Thread: Flexible Panel Advice

I have no experience with the panels you have posted but for those dollars for the size Id question the quality. I learnt this lesson.

I’m on my second set of semi flex panels…….keep I mind you don’t get as many watts per square meter with semi flex when compared to fixed panels.

First set were cheap…..and didn’t last . It didn’t help that we stored them under the bed at the beginning which meant they were being flex every time we pulled them out than stored them. They eventually went onto the roof but deteriorated quickly. I learnt that semi flex only like to be flex once into the one position than secured, if you want them as portable I’d personally go a blanket or two, more suited to the application.

Second set have been awesome, been on for 2+ years. No longer available Below was there performance on the weekend just gone, sitting flat on the roof on a day that had clouds constantly moving overhead. 224w from 2 x 120w panels was pretty good on an average day.



I’m now deciding which semi flex to buy for our trip, 3 x 120w….o need them to have eyelets in them.

I reckon I’ll buy 3 of these from Jason…..

120W AllSpark Flexible Solar Panel

To me, flexible and solar don't work, thats just from being a sparkie and working in the solar industry

Originally Posted by Vern

To me, flexible and solar don't work, thats just from being a sparkie and working in the solar industry

What doesn’t work about them?…….there’s lot out there than throw in blankets on top.

My current one are working fine based on my application.

Apart from loosing out another with watts per square meter mine perform pretty close to stated specs. I don’t see that I’d get a whole lot of better performance if I mounted traditional panels to my roof, given I’m trying to keep weight down.

Originally Posted by Vern

To me, flexible and solar don't work, thats just from being a sparkie and working in the solar industry

I do agree with you, but I’m using a scissor lift pop top camper that doesn’t have 12v actuators to lift the roof. So putting 20-40kg of solar on the roof is out of the question. I have thought about putting in 12v actuators, but not just yet.

Originally Posted by W&KO

What doesn’t work about them?…….there’s lot out there than throw in blankets on top.

My current one are working fine based on my application.

Apart from loosing out another with watts per square meter mine perform pretty close to stated specs. I don’t see that I’d get a whole lot of better performance if I mounted traditional panels to my roof, given I’m trying to keep weight down.

Personally i don't think they should be bendable is what i meant. Seeing the damage caused with fixed panels from people standing on them or mishandling them, the cells just don't hack it.
But i suppose you're not trying to get 10+ years out of them.

Originally Posted by John_D4

I do agree with you, but I’m using a scissor lift pop top camper that doesn’t have 12v actuators to lift the roof. So putting 20-40kg of solar on the roof is out of the question. I have thought about putting in 12v actuators, but not just yet.

What would your maximum weight allowance be??

Originally Posted by Vern

Personally i don't think they should be bendable is what i meant. Seeing the damage caused with fixed panels from people standing on them or mishandling them, the cells just don't hack it.
But i suppose you're not trying to get 10+ years out of them.

Cools, yes we learnt not to constantly bend the cheap one we had first time round hence I recommended OP to consider blankets.

No chance of standing on our, especially when roof is raised.

I’ve had those flexible 120w units..
I’ve had 4 sets of 4 units - eg replaced them 4 times

I now have 2 Victron rigid panels at 130w each and do better and without the hassles of them crazing, cracking or just failing.