Reasons to choose the best flexible solar panels
The year has witnessed a sudden rise in technological advancement in terms of solar applications across the globe.
Solar panel lovers who often engage in outdoor activities have always hoped for efficient and portable panels
Well, they never have to wait that long due to the recent technological development in this sector.
The choices online are in hundreds and users may find it difficult to select the ideal solar panel.
We have carefully collated the best, most efficient, valuable, and technologically advanced option this year.
1. RichSolar 100 W 12V Flexible Solar Panel
You should consider choosing a solar panel that can stand the test of time and a great choice is this amazing product from Richsolar serving users up to twenty-five years.
This solar panel is in the lightweight category, durable, and flexibility that enables a user to place the panel at different positions in a shed on whatever surface.
You can capture sunlight from different angles due to the 30-degree flexing capability.
Pros
- Lightweight
- You can get up to 25 years of usage
- A durable choice
- Easy to mount
- 30 degrees flexing capability
Cons
- Storage can be a bit challenging as this solar panel takes up too much space.
2. Unisolar PVL-136 Power Bond Flexible Solar Panel
This solar panel has one of the easiest installation packages and has an 18ft long Power Bond panel which means users can roll out this product and get it attached to any surface using its adhesive backing.
This solar panel is lightweight (17 lbs), ultra-thin (2″ thickness), and extremely flexible due to the frame of edge parts having zero rigidity.
This is a solar panel suitable for roofing sheets and other metal surfaces. This product is resistant to extreme weather conditions and keeps out dust and water from penetrating.
Placing this panel under direct sunlight has little or no adverse effects on the product making this an ideal product for your shed.
Pros
- Easy to install, users only need to peel and stick on a surface
- Very flexible due to zero hard edges
- Lightweight and ultra-thin category
- Durable panels ensure the solar panels withstand extreme weather conditions
Cons
- Once installed, the panels become difficult to peel off and re-installation may become impossible
- Suitable for just metal surfaces
- The length of this solar panel makes it unsuitable for smaller applications
3. ALLPOWERS 50 W 18V/12V Flexible Solar Panel
This is a half-size version of the famous 100 W flexible panel, has more of a square shape than the conventional panels, and is half the weight of a traditional 100 W panel.
This flexible panel weighs around 2.4 lbs and measures at 24.8″ x 21″ x 0.09″. The solar panel also utilizes monocrystalline solar cells alongside a stated efficiency rate of 23.5% which is an ideal figure considering the size of this panel.
In terms of efficiency, the 50 W panel delivers a similar result as the larger 100 W panel in terms of power generation.
This solar panel is flexible and a great choice if you have a limited space to position the panel.
This solar panel is sadly more expensive in terms of a watt by watt measurement when compared to similar 100 W solar panels in the market.
Pros
- Durable
- No frames
- Comes with an 18-month product guarantee
- Water-resistant
- Belongs in the lightweight category
Cons
- You may need to keep an eye on the junction box as it is known to fall easily.
4. Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel
You may want to consider this flexible solar panel the next time you get on a boat cruise. This ultralightweight solar panel is 70% lighter than the traditional panels in today’s market.
Asides being extremely lightweight, it’s also super thin has an amazing flexible panel that could get up to 248-degree arc for RV.
This flexible solar panel can also be mounted on roofs, boats, or even those irregular surfaces that may seem impossible due to its amazing flexibility.
This solar panel is also quite small, about one-tenth tall when laid flat on a surface. The ultra-thin lamination is about 95% thinner than the traditional solar panels out there.
This is a great feature when you need to store up your solar panel after usage, due to the storage space needed.
Additionally, the wind tolerance of this flexible solar panel can go as high as 2,400Pa while the snow tolerance takes it a bit higher with around 5,400Pa.
This is one of the most durable solar panels out there and can deliver years of service.
Pros
- The EFTE delivers excellent durability as well as a great performance
- Transportation and installation of this solar panel is quite easy due to its ultra-thin design
- Can withstand extreme weather conditions
- An amazing bending angle of up to 248 degrees is quite impressive
Cons
- Low efficiency
5. Giaride Solar Panel Flexible Solar Panel
If you’re ever in search of a high energy efficient solar panel, then this is the right choice for you.
The Giaride Solar Panel Flexible Solar Panel delivers 21% conversion monocrystalline solar cells which is a better option when compared to the regular solar panels used to power homes.
Installation of this solar panel may deliver an output of over 300-watt flexible solar panels with just 3 Giaride panels plugged in a parallel position.
The solar panels are some of the easiest to install anywhere including irregular surfaces, boats, yachts, etc.
