9 Best Flexible Solar Panels

In this buyer’s guide, let’s take a look at the 9 best flexible solar panels that are great for campers, hikers, RVs, boats and more.

We have researched and tested a number of these products; some are good some are okay, and some should be avoided.

In this guide, we will show you all of it. Why spend more time compiling research while you can get all the information you need right here.

Let's check them out...

6 Best Flexible Solar Panels

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Renogy RNG-160DB-H 175W Flexible Solar Panel

What we like about the Renogy - The Renogy RNG-160DB-H 175W Flexible Solar Panel is lightweight, easy to manage, waterproof and flexible. Because it bends through 248 degrees, you get a longer charging day. It’s been – one of the thinnest on the market – and suitable for every situation in which you could possibly want to use a flexible solar panel. It even has mounting holes for the can secure it in place semi-permanently.

It uses monocrystalline solar cells –solar cells grown from a single ingot of silicon, rather than a silicon conglomerate. It flexes 248 degrees – 69% of a full circle – to the sun from wide variety of angles. It’s thin, which makes for easy packing and handling, a critical factor for hikers, bikers and backpackers. Finally, it has mounting holes integrated into its body – no drilling needed if you’re mounting it permanently.

This six and one-quarter pound monocrystalline flexible solar panel from Renogy energy you need. Ultralightweight, it’s easy to handle, transport and secured to even the most uneven surfaces. Encased in polymer, it’s completely waterproof. You can flex the panel a maximum of 248 degrees allowing you to “latch onto” sun from nearly any angle at almost any time of the day.

The center of flexible solar panel is, the more flexible it is. At eight one-hundredths of an inch thick, the Renogy RNG-160DB-H 175W monocrystalline solar panel is 95% thinner than other flexible solar panels available on the market today. This thinness makes the panel seem almost stealthy and makes it ideal for use on campers, yachts, trailers and boats. This flexibility makes it easier to pack, making it an ideal choice for backpackers and hikers or even day trippers. In addition to his flexibility and ultralightweight design it includes reinforced mounting holes to make your life easier when securing the panel in place.

The Renogy 175W 12 Volt Flexible Solar Panel is lightweight, easy to manage, waterproof and flexible. Because it bends through 248 degrees, you get a longer charging day. It’s been – one of the thinnest on the market – and suitable for every situation in which you could possibly want to use a flexible solar panel. It even has mounting holes for the can secure it in place semi-permanently. These qualities plus Renogy’s reputation for producing high quality flexible solar panels make this an excellent choice for one of the 11 Best lexical solar panels.

Here’s the Renogy RNG-160DB-H 175W Flexible Solar Pane by the numbers

  • 59.1 inches x 26.5 inches x 0.08 inches (147.6 cm x 66 cm x 0.27)
  • Weighs 6.2 pounds
  • Peak wattage rating of 175W
  • 21% efficient

What Users Are Saying about This Product

The Renogy 175-Watt flexible panel works well for permanent installation on an RV. Renogy recommends using sickle flexed 252 adhesive metastases panels. Installation was simple as was connection to the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 solar generator. Household applications include emergency service during power outages. They are lightweight and easy to haul in and out of the house.

Voltage and current are more than enough to top off the AGM house battery on a boat. They’re well-constructed and easy to install. Also, Renogy’s reputation is a good indicator of the quality of these panels. Before I bought the panels, Renogy answered questions and were very generous with their time and information.

Well-constructed and performs as advertised. More than suitable for a one-week off-the-grid camping trip. Powers electric water pump, fan, lights, gas heater with a fan with no problem whatsoever. The panel is capable of generating needed electricity even when it is found inside the car’s windshield. The panel even performs well even on days that are overcast.

