Best Flexible Solar Panels

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A product of the latest technological advancements in the solar power generation field, flexible solar panels generate all the renewable power you need to keep your gadgets and appliances sufficiently powered for as long as required.

Read on for our expert reviews of the best flexible solar panels available. Check the latest prices to ensure you get a great deal!

Our Top Picks

5 Flexible Solar Panels

1. Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel

The Renogy Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel is a true powerhouse for overall performance, durability, and aesthetics. It provides a consistent source of power while remaining easy to use throughout the day.

Features

248-Degree Arc

One of the distinctive features associated with this solar panel comes in the form of its well-engineered arc. This is a unique, compact arc that is perfect for managing solar power while also providing an aesthetically pleasing look once set up. This is ideal for those who want a well-rounded solution for their energy needs.

Monocrystalline Panel

The panel itself is one of the most important details associated with the product. It is made of monocrystalline, which is noted for offering high-grade results when the sun is out. It will help optimize the solar energy that is being processed by the product during the day.

100W Output

The output is what will matter the most, and this product does an incredible job of delivering outstanding results. You are going to feel in control of everything because of its tremendous output. It is consistent and easy to operate once it is put into place.

Composed Of Advanced Polymer Materials

The polymer materials used to create the solar panel are something you will want to keep a note of right away. These materials are built to last and will impress when it comes to different conditions such as rain or higher temperatures. This will ease through during those days.

2. Topsolar 50W 12V Monocrystalline Flexible Solar Panel

The Topsolar 50W 12V Monocrystalline Flexible Solar Panel is a refined product offering exceptional performance, durability, and overall quality. Made of ETFE, this is a remarkable solution for those wanting a cutting-edge solar panel built for a wide array of conditions.

Features

Monocrystalline Solar Cell

The monocrystalline solar cell ensures the energy efficiency is excellent and on par with international standards. It is recorded for offering a 50% increase compared to other solar cells available on the open market, making it a robust addition to any setup.

ETFE Build

The build is made of ETFE, noted for being perfect for high temperatures and water-based conditions. It also offers higher light transmittance making it ideal for converting energy and optimizing your energy setup over the long haul.

High-Temperature Resistance

One of the critical factors associated with this solar panel comes in the form of temperature resistance. As the temperature goes through the roof, it becomes essential to look for something built to last in the summery heat that is common when outdoors. The ETFE build does well in this regard and can withstand high heat with ease.

Transportable

Being able to install and/or remove this solar panel is an absolute joy. It is made with an easy to assemble set of materials that don’t take more than a few minutes to remove. Just take it off and move it to wherever you want to without wasting a lot of time.

3. GIARIDE 50W 18V 12V Flexible Solar Panel

The GIARIDE 50W 18V 12V Flexible Solar Panel is a perfect solution for those who want a high-octane solution that is easy to use, robust, and offers a long list of features. It is the ideal addition for any setup where you are going to want to maximize energy output.

Features

Water and Dust-Resistant

When the panel is set up outdoors, it will deal with water and dust all the time. This means it needs to be water and dust-resistant, which is not a problem here. This panel does well in all types of conditions and continues to manage energy with ease.

Pre-Drilled for Mounting

GIARIDE has crafted a solution that makes mounting as easy as it needs to be. The holes are pre-drilled, meaning it takes minutes to set up once you are ready to start the installation phase.

Flexible Design

The flexible design is set at 30 degrees, making it ideal for managing solar energy. This is crafted to handle energy well and does a good job when it comes to aesthetics. It won’t stand out for the wrong reasons, and that is a significant plus point.

Monocrystalline Panel

The panel is what you are going to have an eye on at the end of the day. This is an elegant solution that uses monocrystalline to collect energy, which is perfect for solar power. It is going to do well in all situations, whether it is an RV or elsewhere.

4. Winnewsun 100W Bifacial Flexible Solar Panel

The Winnewsun 100W Bifacial Flexible Solar Panel is noted for offering a beautiful balance between bendability, performance, and overall quality. It is optimized for managing solar power and integrating it into a complete solar setup.

