As solar energy becomes more popular, so too does the need for flexible and adaptable solar panels. Traditional glass solar panels are inflexible and require specific roofing surfaces, load capacity and mounting structures that are often costly and need to be installed by specialist workers. But with the introduction of flexible solar panels, the game has changed.
The main benefit of flexible solar panels is their adaptability to surfaces. Unlike their rigid counterparts, flexible solar panels can be applied to a broader range of roofing materials, from curved and lightweight roofs to glass, arc and flat roofs. They can also be used on RV tops, boat and yacht tops, and bus tops. Their ultra-thin silicon wafers and advanced organic polymer encapsulation materials allow for a minimum bending radius of 0.30m, fitting all kinds of curved surfaces perfectly.
Flexible solar panels also have lower mechanical load requirements than traditional solar panels, with a typical load capacity of only 4kg/㎡. This makes it possible to install rooftop solar systems on surfaces with lower load capacity, including those previously considered impossible. In addition, their installation process is simple (glue and tape work), which minimizes potential leakage risks.
Furthermore, flexible solar panels are lighter than traditional solar panels, weighing only 5.7kg each (as compared to 20-32kg for traditional glass solar panels). As a result, they don't need mounting structures, which reduces installation costs and the time required for installations. In fact, it's estimated that flexible solar panels can increase installation capacity by 150%.
In terms of efficiency and warranty, flexible solar panels are comparable to traditional glass solar panels, with a typical efficiency rating of 21.8% (WMT PERC cell). They also have similar warranty durations as glass solar panels and are certified for IEC 61215 & IEC 61730, with PID, salt mist and ammonia corrosion tests.
Finally, while flexible solar panels cost more upfront ($0.35-0.4/watt), they save on installation, mounting structure and transportation costs (flexible solar panels can load 570kw per 40ft HC container, as compared to 370kw for traditional glass solar panels). As a result, the costs gap between traditional glass solar panels and flexible solar panels is entirely reasonable and affordable.
In conclusion, flexible solar panels offer a versatile and cost-effective alternative to traditional glass solar panels. Their adaptability to surfaces, lower mechanical load requirements, simplicity of installation and comparable efficiency and warranty make them a smart choice for those looking to harness the power of solar energy.