ALLPOWERS 100W Flexible Solar Panel

What we like about the Windy nation lightweight flexible solar panel: ALLPOWER’s 100 Watt flexible solar panel uses Sunpower monocrystalline solar cells. It has a high energy conversion rate, 23.5%. It’s light thin and very flexible. At a manufacturers-stated weight of 4.7 pounds and a solar energy conversion rate of 23.5% we love it., It’s an and easy to see why the all powers 100W flexible solar panel’s included in the best 11 flexible solar panels. In

The ALLPOWERS 100-Watt flexible solar panel has an energy conversion rate of 23.5%, on a par with most recent generation of Petrovsky PVCs. This allows maximum power usage during daylight. This means the all powers panel has a higher energy conversion rate than many thin flexible solar panels available online.

The monocrystalline cell configuration and the thin, flexible design are best for storage, make your ALLPOWERS 100 W ideal for use aboard boats, in RVs and other situations where storage space is tight. This space consciousness is made the ALLPOWERS 100-Watt flexible solar panel one of the most popular choices among boaters, yachtsmen and RV owners.

The monocrystalline PVCs found in the ALLPOWERS 100-Watt flexible solar panel are made in the United States by SunPower. While ALLPOWERS describes its construction as thin and flexible, Sun Power describes it as a semi-flexible solar panel. The panel can be bent through a 30 degrees arc.

This panel comes with a warning: if you plan to power many devices, the manufacturer recommends that you connect three panels in series or in parallel to ensure the best performance. The manufacturer also says that the all powers 100 Watt flexible solar panel is “one of the most durable and lightweight foldable solar panels,” and that the panel, “includes innovative solar panel technology providing confidence to regular customers related to the fact that the product is robust, highly efficient, and an incredibly durable.” The panel’s parameter Includes reinforced mounting holes to ease attachment.

Why We Picked This One

  • Highest energy conversion rates, 23.5%. 
  • Made in United States
  • It can be connected to other solar panels in series or in parallel 
  • Space-conscious design that makes storage easy for use on a boat or a camperI
  • It’s easy to mount.

What Users Are Saying about This Product

The ALL POWER 100-Watt Flexible Panel is light, flexible, very tough and water resistant and uses of water and weather resistant MC4 connector. It's remarkably high efficiency and easy to install, even for the novice. It can power fans, lights and, if you use a power inverter, even small, dorm-size refrigerator on a 24/7 basis. They have grommeted holes on the edges of the panels for a permanent installation on an RV or boat or anywhere you need.

ALL POWER’s shipping is prompt, and the panel is well-packaged. They’re very convenient easily installed on a vehicle strength Velcro with industrial strength Velcro. The panel is more durable than traditional glass and aluminum. While it packs 100 Watts of power, it only weighs 4.7 pounds which makes it easy to transport, carry and remove.

You can tie the ALL POWER 100-Watt panel into a traditional panel of matching size. The panel produces 18 to 19 V, even in spotty weather. It can even power LED lights. On sunny days it easily delivers the 100 Watts of power promised. The panels are light, easy to set up a great for camping or boating. It is a good job of keeping the four batteries in a 37-foot moored sloop charged. 

giaride flexible solar panel

What we like about the WindyNation lightweight flexible solar panel - The Giaride Solar Panel Flexible Solar Panel’s monocrystalline solar cell is laminated into the water and dust resistant thin film. These cells supply a 22% energy conversion rate, meaning that Giaride solar panel is a more efficient option than most traditional solar panels used in typical home solar systems. This means that three Giaride panels connected in parallel can supply greater output than any 300W flexible solar panel. The junction box is sealed and is waterproof and dustproof.

Because the Giaride flexible solar panel can be flexed in a smooths arc of up to 30 degrees, it can be easily mounted on a roof, motorhome, camper or other curved surface with glue, tape or Velcro. For more prominent mounting you may use the pre—drilled holes on the panels to secure the panel in place with screws or bolts.

Furthermore, you can plug the Giaride flexible solar panel into an existing solar panel array. The recommended solar charge controller, the Giaride 150Wh Battery Pack, is also a plug-and-play device.

