Flexible Solar Panel Output Test: Sunpower Cells After A Year vs. Traditional Mono Flex Panel
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 มี.ค. 2019
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Ecoflow Delta
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AmpereTime
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Renogy
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Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :)
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Winner to the output test: richsolar.com/collections/flexible-solar-panels/products/rich-solar-100-watt-12-volt-flexible-monocrystalline-solar-panel-new-arrival?ref=n3kqiuy2kml
Rich Solar sunpower cell mono panel: amzn.to/2WyDJeg
ML Solar sunpower cell mono panel: www.mlsolar.com/100-watt-12-volt-flexible-mono-solar-panel/
Solar Panels that I actually recommend: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-panels.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Does off-grid solar confuse you? Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com
Join our DIY solar community! #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com
Check out my best-selling, beginner-friendly 12V off-grid solar book (affiliate link):
amzn.to/2Aj4dX4
If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Solar. Low prices and great warranty, and they can take your entire house offgrid with their new Powerwalls: ts.la/william57509
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My solar equipment recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first):
12V/48V Lithium Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html
Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html
Plug-N-Play Systems: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html
Complete 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html
DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html
Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar and Coupon Codes:
-Current Connected: SOK, Victron and High Quality Components. Best prices and warranty around: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp
-Signature Solar: Cheap Server Rack Batteries and Large Solar Panels:
www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
-Ecoflow Delta Official Site: My favorite plug-n-play solar generator:
us.ecoflow.com/?aff=7
-AmpereTime: Cheapest 12V batteries around:
amperetime.com/products/ampere-time-12v-100ah-lithium-lifepo4-battery?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
-Rich Solar: Mega site and cheaper prices than renogy! Check them out:
richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
-Shop Solar Kits: Huge site with every solar kit you can imagine! Check it out:
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-Battery Hookup: Cheap cell deals
bit.ly/2mIxSqt
10% off code: diysolar
-Watts 24/7: Best deals on all-in-one solar power systems, with customer support and distribution here in the USA:
watts247.com/?wpam_id=3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contact Information:
I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: williamprowsediysolar@gmail.com
Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar
FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:
Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :)
DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
hi will, i hope you liked my postcard, id love it if you sent one back. i sent to the san francisco address for your po box that you listed. my apt has a solar powered water heater, and interestingly it seems to provide enough hot water for only one person. it is meant for 2 people, but it doesnt really work well on cloudy days if you have 2 people it would run out.
the solar lights in our apt complex also have had half of them burn out. the bulbs just die, or the panels might get damaged, like in hurricane wutu, etc
Thanx Will, your hair looks great.
about time for an update. I'm hoping for good results. I'd like to use flexible for lower profile/stealth on my van
Appreciate your honesty and wisdom young man, be blessed.
TFS and all of your work you put into your testing and reviews
Hello, I enjoyed seeing you in another Dave 2D video. For the record I enjoyed your Vlog videos. I understand they might not make money, but they were fun. We are totally different people, and live completely different lives. However, I still enjoyed them. It was fun watching the mix of informational and everyday life videos. Whatever you do, keep it up, great content. Have a good one.
You look just like a kid at Christmas opening his presents you are so happy :) 😁🤩😎 keep up the great work will :)😍 great review and vid will😁
I installed three sunpower panels on our boat, in the sun full time in Feb 2019, so far they still look new. I will keep you posted .
Marks Marine Electric, San Diego
Are they made with PET film or ETFE film?
id be interested on your info... are they still functioning well and ETFE film?
We were on the boat a week ago for three days, from what I see they still produce what is expected. The weather for that weekend was cool and some clouds present. Still batteries reach up 90+% each day with a daily draw around 40 amp hrs per day, in the morning the battery bank (500 amp hr) would be at low 60%
how are they holding up after two years? thanks in advance
@@Maybelove88 we were on the boat over the weekend, but the weather was not that good, but so far they are still holding up as expected.
I’m learning a lot from your videos. By the time I’m ready to make a purchase I will have your good information to fall back on. I thank you very much.
