WAYIN: Your Premier Flexible Solar Panel Manufacturer
Rich Experience
We have been developing in the new energy industry, especially the solar energy industry, for more than ten years. We have a strong team that specializes in designing and developing green energy products, and constantly launches unique upgraded products on the market.
One Stop Solution
We provide one-stop solutions for customers in the new energy industry. Whether you need solar panels, inverters, batteries, home solar, industrial solar, or agricultural solar, our engineers and labs are here to help you research solutions, implement your ideas, and optimize your costs.
Professional Service Team
Our professional service team is committed to providing customers with professional, efficient and reliable services. We provide progress tracking at each stage according to the order to ensure customer interests and support customers in handling after-sales issues and market analysis strategies.
Fast Delivery
We have our own factories, warehouses and logistics centers, and can reasonably arrange production and shipment, even if you are an overseas partner. This helps you produce and ship new products as quickly as possible and update products in your store.
Type of Flexible Solar Panel
Flexible solar panels are quite different from the rigid, rectangular, glass-encased standard solar panels typically found on rooftops. Rather, flexible solar panels come in all shapes and sizes, and are expected to be used in a greater number of situations than standard panels - think of just about anywhere where converting sunlight to electricity is financially worth it.
Even if most solar installers will only install standard solar panels on a rooftop, flexible ones are easier to install, available online and at some big-box home improvement centers, and come in a variety of forms, costs, and wattages.
Types of Flexible Solar Panels
Monocrystalline Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are made from monocrystalline solar cells. Each monocrystalline solar cell that makes up a panel is manufactured in a lab by growing silicon crystal into a log shape and then slicing the log or ingot into multiple thin octagonal discs. Monocrystalline cells are created expressly to be part of the solar encasement for a monocrystalline solar panel.
Polycrystalline Panels
Polycrystalline encasements are panels made from polycrystalline solar cells, and similar to monocrystalline solar cells, they are made from silicone crystals. The main difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline cells is that polycrystalline cells are made from many silicon cells rather than just one, as in the case of monocrystalline cells. The final product takes up more space and provides less efficiency.
Thin Film Panels
Thin film panels are a budget-friendly option that requires less material, contains fewer toxic elements (except for the Cadmium Telluride variety), and generates less waste. Thin film cells can be made using various materials such as amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, and copper indium gallium selenide.
From price to adaptability, there are many advantages to flexible solar panels.
●Lightweight
Flexible solar panels are only a fraction of the width of standard solar panels. Not only does this allow them to shape to bent structures, such as a curved RV or boat top, but it also makes flexible solar panels quite lightweight and easy to install on your own.
●Flexible
Flexible solar panels are made of thin solar cells on flexible materials such as plastic and fabric (for ultra-thin solar panels). Therefore, they're highly bendable and hence perfect for many unique applications.
●Inexpensive
One of the biggest drawbacks of standard solar panels is the upfront expense. Even with the Federal Solar Tax Credit and additional incentives, standard solar panels can take a long time to pay off. With flexible solar panels, there are single-panel 100-watt options for less than $200 ranging to larger 350-watt solar panel systems for less than $1,000.
●Installation Options
Due to their construction, flexible solar panels may be suitable for low-load bearing surfaces that can’t support standard solar panels. Flexible solar panels are especially popular for boats, camper-trailers and RVs. They can also work for smaller residential purposes, such as a workshed or detached garage. These options are also easier to uninstall and take with you if you sell.
Uses of Flexible Solar Panels
With their unique attributes, flexible solar panels have a variety of different uses.
RVs and Campers
Flexible solar panels can be easily installed on your RV or camper and can allow you to run your lights and other appliances using solar energy. You’ll also be able to recharge your batteries with solar during the day so that they are ready to be used at night. Using renewable energy to charge your batteries will allow you to roam more freely when on the road, as you won’t have to frantically search for places to hook up your RV.
Boating
Flexible solar panels can not only provide you with the energy that your boat needs, but they can also keep your boat’s battery charged. Flexible solar panels can be used on smaller boats such as sailboats to help keep the battery fully charged, or for large boats to reduce the need to use the engine. Due to their adaptability and lightweight design, flexible solar panels can be installed on unutilized areas of your boat to generate solar power.
