Best Flexible Solar Panels In 2024: Reviews & Buying Tips

The best flexible solar panels eliminate some of the potential drawbacks of solar energy. Thanks to their lightweight and flexible construction, these panels are easy to install and transport.

Of course, it’s important to choose performing and durable solar panels. Our flexible solar panel reviews will help you find the best solar panels for your unique needs.

Quick Comparison

Flexible Solar Panel Reviews

Our flexible solar panel reviews cover which are the best options for various needs. Whether you want the best money can buy or a more affordable panel to try out solar for the first time, we have you covered with the most efficient flexible solar panels on the market.

This unit from Renogy is our best flexible solar panel for many reasons, but mainly because it’s more flexible than other options with its 248° arc. If you want a panel you can install on a curved surface this durable solar panel is your best bet.

The manufacturer uses durable polymer materials that can withstand wind and snow, as well as high and low operating temperatures. This makes the Renogy 100W Flexible Solar Panel an ideal fit for off-grid RVing since you’re likely to encounter different weather conditions. In fact, you’ll also get a waterproof junction box with the panel.

On another note, the thin design of this panel facilitates easy installation. Even for beginners, it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to mount. For a visual, you can check out this helpful video from Renogy:

Finally, for the cherry on top, the panel features a sturdy backsheet and EVA films.

Weighing in at just over four pounds, this SunPower Flexible Solar Panel may not be the most lightweight option on this list, but it does come with a higher wattage of 110W. Like most crystalline flexible solar panels, this one is capable of bending up to 30 degrees, which makes it convenient for mounting on irregular surfaces. 

This panel also includes a longer warranty for it as well – five years for power, and two years for the product. And, unlike some solar panels, there’s no exclusion for damage done by saltwater. 

You may also find that the SunPower 110W panel operates almost as well in the shade as it does in direct sunlight. In terms of performance, this SunPower model packs a punch for its price.

Sunpower is a trustworthy brand from Maxeon Solar Technologies with over 35 years of experience. On their site, they put it best when they stated:

That said, Maxeon holds true to this promise and earns our trust with this SunPower 110W Flexible panel.

There are scenarios where a smaller flexible solar panel is more convenient. For instance, you might want a small system to keep your phone charged during your next camping trip.

We like this small solar panel because it opens up a wide range of possibilities for storing and mounting it – you shouldn’t have any issues folding the panel into tight spaces or mounting it on an irregular surface. It measures approximately 25 by 21” which is convenient if you want a highly portable panel. So convenient is this flexible solar panel that it contends right up there with our favorite portable solar panels on the market.

The SunPower model uses Maxeon solar cells, a type of solar cell with a strong copper foundation. These cells also use pure silicone to generate more electricity.

Another interesting feature of the Maxeon cells is the lack of grid lines on the cells. Grid lines reduce the size of the surface that can capture sunlight. Eliminating grid lines results in solar cells with an efficiency of 23.5%. The lack of grid lines also reduces risks of corrosion and cell failure, making this product a durable investment.

Designing a solar energy system from scratch can be complicated. That said, this kit is great for beginners; just like our full list of top-rated solar panel kits here. Ultimately, it includes all the components you need to set up four solar panels and power a 12V battery system.

In fact, you’ll even get a sine wave inverter. It’s purpose is to convert DC power to AC power, which you can use to power electronics, small appliances, or your RV home system.

This kit comes with four 100W flexible solar panels. If you connect the four panels, you’ll get a total capacity of 400W, which many RVers may use to power up their mobile homes. The panels are extremely thin at only 0.1” and they bend at a 30° arc. Their size is ideal for covering a large surface, but the panels remain lightweight.

These flexible solar panels have an efficiency of 20.5%, which is better than most conventional, rigid panels can provide. There are other panels on our list with an efficiency rating that is a little higher, but keep in mind that anything between 20 and 25% is excellent.

The panels feature pre-drilled holes, and the installation process is easy. Overall, this kit is an excellent option if you’re new to solar power or simply don’t want to put the time and resources into designing a system from scratch.