Key Specifications:
Integrated mounting holes.
Lightweight and easy to carry.
The flexible surface can bend up to 30 degrees
Dimensions: 50.39 x 20 x 0.12 inches (127 x 50.8 x 0.3 cm)
Peak Wattage 100W
Efficiency 22%

What users are saying about this product

  • Waterproof and dustproof 
  • 22% energy conversion rate
  • Can be easily connected to other panels
  • Predrilled holes for permanent mounting

What users are saying about this product 

It’s a little on the big side, about 51 inches by about 20 inches, but it’ll put out its peak wattage – 100 Watts. The Giaride flexible panel is really efficient. It’s got a 22% solar energy conversion rate and in spite of its size, it’s easy to carry because it’s so light. If you’re going to mount it permanently, like on camper, it’s got holes around its perimeter see complete replacement screws.

The Giaride 100-Watt flexible solar panel is waterproof, which is always a good thing. It’s easy to connect to other panels either in series or in parallel. This allows you to get more current or more voltage, depending what you are looking for, without getting a bigger panel. You can mount with glue tape or Velcro and will stay in place.

It’s waterproof, dustproof, lightweight, and it converts solar energy very efficiently. They can be mounted in multiple ways which makes it easy if you’re going off the grid in a camper car and RV or boat. It can connect to solar generators and most controllers and can link up with other solar panels.

What we like about the WindyN’s ation lightweight flexible solar panel: At just 4 pounds, it’s one of the lightest panels of the 11 Best. It uses blocking diodes to prevent powertrain during hours of darkness. The kit as delivered includes 36 inches of cabling with photovoltaic connectors pre-attached. Finally, the plug-and-play system connects easily with solar generators.

Like many flexible solar panels, the WindyNation lightweight flexible solar panel can be flexed to a maximum of 30 degrees. This allows for easy mounting on vehicles, tents and boats. The monocrystalline PVCs are integrated into its waterproof and dustproof casement. The resulting panel is only 0.1 inches thick. The panel itself and the junction box are water resistant in the panel is suitable for use outdoors in any weather.

At only 4 pounds, the WindyNation Lightweight Flexible Solar Panel was up to its name. Easy to transport and easy to mount, the panel has six grommet-protected mounting holes evenly spaced, should you wish to affix it to a surface using bolts or screws. The panel can also be mounted using an adhesive or Velcro (or any hook-and-loop system). This flexibility makes it ideal for mobile applications. n added feature is a blocking diode in the junction box. The blocking diode cuts battery discharge during hours of darkness.

The Windynation Lightweight Flexible Solar panel comes you ready to use and Includes 36 Inches of 12AWG solar cable with photovoltaic (PV) connectors pre-attached. The Windy nation lightweight flexible solar panel’s plug-and-play option means you can easily pair this 100W panel with most solar generators straight from box, giving you the ability to go off-the-grid without losing the advantages of technology.

Why we picked this product

  • Only 4 pounds 
  • Uses blocking diodes to prevent power drain during
  • Has 36 inches of cabling with photovoltaic connectors pre-attached
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Solar panel surface can bend up to 30 degrees
  • Connects easily with solar generators
  • 22% efficient

What users are saying about this product:

The WindyNation solar panel is lighter than most other panels; only weighs 4 pounds. My lightweight means that it can be used in every way imaginable if you’re looking for a solar panel that will take you off grid. It has a 22% solar energy conversion efficiency and comes equipped to play 6 inches of cabling that already has the PVC connectors attached. You can hook it up to a solar generator is like plugging an Xbox in. At under $200, it has to be one of the best values in flexible solar panels.

The four-pound Windy nation solar panel is the ideal for camping activities and hiking. It can’t be rolled up like some, and it’s a little large, but it’s wide enough to be no problem. The hundred-Watt panel for charging battery quickly and efficiently, or you can connect it to a solar generator or even a power inverter, if you want to run some light AC in a camper or RV. It’s relatively inexpensive, energy-efficient and easy to use. The only drawback is its size if you are going hiking.

