If you’re looking into installing solar panels which is a fantastic move and in my opinion the future of energy, I strongly advise you to go with flexible solar panels.
They are better than the old rigid solar panels every which way.
Check out our reviews of the best flexible solar panels for home use.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Extremely Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel | Best Overall |  |
| SunPower 110 Watt Flexible Solar Panel | Budget Pick |  |
1. Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Extremely Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Pros:
- Lightweight, less than 3 lbs
- Waterproof, Double-layered
- Compact, Fits in any vehicle or can be carried on a backpack
- Can be rolled up like a sleeping bag or rolled out flat
- Has many fastening hooks for mounting
- Includes an integrated Kickstand
- Comes with a 10-year warranty
- Can charge batteries, charge 12 volts direct with the included charge controller
- Each panel can be connected to other panels to create more power
PV Cells can get banged up during installation. Best to purchase protective backings for each PV cell.
The Renogy 100 Watt is a 12 volt monocrystalline flexible solar panel perfect for creating a solar trickle charger or to be used in a solar power emergency generator to power important electronics like cell phones, radios, and flashlights to store power and keep them lighted in a power outage.
Flexible solar panels are by far the most portable, lightest, and easiest way to create a true solar panel trickle charger over a long period of time.
2. SunPower 110 Watt Flexible Solar Panel
Recent improvements in photovoltaic cell technology has led to the development of solar panels that have a very long life span.These SunPower flexible solar panels have a 20 year performance guarantee, but are one of the most efficient flexible solar panels on the market and can match the space efficiency of traditional glass panels.
These panels are far much lighter than traditional panels, weighing in at only 13 lbs which is why they’re so great for camping trips and backpacking or even eco-conscious marine vessels.
While they fold up easily, they can feel a little awkward to mount on your RV. Check out our reviews on the best solar battery charges for RVs.
3. ALLPOWERS Solar Panel 100W 18V 12V Bendable Flexible Solar Charger SunPower Solar Module
(100 Watt)
Not for applications over 7.5 Watts
New-made solar cells, exported from China and built with premium materials to withstand the harshest conditions, ensure reliable performance.
4. ECO-WORTHY Flexible Solar Panel 100 Watt 12 Volt Waterproof Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Pros:
- You can use this panel in a variety of ways
- It is super thin and flexible
And More.
This is the best flexible solar panel that I can recommend for 2020. This relatively inexpensive panel is thin and super flexible. It is waterproof and has a high efficiency rate. It can flex to 90 degrees without cracking. The solar cells inside also absorb and emit light to work better. This panel has the highest energy output in its category and is ideal for RV, boat, cabin, and home use.
This panel comes with a stable base so that you don’t have to worry about it falling over. It also comes with a flashlight charger and won’t short out if you get water on it. Overall, this is a great product for the money that has the potential to pay for itself if you don’t have power to your home and want to get a solar powered system up and running in a short period of time.
5. RICH SOLAR 100 Watt 12 Volt Extremely ETFE Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel Ultra Lightweight
6. WindyNation 100W 100 Watt 12V Bendable Flexible Thin Lightweight Monocrystalline Solar Panel Battery Charger
Pros:
- 100 watts of powerful mono crystalline panels
- You can charge a 12V battery
- It is lightweight so it is easy to mount
Cons:
- You can't use this solar panel without a separate battery
- It can be hard to understand at first
Using the WindyNation flexible solar panel is super simple. A 100W 100 watt panel is a great way to charge those outdoor gadgets. The battery that comes with the panel is a nice addition, but you can also use it without.
The WindyNation flexible solar panel is space-age technology that will charge your gadgets. The flexible solar panels roll up very nicely and are easy to transport.
7. Solar Panel
Pros:
- Affordable
- High efficiency
- 100 watts of output so you can quickly charge your devices when not in the sun
- Lightweight
- Easy to store
- Integrated mounting options
- Can charge a 12V battery in about 10 hours
- Includes a 12V adapter, which is good for use in cars as well as boats
Cons:
- No stand for the solar panel in order to mount is included
- Sometimes low on power when there isn’t enough sunlight
Outdoors(100 Watt Ultra Thin Flexible Best for Rv Boat Camper+12v Adapter), Black.
This solar panel is another budget-friendly option that you may want to consider for flexible and unobtrusive use. It’s a solar panel that can be easily moved around when it’s not in use. It’s made using high quality cells that are protected from weather wear with tempered glass.
8. DDY Solar Panel 40W 18V 12V Bendable Flexible,Solar Car Battery Charger Portable Trickle Charger
Pros:
- Very good price for the quality
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
- Very good performance if used in a sunny outdoor environment
- When rolled up fits nicely on my car dashboard
Cons:
- Product description claims that it is waterproof, but the panel seems to be made of a semi-waterproof material that is not waterproof. Putting them in a water environment is not recommended.
