Flexible solar panels are solar panels made with thin materials that can bend. That means they can be applied to many more surfaces than standard rigid solar panels. However, flexible solar panels are less efficient and durable, so they aren’t usually recommended for use on your roof.
How flexible solar panels work
Flexible solar panels work in much the same way traditional rigid panels work. Standard solar panels are made with silicon photovoltaic cells that are often smaller than the thickness of four human hairs. The cells are encased in protective glass and/or plastics and connected together to form solar panels. When energy from the sun hits the solar cells in the panels, that creates an electrical charge, generating electricity
.
What makes flexible solar panels different is that they’re made with even thinner solar cells, often encased in flexible polymer
. Some flexible solar panels are made by printing photovoltaic material directly onto a flexible surface, but these are less commonly available.
Because they can bend and are portable, flexible solar panels can be used for off-grid solar applications. For example, you can add them to your RV, van, or boat, or take them camping or hiking with you. Some flexible panels can fold as well as bend.
You probably won’t find a solar installer who will install flexible solar panels on your roof. But flexible solar panels can be a great choice for portable applications.
How much do flexible solar panels cost?
According to EnergySage, a solar and home energy product comparison marketplace, the top flexible solar panels cost between $80 and $290 per panel.
One reason for the price range is wattage, which measures the power output of solar panels. Typical residential solar panels are rated at 400 watts, but lower-priced flexible panels might have an output of only 50 watts. More expensive flexible solar panels might produce 175 watts.
Price differences may also reflect whether the panels come with the necessary equipment to operate them. To use flexible solar panels, you’ll need a few components, such as a
solar inverter
. Some flexible solar panels are sold as part of a kit that includes everything you need, and some are sold separately
Pros of flexible solar panels
Flexible solar panels have a number of advantages that make them a great option when you need portable solar.
Versatility
Because they can bend, flexible solar panels can attach to uneven or rounded surfaces, such as the curved roof of a van or boat. Because they’re lighter than traditional solar panels and don’t require a mounting system, they can be installed on structures that are weaker than the roof of your home, such as a shed, awning or carport. They come in different shapes and sizes, so you can even attach a flexible solar panel to a backpack.
Ease of installation
Flexible solar panels are much easier than standard panels to install and uninstall; they can be attached to surfaces using adhesives or magnets. That makes them a good choice for
DIY solar projects
.
Portability
The light weight and easy installation of flexible solar panels makes it easy to transport them to different locations and move them from one surface to another. For example, you can take a panel on a road trip in your van and then take it hiking. Unlike with traditional solar panels on your roof, if you move it’s relatively easy to take your flexible solar panels with you.
Affordability
Cons of flexible solar panels
Although flexible solar panels have a number of advantages, you should be aware of a few drawbacks to these panels.
Efficiency
Traditional solar panels’
average efficiency is about 21%
— meaning they convert about a fifth of the sunlight that hits them into electricity. Flexible solar panels are about 5% to 10% less efficient. That means it takes a higher number of flexible solar panels to generate the same amount of energy. This is not generally an issue for most uses of these panels, such as powering a few devices.
Power
The average power output of flexible solar panels is only about 100 watts, compared to 400 watts for traditional rooftop solar panels. So you can’t power as many devices with a 100-watt flexible solar panel. For example, a typical LED light bulb uses two to 18 watts of electricity, a laptop uses 30–70 watts, and a refrigerator uses 300–800 watts.
Durability
Flexible solar panels are known for their lightweight and portable nature. However, due to their thinner cells and coating, they are less durable compared to traditional solar panels. They are more prone to wear and tear, especially when used on the road or trail. Flexible panels have a shorter lifespan and typically come with shorter warranties.
Are flexible solar panels worth it?
While flexible solar panels may not be the best choice for rooftop installations due to their lower efficiency and durability issues, they are ideal for portable solar needs. These panels can be a great option for powering small devices during power outages. Researchers are constantly working on developing even lighter and more flexible solar cells, paving the way for innovative applications such as wearable solar technology.
As the popularity of flexible solar panels grows, advancements in manufacturing techniques are leading to the production of ultrathin and stretchable organic solar cells. These innovations will expand the range of flexible solar panel options available in the market, making them an increasingly viable choice for various applications.