If you're interested in installing flexible solar panels to produce solar energy on the go, read on to learn what they are, view our flexible solar panel buyer's guide, and understand how they comp.
What is a flexible solar panel setup?
A flexible solar panel setup is usually best for on-the-go solar power instead of as a permanent home solar solution. When you're out on the trail, camping, or driving long distances, having a durable, lightweight, and flexible solar panel setup can be a great way to generate free, clean electricity from the sun.
Flexible solar panels come in various power generation capacities to suit the needs of different applications. Common capacities range from 50W to 300W. To expound: The choice of semiconductor material plays a critical role in determining the performance and durability of flexible solar panels.
How do flexible solar panels work?
Despite the rather obvious (and perhaps superficial) differences, flexible solar panels work a lot like conventional (flat) solar panels, as they are based on the same photovoltaic technology—the ability to generate solar power from direct sunlight absorbed by the material.
The most common types of flexible solar panels are thin-film, monocrystalline, and polycrystalline. Each option offers unique characteristics, performance levels, and costs that can meet your specific energy needs, whether for residential, commercial, or portable purposes.
How efficient are flexible solar panels?
Flexible solar panels typically have an efficiency rating between seven and 15 percent. Use the EnergySage Marketplace to learn more about your solar options! There are very few (if any) solar installers who offer flexible panels as part of a rooftop or ground-mounted system.
Flexible solar panels are less efficient than rigid panels but have a wider variety of applications due to their flexibility and thin size (typically 200 micrometers). Recently, organic silicon cells have been used to make flexible solar panels. Given their light weight, flexible solar panels are ideal for portable solar applications.