We recommend this flexible solar panel because of its performance. It features a design that optimizes the size of the surface that can absorb sunlight.

It also uses ETFE as one of its primary materials. ETFE forms a film that repels dust and dirt, a vital feature for preserving the performance of your solar panels over the years (3).

This solar panel uses monocrystalline cells. It means that the manufacturer cuts silicon into bars and wafers to make the solar cells. The manufacturers who offer polycrystalline cells use melted silicone fragments to form cells, a technique that results in lower power output.

You will get durable cables and a waterproof junction box with this flexible panel. There are stainless steel eyelets to make the installation process feature, and you can choose between a black and a white version of the panel. The color choice is worth noting since most manufacturers only have one color, and you can use a black or white panel to make the installation more discreet.

We like this solar panel kit because of its value. You get all the items you need to get started with solar energy, and it won’t break the bank. There is no need to shop around to put together a DIY kit, and you can get started right away since this kit comes with everything you need to set up your solar panels and connect them to a battery.

Compared to the other kit we reviewed above, this option is the best value. You can connect up to six solar panels to generate 600W, which is perfect to power an RV home system or if you’re camping with a large family. You can even use this kit at home to reduce your energy bills.

There are other shopping options to consider. If 600W is more than you need, you can opt for a smaller kit with fewer panels.

The main drawback of this kit is the efficiency of the panels. They have an efficiency of 19.5%, which is slightly lower than the other flexible solar panels we recommend.

However, these panels do have a sturdy PET backsheet and an EVA film to protect the solar cells, which means they’re more durable than some of the other options on this list.

This 100W flexible solar panel is ideal if you’re looking for a thin product that’s more portable. The 0.02” thinness will come in handy if you want a portable solar panel or something that covers a large surface while remaining lightweight.

The flexibility of this panel is fairly standard for crystalline panels, and it bends at a 30° angle. It comes with a waterproof junction box and 10” cables. You can mount the panel with grommets, Velcro, adhesives, or any other method of your choice.

The construction of this flexible solar panel is worth noting. The manufacturer uses quality materials that make the panel more durable.

There is an ETFE film on the surface of the panel. This material is self-cleaning and allows the panel to absorb as much sunlight as possible. There are two layers of EVA film to protect the solar cells from dust and humidity, plus a strong TPT backsheet to prevent damage to the panel.

This 80W panel is a great choice if you’re looking for a product with a smaller footprint. It’s smaller than the 100W panels we’ve reviewed above, and the power output is fairly close.

This panel has an impressive efficiency rating of 22%. Its waterproof and fireproof construction makes it ideal for off-grid use where you might encounter different weather conditions.

The durable construction is another benefit for off-grid use as it has a fiberglass backboard  – which helps ensure the panel won’t lose its shape over time. You need reliable equipment for applications like RVing, and this panel is a great fit if you want a solar energy system you can count on.

In addition to the fiberglass backboard, there is a PET/TPT board, an EVA film, and an ETFE Film. These different layers add weight to the panel, and you’ll find that this panel is a little heavier than most of the other options we recommend, even though it’s smaller.

This panel is another option to consider if you’re looking for a small flexible solar panel. We like how thin and flexible this panel is.

It’s lightweight and easy to install. Thanks to its small size, you can use zip ties, adhesives, Velcro, grommets, or another method to mount it on a surface.

The 50W power output is perfect for a 12V battery. You’ll get enough electricity to charge your phone or run a small appliance.

This panel uses efficient monocrystalline cells. The cells are water-resistant and deliver an excellent performance for the price range of this panel.

The main drawback of this small solar panel is the design of the cells. There is more space around and between the cells compared to other products. It’s not a major issue since you can still generate plenty of electricity for the small size of the panel, but the manufacturer could have used a more optimized design to reduce the size of the panel further.

This kit comes with everything you need to build a performing solar power system. You’ll get a total of eight panels so you can generate 800W of power. We recommend these flexible solar panels because they remain performing in low light conditions.

