? - Durability of flex/fold solar panels when not permanently mounted?

[shade]

Q: How do they fare when stored out of the weather, and if they're well-ventilated in use?

I know non-rigid panels don't last long when glued down or otherwise exposed to high heat and moisture for their entire lives. I'm considering using a folding or flexible panel instead of a rigid panel for use when my truck's in too much shade for a fixed panel to catch good light.

I ask because I can see a 100W folder being easier to work with than a rigid panel, since I could store it easier, and they weigh less than an equivalent rigid panel. Propping one up with the backside fully exposed would give it much more ventilation than they get laid out on a hood or windshield. I folding panel would also be easier to bring along if I put my fridge in another vehicle and wanted to bring solar charging, too.

 

[rayra]

I'll say right off the bat I was concerned about my folding panel kit because when it is folded the glass is to the outside. And the cordura carry bag wasn't any protection against point pressures. So the very first thing I did was cut two pieces of 1/8" thick pressboard as liners / glass protectors inside the bag.
I'm not sure mine weighs less. Since I'm currently in the middle of making my MkIII rood deck and have my panel dismounted, I'll take a comparative weight measurement. (probably tomorrow)

 

[shade]

I can see wanting more protection than some thin fabric. Coroplast would be lighter than pressboard, and may offer more impact protection.

 

[john61ct]

The type that fold up to fit in a backpack pocket will likely be more durable than the larger semi-flex allowed to flop around.

A rigid framed "suitcase" type probable even more so, and much cheaper. But need good storage location or awkward to stow & deploy.

 

[luthj]

Silicon PV cells will micro crack when flexed. A rigid backing is highly suggested. In addition, thermal expansion differences between the backing, cells, and front face will flex, and put bending loads on the cells. On flexible panels with thin backing, the cells will actually dish with high temps. This will actually cause flat mounted cells to produce visible dirt/dust circles, as the panel will hold a small amount of water in each cell "bowl"

Every impact to the cells will produce micro cracking, which reduces cell output. You need a special luminescent process to see the cracks. Over time they reduce the cells conductance, producing islands of no output. There are some portable panels that use a higher density conductive wire process to reduce the effects of micro cracks, by providin more conductors which bridge the cracks.



Long term the panels life is reduced. The worst case which I have seen, is a hot spot forms in a "neck" between cracks. This can actually melt the plastic backing around the cell. I have also seen the inter-cell wires crack and make hot spots.

If you need a lighter/flex panel for your application. I would suggest bonding it to a sheet of metal, Celtec, etc. It needs to be stored so it won't experience impacts. Of course this isn't truly required, but it just means a short usable life for a fairly expensive panel.

The best bet would be something small. Maybe two 50W panels made into a book like setup?

 

[spressomon]

Flexible/bendable panels are notorious for...not lasting very long especially anything to do with vibration; experienced failure of same < 6-months old. And the warranty wasn't worth the paper it was printed on. But, I did contact Merlin and I am curious about their flex PV panel...

 

[dreadlocks]

I bought one 50w flexible panel once, mounted it to my trailer and it was garbage within a year.. burnt through the plastic and was done.

 

[john61ct]

The folding "camping" ones last longer because they are lightweight and made up of a bunch of smaller units.

As long as you aren't careless like squishing it into corner with a heavy case, or sitting on it when its in your backpack, no reason they should see much flexion.

 

[shade]

The best bet would be something small. Maybe two 50W panels made into a book like setup?

I hadn't thought of that. Seems like a good compromise.

The folding "camping" ones last longer because they are lightweight and made up of a bunch of smaller units.

As long as you aren't careless like squishing it into corner with a heavy case, or sitting on it when its in your backpack, no reason they should see much flexion.

Makes sense. I'll start comparing rigid 50s and foldy camping panels. I wouldn't carry this panel in a backpack, so I should be able to give it a sheltered life when stored properly.

Thanks to all for the advice.

 

[rayra]

my mistake, when I read 'fold' I thought the 'book-like setup was what you were referring to. I figure now you are talking about the fan-fold / w-fold fabric panels offered for backpackers. I have a small wallet-size variant of that, works great, but it's usually put away with care so it takes little wear and tear.

my rigid folding panel setup is what my earlier remarks were about.

 

[luthj]

These panels appear to have extensive redundant conductor wires (front bonded though). Which makes them a bit more durable. Really expensive though. For that price you could by a lot of flex panels, and just toss them when they break.

Portable Solar

4thD Portable solar panels are military tough. Waterproof, durable, market leading efficiency and just plane awesome. Perfect for overlanding, camping and RVing. Massive power output in a portable form factor

4thdsolar.com

 

[luthj]

Another option if you have the space, is a 100W fixed style panel. There are some in the 16lb range. I have not tried it, but you could remove the metal frame, and then use a thinner aluminum U channel bonded to the edge. This would make the panel lighter, and easier to store. With a glass face, it would be very durable.

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Watts-Monocrystalline-Solar-Panel/dp/B009Z6CW7O/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1568118237&refinements=p_36%3A2661614011&s=lawn-garden&sr=1-1

This one is 41x20"

 

[shade]

These panels appear to have extensive redundant conductor wires (front bonded though). Which makes them a bit more durable. Really expensive though. For that price you could by a lot of 50W panels, and just toss them when they break.

Portable Solar

4thD Portable solar panels are military tough. Waterproof, durable, market leading efficiency and just plane awesome. Perfect for overlanding, camping and RVing. Massive power output in a portable form factor

4thdsolar.com

Sweet marmalade! At that price, they better stop armor piercing rounds.

Another option if you have the space, is a 100W fixed style panel. There are some in the 16lb range. I have not tried it, but you could remove the metal frame, and then use a thinner aluminum U channel bonded to the edge. This would make the panel lighter, and easier to store. With a glass face, it would be very durable.

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Watts-Monocrystalline-Solar-Panel/dp/B009Z6CW7O/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1568118237&refinements=p_36%3A2661614011&s=lawn-garden&sr=1-1

This one is 41x20"

I have a similar panel. I hadn't thought about stripping it down like that, but that might be a good idea. Slimming it down would make it easier to store in my camper.

 

[TantoTrailers]

These panels appear to have extensive redundant conductor wires (front bonded though). Which makes them a bit more durable. Really expensive though. For that price you could by a lot of flex panels, and just toss them when they break.

Portable Solar

4thD Portable solar panels are military tough. Waterproof, durable, market leading efficiency and just plane awesome. Perfect for overlanding, camping and RVing. Massive power output in a portable form factor

4thdsolar.com

Damnnnn now I want one of those 160W panels....ahhhhhhcrap!

 

[KenC]

No, they will not stop an armor piercing round but they will keep on working and working and working.

I have two XP-80s.