It’s desperate waterproof. It can bend 30 degrees according to the manual. Got grommet holograms outside, see you can set it on the surface it may be as absolutely flat, and screwed into place. It’s not expensive, as far solar panels go, and it does a good job of turning sunlight into electricity, no matter where you gonna run it through a solar generator voltage inverter or just use it to keep the battery charged up.

genssi 100W flexible photovoltaic solar panel

What we like about the Genssi flexible photovoltaic solar panels: That’s right, panels. Plural. Gensii’s 100W photovoltaic solar panels come four to a box. Four 100W flexible solar panels come in each package, allowing you a great deal of latitude in their use. The panels are monocrystalline, which means more power for less panel. The Genssi 100W flexible photovoltaic solar panels arrive in a box of four rather than one.

Beside its monocrystalline efficiency, the Gensii 100W Flexible Photovoltaic Solar Panel offers added advantages including a 25-year power output warranty and a five-year warranty on material and workmanship. Its output is 12 V more efficient than polycrystalline panels and its reliability has been proven by the Electroluminescence Testing Division of the Sino-Voaltaics Group. Bypass diodes minimizes power drops caused by shade, ensuring excellent performance in low-sunlight environments with no hotspot heating.

The Gensii 100W Flexible Photovoltaic Solar Panel uses advanced encapsulation material and multi-layered lamination to ensure long life and enhanced solar cell performance. The Gensii 100W Flexible Photovoltaic Solar Panel delivers Peak power of 100 Watts with the power tolerance Range of plus/-5%. The open circuit voltage is 22.0 V, the short circuit current is 6.0 A. The maximum power voltage is 17.5 V. Maximum system voltage is 600 VDC.

Weight: 7lbs
Dimension (mm): 1050 * 680 * 3MM

the Gensii 100W Flexible Photovoltaic Solar Panel by the numbers:
Bypass diode for a minimal power drop due to shades or low light
Aluminum corrosive-resistant frame.
Multi-layered sheet lamination supplies better performance
Weight: 7 pounds
Dimensions: 41.3 x 26.8 x 0.12 inches
Maximum System Voltage (V): 600 V DC

Why We Picked This Product

  • Four 100W flexible solar panels in each package
  • Monocrystalline solar cells
  • Bypass diode for a minimal power drop in low light

What users are saying about this product:

Panels come four to a – 425 W panels. Panels have all the bells and whistles to prevent power dissipating in the night or prevent power losses the causes shade or low light. It’s pretty secure with aluminum frame. The solar cells are microcrystalline, the best type of PVC. The 4- Panel’s big, 3’5” by 2’5”. However, since you can take it down to for individual panels it’ll be no bay trick to pack and haul or packing carious are going hiking or camping.

For panels to a box? That configuration makes it a whole lot easier to carry if you go hiking. It also makes it easier to configure panel locations if you’re in an RV or motorhome and what’s spread things out. It’s got bypass diodes to reduce the impact or shade. The solar cells are not monocrystalline cell. hesee polycrystalline cells. If your purest or if it makes that much of a difference to you this is definitely consideration.

For less than $150, you get for solar panels which may be located as you desire the panels are lightweight which makes it easy, they have mounting holes around the perimeter so that you can mount them with screws or bolts. These panels use polycrystalline, not monocrystalline solar cells.

What we like about the Richsolar 100 W flexible solar panel: it’s robust. It’s a workhorse. It’s good for indoor or outdoor use and when two 100 W panels are linked, you get the same wattage as you would from a 200 Watt flexible family.

The Richsolar 100 W flexible solar panel can stand up to the rigors supply the rich solar flexible solar panel can stand up to the rigors of supplying a high-power output. This makes them ideal for both outdoor and indoor use. When linked to other 100 W solar panels, it can create a high-energy generation system for any use. This includes charging a home’s solar backup batteries through an inverter while supplying backup energy.

A solar generator can use the Richsolar 100 W panels to charge the equipment’s battery while powering electrical devices at the same time. The Richsolar 100 W flexible panels allow users to link two panels and obtain the same wattage available from a single 200 W flexible panel. The flexible panel’s ETFE laminated solar cell membrane supplies the same protection to the rich solar 100 W flexible panel as he aluminum and glass housing used for traditional panels.