- The product description claims that the panel can be used on boats and cars, but reviews reveal that the product does not work on boats.
This flexible solar panel works perfectly fine, no complaints for the price. I’ve had them for over a year and they still work as new. Cheap and reliable.
9. Kingsolar Flexible Solar Panel 100 Watt 18 Volt 12 Volt
Pros:
- 100W / 160W of power
- Easy to install
- Great price point
- An additional 12v output for charging batteries
Cons:
- It can be damaged by high temperatures
- 18 v output is a little low wattage
(Folsom 14103, 35280)
The King Solar Flexible Solar Panel is a great buy for RVers, boat owners, and other off-the-grid users. It features a unique pill-shape design that makes it possible to charge any device via your car or RV battery.
Each panel is rated for 100 watts and can be combined together to get even higher wattage. You simply connect the panels in series to double the power output and so on. The panel has a 12 volt output, which is perfect for charging 12 volt batteries or any device that runs on 12 volts.
10. SUAOKI 100W 18V 12V Solar Panel Charger Monocrystalline Flexible Cell
Pros:
- It weighs 30% less than traditional solar panels
- And can be folded into a backpack
The introduction of this new category of solar panels will change the way campers, boaters and RV-users approach the rechargeable solar cells in the near future. Manufacturers are saying that this type of flexible solar cell is more efficient and lighter than the traditional solar panels and will take over the market in the next few years.
The benefits of this new technology include extreme foldability, easy to transport, lightweight, and the ability to charge devices with it while traveling. These flexible solar panels are ideal for being packed up and taking with you on the go.
This flexible solar panel can charge 12 volts, 6 volts and 18 volts devices. You can use it with RV, Car, Boat, Airplane, House, Ground, Tent, or with any 12/24 volt battery and it can also be used as an emergency power supply for households with no power. You can also use it to charge a battery, run a fan, power LED lights, power a pump, phone, laptop, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best flexible solar panels?
The best flexible solar panels are able to withstand heat, water and pressure. The panels can be used indoors and outdoors.
Stratos is currently one of the top-rated flexible solar panels. It comes with a break-resistant and completely waterproof material including a toughened glass front that doesn't crack under impact.
However, what makes Stratos, and other flexible solar panels, attractive is that they can be shaped and adjusted according to one's needs. For instance, the user can have two or more panels connected in order to produce a larger amount of electricity.
With the increased interest in renewable energy resources, anything that can make solar power generation easier and more efficient is sure to become an increasingly important part of the marketplace. For many homeowners, a solar panel is simply out of the question due to reasons such as lack of rooftop space. A flexible solar panel is often a better alternative to a traditional one.
Are flexible solar panels any good?
Yep. They're an excellent alternative to rigid solar panels. These flexible solar panels represent the majority of the solar panels being sold these days. So, buying one is really a no-brainer for many homeowners these days.
However, there is one downside to flexible solar panels: they are far less efficient than are rigid panels. On average, the solar cells used in most flexible solar panels are only 17-24% efficient. In other words, to get the same amount of electricity as you would from a rigid 12-18% efficient solar panel, you'd need nearly twice as much solar cells in a flexible solar panel.
Additionally, one of the challenges of creating efficient flexible solar panels is that most of them need to be larger and/or thicker than do rigid panels. So, if you aren't planning to place your flexible solar panel somewhere that needs a large surface area, then this is also something to consider.
How durable are flexible solar panels?
Compared to rigid solar panels, flexible solar panels are more durable. They're quite resistant to damage that may occur from accidental contact. They are also less vulnerable to damages caused by extreme weather conditions.
Flexible solar panels are nevertheless vulnerable to tears and punctures when handled improperly. They are also more likely than rigid panels to get dirty.
How do you make a solar panel flexible?
Easily said – use silicon as a semiconductor in place of silicon photovoltaic, which is the same technology that's used for conventional solar power (solar panels). This means that a flexible solar panel is basically a silicon based semiconductor, which can be made to bend and stretch in all directions, without breaking.
Commercial examples of solar "folding panels" are commercially available. Some are rigid while others are flexible. Typically, the rigid versions are cheaper than the flexible ones.
However, flexible ones have several benefits. For starters, when they're not fixed, they occupy less space. Also, they can turn into a compact shape that offers more portability. The rigid ones on the other hand can only be stored in a simple way (just lying flat or hanging from a hook). Finally, flexible ones are more durable than rigid ones.
Conclusion
Various factors contribute to the performance of a solar panel. The main purpose of this article is to help you understand the factors that contribute to the efficiency of a solar panel. And, more importantly, we’ll give you a good idea of the best solar panels in the market currently.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Extremely Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel | Best Overall | |
| SunPower 110 Watt Flexible Solar Panel | Budget Pick | |