Flexible solar panels | Van & RV Living Forum

09 Sep.,2024

 

Flexible solar panels | Van & RV Living Forum

jimindenver said:

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from OUSHANG SOLAR.

These were replacements for your original set of flex panels. How did you have them glued down and why did they need to be replaced?

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Industrial strength Velcro around the edges.  The Velcro never let loose and was hard to remove, ask Maki.  The original pair had one connector box that was not glued to the one panel very well and while sitting in my backyard for two years must have come loose in this south Texas heat.  The rocking back and forth in the wind on the drive to Q broke one of the copper buss (thin copper) bars that went from the diode/wire junction box and broke right at the panel.  Non-repairable.  I gave the other panel to Jacque to use as a portable.  I also carry two more in my basement.  I have to bend them a little bit to get them in and out.  They are still going strong,  Rigid panels would never fit in there unless they were less wattage.  Comes in real handy when I park in the shade and winter in Q.  I run a series parallel setup.

I turned the new panels 90 degrees from the old ones to keep the wires parallel with the side of the van so the wind doesn't buffet them so much while driving.  The new panels have a different diode/wire box that appears to be better.

I do love my ultra low solar panel profile though.  You really have to look to tell I have panels up there.

Industrial strength Velcro around the edges. The Velcro never let loose and was hard to remove, ask Maki. The original pair had one connector box that was not glued to the one panel very well and while sitting in my backyard for two years must have come loose in this south Texas heat. The rocking back and forth in the wind on the drive to Q broke one of the copper buss (thin copper) bars that went from the diode/wire junction box and broke right at the panel. Non-repairable. I gave the other panel to Jacque to use as a portable. I also carry two more in my basement. I have to bend them a little bit to get them in and out. They are still going strong, Rigid panels would never fit in there unless they were less wattage. Comes in real handy when I park in the shade and winter in Q. I run a series parallel setup.I turned the new panels 90 degrees from the old ones to keep the wires parallel with the side of the van so the wind doesn't buffet them so much while driving. The new panels have a different diode/wire box that appears to be better.I do love my ultra low solar panel profile though. You really have to look to tell I have panels up there.

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Flexible Solar Panel Query

i think the failure of flexible solar panels is due to them not being able to dissipate heat - i assume it could be ok if the surface they are stuck to is a metal roof, but no so on others.

i discussed the issue with a lot of sellers at last years solar and storage exhibition at the NEC, all of them were aware of the problem but most just shrugged their shoulders. a few of them however have tried to tackle it but they all agreed its an issue.

perhaps it becomes more of a problem when exposed to temperatures well above those we normally get in the UK and less of a problem when driving during the hottest part of the day?

i think i would go down the foldable panel route, and ignore the stuck down one if you cant fix an additional framed panel to the motorhome .... however i am sure your option of adding an additional panel over the top would work, but it seems a lot of faff and until plugged in, you wouldnt know if its working or not. At least with a foldable panel, you can park under some shade yet still put your panel out in full sun.

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