Here’s the Richsolar 100 W flexible panel by the numbers:
Nonstick surface allows easier cleaning with rainwater.
Designed to resist tear, fire and corrosion.
Can bent up to 30 degrees for installation purposes
Dimensions 41.3 x 20.9 x 0.1 inches
peak wattage 100W
Weight: 3.2 lb. (1.9 kg)

What users are saying about this product

  • It’s robust
  • It’s good for indoor or outdoor use
  • Two 100 W panels linked, supply the same wattage as a 200-Watt flexible panel

What users are saying about this product:

This solar panel seems to have been designed for the end of the world when the balloon goes up. It resists fire and corrosion can’t be torn up, you can bend it up to 30 degrees to install it and is relatively small. Although it only has an 100 W rating, it only weighs a little over 3 pounds so you can carry it if you need to abandon your location. With its nonstick surface, you can clean it with rainwater you don’t have to hose it down, just wait until it rains. Is means you’ll be able to get good solar power all the time.

This panel weighs less than 5 pounds. At makes it eminently transportable for hikers and campers. For those who have RVs the 100 W panel supplies enough electricity to recharge batteries and allow you to save the gasoline you would otherwise spend running your generator. Because it can be rinsed off with water – even rainwater – without time spent on scrubbing, that means more time to enjoy in your planned activities. Also, the panels lightweight means that it doesn’t always have to be attached to your RV or motorhome you can actually carry it with you on your activities.

This panel is more than sufficient to charge the home battery on my RV and allow me to use the Arby’s equipment (through an AC/DC power converter) without burning fuel to run my generator. It’s just large enough and just tough it off to get me through any trip anywhere in the United States without becoming a trouble spot I have to attend to when I return home.

sunpower 110W solar panel

What we like about the Sunpower 110 W flexible solar panel: this panel uses Sunpower’s monocrystalline solar cells to give a 25% solar energy conversion rate. It’s robust with the cells encased in EFTE laminate. They are in turn perched on a copper foundation which makes them watertight.

SunPower’s 110 W flexible portable solar panel uses monocrystalline solar cells with a 25% solar energy conversion rate. The solar cells are encased in a polymer ETFE laminate for excellent protection against harsh weather or harsh environments. ETFE laminate is then seated atop a copper foundation. This makes the sun power 110 W flexible portable solar pane both robust and water resistant.

The manufacturer warns the laminate, “may have small creases and indentations in the panel’s surface from manufacturing,” cosmetic imperfections are, actually, fairly normal in new flexible solar panels and do not affect performance in any way.”

You can bend the cell into an arc of up to 30 degrees. The sun power 110W flexible portable solar panel, with its very high solar energy conversion rate and its robust construction, is suitable for any use to which you might put any solar panel, flexible or rigid.

By the numbers:
Dimensions 45.9 in. X 21.9 x 0.1 in. (116.58 x 55.626 x 0.254 cm)
Peak Wattage 110W
Efficiency 25%

Why we picked this product

  • Uses Sunpower monocrystalline solar cells
  • 25% solar energy conversion rate
  • Solar cells encased in EFTE laminate
  • Copper foundation
  • Watertight
  • Sunpower supplies the solar cells for many panel manufacturers

What users are saying about this product

Sunpower is famous for its monocrystalline solar cells. Sunpower cells most of the cells used in decent flexible solar panels. When they make and sell flexible solar panels with the sun power name on them, you can pretty well rest assured that you’re getting one of the best products on the market.

Can’t say enough about Sunpower or solar panels. There are sure to be the best among the best of the industry. They aren’t cheap but, when you buy a Sunpower solar product, no matter whose name is on it, it’ll work very well for a very long time.

Sunpower monocrystalline solar cells are the very best for solar panels. It’s not surprising that the solar panel they make and sell under their own name is somewhat more expensive than most. They are, however, proof that you get what you pay for and with Sunpower, regardless of the price, you’ll know what to expect.

Kingsolar Flexible 100 Watt Solar Panel

What we like about the Kingsolar 100 W flexible solar panel has a high conversion rate, 23.5%. It’s water resistant. The junction is waterproof, meaning you can take it aboard your boat all day in any weather. It’s very thin, weighs less than 5 pounds and can be secured in place with tape glue zip ties or Velcro. It can also use any MC 4 connector.