On my Prius, I save $30 a month in gasoline from not using the car as a generator with 200W of flexible panels taped to the roof. That’s a quick payback !
I could not figure out a good way to mount a glass panel without loss of aerodynamics therefor loss of MPG on a Prius. Thanks for the great review!
Really like your reviews, there's never a question of your honest reviews. And your knowledge is quite high. Thanks.
Hi Will, this is great thanks! Will you please consider giving updates every 6-12 months to track their decreasing output? Thanks!
Yes! Nice to have a update with new products etc.
Thank you for the information my friend I love you videos I'm a banquet of myself City dweller I don't do that in the country and this is good to know....😃😃😄
You are 100% correct, I had flexible one's on my camper and in combination with the flexibility of the vehicle and the weather changes the work for just about 6 months, from 250w they drop to 4w in a good day ( all 5 of them).
Ouch. That's terrible. What brand was was that?
As always, a solid review by a solar expert you can trust. Searching for viewer comments at many other places on TH-cam it appears that it is rare for flexible solar panels to last more than a couple of years - three at best. They just don't appear to be a wise, long-term investment in solar power production.
I really appreciate your honesty.
This is a great video. I especially like the hot vs cold test since many people think they have a bad panel when it just gets hot in the sun. In my initial research, it sounds like the ETFE coated panels are far superior to the PET coated panels (older style). Further, if the claims are accurate, ETFE resists heat absorption much better than PET leading to a much smaller reduction in efficiency because the panel doesn't heat up as much. Would love to see a more in depth comparison of PET and ETFE panels and long-term follow up. My understanding is that PET panels have a 5 year life expectancy while manufacturers are claiming 10 years for ETFE.
Additionally, resing the flexible panels on the pallets may lead to increased temps (and effeciency loss) because air cannot pass underneath as well. A traditional hard panel with a rigid frame with spacing behind the panel would allow better heat disipation and cooling underneath while resting on the pallets while a flexible panel will not get as much cooling effect. Per the comment above about ETFE resisting heat absorption, this may be why the new ETFE panel had such a high output even once it started getting warm. The temp on the surface may be high but the solar cells may not have been as hot. It may also be a good idea to check what the temp on the back of the panel is. That may be a more accurate indication of how hot the cells get.
Nice work as always!
Hey Will, I love your videos. Informative and trustworthy. Any chance of an update on these flexible panels? How are they holding up now after almost three years?
Great job Will, you have a great job by the way!!!
great stuff, thanks for the heads up. Maybe you could get together with Nomadic Fanatic, RVPrepper Wayne, and some other RVers and do reviews of their systems. Would make interesting viewing.
Yes please
That would be EPIC
Sunpower cells are good if you want a burn mark in your roof. The moment you get a crack (and you will after year of it baking in the sun becoming brittle), increased resistance and then hotspot and off you go! Good video by the way.
Have you ever done a test between using house wiring (like a 12-2 cable) and regular solar wires to feed from solar panels to the charge controller? I've been told that the stranded solar wires perform better than the solid house wires. Maybe? Maybe not?
Enjoying your videos more and more !!
Great information as always
Thanks for the video Will. I was thinking of buying some of those panels for my Renault Trafic Van. I will forget about it.
Amazing videos man! I wish I understood panels and actually execute the idea I have with solar panels.
Yip please can you do an update - we appreciate your videos and your candid reviews.
You are a fascinating fella, love you always informative videos.
Hey, first of all I just found your channel and it really is informative and well thought out. I just subscribed. I have a camping trailer that I tow behind my Jeep. My trailer came with a 100 watt panel on the roof and also an external plug on the side of the trailer. I know there will be times that I will want to park my trailer in the shade so I would like to get one of those flexible suitcase type panels. I have to keep the weight down and I don't want a big bulky aluminum framed panel due to size restrictions. I don't see any reviews of these types of systems on your channel, can you do one?
Great review on different flexible panels. Have you done an update to test quality and charge %?
Looking for the update on the Rich panel.
Does that richsolar (the 1 w/highest wattage) still work? Thanks! Love your channel!
