Everybody dreams of a flexible lifestyle inspired by the free movement in a mobile home such as RVs. But, the unthinkable question of solving power supply keeps erupting in one’s mind; nonetheless, do you know flexible solar panels are the ultimate solution? Perhaps you needed a little nudging to shift from grid to off-grid lifestyle or equip your newly acquired truck with state of the art best flexible solar panels for RV.
Planning to buy a small flexible rv solar panel is an uphill task if you aren’t acquainted with the best tricks on how to dart a perfect match for your energy needs! Flexible solar panels come in an array of magnificent features and top-notch functionality.
We recommend you check on the best portable, flexible solar panels for your home, off-road trucks, or sea voyages. However, before clicking that search button, we have compiled some factors to consider;
- Efficiency
- Size
- Durability
- Portability vs. flexibility
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The 7 Best Flexible Solar Panels for RV 2021
1. Renogy 100 watt12 volt flexible solar panel
Renogy’s products are always intriguing customers. The 100W flexible solar panel has excellent properties for diverse situations. Among them is fantastic flexibility inspired by stellar designs, which give Renogy a competitive advantage.
The fact that it can bend for over 2400 is difficult to understand until you see how it perfectly fits on rugged roofs! The product’s durability is impressive.
The protection layers and flexibility make this solar the number one enemy to nature’s wraths. Even in tough windy conditions, Renogy stays put and always ready to converts rays to power.
Renogy is ultra-light. The materials used during manufacturing are not only flexible, but a considerable amount of weight has been slashed to give room for a light solar. These two properties attract multiple applications, such as camping and transiting.
However, in case of pane cracks, you need the best waterproof tape for flexible solar panels on RV to repair the panel before the crack expands.
Pros
- Aesthetic solar panel
- Versatile
- Ultra-light
- Adapted to stormy weather
- Reliable power output
Cons
- Less durable
- Expensive
2. SunPower 100W flexible solar panel
Top grade polymers are responsible for SunPower 100W’s well-decorated durability title. This solar can withstand sheer forces from stresses and hailstones along the course of its existence.
These small flexible solar panels are able to form a 300 arc. Flexibility gives SunPower the element of adaptability. This is an essential quality most solar buyers will go for when looking for semi-flexible panels since it is able to fit on different dimensional roofs.
SunPower is portable and versatile. You can either permanently secure it on the rooftop or store it in your RV if not in use. There shouldn’t be an issue trying any of them!
The copper foundation is the cornerstone for this product’s durability. As it’s known, copper is strong semi-flexible metal with exceptional anti-corrosion characteristics.
Pros
- Excellent efficiency.
- Versatile
- Durable
- Easy to mount
- Reliable power outputCons
- The manual is technical to comprehend
- Difficult to secure
3. Rich solar 100W
Maintaining these panels is not a big deal. Routine washing is advisable to keep the debris out. Furthermore, regular washing ensures that these solar panel cells receive enough sunlight hence keeping efficiency at the optimum level.
Though it is a fancy feature, super-thin almost a tenth of an inch tall is hardly noticeable. And you know how people are fascinated by thin stuff!
The thinness and flexibility is a distinctive feature that promotes stealth appearance. As semi flexible solar panel, rich Solar brands lead the way from the front with ultimate beauty.
Though common in various solar panels, Rich solar panel’s ability to form 300 arcs not only makes this solar gorgeous but also meets various functional aspects. This solar fits many rooftops; hence it is able to serve a wide range of users.
For once, a man-made product is recyclable! From the ETFE lamination to individual solar cell components, this solar can be recycled to the atomic level. So there is no offense buying as many Rich solar panels as possible; if they retire, you recycle.
Pros
- lightweight
- ultra-thin
- flexing is up to 300
- small and easy to carry around
- self- cleaning
- 100% recyclable
Cons
- it’s not durable
- one year warranty is short
4. Tp-solar Flexible Solar Panel 100W 12V Monocrystalline Bendable
If you are looking for a flexible solar panel for marine, TP 100W high-efficiency bendable solar panels was built with suitable technology for that purpose.
It converts a high amount of energy to charge a 12V battery within a short time. Thanks to the TP-solar panel’s ability to form parallel connections, you can double, triple, or quadruple its operations.
Another marine friendly and all-weather feature making this solar unique is the sealed waterproof junction box. This property attracts many sailing enthusiasts as well as full-time campers who spend some time in rainy tropical regions.
Many users of TP-solar boast of long service life. It’s true because manufacturers incorporated several protection layers that guarantee you this solar will last for long.
The indomitable durability earns TP solar multiple applications, including the best flexible panels for home. Of course, you will want to stay with this solar at your residence as long as you live.
Pros
- Durable
- Versatile
- Fit for tough weather
- Allows a parallel connection
- Cells are superefficient.
Cons
- Breaks easily under stress
- Technical to install
5. Dokio 100W 18V portable Foldable Solar Panel Kit
Nowadays, customers are after self-sustaining solar energy kit that contains almost all accessories for their RVs. The Dokio 100W kit contains cables up to 3m long and solar charge controller.
