The best flexible solar panels are portable, efficient in producing low-cost electricity where and when required, commonly, used in boats, RVs, cabins, and for such activities as camping, hiking and others.
In some cases when homes cannot install the more rigid solar panels on roofs that are irregular or for some other reason, the flexible ones do the job pretty well.
In the solar industry flexible solar panels are termed as thin film panels. This is so because they are constructed from one or more PV material sandwiched above glass, metal or plastic. These layers are then over 300 times smaller than the typical silicon based photovoltaic panels.
The design of flexible solar panels makes them a lot more lightweight, portable and flexible, while keeping the durability and energy-efficiency of traditional silicon panels.
1. Renogy RNG-100DB-H 100-Watt 12-Volt Extremely Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel
- [Extremely Flexible] This flexible solar panel is capable of...
- [Ultra Lightweigh] Thanks to advanced polymer materials, these...
- [Super Thin Lamination] Hardly noticeable, the Renogy flexible...
- [Highly Durable] Rigorously tested, the 100W solar panel flexible...
- [Potential Uses] The renogy flexible solar panel can be primarily...
Renogy’s flexible monocrystalline solar panel of 100 watts ranks high in the strain of portable solar panel favorites of many of the company’s longstanding enthusiasts. It is a perfect charger if you were searching for something that could charge up your yachts, boats, trailers, RV and all sorts of curved rooftops.
This Renogy 100-watt flexible solar panels was designed and made in the USA, and equipped with IP68 –rated waterproof junction box, making them fit for use in outside spaces. They’re 21% efficient due to the monocrystalline silion material that continues to efficiently tap a large power with small area.
By doing so it has been able to gain a reputation of being an all purpose flexible solar panel since it is very powerful and durable while at the same time only weighing 4 pounds. Due to being super lightweight and its ability to flex up to 248 degrees, this solar panel can be easily installed by users.
Pros:
Cons:
2. DOKIO Flexible Solar Panel kit 400W 12V Thin Monocrystalline Lightweight
- 【Light weight 】One solar panel only 2.3lbs, 0.03inch thin,...
- 【Extremely Flexible】The flexible solar panel can be curved to...
- 【High-quality material】Using ETFE material, which has better...
- 【Highly durable】The DOKIO flexible solar panel can withstand...
- 【Easy-Installation】Four metal grommet mounting holes help you...
The DOKIO Flexible Solar Panel Kit 400W is a portable solar power system for caravans, recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers. With simplicity being a key feature of the kit, it has four 100W thin monocrystalline panels, a charge controller, MC4 extension cable and alligator clip making it perfect to work in the off-grid system. Each panel is extremely portable and is best installed on curving or irregular surfaces without imposing much stress.
It is for this reason that the DOKIO Flexible Solar Panel Kit 400W is a good solution when it comes to off-grid and lightweight solar power. Their advantage – flexibility and relatively low weight caused the need to focus on its proper installation and handling.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Topunive 100W 12V Flexible Solar Panel 9BB Monocrystalline Cell 12 Volt
- Extremely Flexible: The minimum radius of the arc that a 100...
- Lightweight & Easy to Install: It is only 0.1 inches in height...
- 9 Busbars Solar Cell, High Conversion Efficiency: 9BB & A Grade...
- Waterproof & Dustproof: This flexible solar panel is equipped...
- Excellent Quality: The flexible solar panel is made of ETFE...
The Topunive 100W 12V Flexible Solar Panel is a semi-flexible monocrystalline solar panel whose applications include marine, RV, trailer, boat, van and cabin use. The 9BB (9 bus bar) cell technology improves the efficiency of the panel; its flexible and lightweight structure can be fitted on an uneven or curved surface. The panel is weather proof or Weather resilient and is designed to offer credible energy to difficult outdoor climate.
The Topunive 100W is particularly ideal for small to medium off-grid energy applications where area of deployment is limited or there are irregularities on the floor. During installation it is important to take good care so that it can work to the optimum and last long.
Pros:
Cons:
4. ATEM POWER Monocrystalline Solar Panel Flexible 245° Bendable
- Energy Optimization Tech: This 100w flexible solar panel features...
- Subversive ETFE Tech: These films of the 100w flexible solar...
- Born with Flexibility: This flexible solar panel is flexible up...
- Address Diverse Needs: As your dependable companion off-grid, the...
- Easy to Set up: The ATEM POWER 100w solar panel can be installed...
This flexible solar panel solves the energy needs of any camper or RV and other off-grid applications where direct currents could be in an upward or downward direction. It is thin, flexible at 245°, for curved surfaces, and employs monocrystalline technology, for high efficiency of converting sunlight to energy. As constructed primarily for the outdoors, it presents a consistent performance in diverse environments.
ATEM POWER Flexible Solar Panel is an ideal flexible solar panel for adventurers and off-grid goers seeking for lightweight, portable, and versatile solar power sources. While proper handling is essential to avoid damage, its flexibility and efficiency make it a reliable companion for diverse outdoor applications.
Pros:
Cons:
5. BougeRV Yuma 200W CIGS Thin-Film Flexible Solar Panel
- ★【SPEC and Installation】200W, via Pre-punched Holes
- ★【Parameters Info】82.77*27.14 Inches, 6.39 Lbs
- 【Cost-Effective flexible Solar Panel】:Looking for a durable...
- 【360° Ultra Flexible】: The BougeRV CIGS Flexible Solar Panel...
- 【More Stable Output】: Say goodbye to unstable energy output...
The BougeRV Yuma 200W CIGS Thin-Film Flexible Solar Panel is what works for lightweight and modularity regarding solar power systems. This panel is thin and highly flexible as a result of the novel CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) material that has been adopted in the construction of the panel. It has holes pre-punched which makes it relatively easy to install and is suitable for use in RV’s, boats and off-grid systems.
The BougeRV Yuma 200W Flexible Solar Panel is a perfect pick, especially for those who want a strong portable and green power source. Though there are higher monocrystalline silicon PV technologies’ efficiency, polycrystalline silicon offers light weighted, high flexibility and easy incorporating to portable and off-grid sections due to complex installation situation.
Pros:
Cons:
Factors To Consider When Buying the Best Flexible Solar Panels
The prices of flexible solar panels only include the solar panel kits. For this to work, you'll need a solar controller, deep cycle battery, battery connectors, and other optional accessories like extended solar panel wires.
While these thin flexible solar panels are unique, like almost all other forms of solar panels, they come with their own advantages and disadvantages. As such, you have to weigh these considerations before buying one of the best flexible solar panels we've compiled above:
Other factors such as size and weight cannot be ignored because, for each project, the s are unique with specific needs.
Wrap Up: Which is the Best Flexible Solar Panels for Me?
Note that the list of the best flexible solar panels presented above can be further extended, and it is easy to name dozens of other models that will suit perfectly. Still, we limited ourselves to 100-watt models since we needed panels that entry-level users might like to try with flexible solar panels.
Make sure to weigh the considerations listed above, and if you can't get past the technical stuff, go with the one with the best warranty, since it is often a good indicator that the brand is confident about their product's durability.