The panels use monocrystalline cells that minimize the space between the wagers. You’ll get a larger surface that can produce electricity to make the most out of available sunlight.

The manufacturer uses conductive adhesive to build these panels instead of soldering the wafers together. This choice results in lightweight panels with excellent flexibility, and it also reduces the risks of ending up with failing solder.

There is a self-cleaning ETFE film that protects the solar cells. This film will prevent humidity, dirt, or dust from damaging the cells or reducing the amount of sunlight they can absorb.

The kit includes a waterproof junction box. Installation is easy since the panels are thin and lightweight. They bend at a 30° angle and feature eyelets so you can attach them to a wide range of surfaces.

There are different buying options available for this kit. If you don’t need 800W, you can get a smaller kit with fewer panels.

We like these panels because the dimensions are slightly smaller than the other flexible solar panels we recommend. However, you’ll still get 100W for each panel.

You can get this kit with six solar panels to produce up to 600W. The panels have an efficiency of 22%, and their smaller size is ideal for an RV roof or another application where you have less space for the panels.

You’ll get all the items you need to connect the panels and store power in a battery. The different components have built-in protection features to prevent damage if a power spike occurs.

The panels feature a durable TPT backsheet that helps them retain their shape while protecting the cells from damage. You’ll also find two layers of EVA film to keep dust and humidity away from the solar cells and a layer of PET for added protection.

Overall, this solar power kit is a very versatile product, especially if you’re planning to take it on the road or off the grid. There are different ways of mounting the panels, and you can decide to buy another version of this kit with fewer panels if you don’t need six of them.

This solar panel stands out thanks to its extremely thin design. You should also know that it’s a little longer than other options and weighs a little more.

While the weight difference isn’t significant, you should make sure that you have enough space for mounting these solar panels.

It comes with a pre-attached cable and mounting holes for a simple installation process. The sturdy construction makes this panel a great option for outdoor use in areas where you might encounter wind or snow. It’s durable enough for marine applications if you want a solar panel for your boat.

It’s a flexible panel that can bend at a 248° angle. There is a strong TPT backsheet to support the solar cells, two layers of EVA film to protect the solar cells, and an ETFE film on the surface of the panel. This ETFE film is an interesting feature because it repels dirt and humidity and has self-cleaning properties.

This flexible solar panel is different from the other options we recommend. Instead of using a traditional solar panel design, the manufacturer created a long roll with solar cells.

It’s an extremely flexible option. You can roll up this solar panel if you need to store it, a great feature if you’re looking for a portable option.

The peel and stick installation is also interesting. It helps you save time and allows you to install this solar panel on any surface. The manufacturer originally created this product for installation on roofs, but there are many other applications.

The main downside of this solar panel is that you can’t cut the solar cells. You have to use the entire length of the roll, which might not match the size of the surface where you want to install the panel.

Overall, this solar panel is worth considering because of its original shape that opens up more possibilities and because it’s an excellent value. However, you should know that the manufacturer went out of business. You won’t get a warranty and can’t count on customer support if you run into a problem.

Buying Guide – Choosing the Best Flexible Solar Panels

Flexible solar panels are on the rise, and they’re paving the way for a better future. Researchers Mario Pagliaro, Rosaria Ciriminna, and Giovanni Palmisano summed it up best in the first line of their article called “Flexible solar cells” when they stated:

Still, each comes with their own set of criteria, so it’s important to take these factors into consideration while you’re shopping.

Type of Flexible Solar Panel

While the term “flexible solar panel” gets thrown around a lot, not everyone realizes that there are multiple kinds of flexible solar panels – and not every type may be right for you. 

Thin-film Flexible Solar Panels

Thin-film flexible solar panels are some of the most affordable models on the market, and they’re typically made as CIGS modules (copper-indium-gallium-selenide) (5). Thin-film flexible solar panels use a lot less material than traditional solar panels, which means they’re easier to roll up or store when you need to. 

However, a thin-film model may not be the best choice if you’re planning to use solar energy all the time. As thin as they are, these panels lack silicone protection, and they’re not always as durable. 

