, so the panels are likely to be available for years to come. Currently, a 128-watt, peel-and-stick flex panel is 15.5 x 216 inches and costs about $200 on Amazon.com.

[mitch5252]

..

I just got a flex panel from Renogy dot com. It's 100W and weighs in at < 3 lbs (first one I got weighs 17 lbs). I've built a very small frame out of PVC (left over from the goofy Baja Shower ) and I'm using it right now to keep the battery on the trailer charged.



I'm not positive, but I thought I had read somewhere that these should not be adhered directly to your roof because of the panel's heat build up. You'd have to check on that to make sure.

Here's a description of my panel from Renogy:

The Renogy bendable solar panel uses advanced technology backed by contact Sunpower Monocrystalline solar cells that have been laminated into a flexible plastic sheet. The result is a solar panel that is far more durable than traditional glass and aluminum models, with twice the efficiency (approx. 20%) of flexible thin film solar panels. With these advanced solar cells, you will get greater power efficiency even though the panel is no larger than a traditional model. The plastic back sheet can be curved to a maximum 30 degree arc and mounted on an RV, boat, cabin, tent, or any other irregular surface. The flexibility of this panel also makes it ideal for storage in tight spaces or crowded areas that are typically off limits for traditional glass and aluminum models. While this solar panel packs 100W of power, it only weighs a mere 3lbs, making it easier to transport, hang, and remove. The laminate coating on the exterior of the panel makes it impervious to saltwater splashing, rain, and other weather elements. While this panel may be damaged by sharp objects or scraping, there is no risk of shattering or cracking.

[JudyJB]

Maybe you could install them on top of some flexible insulation material

These sound like something my son could use on his trailer so they could dry.camp.