I'm in the process of building out my camper van, and I've done some research on flexible solar panels. From what I've gathered, Renogy and Bougerv seem to be the top recommendations. However, I've never really engaged in a discussion about solar panels before, so I'd love to hear what you all think. I'm looking for something durable; even if I can't expect them to last 20 years, I want the most reliable option available. I've heard mixed reviews, especially rumors that some flexible panels drop to 50% efficiency after just one year - is this still true for higher-quality brands? Additionally, I've read about hail damaging these panels, so they need to withstand a bit of weather. On that note, I noticed Renogy offers a 5-year warranty — could someone explain why they would offer that if the panels usually degrade so quickly?
3 Answers
When it comes to flexible panels, I’d stick with Renogy or BougeRV. Both brands come with a 5-year warranty and have been around long enough that I trust they’ll be around if any issues arise. BougeRV’s cigs-type panels are particularly tough but come with a hefty price tag. It's worth noting that the criticism around flexible panels stems from the quality of earlier models, but newer versions have improved a lot. Personally, I still lean towards rigid panels when possible, as they tend to be more reliable overall.
If you need flexibility, go ahead and get flexible panels, but just be prepared to replace them more often. Rigid panels last longer because they don’t have the same issues with flexing and damage. A good solution is to use smaller, high-quality CIGS panels if you want flexibility, but know they're not as durable as rigid ones. Just make sure you're not expecting a long lifespan if you're going for flexible.
I’d caution against flexible panels if you can help it. They tend to fail due to flexing, so if you use them, make sure they are fixed to something solid – not just held down with bungee cords. Mounting them securely is crucial, especially on vehicles where they can get tossed around by wind. If you stick them down properly, you might have a better experience.