Camping and Hiking
If you’re worried about your phone or any other of your appliances running out of charge during a camping trip or long hike, a flexible solar panel can solve that problem. You’ll need to attach the flexible solar panel to your backpack or tent and use the power it generates to charge your electronics. You can also use the panel to charge a portable solar battery, to ensure that you never run out of charge during the night.
Uneven Surfaces
Flexible solar panels are designed to conform to irregular or curved surfaces, making them ideal for installation on uneven terrain, curved roofs, or structures with non-standard shapes. They can adapt to the contours of the surface, maximizing energy capture.
Off-Grid Lighting
Flexible solar panels can power outdoor lighting fixtures in gardens, pathways, and parks without the need for electrical wiring or batteries.
DIY Projects
Hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts can use flexible solar panels to create custom solar-powered gadgets, such as solar backpacks, solar chargers, or solar-powered phone booths.
Pros and Cons of Flexible vs. Traditional Solar Panels
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Flexible Solar Panels |
Traditional Solar Panels |
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Pros |
Easy to install - can be easily mounted using magnets or adhesives and are often completed as DIY projects. Portable and lightweight - can be used on roofs that aren’t structurally ideal for a regular system. Flexible for uneven surfaces or curved surfaces - they can work for many different solar projects. Less expensive - they typically take less time and labor to install. |
Longer lifespan - you’ll be able to use your system for much longer and it’s often protected under warranty. Typically higher efficiency and wattage rating - your system will produce more electricity. More durable than flexible panels. Will likely have a higher return on investment over time. |
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Cons |
More prone to damage because of their organic solar cells. Have a much shorter lifespan. Lower efficiency - you’ll need many more panels (and more space) to produce the same amount of electricity as traditional solar panels. Have a shorter or no warranty, meaning your investment isn’t as protected. |
Usually have to be professionally installed. Rigid construction - their applications are limited. Cannot be easily removed - you’ll likely have to leave them behind if you move. Significantly higher initial cost. |
The components of bendable solar installations are basic, making them easy to install on their own. Here are the basic components you typically receive when you purchase an WAYIN flexible solar panel for installation on your RV, boat, or tiny home.
●An encasement housing 182 monocrystalline silicon cells form the photovoltaic part of the panel. This is the electricity-generating portion of the encasement that can be molded to fit irregular surfaces.
●Solar charging cable to connect the solar encasement to additional panels as well as the portable power station or other balance of system being used for the installation.
●Steel-reinforced eyelets for mounting with screws if you prefer not to use an adhesive for securing the PV panel to the surface.
When Should You Install Flexible Solar Panels?
Thin-film solar panels are still limited in availability, but as solar technologies continue to advance, these panels could take off in popularity.
If you have a larger home or business with adequate roof space, thin-film panels may be the most efficient and effective way to achieve your solar goals and save money on energy costs. They may also be an adequate energy solution for portable use on things like RVs, buses or boat rooftops.
Flexible solar panels may also be worth considering in instances when regular, rigid panels on a rooftop or ground rack won't be possible to install for some reason, like a curved facade or vehicle roof.
In such a case, using a flexible module is not only likely to be more aesthetically pleasing, but it will allow your panel to have multiple lines of sight to the sun, likely producing more power over the course of the day and year.
In the future, flexible panels atop an electric vehicle could be a way to extend your car's range.
Finally, if you live in a desert area where heat and sunlight can be extreme, it could be worth exploring whether thin-film technology might actually operate more efficiently for you.
What To Consider When Buying A Flexible Solar Panel Kit?
Power Output
Power output refers to the wattage that a solar panel can produce. This critical factor determines the number of devices you can power at a given time. If you want to power the battery of an average family-sized boat, a solar panel with a power output of at least 100 Watts will give you up to three hours of reliable energy.
Efficiency
Solar panel efficiency refers to the amount of sunlight a panel can absorb and convert into usable electricity. For example, a solar panel with a 20% efficiency rating can convert 20% of the total sunlight it receives into usable energy. Flexible solar panels are usually around 10% to 15% efficient. Again, the more efficient the panel, the more expensive it usually is.