Features

Bifacial Solar Panel

It starts with the bifacial design, which is a standout benefit. This is a perfect design for those who are going to be moving all the time and may not always have the ability to turn the solar panel around. With a bifacial design, it can handle those needs with ease.

Bendable Design

The bendable design is a major plus point when it comes to optimizing solar energy retention. There are several components associated with the solar panel, but it will age well due to its bendability. This adds to how it performs when being moved around.

Increased Efficiency

It is noted for having a 22% increase in energy efficiency compared to other models on the market. This has to do with the combined nature of the bifacial and bendable solar panel. It offers the type of quality needed to maximize how solar energy is handled throughout the day.

Weather-Resistant

Being outdoors means you are going to deal with a wide array of conditions throughout the day. This is why it is vital to go with something like this to handle those weather conditions, whether it involves dust or rain. The solar panel also does well when it comes to high heat.

5. ALLPOWERS 50W 18V 12V Flexible Solar Panel

The ALLPOWERS 50W 18V 12V Flexible Solar Panel is one of those flexible solar panels that are eye-catching, robust, and built for sustainable results. If the goal is to perform over the long term, this is a masterpiece that will add value to your solar energy setup.

Features

Semi-Flexible Solar Panel

It starts with the semi-flexible solar panel due to its overall versatility. You are getting something that will be easy to move around and will continue to manage solar energy easily regardless of the outdoor conditions. This is ideal for those who want something that isn’t rigid and will adapt to their movements.

30-Degree Arc

The arc is the first thing that is going to stand out with its unique design. The 30-degree arc is noticeable and for all the right reasons. It will maximize how solar energy is managed, and that is what increases its efficiency as a long-term product.

Lightweight Design

Coming in at a light 2.4 pounds, this is the perfect addition for your outdoor setup. The design is easy to pack and isn’t going to get in the way of what you are doing outdoors, whether it is time to go camping or RVing.

Mountable Design

With four screws, you are going to be ready to go. This flexible solar panel is excellent as it takes no more than a few minutes to get the screws in place due to the pre-drilled holes.

Flexible Solar Panel Buying Guide

• In this day and age, it is common for people to carry several energy-consuming gadgets (such as laptops, smartphones, tablets and cameras, among others) wherever they go.

For RV camping enthusiasts, you can add all your motor home’s electronics to that list.

If you plan on being away from the grid for longer than a day, it is vital to have an effective and reliable means of charging up these gadgets; otherwise, you can forget about using them altogether.

If you only have low consumption gadgets, a compact and portable solar battery may be enough to keep things going for short periods. You can even carry a portable gasoline generator if your travel vehicle can accommodate it. However, you should be ready to put up with the generator’s noisy operation.

To overcome the drawbacks of the above mentioned portable energy solutions, consider using flexible solar panels.

In addition to allowing you to generate all the renewable power you need to keep your gadgets and appliances sufficiently powered for as long as necessary, this solution also features silent operation.

When shopping around, you will find a vast selection of flexible solar panels out there. While this makes it easier for each buyer to find a perfectly suitable product that matches their specific needs, it also makes the work of making a final buying decision more challenging.

To find out everything you need to know to make an informed final decision, read on for a comprehensive, flexible solar panel buying guide.

Key Takeaways

• Flexible solar panels are a portable and lightweight solution for generating renewable power off the grid, making them suitable for camping, boating, RVs, and more.
• They are designed to bend by up to 30 degrees, making them versatile and easy to mount on various surfaces.
• While flexible solar panels are more affordable and portable than rigid ones, they have reduced capacity and durability, requiring careful handling and maintenance.

What Are Flexible Solar Panels?

As one of the many types of solar panels available out there, flexible solar panels are designed to generate electricity using ultra-thin silicon wafers. Over the past few years, the popularity of these solar panels has been on the rise.

A product of the latest technological advancements in the solar power generation field, flexible solar panels are made by placing a number of thin films of PV (Photovoltaic) materials over a metal or plastic base material.

This unique construction gives the flexible variety many significant advantages (they are flexible, lighter and more affordable) over the traditional rigid solar panels.