The Kingsolar Flexible 100-Watt solar panel is a flexible panel with a peak wattage of 100 W and the higher efficiency of the traditional, nonflexible solar panel – 23.5%. It can be plugged in parallel with other panels from Kingsolar for higher power output and linked with inverters and other solar-related power elements.

The unit is water resistant and sealed, with plastic film-wrapped copper wires and a waterproofed junction box which makes it very compatible with boating applications. One-tenth inch thick and weighing less than five pounds, the panel can be shaped into an arc of up to 30 degrees and secured in place by adhesives, sticky tape, zip ties, or Velcro. Internal blocking dyads prevent reverse current drain during the hours of darkness.

Key Specs:

Peak-power: 100W
Maximum current (Amps) :5.66A
Maximum system voltage(V): 1000V (linked cells)
Cell type: SunPower solar cell
Output Interface: MC4 connector
Dimensions: 42.1 in. x *21.4 in4

Why we picked this product

  • 23.5% conversion rate
  • Water resistant
  • The junction is waterproof
  • Very thin
  • Less than 5 pounds
  • Can be secured in place with tape glue zip ties or Velcro
  • Uses any MC 4 connector

What users are saying about this product

Kingsolar’s 100-Watt flexible solar panel have a very high solar energy conversion rate, 23.5%. Not only is it ultrathin and very light is waterproof and can be used in any off-the-grid application, whether car, boat, RV, camper or your hideaway in the mountains.

Kingsolar is made solar panels for a number of years. They’re waterproof the lightweight, they don’t spread all over your roof and their efficient. You can hook them together if you need more voltage or more current and you can attach them to most controllers and solar generators.

This is a good starting panel for someone who’s just entering the world of flexible solar panels. You can do almost anything with it – use Velcro or glue or plastic straps to tie it in place or glue it in place, it does a good job of converting solar energy into electricity and it’s fairly low-cost.
Price $128.00

Renogy 350W Solar Flexible Panel

What we like about the Renogy 100LW flexible solar panel: The Renogy 350 Watt solar panel bends to coverage through a 248° arc and sky. It’s equipped with bypass diodes deal with the power drop from shade. The bypass diode also includes a lithium-reawakening feature. It’s also equipped with maximum point power technology (MPPT) that helps ensure 99% tracking efficiency and 96% conversion efficiency.

The Renogy 350W solar panel is one-half of the Renogy 350W Solar Flexible Kit which consists of two pieces, a 6-pound solar panel and a 9-pound charge controller. Specifically designed for off-the-grid use aboard boats, RVs and campers, the panel can be flexed into an arc of as much as 248 degrees. This large arc gives the Renogy substantial coverage of the sun’s path through the sky from sunrise to sunset. In situations where was flexible panels are inconvenient or impossible to mount, such as a curved surface that bends 90 degrees or more, the Renogy’s flexibility can be key.

The Renogy 350 W flexible solar panel is equipped with bypass diodes. These diodes deal with the power drop they can result from shade from trees or other overhead obstructions and ensure the panel’s continued efficient operation.

The panel is furthering equipped with advanced maximum point power technology (MPPT, a system that ensures maximum power extraction under minimally acceptable conditions – 99% high tracking efficiency with 96% conversion efficiency. The MPPT technology also includes a lithium-reawakening feature.

Key Specs

Max Power at STC:175W
Open Circuit Voltage: 23.9V
Short Circuit Current: 9.50A
Optimum Operating Voltage:19.5V
Optimum Operating Current:8.98A
Operating Temperature: -40°F to 185°F
Dimensions:59.2 x 26.5 x 0.08 in
Weight: 6.2 lbs.


Flexible Solar Panel Primer

Solar panels come in two forms: traditional and flexible. The traditional solar panel is heavy, depending on its physical dimensions, and heavily constructed, encased in a rigid plastic and-glass or metal and glass enclosure that’s at least 1 inch thick.

