Flexible panels, don't do it

[skyl4rk]

My second set of flexible panels failed after 16 months.  the most recent were Allpowers which were supposed to be better than the previous style. The older style lasted 2 years.

The panels stopped producing any voltage after a hard Michigan winter.  They were installed using industrial strength velcro on a fiberglass high top. They looked great, a nice, clean, aero installation. They were not bent and were kept flat the entire time they were out of the box.  But they fail way too soon.

Don't believe the hype, flexible panels are not reliable.

The aluminum frame type are much cheaper and hopefully more reliable.

 

[PODebbie]

I live in Michigan and was wondering whether solar panels would get enough sun. Our state has low sun according to the charts. In addition, most of the state camping is near forested or shady areas. I was wondering if it was worth the cost of installing solar for two months a year. I am quite comfortable with ice for a day, than dry camping until a re-supply day. What has been your experience.

 

[highdesertranger]

in my experience having to use ice was cost prohibitive. very expensive. when you are in the boonies and have to drive to get ice it gets very expensive. some of my camps getting ice was an all day ordeal. then if the little store was out of ice you are in a pickle. yep ice is expensive when all factors are considered. highdesertranger

 

[B and C]

My flexible panels are still going strong (Windy Nation >3 years old) and mounted with velcro. I do have some spacers under the center section with the perimeter held down with velcro. They haven't gone through any harsh winters though. Down in the 20's is the coldest that have seen. If they died tomorrow, I would buy flexibles again. I love them and have two in series that I take out when I need more charging. Everytime they are put away or taken out they get bent pretty good.

 

[skyl4rk]

I live in Michigan and was wondering whether solar panels would get enough sun.  Our state has low sun according to the charts.  In addition, most of the state camping is near forested or shady areas.  I was wondering if it was worth the cost of installing solar for two months a year.  I am quite comfortable with ice for a day, than dry camping until a re-supply day.  What has been your experience.

Michigan has enough sun in the summer, however long term boondocking is less common here.  For those who are weekending, charging house batteries at home and while driving may be adequate.  Running a fridge can be a problem after a day or two.  I get around that with a propane fridge.

For me, solar provides light, fan, furnace, water pump and device charging. My rig is an RV camper van.

 

[cyndi]

I don't own my class c anymore but a friend of a friend does. The flexible solar panels were installed hooked up at the RTR and permanently installed a few weeks later. That was in 2013. The woman who owns the rig does fulltime and that flexible panel is doing just fine

 

[66788]

The kiss of death appears to be the harsh winter weather. Here in Oregon my Kyocera 120 watt hard panels
(8 years old) did fine when temps went negative.

Things just seem to do better in milder climates. I certainly do!

 

[Minivanmotoman]

What would be useful beyond individual results would be more specific such as brand, model, age and location.
Think that a survey to get a broad range of feedback indicating whether or not overall they are durable and worth the expense.
One of many topics for surveys that could be beneficial to many...
Possibly a survey thread for surveys?