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Old 02-09-22, 03:12 AM   #1
nickchapman
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Question Semi Flexible vs Rigid

Im hoping to build my own DIY solar kit and in my research I've been seeing semi-flexible solar panels crop up a lot.

The project will eventually be for my VW camper but I want to get my head around the solar tech available first before I install it.

I have a long way to go and a lot of research to do but initially, I'm wondering if someone with experience in this stuff could outline some of the practical differences between semi-flex and rigid panels?

What are the benefits of using rigid instead of semi-flex?

Are there any issues with semi-flex that make them hard to work with?


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Old 02-09-22, 02:30 PM   #2
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Aside from the mounting differences, rigid panels are going to be more efficient.
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Old 02-10-22, 03:04 AM   #3
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Thanks.

Ok so mounting differences seem logical - this makes sense.

It also makes sense that rigid panels will be more efficient.

I'm still trying to visualise the bend of "semi"-flexible panels though. How semi is "semi"?

I have found online for example that Sunpower panels can bend up to 30°, e.g. the SPR-E-Flex-50


But, I would expect that would be affected by the length of the panel? i.e. would the longer 110w be able to bend more?
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Old 02-10-22, 03:07 AM   #4
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I'm just trying to figure this out as my camper has a curved roof, I want to make sure I'm barking up the right tree!

Also, I'm curious to know if that 30° is a bend length ways or width ways?

If you install with a bend greater than 30°, would it affect performance, efficiency or life-span?
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Old 03-04-22, 08:31 AM   #5
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So just as an update, I went ahead and bought the 50W SunPower panel - https://envirobuy.com/50w-solar-pane...urved-surface/

I can confirm that there is some bend!

lol ok so the bend is more flexible than I thought, but it still has a level of brittleness to it.

Like, it feels as if it can bend, but shouldnt, if that makes sense?

The best way I can describe how it handles is like a large bendy piece of circuitry.

The bend is enough for my camper and I'm hoping to get on with install in the coming weeks.
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Old 03-04-22, 03:18 PM   #6
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Let us know how it works out. I like these kind of projects! Pictures please!

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diy solar kit, rigid, semi-flexible, vw camper

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