Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- electrical:solar:gentle_intro [2025/01/29 12:18]
frater_secessus [What about portable panels?]
+++ electrical:solar:gentle_intro [2025/04/10 10:27] (current)
frater_secessus [What about flexible panels?]
@@ Line 99: / Line 99: @@
 ===== What about flexible panels? =====
-Flex panels are very expensive by the watt.  They are a great fit for people who need to mount on a curved surface (boat hull, teardrop trailer, etc) or store/lift a portable.
+Good reasons to use flexible panels:
-Otherwise framed panels are the standard for many good reasons.
+  * you need to mount panel on a gently curved surface  (boat hull, teardrop trailer, etc)
+  * you need lightest weight for portability
+  * you are willing to tolerate higher costs and shorter life to get the above
+Bad reasons to use flexible panels:
+  * because they are "cool"
+  * because you saw an influencer use them on Insta/YT
+  * because you want to walk on them (you can't)
+Framed panels are the standard for many good reasons.  If you must use flex, consider one of the non-crystalline types (CIGS, amorphous, thin-film, etc).  It is not surprising that solid crystals a few inches wide don't like to flex.
 ===== How much solar do I need? ====

RV and vandwellers wiki