Prototype 156 watt solar panel, using no glass or frame.

[jkam]

Was at Arizona Wind and sun the other day finalizing a solar system for a friends all electric Winnebago.

They had on display a solar panel that looked very durable, it was very light, having no frame or glass.
Using just about an 1/8 inch piece of hard black plastic to mount the solar cell onto. they said there is some kind of coating on the cells to help keep them from getting damaged.
No pricing yet, but looks promising for light weigh panels.

 

[luthj]

Looks like a bit stiffer version of the flexible panels that are currently available. Hopefully they are more durable. The cells and plastic have different thermal expansion rates, so the more flexible panels would cup when hot and sometimes delaminate over time.

I have been looking for a more durable lower profile/lower weight solar panel for my van as I would like to lift a bit more but then it wouldn't fit in shipping containers with my current panels.

 

[1leglance]

Very cool, I live in Phx and was planning on driving up there early next month to figure out the panels for my new Snap Treehouse camper. Weight has been a concern so these will be nice to check out.

 

[jkam]

Looks like a bit stiffer version of the flexible panels that are currently available. Hopefully they are more durable. The cells and plastic have different thermal expansion rates, so the more flexible panels would cup when hot and sometimes delaminate over time.

I have been looking for a more durable lower profile/lower weight solar panel for my van as I would like to lift a bit more but then it wouldn't fit in shipping containers with my current panels.

No flex at all, very stiff underlying base.
My concern is that there is no protection for the cells that a piece of glass provides. They said there is some kind of coating on the cells but I'd want to know what that is and how well it works.
Otherwise, they are light and durable.

 

[john61ct]

Hail damage?

On a vehicle roof even worse.