Light-Weight Solar Panels

dlochner · 2025-11-17T11:17:48-0800

Panels are big and often heavy.

Panels that use better quality PV cells will tend to be smaller and lighter than similar wattage panels because the PV cells are more efficient and thus fewer are needed.

There is also a trade off between weight and durability. Lightweight flexible panels will be lighter but are more prone to failure due to flexing and the very small wires inside of the panels breaking.

The article below by Nigel Calder describes many of the issues with solar panels. It is a bit dated now, however, the basics are still the same. Pay particular attention to the construction details and the estimated efficiency.d

For comparison, I have 2 150w Solara Panels. These are high end panels and very efficient, they weigh in at about 22 lbs each and are designed for marine use with a 5 year warranty. They weren't cheap.

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colemj · 2025-11-17T11:20:15-0800

Wattage is primarily a function of physical dimension, as this reflects the individual cell efficiency. Larger panels weigh correspondingly more than smaller ones. 45lbs seems heavy for a 200W panel. That is what our 410 bifacial panels weigh.

Flexible panels are much lighter, but also much poorer performance and lifespan.

Mark

TimFromLI · 2025-11-18T15:27:35-0800

I have been using the Renogy flexible solar panels for a few years now and I can't complain. I use a 165 watt attached to the deck below the boom. It is fastend with velcro and has't budged in 6 seasons. I use it to keep my 660AH Trojan t105s topped up on a mooring. I don't leave the batteries on when not on the boat. When cruising I have a second 175watt flexible panel they I fasten to my dodger. Last season we spent two weeks on moorings and the two panels provided enough power for the fridge, lights, laptops phones and a keurig in the morning. We were fortuante to have sunny weather for most of the two weeks. The panels are each about 60X29 if I remember right. The new panels in that same size are rated at 200watts today

garymalmgren · 2025-11-18T16:11:23-0800

200W is weighing in the 45lb area. Is there lighter panels than that?
Yes. There are a whole variety of lighter panels.

Also, if I wanted to get a 400-500W panel...they are like 6-7' long!!
Yes. The higher the out put the larger the panel.

I was looking to help charge about 400Amp Hrs of LiFePo and thinking solar around 400-600W would be good?
600 W is a decent input to a battery system. However it will be a larger surface area of panels.

By, "help charge" do you mean to top up the battery?
To "top up" batteries you can use small lighter panels.This will all depend on the load that you are pulling out of the battery system.
If you have a little more going in than is being pulled out the batteries will always be in a reasonable state of charge.
See Tim's post #4.

PS the ad that you have posted states "7% smaller, 10% lighter than other panels "
This is meaningless as no dimensions or weight are given.

dlochner · 2025-11-18T18:23:23-0800

GeneraiT001 said:
I'm looking at the Renogy 195W Shadow Flux Anti-shading N-Type Solar Panel (x2) + Blue Tooth + 40A Charger + One Core. On sale now, so hopefully a good deal?

Renogy ShadowFlux Anti-shading N-Type Solar Panel

The Renogy ShadowFlux Solar Panel is a revolutionary off-grid power solution. It is 7% smaller and 10% lighter than traditional rigid solar panels. Featuring N-Type solar cells and 16BB technology.

ca.renogy.com

Renogy equipment will garner rave reviews and raving rants, some swear by them others swear at them. I have no opinion other than the standard, "you get what you pay for."

As for the controllers Victron is a better choice as it offers integration with Victron products. The Victron networking system is evolving to be the standard for electrical systems.

While you can use one controller for 2 panels, a more redundant system uses two controllers, one for each panel. If one panel should fail the other panel is still available.