Solar and electricity – Page 7

In the last ten years, the United States has seen the use of solar grow annually by an average of 49%. This growth in the use of solar has led to a drop in price, making them far more accessible. As they have become more popular, people have begun looking at alternatives to the traditional panels. Flexible solar panels are a newer technology with quite a few advantages. To answer if flexible solar panels are worth it, you have to look at the intended use. Since traditional Monocrystalline Panels are more expensive, flexible panels are great alternatives. Though they have lower efficiency, they are less affected by high temperatures and have more options for use. There are a number of differences to take into account when considering the use of flexible solar panels over more traditional rigid panels. In this article, we will discuss how flexible solar panels work and how they compare to the more popular panels in terms of cost, size, and durability. What Are Flexible Solar Panels? The first silicon solar cell was actually invented back in 1954. Since then, they have been used to power satellites, remote-controlled planes, and even the White House. However, the rigid panels that you would easily recognize are heavy, difficult to install, and costly. With that in mind, scientists have been working for decades to improve solar panels and how we can use them. There are two different types of flexible solar panels: Thin Film Solar - super flexible and can be bent or rolledMonocrystalline semi-flexible panels - lightweight with a limited bend angle Thin Film Solar Cells These panels are typically made by applying one or more thin layers of photovoltaic material onto a plastic backing. Electrodes are connected to the front and back, and the millimeters thick material can then begin absorbing sunlight. Because they are made up of ultra-thin layers of silicon, they can easily be bent or curved to suit a surface, and even rolled up for easy transport. Monocrystalline Semi-Flexible Panels These panels are designed to get the most out of low light and attach to unconventional roofs far better than rigid panels. They are durable and lightweight, making them perfect for motorhomes and camper vans. However, they have a limit to their flexibility, as they have a metal backing. Traditional Panels vs. Flexible Panels The obvious difference between the two different types of panels is their physical make-up. Traditional panels are heavy, rigid, and require a stable structure and mounting in order to be installed and used. Whereas flexible solar panels can be tucked away when not in use, and are very easy to use, as shown in the video below of a campsite set up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhmA4ms0kTU&ab_channel=Rolasolar Let’s take a look at how flexible solar panels work in comparison to traditional panels and explore how they might be a good or bad option, depending on the situation. Size Most residential solar panels are 65 by 39 inches (1651 x 990 mm) and have a frame thickness somewhere between 1.25 inches (32mm) and 1.6 inches (40mm). The larger size of these rigid panels usually means they need to be mounted in place and take up a lot of room. It is possible to mount on the roof of a van, but these are not ideal for use in camping. However, for your home, larger panels offer a more consistent output than flexible panels of a similar size. Flexible panels come in a variety of sizes, giving you more options and better versatility. These will be the far better option for portable solar energy. When camping, they can be quickly set up for use with simple electronics. Weight Due to their size and efficiency, traditional solar panels are quite heavy. Running on average at 40 pounds (18 kg), they are not designed to be portable. They generally need a solid roof structure onto which they can be mounted, and when considering for use at home, that is not a one-man job. By contrast, even larger flexible panels weigh less than 12 pounds (5kg). This makes them portable and convenient for use on the road. Similarly, the semi-flexible panels can be mounted onto a camper van or tiny house, without the fear of adding too much weight to your vehicle or trailer, which may be subject to road specifications in certain areas. Installation As mentioned, rigid panels are quite heavy, and you must take into account the roof structure before installation. In addition, they generally require a team of professionals to ensure correct mounting and safe connection to the home’s power, which is the reason for their higher prices. The video above perfectly demonstrates how easy and flexible panels are to use. They can be moved and placed in the sun wherever you are. For the semi-flexible options, the video below demonstrates how they can be installed without the need for power tools: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XSux3Wdghg&ab_channel=RVwithTitoDIY These panels are far more user friendly and require little DIY know-how. Once installed, you can more or less forget about them. Efficiency Unfortunately, this is where flexible panels come up short. Traditional monocrystalline panels can produce anywhere from 16-25% efficiency, where the flexible counterparts run around 7-15%. That is quite a big difference and could be a deciding factor when looking into flexible panels. Due to their lower efficiency rates, you will find that you need more flexible panels than if you opted for the rigid panels. On the road, storing rolled up panels, or having them on the roof for the few items you need to charge, is easy enough and convenient. However, if you are looking at solar for energy for an RV or tiny house, or when considering home solar, you may find that you don’t have enough roof space to hold all of the flexible panels required to produce enough energy for a household. Durability In order to maintain their flexibility and low weight, flexible panels do not have a frame or glass coverage, leaving them much more prone to damage. Another issue for the semi-flexible panels is overheating. As they do not have mounts, but rather are fixed onto a surface - such as a van - there is little to no airflow. This can cause hotspots that can damage the cells and significantly reduce the life span of the panel. Where rigid panels typically are built to last anywhere between 25 and 30 years, flexible panels generally have a much shorter warranty and life-span. According to SpiritEnergy, you may find your panel only lasts between 1-2 years. This is due to the stress put on these panels as they are moved around and bent repeatedly. Cost Depending on their size, flexible solar panels can cost anywhere from $100 to more than $1000. When looking to use solar on a camper van, tiny house, or when camping, they are a cheaper alternative to the bulky, expensive rigid panels. However, when looking at installing solar on your home, you may be surprised at the overall cost. Greenmatch estimates an installation cost of £7,000-£9,000 ($9,000-$11,500) for 20 panels on 32 square meters (38.27 square yards) for traditional panels. In contrast, for the installation of flexible solar panels on space over 30 square meters (35.88 square yards), you would need more than 35 panels at the cost of £5,000 to as much as £20,000 ($6,500 - $25,000). Conclusion Depending on your intended use, flexible solar panels might be the best option for you. These lightweight, inexpensive panels can be rolled up for easy storage, making them an excellent choice for campers and travelers. However, when looking into solar for your home, traditional panels may end up costing you less in the long run. Similarly, with a shorter life span, you will find yourself replacing your flexible panels far more often than the traditional panels. Flexible PanelsTraditional PanelsSizeVariety of sizesAverage 65x39 inches (165.1x99.1 cm)WeightLess than 12 pounds (5.44 kg)40+ pounds (18.14+ kg)InstallationEasy to DIYCostly, labor-intensiveEfficiency7-15%16-25%DurabilityLife span of 1-2 yearsLife span of 25-30 yearsCostThe cheaper option for camper vans and travelers.Higher cost to install at homeHigh initial cost when including installation