Flexible Solar Panels

[jrpla]

Hi,

I have seen few options in the market for flexible solar panels, but don't know if these are goods. I don't see many boats using them.

My boat is a 32, and I don't have enough space to put big panels.

I was thinking putting 2 or 3 20w panels over the bimini.

Is this flexible panels good? Which are the best ones?

Thanks;

 

[Stu Jackson]

The flex panels are OK, but it remains

important to keep them off a surface to permit cooling to flow underneath them. Assure that you get a 36 cell panel, since 30 cell panels do not provide adequate voltage.

 

[Dennis W.]

Efficiency

Based on what I've read the flex panels are not as efficient in hazy, cloudy or low sun angles as hard panels. I have seen the hard panels located above the bimini with 4 "L" shaped brackets, one at each corner and bolted to the S/S bows of the bimini.

 

[GuyT]

Not as efficient

The flex panels are a thin film technology that has less conversion efficiency per sq. ft. of area - significantly less !!
Uses for this technology on a boat would be to top off the battery or if you were gone for the week to replace Amp-hours used over the weekend.

The traditional panel would be a better solution because of its power density and the limited space on deck.

 

[jrpla]

thanks

thanks; I will try to fit a regular solar panel.

I saw this one, http://www.emarineinc.com/products/solar_panels/Skinny%20%20Solar%20Panel%2065W.html

which is a good size, I can place it on the dinghy davit.

do someone have experience with this panel ?

The only appliance I use is a small refrigerator, having a panel will help me to don't have to run the motor that much on long weekends or weeks trips.

Thanks;

 

[Chuck Creel]

solar panels

I looked at the link you provided but according to those specs, im afraid you are selling yourself short .

I read that its output is 3.57 amps, buit that is only at peak over head sunlight.
In my area, the sun is only overhead abt 5 hrs a day. With that in mind, your 85WATT panel will replace abt 18-20 AH's of current in 4 hrs.

If your refridgerator draws 3.5 amps, you could run it abt 4 hrs a day at best in my humble opinion which really depends on the size of your house bank in AH.

I have a norcold unit that draws 3-4 amps but i also wen t with a larger panel which puts out 7.8 AMPS peak and abt 2 amps early morning. The price difference between the 85watt and the 130 wat is abt $200.00. Money well spent in my case.


BTW I can run my refridge 24 hrs a day for 2 days with out recharging now.

 

[Sanders]

If money is no object...

Randy Repass, of West Marine fame and fortune, had his custom built Wylie sailboat set up with flexible panels covering the roof of the salon.. Here's a description:

The pilothouse roof provides more than shelter. Fitted with 20 of Solara Energy’s 40-watt solar panels, the surface is designed to produce enough electricity to run the boat without other charging sources. These high-output silicon-wafer panels are good for 22 amps at 24 volts for a theoretical total of 3,000 watt hours per day, assuming 5 to 6 hours of sunshine. Solara’s panels conform to the roof’s curvature and can stand up to foot traffic.

I have no idea what they cost, and Repass probably doesn't either...

The link below is to the full story...

 

[GuyT]

Thin Film Amorphous Silicon Solar panels

are cheaper per watt than traditional panels (Crystaline Silicon.
But their output per sq. ft. is significantly less.
That deck on Mr. Repass's salon is a luxury most of us do not have. We are always tight for space.

You need to go through an energy budget of how many amp hours you need and how long your recharge time will be.
A good charge controller will make a huge difference in your system. Get one that has an equalize cycle if you have wet batteries - or at least have equalize capabilities from your main charger.
The Thin Film is just as good as the traditional - just not as powerfull per sq. ft. so --- do your power budget and maybe you could use the thin film.
Good luck with your system.