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Old 01-04-2021, 02:44 PM   #1
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Are Flexible Solar Panels a bad idea

I would like to add 100 to 200 watts solar to my 195RB. I would prefer to use flexible for several reasons but wondered if the bad reviews are overwhelming the simpler install and lack of wind resistance, etc.



My specific questions are:
Will the heat generated by a black panel hurt the rubber roof?
Is the failure rate of the name brands of flexible panels really that bad?

Primary use will to keep the battery charged in storage and topped up during travel. We do not bushwhack but occasional overnights on the road are made and we might try the bushwhack in the future. A small reduction in efficiency vs. regular panels is not a problem.
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Old 01-04-2021, 03:47 PM   #2
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Here is a good blog post by Mortons on the Move regarding flexible solar panels. Hopefully some good information that will be useful to you:

Flexible Solar Panels
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Old 01-04-2021, 05:19 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by ttavasc View Post
Here is a good blog post by Mortons on the Move regarding flexible solar panels. Hopefully some good information that will be useful to you:

Flexible Solar Panels
I used them in the past on my boat. They didn't last and weren't as efficient as hard panels. I got them because I put them on an area that we walked on. Problems had nothing to do with walking on them. Water intruded along the edges.
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Old 01-04-2021, 05:27 PM   #4
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RV with Tito went with a lot of flexibles. They work, but there seem to be a handful of caveats. Longevity, as Rich pointed out. Cost per watt (they're more expensive) and heat build up. Because they'll probably be adhered directly to the deck, they're not able to stay as cool.



Which could be part of the reason they don't last as long.
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