I bought a couple flex cells to mount to the top of my canopy on my pickup mainly for the low profile, so they will be mounted I hope it lasts. Thanks! June 2021 maybe better technology
Any update on the Rich Solar with the traditional cells? I bought the 80 watt ones and get 80 watts also. They seem really well-made.
You have to buy the good expensive flexible solar panels like the ones on Pacific Yacht Systems website. They last a very very long time. They also have a couple long videos that talk about them. He is very knowledgeable
Brand name seems to be EVERYTHING when it comes to flexible panels
i got in March 2022 - 4 of my flexible Panels (its a firm called solartronics from germany) for my Flat (i have no Balcony, and i hang them out the window with safety straps like you would secure load on a trailer, you know) - so iam recording the data, i have east-west orientation (due to the roof i dont get a lot of sun at high noon) - so i added 20w polys on the windowsill as well (4 of them on each window, so 8 total) - so i get the most of the sun as possible for my situation - and i have not covered all spaces. so there is room for another 2 20W Panels on each window wich i would test next year. but in summertime i get a lot of energy through it, i can run my fridge/pc if i want. and thanks to your diy lifepo4 videos, i will change my batteries from agm to lifepo next year...so thanks a lot! i record data every day, whats going in with what panels. and i can look up next year, if my flexible panels will degrade, i will see it...
Hi Will! I love your videos - you've helped me learn a lot!! Could you help me with something - What equipment do you use to test the panels?
Thanks for another excellent video. I have considered the flexible panels for my class B with a curved fiberglass roof.
Can I parallel a new Renogy 100 amp hour lithium battery with my DYI 100 amp hour battery from used prismatic cells, so actually rated 90 amp hours?
I’m using Merlin Solar flex panel. I like it very much.
We need an updated version of this video with new panels that have recently come out. Please include that new Bougie RV 200 watt panel that has come out about a year ago. Thanks
Very transparent review.kudos!
3:47 WOW that's amazing ⚡⚡⚡
Another great video!!
William, You are like fine wine.
Getting better and better with age
Xoxo
Geyyy
How about some testing with the split cell technology panels, opinions?
Great video buddy! I just can’t think of a particular application for a flexible panel.
Sailboats often have flexible panels that you can walk on mounted on the cabin roof, which is usually slightly curved.
Teardrop trailers. My teardrop doesn’t have a large enough flat spot for a traditional panel nor could it support the weight. There are times when I can’t set out a suitcase.
Thank You Will Prowse and Keep up the Good Work! :)
Thumbs up Indiana USA.
I purchased the sunpower flexible...a month later the connector went bad. I had to remove it and luckily it was still functioning. But yeah I'd be weary of purchasing another flexible.
I love how light it is...but still...it just feels like it isn't as rugged as most people will need for outdoor applications
I love your honesty on your vids & that's the reason why am a die hard fan of you. Still waiting for updates on those panels. What's your take on LG neon r latest 2020 model solar panels? I'm hunting for a very good solar panels with a vendor in Nigeria West Africa. Please I need recommendation. The blackout here is horrible.
Hi, do you have a tutorial of how to open the junction box of a flexible solar panel in order to change a diode? Thanks
i just bought you book man from amazon, you are really great, thanks. i also sent you a mail trough your website asking a review of a new japanese type solar panel with different modules and high performance. would like to have your opinion on that, thanks
Great video! Too bad I already purchased two flexibles. I'll use them till they fail, they've been great till now.
Great advice video
Can you make a video about fuses and breakers, I'm hooking up an 100 watt system and been getting lots of mixed info on fuses and breakers, I know what there for, " redundancy" but need to know why so many, if this makes any sense.
My Kingsolar (Sunpower) 100W panels failed after 1 year. The factory had glued them down across the entire panels with permanent adhesive. Had to cut into strips whilst on the roof to tear strips off.
I would be interested in a test of flexible panels that have been coated with Turtle Wax Ceramic coating. It tests well as a cheap automotive protectant, but I'd be curious if it would reduce efficiency. My first instinct would be that the inherent UV protection would hinder the efficiency, but on further thought, solar cells convert "visible light" to electricity so the UV protection might not have any measurable impact on production; but may extend the life of those flexible panels considerably.