The Giaride Solar Panel Flexible Solar Panel can be integrated into any solar panel array with ease and be plugged into one of the best solar charges anywhere.
Pros
- The amazing bending angle of up to 248 degrees
- The EFTE film is applied to obtain maximum performance and durability
- Lightweight and has a sleek design
- Can withstand extreme weather conditions
Cons
- Low-efficiency output
Choosing the best flexible panels
Buying the ideal solar panel could be a little hectic as all manufacturers claim to deliver the best product in the market, having prior awareness before choosing a product is vital in getting the right panel for your shed.
Here are a few factors to consider when buying solar panels.
Weight and Size
For smaller surfaces, you need to purchase the lightweight panels to avoid having challenges with storage while larges spaces can accommodate any panel size.
You only need to consider the storage, transportation, and installation because the large the panels, the more difficult it is to carry around and install.
Power
You need to strongly consider solar panels that deliver high power output as lower watts means some of your appliances may not be powered.
This may result in connecting extra panels just to get the required power output when you can just opt for solar panels with higher output delivery.
Flexibility
When in search of a flexible solar panel, ensure to never settle for less and it is important to note that the level of flexibility on solar panels in the market differs.
To understand the degree of flexibility on a solar panel, you need to get acquainted with how far the panel can bend without breaking.
Durability
You need to get solar panels capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions so ensure to understand the quality of material used in developing these panels to get a great value of the money spent.
Cell Efficiency
This is the conversion rate at which the solar panel can convert energy generated from sunlight to usable energy and is usually between the range of 11% to 21%, where the higher the conversion rate, the quicker it is to use the energy from sunlight.
So, it is imperative to purchase solar panels that can deliver high cell efficiency.
Ease of Installation
For those who are new to solar panel installations, this is an important factor that should never be overlooked. You don’t want to spend weeks trying to install your solar panels, so ensure to get products with easy installation features.
Accessories
Try to discover the extra accessories that come with your solar panels, it saves you time and money. You don’t want to splash extra cash on accessories that could have been freely obtained from other manufacturers.
Some solar panels come with short cords which may require users to get an extension, others don’t even come with an assembly tool that you may be required to purchase.
Warranty
This is the product security, most flexible solar panels do not have the lifetime warranty popular with the regular solar panels in the market.
Most customers get just a year or two of warranty on these flexible solar panels which could be heartbreaking, but you can opt for products with as much as 5 years warranty to give you that peace of mind.
Ways to use the best flexible solar panels
You can only use your flexible solar panels after t’s been assembled, wired, and have been successfully mounted.
Flexible solar panels operate just like conventional solar panels and can charge your electronic gadgets such as your mobile phones.
One of the most unique features of flexible solar panels is their adaptability, they can be mounted on almost any surface including your camping backpacks when out on those expeditions.
Additionally, flexible solar panels are lightweight so it’s easy to carry around with you. Diesel generators are known to require more manpower and consume a large space, not to mention their weights.
Flexible solar panels are easy to store and some can be rolled and save for later.
Investing in flexible solar panels is not just an investment in lightweight materials but capable equipment that is able to deliver the required energy supply without the fear of noise and air pollution common with diesel generators.
Flexible solar panel maintenance
As important as it may be to understand how flexible panels operate, another crucial aspect is the maintenance of the equipment.
Check out some of the ways you can take good care of your panels to enjoy a better travel experience;
Ensure to check for modules deposited on the panels or tough stains that may disrupt optimal power output.
Get some freshwater to remove tough stains as well as dust particles settled on the panels, be sure to also check out debris and bird droppings.
You can also apply neutral soap on the panels as well as other safe chemicals such as denaturated alcohol in cleansing the equipment.
There is also the option where plastic protectorate coating can be applied but only for frequent travelers who take their solar panels everywhere.
You can do this as soon as the panel is clean and dry and consider hand-polishing the panels when you discover a build-up of contaminants or oxidation on your solar panels.
Ensure to always wipe the rest of the solar panel parts such as the arm bracket and remember to mount to leave the equipment in the safest condition.
Immediately after cleaning, try checking the wirings, as well as other small and integral parts of the solar panel to ensure the equipment stays in the best possible condition. Carry out regular check-ups too, you can never tell what you may find.
Conclusion
The advantages of owning a flexible solar panel are countless; easy to assemble, lightweight, no noise and air pollution popular with the diesel generators, etc.
This equipment is actually cheaper to maintain and takes very little storage space, so if you ever need another source of power, consider getting yourself a flexible solar panel today.
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