First Post - Question about Renogy Bendable Solar Panel

[Ancientonerider]

Hello everyone,
Just want to shout out a hello, hope to see ya on the road somewhere out there. Did have a ???? on that Renogy 100W Monocrystalline Bendable Solar Panel on amazon. has anyone bought them, how do u like the etc. looking for some info and input. thk u

 

[VanDwellerMod]

Welcome to the CRVL forums Acientonerider! I'm sure our knowlegable folks on solar will jump in here.

In theeantime, to help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[Theadyn]

Hi and Welcome!! I am interested in those as well, so hope someone with experience with them will chime in.

 

[akrvbob]

I personally have not tried them so I can't help. I do have friends with them and so far no has anything bad to say about them.

The folks over at http://www.technomadia.com/ were given samples of each of the flexible panels to test and they have been using them for probably a year now and they will write a review of them all soon. You might want to subscribe to their blog to get the results.

The bottom line is they cost more per watt so you should buy regular panels unless the flexible meets a specif need. For example their light and easy to stow so they would be great to set up outside the van instead of the roof. I have a friend who does just that. You could also literally hang them off the side of the van like an awning and use bungee cords into stakes to hold them in place. You'd get shade and they'd be at a perfect angle.
Bob

 

[Wabbit]

No experience with them, I just wanted to point out the warranty difference between them

Bendable
Warranty Information
5-year material and workmanship warranty

Regular
Warranty Information
25-year transferable power output warranty: 5-year/95% efficiency rate, 10-year/90% efficiency rate, 25-year/80% efficiency rate
5-year material and workmanship warranty

I was looking at them as an option for my solar needs, but the warranty difference made me a bit wary. Not sure why the bendable ones don't have the performance warranty. I was thinking of calling Renogy, but didn't because I am thinking I was 400+ watts solar and that price difference is a bit on the rich side to start with. Pretty neat panels though.

 

[gypsychic]

Welcome Ancientonerider. I was recently eying those myself. I was wondering if they would work on top of a Thule cargo carrier. I'm in a conversion van & will be fulltiming locally so while I'm not overly concerned about stealth, I don't want to mount a sheet of plywood to the top of my van and then solar panels to the plywood. I thought for a conversion van it might work. Anyway, I don't know anything about them and hadn't gotten around to posting a question. You beat me to it. I hope someone is able to answer your questions.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I can't speak for their flexible panels but I do like Renogy rigid panels, as well as their customer service.

 

[Ancientonerider]

Thank u for all the input! I have a 5x8 enclosed trailer that I turned into a full on power source 210 watt ridged with 8 6v batteries and 3000 watt inverter, works great, more power then I would ever use.. But not enough room, as I am going to go on road fulltime. I have a 7x14 enclosed trailer that I want to tow behind my truck w/ truck camper. more room to haul essentials. thought those would mount nicely up on roof, without a lot of modification! I had saw a Youtube vid on Go power GP-Flex 200 panals. They mounted them with caulking. no screws.about 700 more then Renogy solar kit.. think I will give them a shot. Thank u again everyone for info!

Ancientone

 

[jimindenver]

These panels have been the topic of discussion on RC.net a number of times. I've never read of them failing but there are some instances of flexible panels having their surface burnt. Plastic just doesn't hold up as well in the sun as glass does.

You could use glue down mounts and very high bond tape if you went with a traditional panel.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Its just me but I just can't put my faith in stick-on mounts. In my mind I can see my solar flying off in my rearview. I have no problem screwing things down securely using silicone in the process. I've done fittings below the waterline on boats and not had any leakage.
Only my opinion.