Folable or rollable solar panels

[nevadatear]

We are interested in adding solar to our tear at some point, we already wired it that way. But what I am really interested in are the flexible, lightweight panels that I can throw up on the roof or somewhere else depending on the location of the sun, without adding much weight. So far they pretty expensive. I am willing to wait, as I thing they will come down pretty soon. Anyone actually use these or familiar with them? Recommendations?

[Oasis Maker]

We are interested in adding solar to our tear at some point, we already wired it that way. But what I am really interested in are the flexible, lightweight panels that I can throw up on the roof or somewhere else depending on the location of the sun, without adding much weight. So far they pretty expensive. I am willing to wait, as I thing they will come down pretty soon. Anyone actually use these or familiar with them? Recommendations?

I will watch this thread closely as I am interested in going solar as well. I've also had my eye on roll up solar panels for quite some time. Aside from cost, the main dilemma is theft. If you throw that on top of your teardrop and leave it, you may as well leave your wallet, keys, and a blank check too. For that reason I am leaning towards a set up like Eddie Millers.

Scott G.

[dreadcptflint]

I actually saw a 6 wide little guy sport with a couple of felible panels glued to the hatch over in the Spokane area. I have two primary problems with the flexible panels:

1. The cost. Over on West Marine they have a SF-1200 Flexible Solar Panel, 0.9A Max. Amps @15V, 4.5Ah, 14W, 51.6" x 13.7" for $399.99 which is roughly $28 a watt. vrs 50W RV Solar Panel, 14 x 38 x 1.4 inches, shipping weight 17lbs for $245.88 at $4.90 a watt.

2. The durability. I haven't heard much for positive on the life expectancy of a flexible panel. It doesn't take much to hunt down a rigid panel with a 20 year warrenty. (Check out the product reviews).

Have you seen anything good about using flexible panels? If you do then please let me know as I am currently debating what panels to get for my solar project.

[asianflava]

There is a place down the road from us that is making flexible panels using the CIGS process. They are printing them on plastic so that they are flexible.

Nano solar is also making flexible solar cells, but from what I hear they haven't shipped anything except for youtube videos. http://www.nanosolar.com/ watch their videos, it's pretty interesting.

[sdtripper2]

Randy & Debbie & All:

I too am interested in anything flexible with solar panels.
So will be watching this thread for sure.

In case you didn't see I have made a sticky on Solar Power Information to help members make decisions
and will add any pertinent information as it comes available.

[halfdome, Danny]

I use a 5 watt solar panel when we dry camp in Yosemite. It's been 4 years and no problems. It's about 1/2" thick x 13 1/2" x 13 1/2". It came with a 10' cord and I mounted it on a piece of 1/2 plywood. I use the pigtail that came with it and let it hang under the teardrop for an easy plug in without leaving the doors unlocked. It seems to replace what power our two group 24 deep cell batteries lost during the previous day. I have thought of getting a bigger panel but so far this size works for us. Danny

[Oasis Maker]

A large part of my typical day camping is away from the campsite. I love to ride my bike around beach communities and I always find a local gym and workout, or I might take a hike... etc. You get the point.

Just wondering if anyone considering foldable solar panels would use them if away from their campsite if only an hour? I really like the idea of a thin foldable panel that can power and charge gadgets like this Brunton, and as I've said, I have been eyeballing them for a long time, but I just can't find a way around the security issue?



Scott G.

[mikeschn]

I use a 5 watt solar panel when we dry camp in Yosemite. It seems to replace what power our two group 24 deep cell batteries lost during the previous day.

You must not use a lot of power...

5 watts is typically just to maintain a battery, without any usage!!!

I have a 65 watt panel on mine... but have not done any rustic camping with it yet so I don't have any good numbers to share with you.



Mike...

[halfdome, Danny]

Mike, in the summer in Yosemite all we use for power is lights and we are usually gone most the day. Having 2 batteries give us lots of reserve power. They come in handy during spring gatherings when power is not available. I use a digital volt meter in a 12 volt outlet and I can see it recharging. I've never seen the volts go lower than about 12.5 volts. Danny

[emiller]

I've read where flexible solar panels don't hold up that well. The panels do get hot and makes the wire brittle and when flexed they break. I also heard there are some new flex technology on solar but it the talked seemed to die out so maybe it didn't work out as good. I am thinking of recessing the panels in the roof of the trailer which means I won't be able to adjust towards the sun but will be always hooked up so it will always be charging as long as there is sun shine. Also thought of mounting a panel in the galley hatch so when I open the hatch it would face the sun. I always park so when I open the hatch the hatch gives me shade in the galley.

[Lou Park]

Does anyone have any idea how these compare to the 3 panel system sold by harbor freight for 199? I think I will buy it just to test it seeing how I came across a 20% off coupon. That brings it to 160.

[dreadcptflint]

Lou,

Are you talking about this set? http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90599

[nevadatear]

I think I remember reading a thread somewhere with the "you get what you pay for" in terms of the harbor freight foray into solar panels. I looked at them once and seemed very large for the amount of wattage, but since it was more panels than I want to deal with, it may have been my interpretation.

[Ageless]

I just want the gov't to release the solar tech that the military has kept 'top secret'. Those Mars Rovers have been running aound for 3 years with 30% of the sun we get!

[Lou Park]

Lou,

Are you talking about this set? http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90599

Yep, thems the one.