To save you time, our pick for best flexible solar panel is the AllPowers 100W Panel.
Flexible solar panels can be bent to a 30 degree arc without breaking. This extreme flexibility makes them perfect for irregular surfaces that are on RVs, campers, boats, and vans. Their flexible design also allows them to be super light which is ideal when installing and transporting them.
Since these unique devices have become so popular in the RV and camping communities, we had to write a review on the top flexible solar panels on the market. Down below we have tested and reviewed each product. We recommend looking at each until you find the one best suited for you energy needs.
Here are the flexible solar panels we will review today:
Flexible Solar Panel Reviews
AllPowers 100W Flexible Solar Panel
First on the review is the AllPowers flexible solar panel. The company that creates this panel is very well-known for their quality products. This same quality extends into this particular product.
The AllPowers flexible panel has an output of 100W at 12V. Which is a lot of power considering how light the product is. The solar cells on this product are monocrystalline. This is the best type of cell on the market and provides for the best energy conversion rates possible.
The AllPowers has an efficiency rate is around 23.5%. This is very high and one of the best transfer rates in the industry.
The panel itself is coated is durable laminate. On the back of the panel is a thin plastic back sheet. This setup allows the panel to be bent to a maximum of a 30 degree arc. Allowing you to easily mount it to irregular surfaces such as on top of boats or RVs.
Durability for this product is very good. The laminate protects the solar cells effectively and wont break easily. You also don’t have to worry about shattering the device since there is no glass built into the panel. For extra support there are reinforced mounting holes. You can easily hang the panel on a rope with these holes or simply install it permanently.
Overall the AllPowers flexible solar panel is a great product. It has a lot of power and is extremely light. Its worth the investment and perfect for anyone looking to install solar on their RV or boat.
- Extremely high energy conversion rate.
- Super flexible.
- Added reinforced mounting holes.
- None.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 42.2 x 24.3 x 4.3 Inches
Weight: 5.5 Pounds
Power: 100 Watts
HQST 100W Flexible Solar Panel
Second on the review is the HQST flexible solar panel. This is by far one of the best panels on the market. Reason for is because of its quality materials and high energy output.
The HQST is a 100W solar panel with an output of 12V. The panel is also made out of monocrystalline which is the most efficient type of panel on the market. This means the HQST one of the most efficient and powerful flexible solar panels that you can buy today.
The monocrystalline cells on this panel have been laminated into a thin plastic sheet. This gives the panel durability and extreme portability. The panel only weighs 4 pounds and is great for effortless transportation.
Most traditional solar panels use glass and aluminum to encase the cells. While this does add an extra layer of durability, it makes the panels extremely heavy and non portable friendly. Another added benefit to this panel is that there is no risk of shattering or cracking. The only thing you have to worry about is sharp objects cutting or scraping the laminate.
Overall the HQST flexible solar panel is perfect for those who need light and portable solar charging. We found it to be best suitable for RVs and boats. Installing the panel is extremely easy and effortless as well. So we definitely recommend this product and advise you to check it out!
- Extremely powerful panel that is very efficient.
- Slim and slender design makes this product very portable.
- Cannot crack or shatter.
- None.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 41 x 21 x 0.2 Inches
Weight: 4 Pounds
Power: 100 Watts
Windy Nation 100W Flexible Solar Panel
Next on the list is the Windy Nation flexible solar panel. Windy Nation is mostly known for their popular polycrystalline solar panels, but this monocrystalline panel completely tops them.
This monocrystalline panel is highly efficient and has a conversion rate of 24%. This energy efficiency is one of the best in the industry and allows you to produce more power with less solar cells.
The Windy Nation solar panel is also highly portable and small. It weighs only 4 pounds and can easily be installed on irregular surfaces. It’s so flexible that it can be flexed to a maximum of 30 degrees.
Since the panel is flexible it only uses a plastic laminate. This laminate protects the panel from water and debris. The panel and the junction box are both water-resistant and can handle most weather conditions. The panel also has 6 evenly placed metal holes for easy installation.
