What Is A Flexible Solar Panel? Everything You Must Know About Panel Flexibility

There has never been a better moment to learn about solar energy possibilities. Depending on your preferences, needs, and budget, flexible solar panels can be an excellent option to harness free solar power.

Even if these solar panels have several differences from typical crystalline solar panels, they are perfect for recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, and certain homes with inflated roof styling because these are lightweight panels.

If you wish to employ solar panels, installing flexible versions is a quick and cost-effective method to get started. 

Although the endurance of flexible solar panels falls short of when compared to rigid silicon-based solar panels, a number of other features make them worth considering. Let’s explore it deeper!

What Are Flexible Solar Panels?

Flexible solar panels are different from the rigid, rectangular, glass-encased standard solar panels commonly found on rooftops.

Flexible solar panels are manufactured using solar cells that are nearly 300 times smaller than those in regular solar panels, making them substantially lighter than rigid glass-encased solar panels.

How Are Flexible Solar Panels Made Of?

Flexible and traditional solar panels are both constructed of materials that absorb light and generate electricity.

Flexible solar cell research is a research-level technology that resulted in the commercialization of flexible solar panels.

These research projects, for example, were developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology using solar cells.

Flexible solar cells are made by putting photovoltaic material on flexible substrates like regular paper using chemical vapor deposition techniques.

How the Flexible Solar Panels are Different from Standard Solar Panels?

Both flexible and regular solar panels create electricity through the use of photovoltaic materials. Standard solar panels, on the other hand, are thicker, heavier, and thus more robust due to their rigid structure and multiple layers of glass.

While flexible solar panels may be less durable, they are simple to install and suitable for a wide range of applications.

Well, how many types of flexible solar panels exist? Mainly, flexible solar panels are classified into two types: thin-film solar panels, which have photovoltaic material imprinted on a flexible surface, and crystalline silicon panels, which feature very thin silicon wafers that can bend. Nowadays, crystalline silicon solar panels are more popular.

Let’s learn how standard solar panels work.

What Are the Benefits of Flexible Solar Panels?

From price to roof type or installation adaptability, the list of benefits of flexible solar panels is a bit long. The three major advantages are discussed here:

Lightweight

Flexible solar panels are only a quarter as wide as regular solar panels. Not only does this allow them to conform to bending structures, such as a curved RV or boat top, but it also makes flexible solar panels lightweight and simple to install on their own.

Inexpensive

One of the major drawbacks of conventional solar panels is the initial cost. Even with the Federal Solar Tax Reduction and other incentives, ordinary solar panels might take a long time to pay off their upfront cost.

Flexible solar panels range from single-panel 100-watt solutions to bigger 350-watt solar panel systems that sometimes cost less than three times as much or even more.

Installation Options

Because of its design, flexible solar panels could prove useful for low-load-bearing surfaces that cannot sustain regular rigid silicon-based solar panels. Flexible solar panels are particularly popular for boats, camper trailers, and RVs.

They are also suitable for modest residential applications, such as a work shed or detached garage. These settings are also easier to uninstall and take with you when you sell your property.

What Are the Downsides of Flexible Solar Panels?

A flexible solar panel is a good option for multiple purposes. Still, it’s advisable to keep in mind the possible downsides of these panels when analyzing if they are right for your needs.

Less Efficient

The best silicon-based rigid solar panels are typically 20% to 23% efficient, whereas the efficiency of flexible solar panels is just 7% to 15% efficient. To generate the same quantity of electricity, you’d need more flexible solar panels.

Limited Power

The best solar panels are typically 20% to 23% efficient, whereas flexible solar panels are just 7% to 15% efficient. To generate the same quantity of electricity, you’d need flexible solar panels in bulk quantity.

Restricted Warranties

Although typical silicon solar panels can be expensive to install, they will pay for themselves long before their lifespan is over. That is why most conventional solar panel manufacturers provide 20 or more years of warranty coverage.

Flexible solar panels, on the other hand, are less weather-resistant. They may last more than ten years, however, they often come with one to five-year warranties.

When Should You Install Flexible Solar Panels?

If you want to take full advantage of the Federal Solar Tax Credit or free solar energy assistance, look for the best solar companies near you and evaluate installers.

You should plan to install solar panels of any type (including flexible solar panels) on your primary residence by the end of the year to receive a significant tax credit.

The solar tax incentives may not be the same for systems put in place in the following years. 

What is the Function of Flexible Solar Panel Air Gap

A flexible solar panel air gap refers to the space or distance between a flexible solar panel and the surface it is mounted on.

This gap allows for airflow and ventilation, which helps dissipate heat and improve the efficiency of the solar panel.

Additionally, the air gap reduces the risk of damage to the panel and enhances its durability by minimizing contact with potentially abrasive surfaces.

Do Flexible Panels Come in a Range of Sizes? 

Flexible solar panels come in various sizes, incorporating different applications and energy requirements. Common sizes range from small panels designed for portable devices, such as backpacks or camping gear, to larger panels suitable for residential or commercial installations.

The sizes typically vary in dimensions, with options available in terms of length, width, and thickness to accommodate specific needs and space constraints.

Additionally, manufacturers may offer customizable sizes to meet unique project requirements and ensure optimal energy generation.

The Bottom Line

Flexible solar panels offer a promising avenue for harnessing solar energy in various applications. While they may have limitations compared to traditional panels, their lightweight design, affordability, and versatility make them a compelling choice for those looking to embrace renewable energy solutions.

They are a reasonable solution if you are looking for lightweight solar panels for your delicate rooftops like recreational vehicles.  By understanding their capabilities and limitations, solar energy prospects can make informed decisions about incorporating flexible solar panels into their free energy strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you use a flexible solar panel on the roof?

A simple answer is yes, you can utilize flexible solar panels on roofs. The deeper answer is that this is probably not their ideal application, particularly if you want to power your entire household and appliances.

Flexible solar panels are ideal for powering applications that require less electricity like camping, boating, and recreational vehicles type electrical load.

How much does a flexible solar panel cost?

The cost of a flexible solar panel is closely linked to its wattage. When it comes to solar pricing, a 150-watt single flexible solar panel can be significantly less expensive than a similar silicon-based rigid solar panel.

On the high end, a multi-panel 350-watt system may cost slightly more than 150 watts, but it is only one-third of the cost of the same-sized regular solar panel. 

Can the flexible panels be cut to a custom size?

Yes, flexible solar panels, also known as solar modules or solar laminates, can be twisted or curved to fit various surfaces. Flexible solar panels, as opposed to standard rigid solar panels, are made of lightweight, bendable materials such as thin-film solar cells or flexible crystalline silicon.

What is the expected lifespan of a flexible solar panel? 

In general, if installed in the same location, a flexible solar panel will last (produce electricity) for about 15 years while still producing adequate power.

However, frequently handled panels may only survive approximately five years, which is much shorter than a rigid panel’s estimated life of 25 to 30 years.

Can flexible solar panels be installed anywhere?

Flexible solar panels are easy to install on your RV or camper and allow you to use solar energy to power your lights and other appliances. However, they are light, flexible, and may be put on almost any surface. It opens up a plethora of possibilities for ultra-thin panels on sidewalks, reservoirs, greenhouses, golf carts, and even airplane and automobile roofs.