In turn, these benefits also make flexible solar panels great for use in many applications (outdoor/off the grid uses), as you will find out below.

How Do Flexible Solar Panels Work?

Flexible solar panels generate electricity from sunlight with thin slices of photovoltaic materials layered on a suitable flexible base.

Depending on the specific type and design of the panels in question, they can be installed on just about any surface that ensures optimum exposure of the cells to sunlight.

However, it is worth mentioning that these panels are not as powerful as the rigid variety. They are capable of generating electricity levels ranging between 50 and 300 Watts.

What Are the Different Types of Flexible Solar Panels?

As mentioned above, there are different types of flexible solar panels, including:

Crystalline Flexible Solar Panels

Crystalline Flexible Solar Panels are made from the same materials (silicon) used in making traditional rigid solar panels. Crystalline flexible solar panels can bend by up to 30 degrees.

Since they are made from silicon, the cells have rounded corners and a dark appearance. To make them as thin and flexible as possible, each module or panel comprises solar cells sliced down to micrometer thickness.

However, unlike traditional rigid solar panels, which are equipped with protective layers of glass, these crystalline variants use a thin layer of highly durable but flexible protective plastic material.

Thanks to their durable nature and reasonable efficiency levels (ranging between 15 to 25%), crystalline panels are the most popular of all flexible solar panel types.

Thin-film Flexible Solar Panels

Lighter than the crystalline rivals, Thin-film Flexible Solar Panels are made by printing or pasting photovoltaic material on the surface of thin materials such as sheets of aluminum, thick paper or even cloth.

The unique construction reduces the weight of the resulting solar panels and adds to the flexibility aspect – by a significant margin, some thin-film products can be as light as 4 pounds. The absence of a protective silicon layer means that they are not as durable.

Flexible Panels Made of Organic Cells/Materials

In solar panel manufacturing circles, organic solar cells are seen as the future. This type of flexible panels substitutes silicon in favor of organic materials in the solar cell.

Considered to be a form of “plastic solar cells/panels”, flexible panels made of organic materials have the potential to be better than other alternatives described above.

Simply put, these panels can be lighter, more flexible and even cheaper than the other alternatives mentioned above. More importantly, the use of organic materials in these panels’ manufacture makes them even more environmentally friendly.

With the ongoing research in the field of organic solar cells, the future looks bright for these flexible solar panel variants.

Where Are Flexible Solar Panels Useful?

Owing to their affordable, portable and lightweight nature, flexible solar panels are an excellent solution for anyone seeking to live off the grid for a few days. They can be used in a variety of outdoor situations, including:

Powering Motor Homes

These lightweight solar panels can be easily rolled out on the roof of your RV during long road trips, providing electric power whenever necessary. Unlike heavier rigid panels, these lighter alternatives won’t place too much load on an RV’s roof.

Camping

These solar panels are also referred to as camping solar panels in some circles. When camping, they can be used to power your tent or off-grid shack or easily rolled up and packed away inside the tent when not in use.

Power Backup

You can use flexible solar panels as your go-to power backup solution if you regularly find yourself on the road or in off the grid locations.

To power your gadgets, slap the panels on the outer surface of your vehicle in the path of direct sunlight.

Boating Applications

If you spend a lot of time on boats, especially for fishing, you know how disruptive and inconvenient a noisy generator can be. Fortunately, with a flexible solar panel, the fish will likely be drawn to you!

What Are the Advantages of Flexible Solar Panels?

Flexible

While it might sound obvious, flexibility is one of the main advantages of these innovative solar panels. Unlike their rigid counterparts, these solar panels can bend by at least 30 degrees.

Thanks to their lightweight and flexible construction, these panels can be easily mounted on just about any surface, without the need for bulky or costly parts or specialized knowledge.

Compact and Light

In comparison to any rigid module, flexible solar panels are many times lighter in weight. Furthermore, their thin structure also makes them relatively compact.

These characteristics make them suitable for applications where traditional panels would not be practical, such as deployment on RVs and motor homes’ roofs.