In the end the Windy Nation flexible solar panel is a great option. It’s highly efficient and is extremely portable. For this reason the panel is ideal for most RVs, capers, and Vans.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 42 x 0.1 x 21.5 inches
Weight: 4.1 Pounds
Power: 100 Watts
King Solar 120W Flexible Solar Panel
Next on the review is the King Solar flexible solar panel. This is another powerful 100W solar panel. The panel is a little less efficient than the above models. For this reason it landed in fourth place.
As we mentioned above the King Solar flexible solar panel is large 120W device. It has a high energy conversion rate up to 23%. This high-efficiency rate allows the panel to power devices quickly and efficiently. The only negative thing is that this energy conversion rate is slightly lower than the above models.
The back of the panel is made from durable back plastic sheet. This plastic sheet is flexible and allows the panel to reach a max of a 30 degree arc. For added durability the junction box is sealed and waterproof.
Overall the King Solar flexible solar panel is a great option. It’s essentially the same product as the above panels, just less efficient. While we don’t think its the best choice, it’s definitely a good option and something you should check out.
- Super powerful panel.
- High energy conversion rate.
- Lower conversion rate.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 46.1 x 21.2 x 0.14 Inches
Weight: 4.86 Pounds
Power: 120 Watts
HQST 50W Flexible Solar Panel
Last on the review is the HQST mini flexible solar panel. Yes, this is another HQST product, but its a great option for those who need the most portable flexible panel available.
This particular panel has an output of 50W. This is much lower than the above models, but is so because it’s a much smaller panel. With that being said it still has enough power to charge a 12V battery quickly. The cells within this panel are monocrystalline so they have a high energy conversion rate.
Along with the other HQST panel, the cells are laminated. This is what makes the panel flexible and allows it to bend to a 10 degree angle. The laminate also protects the cells from the outdoors making this a very durable product.
One of the biggest benefits to the HQST mini flexible solar panel is its portability. It’s super slim so you can store it anywhere in ease. Using it is effortless as the panel is under 3 pounds and can easily be installed. If you only have a small area to place a solar panel then this product will fit perfectly. There are also pre-drilled holes that allow you to install this panel quickly and effectively.
Overall the HQST is a great flexible solar panel. We found it to be perfect for small areas on boats or RVs. It’s so portable that it can even be used as solar charger for your small mobile devices. No matter purpose the HQST mini flexible solar panel is there to charge your gadgets. So go check it out as it’s a great option for your solar needs.
- Small and portable panel.
- Utilizes quality materials.
- Produces less power due to small size.
Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 21.8 x 21.2 x 0.1 Inches
Weight: 2.8 Pounds
Power: 50 Watts
Flexible Solar Panels: What To Look For
Flexible solar panels are a relatively new technology that has taken over the RV industry. These unique devices conform to the side of irregular surfaces that are on most RVs, campers, and boats. They give you an eco-friendly avenue of generating power so you can get the most out of your mobile home. Here are a few things to keep in mind while doing your research.
Do you even need solar panels?
Since energy from the sun is free, it’s easy to assume that solar panels are the best option for your RV. This isn’t always the case. If you are only traveling to campgrounds and RV parks where electrical hook-ups will be available, solar panels might not make a ton of sense.
Power from the grid will be more efficient, convenient and cheaper. Same is true if your RV will on the road most of the day. Power generated from your alternator is much more efficient and inexpensive.
On the other hand, if your RV is going places without hookups, panels can be a great option. They are very nice to have “just in case”. Sometimes it’s worth sacrificing a little efficiency (in terms of dollars) for piece-of-mind.
Panel’s Power
Power is one of the most important aspects to look for when purchasing a flexible solar panel. In most cases the more watts a panel produces the better. Higher watt solar panels charge deep cycle batteries much quicker than low watt solar panels. This allows your RV or camper batteries to be charged at all times, even while off-the-grid.
It’s important to find the amount of energy you need for your camper or trailer. This will allow you to better understand how many solar panels/ batteries your system will need. In most cases solar systems consisting of 400W will be enough for off-grid-living.
Be careful to protect your solar panel array from catastrophic events like an EMP.
