How to Choose the Best Flexible Solar Panels

Flexible solar panels are increasingly popular because they are lightweight, durable, and flexible. Moreover, they can be adapted to power all sorts of applications and pair nicely with batteries. However, flexible solar panels cost varies depending on materials, features, materials, quality, efficiency, size, capacity, and even the brand itself.

But then again, it is not necessary to buy the most expensive and best flexible solar panels available on the market. It is possible to choose great flexible solar panels without breaking the bank.

In this article, we will try to educate you to choose the best flexible solar panels for your needs and within your budget.

Factors to consider when choosing flexible solar panels

Wattage

The more wattage you have, the more electricity your flexible solar panels can produce. However, if you want to consider your budget, you need to calculate how many flexible solar panels you need. For that, you need to calculate how much power your appliances need.

Durability

Most flexible solar panels are waterproof and can withstand pretty much all outdoor weather conditions and even serve storms. Most can even withstand someone walking on them. However, all that needs to be part of your warranty, and you need to make sure of it before you make the purchase. Even some of the most affordable brands offer such warranties for their flexible solar panels.

Flexibility

Not all flexible solar panels are evenly flexible. That might be an issue if you got a very curved surface that you need to cover with panels. If you are not careful enough, you can end up owning flexible solar panels that don’t bend enough. If they don’t bend enough, maybe they can’t be properly laid on some curved surface.

Efficiency

Flexible solar panels are more flexible than standard, rigid solar panels. On top of that, they outperform rigid solar panels in low-light conditions. However, it’s also noteworthy that not all flexible solar panels are evenly efficient. Typically, the most efficient ones cost more than their less efficient counterparts.

If you are interested in the differences between flexible solar panels vs rigid solar panels, watch the video below:

It is important to understand that a less-efficient solar panel will produce less electricity than a more efficient panel. Hence, if you choose less efficient solar panels, you will need more of them to meet your energy needs than how many panels you would need if you’ve purchased more efficient ones.

Size and Design

If there is a large space to install your flexible solar panels, and you don’t need to power too many devices, then plenty of options are available for you. On the other hand, if space is quite limited, you probably need to go with efficient, high-capacity panels.

The Bottom Line

Please do the math before you choose a solar panel for yourself. First, calculate how many panels you need to meet your energy needs and measure the space available where the solar panels will get placed. Then, see if there are any obstacles in that space, check what’s covered under warranty, and choose accordingly. Aside from your budget, that’s pretty much everything that matters most when shopping for flexible solar panels.