However, flexible variants add an insignificant amount of weight to such vehicles, and their slim profile means that they lay flat on the roof.

Portable

These thin and lightweight panels are highly portable. They can be stacked together in compact packages for easy transportation to just about any destination.

Furthermore, they can be mounted on just about any surface, even at an angle, if necessary, ensuring maximum power production.

Versatility

The physical characteristics (thin profile and lightweight nature) of flexible panels ensure utmost versatility during use.

In addition to using on rooftops, the panels can also be mounted on roofs, sides of cars and other structures, or even tree branches if necessary.

Affordable

Flexible solar panels are more affordable than their rigid counterparts. With a few hundred dollars, you can purchase a high-quality product.

Furthermore, these panels do not require heavy duty installation setups and professional installers; thus, reducing the overall cost of the installation.

Easy and Convenient Installation

The installation of flexible solar panels is easy and effortless. Depending on the design of the specific product you end up choosing, installation may require the use of metal grommets attached to the panels’ edges or adhesive tape.

What Are the Disadvantages of Flexible Solar Panels?

Reduced Capacity

Due to their limited size, the most powerful flexible solar panels can only generate up to 300 Watts of electricity, even at the highest efficiency rate of 25%.

Limited Durability

The absence of a strong and rigid protective structure means that flexible panels are less durable than their rigid traditional rivals.

How Do I Maintain My Flexible Solar Panels?

While flexible solar panels are considered a perfect fit for some applications, they are less durable and more susceptible to damage.

Take proper care of your panels using the following tips to ensure that they serve you reliably for as long as possible:

Avoid Cracking The Panels

Proper handling of these panels is essential to avoid the formation of micro-cracks within their structure.

Such damage not only affects the longevity of the product but also reduces its energy production capability. You should avoid stepping on the panels and/or bending them over the stated limit.

Store Them Properly

Direct exposure to the elements leads to the deterioration of the protective layer around the panels. As such, it is recommended that you install them in a way that allows you to easily remove and store them away when they are not in use.

Clean the Panels Every Now and Then

According to the Solar Energy Power Association, flexible solar panels can lose up to 20% of their power output due to dirt.

As such, it is essential to inspect the surface of the panels carefully. And, clean out any stains – resulting from bird droppings and even tree sap – using plain water to avoid scratching the delicate outer surface. For stubborn stains, such as grease, you can use water and neural soap.

Never use aggressive cleaning solutions to clean solar panels.

How Do You Mount a Flexible Solar Panel?

Flexible solar panels can be mounted in two ways, using a rack or adhesive.

Mounting Flexible Solar Panels on an RV Using a Rack Mount

1. Start by getting all necessary parts, including the mount, arms and fastening screws together. You should also have the instruction manual in hand.

2. Attach the arm bracket to the panel – which should be lying on its back – using tightly fastened screws. To make sure that the arm brackets fit properly, put lock washers in place. Using the hex and nuts that came with the kit, attach the mount between the two arm brackets.

3. Use screws to attach the assembled mount on the back of the rig on your RV/motor home. Use a wrench and screwdriver to tighten the hex bolts and washers once they are in place.

4. To get the maximum amount of power out of the panel, be sure to mount it at the right angle.

5. Make the necessary electrical connection between the panel and the junction box or battery. To avoid damaging your panel, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions – including using the specified connectors – when making this connection.

Mounting Flexible Solar Panels Using an Adhesive

If you choose to use an adhesive, you must exercise a lot of caution. You may encounter overheating problems if you glue the panel directly on to the roof of your boat or motor home.

To make things worse, the different expansion coefficients between the roof and panel can lead to the formation of cracks resulting from the heating and cooling of these surfaces.

You can overcome these issues with the following installation method.

1. Using thin two aluminum sheets and polyethylene (all cut to your panel’s measurements), make an aluminum-polyethylene sandwich.

2. Use a marine-grade adhesive to attach the panel to one side of the aluminum sandwich.

3. Take a polycarbonate product with twin walls and an 8mm air gap and glue it to the panel-aluminum sandwich set up. Afterwards, use a polycarbonate friendly adhesive to attach the entire set up to the roof of your boat or motor home.