Efficiency
The efficiency of the panel is another huge aspect to contemplate when looking at different solar options. You want to make sure you buy a solar panel with a high energy efficiency rate. Panels with higher efficiency rates are typically smaller than their counterparts. This is because they need less panel surface space to produce the same amount of energy.
You also want to purchase a higher efficiency panel because it means you’re using the latest solar technology on the market. Since these devices can be somewhat expensive you want to make sure you purchase a panel with the latest solar designs and materials.
Material
Monocrystalline is really the only good option for flexible panels today. It is more efficient than polycrystalline. The more efficient, the less space you need to generate the same amount of power. This is obviously a big concern when you don’t have a ton of space for your panels. Polycrystalline panels can’t compete in this arena. Until better technology comes arouind, go with Monocrystalline whenever possible.
Warranty
The warranty a solar panel offers is another important thing to contemplate. Unlike traditional solar panels, flexible solar panels do not offer long 25 year warranties. Instead, most flexible solar panel manufactures offer 1-2 years. This is much lower and leaves you vulnerable as the consumer.
Luckily some places like Amazon offer extended warranties that give you a few extra years of covered use. We recommend purchasing from companies that offer these extended warranties to get a more secure purchase.
Flexible Solar Panel Installation
The truth is installing flexible solar panels isn’t that difficult if you have the right equipment and tools. To do this successfully you must screw in the panels through their reinforced mounting holes. From here you paste a sealant on the screws and the edges of the solar panel.
Once installed you simply wire the panels to the charge controller, the charge controller to the batteries, and the batteries to the inverter. This 4 system setup isn’t too difficult and should only take a full day of work to accomplish.
When performing this installation you will need very minimal tools. These tools include an electric hand drill, drill bit kit, keyhole saw, wire cutters, pliers, wrench, sealant, a pencil/pen, and a digital multimeter (for troubleshooting only).
In the end installing solar panels on your RV or camper isn’t too difficult. Most flexible solar panels come with mounting holes that make them easy to install. If you have trouble with installation then there are multiple resources online to help you.
Top Flexible Solar Panel Brands
While searching for the top flexible solar panels you will have many different brands to choose from. The flexible solar panel market has exploded in the last few years which resulted in a surge of brands offering these devices. When looking for you own solar panel it’s important to find the best brands on the market. By doing this you will ensure you purchased a quality solar panel that will last years. Here’s some helpful info about the top brands so you can make a better buying decision.
Renogy
Renogy is the most popular brand that offers flexible solar panels. This large manufacture produces a wide variety of solar devices. Most of their products are made for DIY solar for off-grid homes, boats, and RVs. One great thing about Renogy is that they have been in the industry for years. For this reason they offer high quality products with the best warranties at the best prices.
For these reasons Renogy is our number 1 recommendation when looking for DIY solar. They are a perfect investment and that if maintained properly will last decades. So check them out as they might be a great option for you.
ALLPOWERS
ALLPOWERS is a great new brand that as been taking over the RV solar industry. They offer a wide variety of RV solar panels and are a popular option for most DIY RV solar installers. ALLPOWERS offers some of the highest efficiency solar panels on the market and specialize in flexible solar units.
One negative thing about ALLPOWERS is that they typically offer shorter warranties. While they produce quality products, it’s always nice to have a warranty to protect your investment. So keep that in mind when looking at your options.
Windy Nation
Windy Nation is another top brand to choose from. This particular brand caters to the DIY community and makes both wind and solar generators. Their unique products are perfect for almost any DIY situation and they offer kits specifically made for RV use. Windy Nation also offers a ton of polycrystalline solar panels that are much cheaper than other options on the market.
Just like Renogy they offer long warranties for their solar panels. This is great as it ensures your panels will work for up to 25 years. The only negative thing is that their warranties on other parts like inverters are only 1 year-long. Which is something you should keep in mind when looking at different solar options.
HQST
HQST is another newer brand that is growing in the solar industry. HQST offers multiple different flexible and rigid solar options. All of their products are made with high quality materials and offer high energy conversion rates. They also offer long warranties for most of their solar panels.
Like Renogy, HQST offers different solar kits. They are one of the very few manufactures that produce a flexible solar kit. This is ideal as they make it so you don’t have to buy other essentials separately.
