Flexible Solar Panels

Solar shows off it's Flexibility

Flexible Solar Panels from the back yard to the boonies. Take anywhere, thin film photovoltaics are incorporated into rollable, foldable panels that are compact enough for tenters and hikers and practical enough for the RVing and boating crowd.

Also called amorphous solar panels this type of solar is composed of thin layers of semi conductive materials applied to a flexible surface.

There a number of configurations such as roll-up, fold-up and semi-rigid that are marketed as flexible panels. In any case the actual semi-conductive material used is a... thin film, of amorphous material. The material that the film is applied to, will determine just how flexible the end product is.

They do all have one thing in common and that is that they make natural power when exposed to sunlight.

If you like to live life outside the reach of an electrical outlet, try one of our selected flexible solar panels. You're going to love the freedom solar power brings.

Advantages of Flexible Solar Panels

Flexible amorphous solar panels have several advantages over the rigid photovoltaic type.

• Stowability - When you're not using it your panel will fit easily on a garage or closet shelf. Sizes are given below for individual styles.
• Portability - The rollable and foldable styles are more portable than the semi-rigid styles but any of them are more portable than the rigid photovoltaic panels. Great for camping or fishing trips.
• Ease of Mounting - The light weight and thin profile of the flexibles make them versatile and easy to secure even in awkward places. Most have grommets on the corners or along the sides to fasten the panel wherever you want it (even on your backpack) while keeping it easy to move around.
• Cost - It's way cheaper to make thin film panels than photovoltaics and the cost to purchase will continually decline.
• Increased Spectrums - Amorphous or thin-film material collects the infrared spectrum of light in addition to daylight rays. Infrared is a spectrum that is invisible to the eye and occurs very early in the morning and very late in the evenings when PV cells have long since gone to sleep. Additionally, infrared penetrates clouds so thin film panels perform better in overcast areas (like the Pacific Northwest and New England areas) better than pv.

Disadvantages of Flexible Solar Panels

• Less Efficient - Thin film photovoltaics don't convert as much of the sunlight that falls on them into energy as conventional pv.
• Don't Last as Long - Although, because thin film is a relatively new technology, they don't have an established track record, it is believed that they will not enjoy as long a life as their PV siblings. On the other hand, conventional PV is being proven to outlast early estimates and functioning as long as 40 years.

Thin film technology has led to a lot of flexibility in the solar energy arena. For super portability check out the rollable and foldable solar panels for your hiking, camping and general adventuring trips.

Semi Rigid 30 Watt Panel

HQRP 30W Mono-crystalline Flexible Solar Panel 30 Watt 12V / 12 Volt w/ 4 Stainless Grommets for Car Caravan Bus Trailer Bike plus HQRP UV Chain / UV Radiation Health Tester

They flex - but they do not roll up or fold.

Although the flexibility is limited, these panels are rugged and weather resistant making them ideal for tying onto your boat, RV or vehicle.

A super thin layer of amorphous solar cells are imprinted onto an aluminum backing. A layer of clear laminate covers the cells making the unit very durable and flexible to a maximum of 30%.

A layer of silicone protects the junction box from moisture and the entire 30 Watt unit measures 850 X 400 X 2.5 mm (33.46 X 15.75 X 1/10 inches ).

This unit is available in other sizes such as the 45 Watt Flexible Solar Panel .

The 60W (30W+30W) KIT comes complete with a 10A solar charge controller, 200W power inverter, cigarette lighter receptacle and red/black clamps.

6 stainless steel grommets make it easy to secure this panel almost anywhere the sun shines.

Typical Amazon customer comments.

"A good buy, with good performance; what more could you ask?"

"Talk about bang for the buck. This HQRP 30 Watt Flexible Solar Panel blows the competition out of the water. "

Roll-Up Solar Panel

Now THAT'S a roll up! This 28 Watt unit rolls into a 4 inch tube shape that's 14.5 inches long. When opened the solar panel measures 14.5 X just a smidge under 80 inches (79.75 inches) - all in a package that weighs a little over half a pound (0.6 pounds).

It's a bargain at it's Sale Price of $299.99.

28 Watts is sufficient power to keep all of your small electronic devices charged - Cell phone, GPS, camera, iPod, even small laptops - and can trickle charge a 12V boat battery.

Includes a 12V female cigarette lighter adapter O-ring battery terminal connectors with a 15 foot extension cord. Adding a Griffin Dual USB Car Charger will turn the cigarette receptacle into a dual USB port so that you can, not only charge USB equipped devices, but you can charge 2 at a time.

Typical Amazon customer comments.

"We just drape it over the car, picnic table, or lay it on the ground with our electronics in the shade while it charges."

"I liked it so well, I purchased another one from Amazon at a definite savings."

Foldable Solar Panel

PowerFilm F15-600 10w Folding Solar Panel Charger

This little folding solar panel delivers 10 Watts of energy in bright sunshine. That's enough to keep a number of devices charged indefinitely even with the odd overcast day thrown in.

Weighing in at 9 ounces it folds up into a neat 3.5 X 10.5 X 1.4 inch package that's easily stowable in a backpack, glove box or emergency bag.

Open, the panel measures 20.5 X 23 inches by a just a few millimeters and comes equipped with a 12V female cigarette style receptacle. Add a Griffin Dual USB Car Charger and charge 2 USB devices at the same time.

These durable, military grade solar panels come in a wide selection of sizes to fit any outdoor pursuit.

Typical Amazon customer comments.

"Now for a quick review of the product itself. IT ROCKS! The end."

"Used it to charge cell phones, kindle, portable tv, and a bunch of enloop AA bateries over a period of 5 days."

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