Features to Look for in Flexible Solar Panels

Power

Measured in Watts, a solar panel’s power rating determines the number of devices that can be connected it, and the duration of time they can be powered using the panel. You can find flexible solar power panels rated from anywhere between 50 and 300 Watts of power.

Efficiency

This refers to the rate at which a panel can convert the sunlight it absorbs into electricity. Currently, most panels have an efficiency rating that ranges between 15% and 25%. The efficiency of high-quality products ranges can be as high as 23% – 25%.

Durability

The durability of any flexible solar panel is dependent on the materials used therein. A protective layer of plastic is used to shield the photovoltaic cells in most panels.

When it comes to the level of protection provided and light transmission, cheaper alternatives such as PTE and PET lag behind the superior ETFE plastic. Furthermore, thin-film panels are less durable than their costlier crystalline counterparts – which feature superior construction.

Bending Angle

Different types of solar panels can bend by varying degrees. The most popular type, crystalline flexible solar panels, can bend by up to 30 degrees.

Installation

Since these panels can be installed using adhesives, Velcro or easily assembled mounts, do-it-yourself installations are the norm when it comes to flexible solar panels.

However, to make your work as easy s possible, the best products come with easy to read and straightforward instruction manuals.

Size and Weight

Flexible solar panels are generally portable, with most products weighing between 4 and 8 pounds. The sizes are mostly the same.

Warranty

Manufacturers use warranties to demonstrate and stand by the quality of their products. High-quality products should come with a warranty for both parts and power production.

Industry Credentials

In addition to warranties, industry certifications can also be used to demonstrate the quality of various products. For top-quality products, keep an eye out for IEC61215 and ISO9001 certifications.

Our Expertise in Solar Products

At Solar Panels Network USA, we’re not just installers; we’re enthusiasts, researchers, and users of solar products. Over the years, we’ve been at the forefront of solar technology, understanding the nuances and intricacies of various solar-powered innovations. Our team has hands-on experience with a wide range of solar products, and we’ve seen the evolution of flexible solar panels from their initial stages to the cutting-edge options available today.

Why Trust Our Reviews?

• Hands-On Testing: Before penning down any review, our team spends weeks testing products. For this article, we meticulously installed and employed each of these flexible solar panels in diverse settings – from powering remote expeditions to residential energy solutions. We aim to provide you with real-world performance insights.
• Continuous Learning: We regularly attend solar technology conferences, workshops, and seminars. This continuous learning ensures we’re always updated with the latest solar tech, allowing us to evaluate products against the most recent standards.
• Feedback Loop: Over the years, we’ve built a community of solar enthusiasts. We often reach out to them for feedback on products, ensuring our reviews aren’t just based on our perspective but are a reflection of the broader community’s experiences.
• Transparency: Whenever we receive products for review from manufacturers, we ensure full transparency with our readers. For this article, some products were purchased by our team, while manufacturers sent others. However, our reviews remain unbiased, focusing solely on the product’s performance.
• Decades of Experience: Collectively, our team has over two decades of experience in the solar industry. From understanding the technical aspects of solar cells to the aesthetic design of solar products, our expertise spans wide and deep.

In this article, we’ve combined our personal experiences, technical knowledge, and feedback from our community to provide you with comprehensive reviews of the best flexible solar panels for 2024. We believe that our expertise, combined with our commitment to transparency and continuous learning, makes us a reliable source for all your flexible solar panels needs.

Conclusion

If you intend to travel off the grid, regularly, you’ll need to have a means of powering your mobile devices as well as any appliances you might want to use during that time.

Flexible solar panels are a convenient and easy to use portable solar panels that can be deployed in many situations, including camping, sea travel/boating, and long road trips.

High-quality panels can generate anywhere from 50 to 300 Watts of electricity reliably, given their high solar energy conversion efficiency rate of between 15% and 25%.

With the above information in mind and in practice, you should be able to make an informed decision when shopping for flexible solar panels, especially given the vast selection of products currently available in the market.