Great test - im watching in 2022 and wondering if you have done any Black Shingle flex Panels out now - one in Australia is by VoltX and are 169w for $169 in Australia - thanks
Do you think. UV protection vinyl overlay would help make the flex solar panels last longer?
Hey Will! Could we can an update on the flexible solar panels. I am looking to build a mobile setup with a flexible panel.
Howdy will! I was wondering if the technology has changed at all in the last two or three years? I am in need of at least 300 to 400 watts between 2 flexible panels to fit over the curved Bimini that covers the cockpit of my sailboat. Are there any that you would recommend? Or am I better off trying to build an entirely new structure capable of holding rigid panels?
I was wondering about flex panels. Looks like the technology is just not there yet. Maybe in the future.
Love your videos Will Prowse
Locked down in Bangkok I took the opportunity of having time to order one 100W flex panel for just USD 30 plus a multimeter for just usd 5. Probably both a poc. But hopefully it keeps me busy running some tests. One big difference I can tell is that my panel has only half the cells yet claims to produce 100W as well. We'll see.
Thank you for the warning on flexible solar panels. How are the Rich Solar's holding up? Any different now?
Which brand would you suggest to permanently install on the roof a class b RV? Thanks for all the videos!!
Will - I really like and trust your analysis and would normally not consider flexible solar panels. However, I have a Rockwood 2604ws travel trailer which is aluminum framed with a foam core and just a very thin layer of wood under the rubber so there is very little to screw a hard panel to (my preference would be 1000+ watts of rigid panels with a tilt kit, connected to a Tesla battery). The people at Rockwood have advised against "screwing" anything into the roof. Given this information, would you agree that flexible solar might be my only option? Do they have a 250+ watt panel that you might recommend?
Would like to see the update you mentioned.
Hi! So, four years later: has anything changed? Airstream has been changing over to Merlin Solar, using their flexible panels on their new Trade Wind and on the Basecamps. I’d be interested in hearing your perspective on them.
Can you review the new ETFE Black Rubber Flexible Solar Panel
Have you reviewed the Merlin Flexible solar panel?
"spewing out a bunch of crap on TH-cam" Love it Will!
I also need to know about the mofi router. Where or how does it get the internet ? Is it from a cell phone data plan ?
Looking for an update on these panels how they lasted?
Come to mission bay! We’re chilling!
Great video ☺️
My two Suaoki 100W flexible panels failed after 8 months. Junk. Now I have to figure out how to remove them, since I stuck them down with eternabond. Thanks for the review.
Damn I know that feeling. Good luck with removing that eternabond. Sounds like a nightmare
Eternabond is forever!
@@stevevelobahn1814 Yeah, it's usually easier to just rip the roof off and install a new one
@@InnovativeSustainableSolutions lol! It's a "convertible" rv. Got a sun/moon roof!
Im like a kid who you tell not to touch the hot stove! I bought 2 100w renogy flexibles. My thought process is to take a portable lithium between places and have four 100w poly mounted on the roof, at each home. 2 flexibles are for travelling with the portable between places. My setup is just incase power goes out on purpose or accident, and it will after the Paradise fire last year. So im hoping they wont break or break as fast since they wont be used that much, or constantly.
I think you'll be all right. I have the exact same setup, and I ABUSE mine, all day in the sun every day, and they're still going strong. I'm going to do a longevity test vid at 1 year
Will would lithium solar batteries charge faster than if you had lead acid ? Also what if your solar panels were never in full sun or mostly in the shade would they be worth using. Lets say a quarter output of what they are rated to do isn't that something that still can be used ?
I have 4 x 100W flex panels on my rig, I was on the roof and noticed that on one panel, one of the 36 cells looked like it had shorted out. the lens was melted so I assume that cell is totally dead. But what I don't know is. how much effect dose that one cell have on the rest of the panel or even that entire array. They are connected in series
Thanks
Hi, my family of five is transitioning to a tiny home. We will be needing a high watt panel I seen SunPower has a new 400W panels with 22% effeciency I was hoping you could help review it.
