What are solar flexible panels and how they work?

Flexible solar panels are flexible, portable solar modules that can be used outdoors, on automobiles and recreational vehicles, boats, and off-grid cabins.

They are lightweight and adaptable, making them ideal for transfer and deployment on the go. Certain thin-film solar panels are even able to roll and fold.

This flexibility makes it more durable than regular solar panels, while the curved surface improves performance in low-light settings.

Durability is critical, as they must operate off-grid in a variety of conditions, including rain, snow, and dust, and must endure rapid temperature changes.

How Flexible Solar Panels Work

Flexible panels use wafers made from silicon, but they are far thinner than those used in regular panels—as little as a few micrometers in width. While conventional panels are sandwiched between layers of glass, flexible panels are encased in protective plastic.

Choosing the Appropriate Flexible Solar Panel

Now that you understand how flexible solar panels work, here are some considerations to make when selecting the most useful flexible solar panel for your needs.

Design and Dimensions

To begin, measure the area in which you intend to install your new flexible solar panel. If the space is relatively vast (an RV roof, for example), you’ll have more possibilities. If the area is restricted or the surface is irregular, you’ll want to seek more efficient, high-capacity panels.

Additionally, you’ll want to examine whether the location you’re installing is flat or curved, as well as whether it has barriers or obstructions. The good news is that flexible solar panels often do not have a problem with a slightly curved surface. If the installation space is curved, ensure that you select a flexible solar panel with a sufficient range of motion.

Efficiency

Although flexible panels are less efficient than rigid ones, they perform better in low-light environments. If you select a less efficient panel, you will require additional panels to generate the same amount of energy as a more efficient panel.

The installation procedure

Solar panels made of flexible material are incredibly simple to install. Numerous flexible solar panels on the market include adhesive backing and plug-and-play components, making the installation of your new solar system easier than ever.

Durability

Flexible solar panels are among the most rugged alternatives available, with the majority featuring superior weatherproofing, flexibility, and calculated construction to withstand situations that a rigid panel would not.

Flexible Solar Panels: There Are Several Types

Flexible solar panels are often made of crystalline silicon or thin-film solar panels.

Flexible Crystalline Solar Panels

These solar panels are easily identifiable by their rounded solar cell angles and dark monochromatic appearance.

These are also made of silicon, just as traditional stiff panels. This sort of solar module is composed of several photovoltaic solar cells that have been sliced to a few micrometers in thickness to enable them to bend up to 30 degrees.

Unlike stiff panels made of thick glass, flexible solar panels constructed of crystalline silicon technology use flexible protecting layers made of durable plastic.

Flexible Thin-Film Solar Panels

Thin-film solar panels, which are often manufactured as Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenide (CIGS) modules, are the least expensive flexible solar panels on the market.

The photovoltaic material is printed on a thin surface using this process.

They require significantly less material to construct but are highly flexible, allowing them to be readily rolled up for storage and packed for treks or camping vacations.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Will my flexible panel last as long as a conventional panel?

Due to the nature of plastic, it is going to decay more quickly than glass and aluminum.

Can I drill through my panels?

We do not propose drilling through the panels since any modification or alteration done to the panels will result in voiding the warranty of the solar panels.

Can I walk on the flexible panels?

Although our solar panels are built durable and Rigorously tested, our panels are designed to endure extreme wind of up to 2400 Pa and snow loads of up to 5400 Pa, However, we cannot recommend walking on these panels as this can result in internal damage to the solar cells and soldering.