Flexible vs rigid panels

[SameGuy]

I thought I had made a decision as to what panel I wanted but thought I would ask for recommendations here. I had planned on mounting a rigid panel to my roof rack on the topper of my tundra and using it to supplement the house battery, which mainly powers an ARB fridge, fan, and a couple lights, when parked for extended periods. It charges off the alternator when on the move but I’d rather not run the engine if I don’t have to.

The rub of mounting a rigid panel is how much rack space it will take up, and the fact that I wasn’t planning on having it be adjustable up there, just flat mounted.

I thought a flexible panel would be easy to stow against the roof of my topper (inside) where it will be safe, then take it out when I need it, put it on the roof rack, hood, or angle it out on the ground somewhere when I’m parked in the shade.

I could stow a rigid panel in the same place inside, but the additional weight and sharp edges seem problematic.

Has anyone had and used both, or used a flexible panel in this way? Any feedback with them would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JKJenn]

I thought I had made a decision as to what panel I wanted but thought I would ask for recommendations here. I had planned on mounting a rigid panel to my roof rack on the topper of my tundra and using it to supplement the house battery, which mainly powers an ARB fridge, fan, and a couple lights, when parked for extended periods. It charges off the alternator when on the move but I’d rather not run the engine if I don’t have to.

The rub of mounting a rigid panel is how much rack space it will take up, and the fact that I wasn’t planning on having it be adjustable up there, just flat mounted.

I thought a flexible panel would be easy to stow against the roof of my topper (inside) where it will be safe, then take it out when I need it, put it on the roof rack, hood, or angle it out on the ground somewhere when I’m parked in the shade.

I could stow a rigid panel in the same place inside, but the additional weight and sharp edges seem problematic.

Has anyone had and used both, or used a flexible panel in this way? Any feedback with them would be greatly appreciated.

I have used both. The rigid performs better but I prefer the flexible for ease of lifting and removing, and because they will not become a victim of road rash or hail. I also like the lower profile look.

I just mounted two 50w flexible on a piece of poultry flooring Nd by OEM crossbars.

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[john61ct]

Flex type costing more and not lasting long means the amortized cost per watt per year will be **much** higher, maybe 10x, IMO at least 5x but I think that's too optimistic, 3 year average lifespan is best case.

If that's acceptable for your budget to get the lighter weight, and you are mounting properly, permanently, go for it.

I think for truly portable use have to adapt the folding "blanket" style.

 

[SameGuy]

Well the folding models are an option. Do you think a folding flexible panel would be more durable than a non folding one? I do like things that last so paying more for one doesn’t bother me too much if it lasts longer.

 

[JKJenn]

Flex type costing more and not lasting long means the amortized cost per watt per year will be **much** higher, maybe 10x, IMO at least 5x but I think that's too optimistic, 3 year average lifespan is best case.

If that's acceptable for your budget to get the lighter weight, and you are mounting properly, permanently, go for it.

I think for truly portable use have to adapt the folding "blanket" style.

I have two, 100w flexible I use as portable and they are 3 years old with plenty of life left. I think it just depends on how much you want to lose in order to gain the lightweight and ease of carrying.

The suitcase models are common with RVers. Goal Zero has some reasonably priced models but it's hard to be Renogy's value.

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[john61ct]

Well the folding models are an option. Do you think a folding flexible panel would be more durable than a non folding one? I do like things that last so paying more for one doesn’t bother me too much if it lasts longer.

Yes I do think so, you just need some DIY mods to get them wired into a stock MPPT controller since the stock output is USB (5V) and 18-19V for laptops.

I don't think the semi-flex type would be sold at all in a jurisdiction with strict consumer protection mandates.

Renogy stopped selling them completely for a long time, I guess decided the reputation of their brand was worth more.

Since rigid framed panels are under half the price and routinely last over a decade, that's a great way to go.

A tiny almost silent gennie charging LFP is also worth looking at.

 

[JKJenn]

Renogy has redesigned and reintroduced them, recently.

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[DLTooley]

I've heard one, unverified, report of a failure in that second generation of flexible panels. Reportedly they were not mounted.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a 50-100 watt folding model? I'm currently using a 50 watt rigid from a previous upgrade. At that size it's pretty easy to handle.

 

[ConcordCarlos]

RENOGY Foldable Solar Suitcase Kit 100W Mono Without Charge Controller https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LXG4AXS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_i_uIleBb6CME4Q1

I have this one and it works great. In the case , fits nicely in the Rola rack on top of my GX470.

 

[pdxfrogdog]

I have used both. The rigid performs better but I prefer the flexible for ease of lifting and removing, and because they will not become a victim of road rash or hail. I also like the lower profile look.

I just mounted two 50w flexible on a piece of poultry flooring Nd by OEM crossbars.

Poultry flooring... that's new to me. Clever mounting solution! Thanks for sharing

 

[Hillbilly Heaven]

Poultry flooring... that's new to me. Clever mounting solution! Thanks for sharing

I had to go look for myself and was surprised to find an interesting roof rack made with it.

 

[john61ct]

Greenhouse bench flats are similar, I suspect stronger load bearing.

usually 2x4 but can be 18"