How did the traditional mono panel from Rich do after a year of use?
Renogy 175 watt flex or SunPower 110 watt? Which would you suggest for a teardrop with minimal flat space? I have both. The Renogy has a more durable looking textured surface. I plan to mount on t-tracks with an air gap it so can be removed in the winter.
Are the thick non-flexible ones more reliable after a few years?
It's been almost a year. Another update incoming?? :)
Hi Will. saw you on Dave 2D.
Have you tested thin film panels? I have noticed that they are more difficult to come by and generally more expensive. They are also larger for the same power output. However in my opinion the majority of people should be using them.
They can work at 90% of their spec in low light or indirect sunlight.
So unless you are tracking the sun for daylight hrs and seasons you are probably better off with thin film if you have the space. Especially if you live in a more overcast region or if you can not angle your panels perfectly into the sun and even that only lasts a few hrs unless you can track the sun.
I would say that even people who live in very sunny areas could still benefit from thin film unless they are able to track the sun.
Thinking there is some sort of trade conspiracy or regulation going on, it just doesn't seem right that most people are using the wrong panels for the job!
499k subs... I'm jumping on to share the 500k glory
using roof mounted solar panels requires you to park van in sun yes ?? which gets van hot ?? then we need power to run fan or a/c ?? I am going to make a quick setup to be able to put van in shade and panels in sun !
What is the best way to clean and maintain the solar panels? Will cleaners ruin them?
any updates one this? I would like to know how there lasting
I just need a decent 100w flexible panel for occasional inflatable boat with a trolling motor usage? any advice in 2021?
What are the best portable panels. I didn’t see a video on them other than the small camping ones.
sol'utations.. since the plastic coat/cover is weathering.. framed behind uv resistant glass panel? would decrease solar degradation?
Yea but it'll get even hotter... Think like a green house
good idea but if I won't to buy the computer how much solar?
Excellent!
Hi have you tried and tested Flexible module from Merlin Solar Technologies?
Just curious if you’ve reviewed the new Renogy 100watt flexible solar panels.
Word is they have rebuilt them to withstand heat and guaranteed for 5 years.
Thoughts?
so i guess the solar chargers with the usb output also follow on this categorie right?
Great videos Will by far the best. What I ask is, of all your videos you never seem to mention the amp output, I grew up manufacturing batteries (lead acid) from scratch. We always talked amps. These days we talk amps in solar controllers, batteries, and amp per hour etc,. I know watts is easily converted, but my interest is in rated amp output. Do you think you could include amp output in future videos? As an example I see many panels in the 150 -200 watt range only putting 5-6 amps, yet others are cracking out 8 plus amps.
Well amps are dependent on voltage. So watts is much more accurate. Amps can stay at one number, and the total power can fluctuate if the voltage changes constantly, which it does in these systems
Especially with solar panels. Look up the it curve of solar panels. Amps are the last thing I would use to compare a panel output
@@WillProwse Thank you for your clear, understandable answer to this question and many others. I am learning so much from your videos AND from your answers to questions. I will buy your book, prior to buying a solar system, but I am also recommending it to others now, and have subscribed.
Have you seen 600 watt panels being advertized online? I can't tell if it is just scams or if they are referring to a BMS with solar panel pictures with cheap prices. Do they make a 600 watt pan now?
Any updates here??? Thank you!
So you say that panels lose performance more than rigid and that you are going to continue to test. So are you going to mount these flex panels outdoors over the next year so you can simulate actual use ? I have a 100w rigid that has worked fine over past 6 years; however i have discovered that my camping consumption is greater than 100w will produce so i am trying to decide what to buy and how much so love the videos. My camper has curved roof and i am also trying to decide on 200/300/400 and rigid vs flex and also fixed to roof vs portable to follow sun at campground. Your videos are informative and "fun". I live in "sunny" California but have camped in all 50 plus Canada and NW Terratories