But, if you need a flexible solar panel that’s easy to store and you don’t mind replacing every once in a while, a thin-film panel isn’t a bad pick. 

Crystalline Flexible Solar Panels

The other major solar technology you’ll see is crystalline flexible solar panels. These panels tend to stand out from their thin-film counterparts  – the angles of the solar cells are rounded, and they tend to look darker and more monochromatic. 

Crystalline flexible solar panels use the same material that conventional, rigid solar panels do, but they also have protective plastic that rigid panels don’t, which allows for more flexibility. 

The downside to crystalline flexible panels is that they may not always be as flexible as thin-film solar panels are (or as easy to store), but they’re usually more durable. If you’re looking for a flexible solar panel that can hold up to daily use, a crystalline panel may be the way to go.

Wattage of Flexible Solar Panels

Power or wattage is an important factor for any solar panel, but it’s especially crucial when you’re looking at flexible solar panels. While rigid solar panels tend to have much higher wattages, flexible solar panels tend to come in capacities of 50 to 300-watts. 

If you’re only looking to power a boat battery or a single device, you may only need a flexible solar panel with 50 to 100 watts. However, many people need flexible solar panels to power their RVs or mobile homes – and in that case, you may need to look for a flexible panel with a capacity of close to 250 or 300-watts. 

Bending Angle

What separates the best flexible solar panels apart from their conventional counterparts is their flexibility – so, it’s important to find out just how flexible you need your solar panel to be. Most flexible crystalline solar panels can’t bend more than 30 degrees, which may limit how easy they are to store or mount. Thin-film flexible solar panels tend to be more flexible, with some options bending at close to 250 degrees. 

While this may not always be the case, more flexibility can sometimes translate into more efficiency, especially if the panel is made with high-quality material.

The Most Efficient Flexible Solar Panels

One of the biggest draws to flexible solar panels is their efficiency rates, which means the rate that it’s able to convert sunlight into energy. While most conventional solar panels can only provide around 15 to 18% efficiency (6), a high-quality flexible solar panel may be able to provide up to 25%, according to manufacturers.

If a flexible solar panel isn’t able to provide at least a 20% efficiency rate, you may want to keep looking. 

Longer Warranties

Having a warranty is a great idea for a lot of solar panels, but they tend to be crucial with flexible solar panels. In general, solar panels can last for 20-30 years (7), but flexible solar panels lack the glass or aluminum material that rigid solar panels do, and as a result, they’re rarely as durable. Depending on the specific panel, you may have trouble finding a flexible solar panel that lasts more than a few years with regular use. 

If you can, look for manufacturers that include at least a five-year warranty with their flexible solar panels – it’s not unusual for frequent campers or RVers to have to replace their flexible solar panels by this time. 

Keep in mind that some manufacturers may include exclusions in their warranties for damage done by saltwater, so you’ll want to look out for this caveat.

FAQs

• How Much Power Can You Generate with a Flexible Solar Panel?

  The amount of power that you can generate with a flexible solar panel will typically be comparable to their traditional counterparts. The team at Renogy puts it like this:

  “Flexible panels can conform to a wide variety of surface shapes, provide the same power output, and weigh a fraction of their rigid panel cousins.” (8)

  Ultimately, these factors when combined can lead to even more power generation.

• What is the Most Common Cause of Failure for Flexible Solar Panels?

  The most common cause of failure for flexible solar panels is delamination, or cracked cell isolation (9). Delamination is caused primarily by adverse weather conditions, so it’s always recommended to take care of your panels and protect them when necessary.

• Are Flexible Solar Panels Worth it?

  In our books, yes; flexible solar panels are worth it. Flexible solar panels are a convenient way to generate electricity with their unique ability to be mounted on curved surfaces.

  In addition, they’re lightweight and extremely portable which makes them great for marine use and on top of vans, RVs, and other vehicles. If you need solar power where other panels simply cannot go, we highly recommend flexible solar panels.