The flexible solar panel, on the other hand, wears a soft, flexible, polymer skin and may be as little as one-tenth inch thick which may be capable of being rolled up or linked together to meet higher voltage or current demands. There are advantages and disadvantages to both traditional and flexible solar panels.

Pros and Cons of Flexible Solar Panels

As with any other technology, flexible solar panels have their good points and bad. One of the chief advantages flexible solar panels offer is, quite literally, flexibility. Their flexibility allows them to be attached to irregularly shaped surfaces or bend into an arc to expose the panel’s photovoltaic cells to the largest amount of sunlight.

This means that flexible solar panels offer a wider range of applications, such as those aboard boats, in camping and hiking and other circumstances where a rigid solar panel is simply impractical.

The materials used to make flexible solar panels are lightweight. This characteristic makes a flexible solar panel easily transportable and suitable for temporary installations. Not only does this mean they are ideal for short-term use, it makes flexible solar panels suitable for use in buildings with roof structures insufficiently strong to bear the added weight of a rigid solar panel. In the case of semi-transparent flexible solar panels, they can be installed on glass surfaces or even substituted as windows.

In addition to their light weight and transparency, flexible solar panels are less affected by heat, shade or the vagaries of weather. This means that neither heat nor shade to the extent that rigid solar panels can be afflicted. It’s no longer necessary to install solar panels on the south side of the roof exclusively.

Finally, flexible solar panels are made from durable materials such as polymer laminates which are inherently weather resistant and less expensive to produce and install – there are no real installation costs – than traditional solar panels. Traditional solar panels generally require the help of a contractor to install. 

They are heavy, cumbersome and hardwired into the electrical systems they power. Flexible solar panels are plug-and-play systems. If you need to increase the current or the voltage produced by flexible solar panels, you can plug them into each other, either in series or in parallel. They are lightweight enough that they can be listed and maneuvered into place by individual significantly less expensive than traditional solar panels

Cons of Flexible Solar Panels

Traditional solar panels convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently than flexible solar panels. Traditional solar panels take up less space than flexible solar panels – a flexible solar panel’s photovoltaic cells are thinner and must be spread over a larger area to produce the same amount of electricity is a rigid, traditional solar panel.

Finally, flexible solar panels, because they are encased in polymer rather than a more durable material, such as metal, have a shorter lifespan than traditional solar panels.

A Note About the Ratings of the “11 Best”

The flexible solar panels listed below were rated by actual users.


Types of Flexible Solar Panels

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

monocrystalline solar panel material

The solar cells of monocrystalline solar panels can last up to 30 years. They are thin slices taken from a cylindrical silicon ingot grown from a single high-purity crystal of silicon. The slices are then cut into octagonal wafers to maximize the use of space on the solar panel.

Monocrystalline solar cells are one of the three materials that show photovoltaic properties. The process of growing and cutting the photovoltaic cells (PVCs) from the silicon ingot is labor- and time-intensive. This means panels made from monocrystalline solar cells are more expensive than polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels.

Monocrystalline solar cells are the most efficient and durable of PVCs.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

polycrystalline solar panel material structure

where’s monocrystalline solar cells are grown from a single crystal of silicon, polycrystalline solar cells are created when manufacturers melt fragments of silicon together and cut the cells from the resulting silicon wafer.

This means polycrystalline solar cells can be produced cheaper and more quickly than monocrystalline solar cells. The trade-off is that, while they are less expensive, they tend to be slightly less efficient and physically larger.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

thin film solar panel

There are several types of thin-film solar panels which are made from different materials. Flexible solar panels are just one type and are made from silicon. Thin-film solar panels are generally less costly to buy than rigid monocrystalline or polycrystalline as they are easier to produce. However, they do not last as long as other solar panels and are wider than traditional panels so aren’t usually recommended for installation on homes.


What to Look for in a Flexible Solar Panel

A famous architect once said, “Form follows function.” The same philosophy applies when you’re selecting the best solar panel.

