Solar panels have come a long way since their days of exclusively glass and aluminum. These days, solar panels come in various designs with additional characteristics that were uncommon just a few years ago.
The advent of portable solar panels that aid ease of transport, are versatile, can sit on virtually any surface, and require minimal structural fixing has been game-changing.
So, what is the best flexible solar panel? I have listed a full range for you (50 watts – 200 Watts). In an attempt to lessen the hassle of skimming through a bunch of options, I have assembled a list of the best flexible solar panels from which you can choose.
40-100 Watt Flexible Solar Panels
HQST 50 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Lightweight Solar Panel for RV/ Boat/ Other Off Grid Applications
Specs
Manufacturer: HQST
Peak power: 50W
Working voltage: 18V
Working current: 5.56A
Open circuit voltage: 20V
Short circuit current: 5.8A
Dimensions: 21.8 x 21.2 x 0.1 inches
Weight: 2.8 Pounds
One of the most convenient qualities of the HQST 50-watt solar panels is that they can be affixed with virtually anything from adhesive to zip ties. This is perhaps what makes it one of the best solar panels around. Its flexibility is a clear improvement from the higher-rated 100w panel, and it has holes that are factory installed for easy setup and permanent and temporary installation.
Additionally, the panel bends at a 10-degree angle and is super slim, allowing it to be easily carted around without hassle. Its portability allows it to be useful for small mobile devices or RV use. And while its output is a tad lower than other panels, attaching one or two more panels in parallel or in a series might give you the result you need.
Pros
- Portable and small.
- Flexible – with a 10 degree angle bend room
Cons
- There are complaints of a decline in performance with frequent use.
Best 100 Watt Flexible Solar Panel
ALLPOWERS Solar Panel 100W 18V 12V Bendable Flexible Solar Charger SunPower Solar Module with MC4
AllPowers Specifications
Manufacturer: Allpowers
Peak power: 100W
Working voltage: 18V
Working current: 5.56A
Open circuit voltage: 20V
Short circuit current: 5.8A
Dimensions: 42 x 22 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 5.8 pounds
The 100W AllPowers solar panel is easily one of the best flexible solar panels you will find. While it has raked in tons of positive user reviews and is on the exclusive Amazon’s choice list, a few other things make it stand out from the crowd other than the fact that it clearly offers a great user experience.
For one, the panel is both powerful and lightweight. This is often an unlikely combination in a product, but its sturdy design and high-quality materials are responsible for the unique combination.
Thus, the panel not only displays superior durability (because of the laminate sheet used to coat the panel) but is also quite portable and performs efficiently. The panel also bends to a 30-degree arc and comes with reinforced mounting holes, which provide additional support.
Pros
- Low cost
- Easy setup
- Durable and lightweight.
Cons
- Its physical connectors (for the wires) could be improved.
- Instructions require that the panels not be exposed to the rain, so they are not waterproof.
Suaoki 100 Watt Flexible Solar Panel – 12 V
Suaoki Specifications
Manufacturer: Suaoki
Peak power: 100W
Working voltage: 18V
Working current: 5.62A
Open circuit voltage: 21.6V
Short circuit current: 5.97A
Dimensions: 43 x 22 x 0.09 inches
Weight: 2.5kg or 5.5lbs
HQST Flexible Solar Panel – 12V Monocrystalline Lightweight Solar Panel for RV/ Boat/ Other Off Grid Applications
HQST Specifications
Manufacturer: HQST
Peak power: 100W
Working voltage: 18V
Working current: 5.56A
Open circuit voltage: 20V
Short circuit current: 5.8A
Dimensions: 41 x 21 x 0.2 inches
Weight: 2.9 pounds
The HQST 100W solar panel is a 12v flexible solar panel made of monocrystalline cells that have been structured into a thin plastic sheet rather than the glass and aluminum most often used. The panel’s plastic lamination makes it both portable and durable, weighing less than three pounds and having minimal to zero breakage risks and cracking.
Users who purchase the HQST flexible solar panel for their RVs and boats rave about its being lightweight and its flexibility. Overall, it provides conversion efficiency in high modules, and its junction box is waterproof, so that set up is versatile and easy.
On the downside, you cannot bend the panels any further than the frame it comes in. Unlike the Allpowers 100W solar panel earlier discussed, this panel may not get up to 35% degrees in flexibility.
Pros
- Will hardly break
- Highly efficient
- Portable and lightweight
Cons
- The panel doesn’t perform too impressively in low light.
Best 120 Watt Flexible Solar Panels
KINGSOLAR 120 Watt 18 Volt Monocrystalline Sunpower Semi Flexible Solar Panel
King Solar Specifications
Manufacturer: King Solar
Peak power: 120W
Working voltage: 18V
Working current: 6.66A
Open circuit voltage: 23V
Short circuit current: 5.52A
Dimensions: 21.8 x 21.2 x 0.1 inches
Weight: 2.8 Pounds
The Kingsolar 120w flexible solar panel is, unlike the others – a large 120w panel. This panel is similar to other flexible panels. Its cells are encased in a flexible plastic sheet and promise high efficiency and a more than 23% energy conversion rate.
This panel can be curved to form a 30-degree arc, and the panel boasts a blocking diode that helps with possible reverse current drain. Finally, It is flexible, reliable and efficient – need we say any more?
Pros
- Sturdy and lightweight construction
- The matte finish leaves it looking gorgeous
Cons
- Surface coating is not too long lasting
Uni-Solar PVL-136 Power Bond PVL 136 Watt 24 Volt 216″ x 15.5″ inches. Flexible Solar Panel
Uni-Solar Specifications
Manufacturer: Uni-solar
Peak power: 100W
Working voltage: 18V
Working current: 5.56A
Open circuit voltage: 20V
Short circuit current: 5.8A
Dimensions: 216 x 0 x 15.5 inches
Weight: 17 pounds
Of all the selected flexible solar panels, this is perhaps the most flexible – making it one of the best solar panels on the market. Also, the board is installed by a superficial peel off and stick on method.
Each of the UNI-SOLAR modules utilizes triple-junction amorphous silicon solar cells that ultimately yield higher energy production, especially at low insulation levels and under diffused light. Furthermore, the UNI-SOLAR amorphous silicon technology allows for high-temperature performance and high energy production under diffused light.
Overall, you cannot go wrong on a purchase like this one.
Pros
- Installation is easy
- the module utilizes triple-junction amorphous silicon solar cells
- high-temperature performance
Cons
- Price is a little steep for a 100W panel.
Best Flexible Solar Panel – 200 Watt plus
HQST 200 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Marine Kit
