Flexable <span class="highlight">Solar</span> Panels

Ask to see the specs on the label on the back. If it has no reference to output in watts or amps then be very weary, i got stitched on a couple of 100 watt panels that turned out to be barely 60 watt.
Do some research into the physical size the panel needs to be to be 200 watts.

Almost all the flexables tell porkies in their advertising. They do work, but most ase well over rated.

Have a look on a site called "product review"

G'day Lyndon,

Re stiffening the panels....

I bought some similar panels from Jaycar, but mine were 100W each, so a bit smaller. I wanted portability but also light weight for my truck and I wanted to reduce the flexing to make them easier to handle and prop up to face the sun. Also, I chose 2 x 100 w for compactness.

I got some 10mm ally U channel from Bunnings and pop rivetted that around the edges. I made the sides a bit longer so I could drill a hole at the top to take a prop. With leftover bits of channel I made a centre prop with a hook at the bottom to take the panel and a hole at the top to take a prop.

I made the props out of some 10mm round ally rod, also from Bunnings. Just bent the 90 deg at one end to insert into the holes in the U channel.

Being light, these panels tend to blow over in any sort of breeze. I have to peg them down to stabilize them. Otherwise I just use the centre prop.

Cheers

Personally don't have any experience with that brand but the Sunpower Cells used in the panel have a good reputation.

You need to look at a panel closely and see how it has been constructed, are the cells all installed evenly, does the surface look uniform, no discoloration in some areas etc.

The specs state you can't put them in series or parallel so you want to check that out. Some MPPT chargers don't provide any worthwhile gain with parallel 12V panels so you need to do some research if you are going to have a parallel string.

With my panels I source some plastic ball joints and used tent fibre glass support rods to make rods with a ball joint at one end. I have attached the ball joint to the panel frame, the rods lie flat against the panel during transport and angle out to prop the panel during use.

Flexible panels won't last long if they are flexed to often so make sure whatever you mount them to is rigid and use a mounting system that has give to let them expand and contract without stressing them.

Lyndon.
An Enerdrive MPPT solar and alt input unit can be purchased for around$450. They will handle two panels in series, is, higher voltage input of solar, so the system starts earlier, finishes later and requires less cable size than straight / normal panel use. More efficient use of available solar energy. A flexible panel can be ocky strapped to two long and two short ground pegs because they have eyelets at their edge/corners.
When using the generator for battery recharge, I hope you use a large 240v charger off the AC section and not try and use the 8 amp 12v DC useless output.

Another weak point i have found is the cable where it joins the terminal inside the junction box.
The cable has very high voltage insulation which is round and the gland on the junction box cant grip it tight enough to stop it rotating every time you move it twisting and fatiguing the conductor which is an industrial not very flexable wire. Found mine to already to be breaking strands with only the testing and one 3 day trip.
I have replaced it with 4mm twin sheathed auto type cable which has the same size yet more flexable cable size and a flat profile so the silicone inside the junction block stops it from flexing. Both positive and negative enter from the same side within the outer sheath. Makes handling the panels a lot easier to get the wires neat and out of the way.

Lyndon,

I've used these guys with great success. The big plus - well it was for me - is they will make custom sized panels to suit your application. Size (both dimensions and wattage), location of the junction box, cabling, connectors - all are customisable.

Additionally, their panels are quality and well priced.

Usual disclaimer - I'm just a satisfied customer.

Cheers

Lyndon, one other way for light weight and strong is to stick them to 5mm corflute using exterior double sided tape. Bunnings sell it rated to 100C. From memory it might be Moroday body mounting tape you would just have to check the max temp for the tape. I know it sticks to corflute also available at bunnings, although I buy it elsewhere in 8x4 sheets a lot cheaper.

I have a 50w flexible panel in my wifes car it works well but is reasonable heavy for it's size I got it from Solarpart 123 around18 months ago.

I suppose you have no room on your roof to mount something every bit counts and carry a smaller folding unit. Plenty of room on your bonnet seen them there before.

Lyndon, if you are considering thin film panels contact Solar 4 RV Solar 4 RV Solar panels

The owner/engineer Phil has a wealth of knowledge and the product is excellent. I am using their current range plus a Lithium battery setup. Thoroughly recommend them.
Cheers
Jon