Flexible Solar Panel Benefits
Flexible solar panels provide an excellent avenue for powering your RV, boat, or travel trailer. These cool devices are small, portable, and very flexible. With that being said many of you might be wondering what the exact benefits of these panels are. What do they do and are they better than traditional solar panels?
Well, the first and most obvious benefit of flexible solar panels is the free eco-friendly energy that they provide. By using these products you are saving the environment by utilizing a renewable resource. They simply create convert energy from the sun’s light and produce no harmful wastes or gasses.
Not only are these panels good for the environment, but they also save you money. It’s estimated that in around 10 to 20 years these panels pay for themselves. This is due to the free electricity that they create. Yes, the initial investment will be relatively high, but they are definitely worth it in the long run.
Another benefit to these solar panels is that they provide you freedom. Freedom to go almost anywhere in the world and have energy. This is especially beneficial if you’re looking to install one of these panels on your RV or boat. You just set them up and then you have electricity without running your engine or plugging into an outlet
One of the biggest benefits of flexible solar panels is their portability. Since these devices use laminate instead of glass and aluminum, they are super light and can easily be transported (just like foldable solar panels). Traditional solar panels don’t have this benefit and are thus bulky and heavy.
Laminate panels can also be bent (to a certain angle without breaking). Which makes them more durable and less likely to break when on surfaces such as RVs or boats.
Overall flexible solar panels have many benefits. We think they are an awesome solution to many charging needs and are a great option for those who have an RV, boat, or just need portable charging
Flexible Solar Panel Comparison Guide
| Picture: | Name: | Technical Details: | Energy Efficiency: | Price: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | ALLPOWERS 100W Flexible Solar Panel | - 100 Watts - 5.5 Pounds - 42.2 x 24.3 x 4.3 Inches | 23.5% | $$ |
  | HQST 100W Flexible Solar Panel | - 100 Watts - 4 Pounds - 41 x 21 x 0.2 Inches | 20.2% | $$ |
  | Windy Nation 100W Flexible Solar Panel | - 100 Watts - 4.1 Pounds - 42 x 0.1 x 21.5 inches | 24% | $$ |
  | KINGSOLAR 120W Flexible Solar Panel | - 120 Watts - 4.86 Pounds - 46.1 x 21.2 x 0.14 Inches | 23% | $$$ |
  | HQST 50W Flexible Solar Panel | - 50 Watts - 2.8 Pounds - 21.8 x 21.2 x 0.1 Inches | 20.2% | $ |
none of these panels will last more than two years tops outdoors. the PET coating breaks down. some of the new flexible panels with the eftfe coating hold up much better.
Yes, flexible solar panels do not last as long as traditional solar panels, but 2 years is very excessive. These panels can last anywhere from 10-20 years if they are installed and maintained properly.
In the end its all about what you want. If you want durable solar panels that last decades then traditional solar panels are the best option to go with. If you need something portable and light then flexible solar panels are your best option.
I have two older flexible panels . First generation, 15 years old. They work at the same rate as they did when I bought them in 1993
@Jo which brand? IF you don’t mind my asking.
I’m confused about your comments on efficiency. For example, you say the Kingsolar (23.5% efficiency) is less efficient than the others; but the All Powers is listed as 23.5% efficiency. What am I missing here?
Thank you for your comment Ken. The KINGSOLAR flexible solar panel has a rating of 23% which is slightly lower than the first options. The 23.5% was a typo and we have since then fixed it.
If you’re looking for the most efficient panel possible then the WindyNation is your best option. It currently has the highest efficiency rating, but isn’t as popular as the ALLPOWERS solar panel.
I want to install a flexible panel on the roof of my RV (trailer) but would rather not make holes. Are there adhesive or tape products which would do the job?
Hello Edward.
Yes, you can install flexible solar panels with RV sealant tape. These sealants can be used to mount your panels to your trailer and are good for other purposes as well. The best ones on the market are the ExtranaBond tapes. If you need more information on this we recommend visiting.
https://www.bestsolartech.com/mounting-flexible-solar-panels/