Longevity
Pay attention to a panel’s expected lifespan if you want your investment to pay off for years. Longevity typically depends on the type and quality of materials used to create the solar panel. In general, panels made of plastic are going to degrade faster than those made with glass and aluminum, due to the nature of that material.
Bending Angle
The reason people love flexible solar panels is that they can be fitted to curved surfaces. However, the amount that they can flex without breaking, called the bending angle, depends on the panel. Flexible solar panels can typically bend around 30 degrees, but some extra-flexible panels can bend up to 248 degrees if you have specific needs that require a more extreme bending angle.
Size and Weight
Size and weight might seem like aesthetic preferences, but they're important factors when shopping for flexible solar panels. While a panel that weighs four to eight pounds might be acceptable when comparing flexible solar panels for RV use, it’s a lot of weight to carry around if you want to take the panel hiking.
Ease of Installation
Installing flexible solar panels can be relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to traditional rigid panels. Watch out for solar panel kits that advertise a simple DIY process. You need clear guidelines and instructions, no matter how portable the panels claim to be.
Warranty
A strong warranty signals a high-quality solar panel, so you want to look for an option that includes coverage of at least five years. A shorter warranty term might keep the costs down, but you’ll wish you had invested a little more if that panel stops working after just a few uses.
●The flexible panels are clean by washing them with fresh water to remove salt water, bird droppings, sap, dust and pollen.
●The surface of the panels should be cleaned using soap and water, wiping carefully and without using abrasive materials. Do not use scouring pads. Rubbing alcohol can be used to remove tougher grease, sap, etc.
●Check the structural integrity of the installation and the electrical connections periodically.
●Check the efficiency of the system using the monitoring functions in the charge regulators (LEDs or displays).
★Hand-to-hand transport can affect a module, especially if installers are carrying modules on top of their hardhats. That flexing and bouncing up and down can take a real toll and lead to microcracks in the cells. Same with dropping a module and the biggest no-no - standing or walking on top of solar modules.
★The standard procedure has always been to use bolts & nuts and holes, to attach solar panels to the roof.
★Avoid electrical risks during the installation, connection, utilization and maintenance. A Solar Panel produces continuous current when exposed to sunlight or other light sources. During the panel installation or connection, it’s highly recommended to completely cover the front part of the panel with a soft, light-inhibiting material to avoid electricity production.
★The panel must stay in his original packaging until the moment of installation. Never touch terminals when the panel is exposed to light or during the installation. Use insulating gloves to avoid contact with the terminals. As a further precaution, use only properly isolated tools.
★Do not subject the panel to damage by unnecessarily rough treatment, or by dropping objects on it.
★Use the panel only for it’s intended purpose. Follow all the manufacturers instructions. Do not disassemble or remove any part or label installed by the manufacturer. Do not put any paint or labels on the panel.
Our Warehouse
We have our own factories, warehouses and logistics centers, which enable us to produce and deliver new products to customers as quickly as possible and help customers develop larger markets.
Our Certificate
We are committed to the development and production of green energy-related products, and have obtained relevant certificates, such as CE certificates, and patent certificates, to provide customers with high-quality, reliable products.
Ultimate FAQ Guide to Flexible Solar Panel
Q: What is a flexible solar panel?
Q: Are flexible solar panels as good?
Q: What is the difference between rigid and flexible solar panels?
Q: What are the 3 types of solar panels?
Q: Why are solar panels flexible?
Q: Why are flexible solar panels more expensive?
Q: What are the disadvantages of flexible solar panels?
Q: Do flexible solar panels last long?
Q: What is the lifespan of a flexible solar panel?
Q: Are flexible solar panels cheaper?
Q: How are flexible solar panels made?
Q: Can flexible solar panels overheat?
Q: Can I walk on flexible solar panels?
Q: Do you need an air gap for flexible solar panels?
Q: What are the applications of flexible solar panels?
Q: Can flexible solar panels get wet?
Q: Why are flexible solar panels less efficient?
Q: Do solar panels really last 20 years?
Q: What materials are used in flexible solar panels?
Q: How fragile are flexible solar panels?
Q: Do solar panels work when there is no sun?
Q: Is solar panel cheaper than electricity?
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