The impressive qualities of this solar kit are superbly fit for off-road services. Securing the solar is easy; however, the durability of these panels is what makes them good passengers for wild rides. Also, portability plays a great role in transforming your RV into an off-road cabin.
The panel is well protected by a sewn fiber casing. When folded, it forms a beautiful business like a briefcase that is easy to carry around. The weightlessness and high portability of this panel earn it multiple uses, especially in emergency situations or wild camping.
Pros
- It is durable
- Reliable power output
- Self-sufficient panel
- Portable
- Versatile
Cons
- Expensive
- Less power output
6. Uni-solar PVL-136 Power Bond PVL Watt 34volts
Uni-solar is an amorphous silicon panel with excellent performance in low lit areas. If you are planning to take wild excursions in foggy areas like the Northern Sea, this solar will -sufficiently produce enough electricity for your missions.
These solar panels are versatile, with an array of mounting options. Honestly, if you are looking for a rv solar panel kit for a rough and rugged roof common on trucks or for a geometrically aligned rooftop of your bungalow, this solar is well equipped for any situation. Installing it is a matter of peeling and sticking it to the roof.
Though it offers excellent results in notoriously gloomy weather conditions, it also works very well in the blazing heat. Test results show that at 1860F, this magical panel will still be tapping electricity!
At 20% efficiency, this solar is way above traditional solar panel brands.
Pros
- An array of selections.
- Variable mounting options.
- less cleaning maintenance
- It’s protected
- Works efficiently
Cons
- unfriendly price
- produce less power
7. Himino Solar Panel 20W
These solar panels are durable. For anybody wishing to update or buy the flex panel for their mobile homes, the durability of these solar panels is particularly interesting. It is built to withstand hefty blows from nature’s destructive forces like hailstones, rain, and wind.
The incredible efficiency is the key to this solar panel’s exceptional performance. Are you wondering where to get the best flexible solar panel for RVs that can meet a sudden surge in power demand? Thanks to the ingenious design, Himino solar panels have connectors for series or parallel connections that multiply energy output depending on the number of solar panels connected.
Hamino produces flexible solar panels marine that brags about repelling water using their waterproof casing. Also, it suitably works in high temperatures as well as in stormy weather.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Built-in safety protection
- Lightweight and Portable
- Incredible efficiency
Cons
- cant withstand stresses
- it’s not very flexible
Factors to Consider Before Buying A Flexible Solar Panel For RV
It’s exciting to see how businesses are struggling to offer the best product that is cheap, flexible, and correlates with a person’s preferences. But, with multiple enticing options available on the market, it’s intriguing for a person to select the right choice.
In fact, he will be overwhelmed by the market diversity only to end up with a wide guess! But before you exchange your money with substandard solar panels and regret later, consider the following;
Efficiency
Efficiency is how the solar maximizes power output using the sun’s rays. Most solars have an efficiency rating of 15% to 25%. The higher the efficiency, the higher the amount of solar power produced. Solar with + 20% efficiency is the best choice.
Size
The size of a solar panel is directly related to the amount of power produced. Also, the solar size depends on your needs, but for an RV’s power supply, goes for a medium-sized panel. Or a solar that produces between 100W to 400W.
Durability
A solar is considered a fixed asset; therefore, it should serve you with a continuous power supply for years. Though flexible solar panels have a shorter lifespan compared to rigid solar panels, go for a solar panel with five years plus lifespan.
Portability vs. flexibility
Portable solar panel is easy to carry around, while a flexible panel is an agile machine able to adapt to different roofs. Though these terms are almost synonymous, they imply two different things. If you were to choose between portability and flexibility, go for flexibility.
FAQs
Can you repair a broken, flexible panel?
No. though it might still be working, there is no way to attach the broken part. However, you can repair connecting cables. You need the best waterproofing tape for a flexible solar panel RV to rejoin it.
Do flexible panels work?
The flexible panel boasts of great power output, simplified installation, and stunning when on an RV’s roof. Some of them have efficiency exceeding 20%. So they work very well like rigid panel.
How To Install a Flexible Solar Panel on an RV
Final Verdict
Flexible solars are a great deal for a mobile lifestyle. Choosing from any of the above solar not only guarantees you a stable power output but a continuous one!
Some solar panels surpass others by few differences and elegant features, but all in all, these are the best flexible solar panels for RVs and homes.
SunPower 110W flexible solar panel kit outperforms all other models in our list hands down. SunPower is portable and versatile unit that’s worth you money. Why don’t you try them out?
REFERENCES
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_panel
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/solar-panel-cost
- https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/infrastructure/a28186403/how-solar-panels-work/
- https://www.wired.com/story/solar-panels-are-starting-to-die-leaving-behind-toxic-trash/
- https://www.qrg.northwestern.edu/projects/vss/docs/power/1-what-are-solar-panels.html