As is the case to with most technologies, there are pros and cons to flexible solar panels – not just between this flexible panel and another flexible panel, but between rigid panels and flexible panels. There are circumstances, even when you’re camping, where a rigid solar panel might serve your needs better. 

For example, if you’re camping and have set up a base camp you will not move a base camp every night. You won’t have to break down a solar power system every night to move to a new location.

The traditional, rigid power system for a base camp is more efficient solely from that standpoint and a rigid panel may give you better service than a flexible panel for a variety of a variety of reasons.

flexible solar panel installation

Flexible solar panels have other drawbacks. A flexible panel is flexible. It bends, can be stored easily and can be carried easily. That flexibility carries with it a warning: bending and flexing will eventually damage a flexible solar panel. Another factor is that my all flexible solar panels can be folded completely.

They still face restrictions imposed by the covering/container. If you need to fold and bend of flexible solar panel to fit, say, a 90° corner – such as inside a pack – those solar panels that can only bend 30 degrees would require different form of carriage.

When you’re deciding on a flexible solar panel, take into account how much overload solar panel must carry. If you’re camping equipment includes a portable air conditioner portable refrigerators and other, high wattage comfort features, you’ll need a bigger panel or even a series of flexible panels. If you need a series of flexible panels, remember that not all flexible solar panels can plug into all other flexible (or rigid) solar panels.

Make sure that flexible solar panel you buy can be connected in series or in parallel to the panels made by the largest number of manufacturers.

Farther down the list of factors that might influence the purchase is the physical size of the flexible solar panel. You can’t fit 8 feet of mud into a 4 foot sack and if the space into which you need to fit your flexible solar panel is 20” x 20”, a solar panel is 27” x 40” probably isn’t your best choice.

Most solar panels carry a warranty of some sort. Find out what the warranty is approved solar panel(s) you’re considering. You may not need it tomorrow, unless there is a flaw in the panel resulting from defective labor or parts. However, warranty, particularly in less expensive solar panels, can make a difference in your long-term use and enjoyment of the panel.

Another factor is maintenance. All solar panels flexible or rigid, require maintenance. If you ask about the flexible solar panel, asked them before you make the final purchase and turnover your hard-earned cash. If you ask any reputable sales outlet, in-person or online, they will probably respond to you. In person, they may even open the solar panel’s box and explore the instructions for maintenance with you.


The Bottom Line

Solar technology is changing every day. Flexible solar panels will become less expensive, they may get thinner and lighter and they might even become more flexible. Once you decided what you want from a flexible solar panel, half the battle of choosing the best flexible solar panel is over. Once you install your flexible solar panel, you’ll be hooked.

Linking Flexible Solar Panels for Greater Voltage or Current

We put solar panels together to increase the solar-generated power.
Connecting more than one solar panel in series, in parallel or in a mixed-mode of most series and parallel circuits, is an effective and easy way not only to build a cost-effective solar panel system but also helps us add more solar panels in the future to meet our increasing daily needs for electricity.

When you are installing flexible solar panels either temporarily or permanently, you will probably ask the same question many do-it-yourselfers asked: “ How do I plug this into another solar panel to get greater voltage or greater current?

The answer is simple: follow the directions in the solar panel’s instructions. Also, when you intend to wire together to solar panels produced by two different vendors the vendors are not the problem; the problem is in different electrical characteristics and panels, along with different performance degradation.

Connecting more than one solar panel in series, in parallel or in a mixed-mode is an effective and easy way not only to build a cost-effective solar panel system but also helps us add more solar panels in the future to meet our increasing daily needs for electricity.

How to connect your solar panels depends on:

  • What kind of solar system you have
  • How much solar power you want to generate in the systems components, other than the solar panels.

Solar panels can be linked in series or in parallel if you want higher voltage from your system, link them together in series if you need more current, though, connect your panels in parallel. If you want higher voltage and greater current, part of your solar panels need to be wired in series and part need to be wired in parallel. Whether you’ll be linking them in series, in parallel or by both methods, READ THE BOOK that came with the panels follow the instructions in provided by the manufacturer.