FYI: Renogy 100W Flexible Panels Aren't Flexible

USWildflowers

I noticed a couple of days ago that the Renogy 100W flexible solar panels were no longer available on Amazon (I bought one in April.) I checked the Renogy website, and they listed them as "sold out." I also noticed that they didn't list them as "flexible", but rather the salient feature was "lightweight" and in bold at the bottom of the description: "Please Note: Please DO NOT bend this solar panel." So I sent them an email and they said they discovered that flexing the panel "too much" can cause the cells in the panel to crack, and are thus "susceptible to burning" - I assume this means "burning out." They are working on a design change for the flexible panels. Maybe future ones will truly be flexible.

Also note that the description on those panels suggested allowing an air gap between the panel and a mounting surface to allow heat to dissipate (I think that was new as well.) I think some folks were considering mounting them directly onto the surface of their trailer.

jkjenn

I noticed some discussion on the flexible panels and that they are no longer available, as well. They always had a limited amount of flex. I was pretty intrigued with the discussion about the need to for air flow. My application of my 50 watt panel allows for ample air flow, but I wondered about people who had bought the bigger panels for their T@bs. I don't remember seeing anyone permanently mounting to their T@b.

Verna

There was one T@B at Tearstock that had "flexible" solar panels mounted directly to his T@B. I didn't get a chance to look at it closely or to ask which brand he had. 

RZRBUG

mash2 has flexible panels mounted directly to his T@B.  His panels were made by Unisolar, but they went out of business.  Very limited quantities are sometimes available on some of the resale sites.  I understand that a new generation is being developed and may now be in production, but from what I've seen, they are VERY expensive.

mash2

Yeah, quite a few people grabbed unisolars when they were being discounted.  I've seen quite a few unisolar 68's on T@Bs over the past couple of years.  I still randomly see pal-68's on ebay every once in a while (actually picked up a spare a few months ago at a decent price).  

It would be nice if someone came out with a good version again.  It is really nice not needing to deal with solar when I arrive or worry about security on the solar system.  Two fit perfectly on either side of the fan and provide me with 136 watts on a permanent basis.  I'm still toying with where I will add the third and whether I will permanently attach it (may allow this to be my wandering panel but then I'd need to deal with security).  

Normfun

I have 2 Renogy flexible panels mounted on top of my tab. Only a slight bend to them. I'll let you know if I have any problems but so far they're great. 

RZRBUG

So, a little off topic, but I'm curious about how the solar panels and TV charge works.  Without solar, the converter charges the battery while connected to the TV via the 7-pin plug.  With solar, does the TV AND the solar panels both charge?  Do they work together?  Does one override the other?

Normfun

I disconnected the TV charge. I also installed a "AB" battery switch so either solar or the converter can charge the battery and run the trailer. 

wizard1880

If you have solar going, plus connected to TV, the solar charge controller will detect the higher voltage and quit charging, or at least charge minimally. In addition, the TV's voltage regulator will detect an increase of voltage from solar as well. They both have different target voltages so how much each participates in the charge process can vary. In short, they can both charge together indefinitely without concern.

RZRBUG

mash2 said:

Yeah, quite a few people grabbed unisolars when they were being discounted.  I've seen quite a few unisolar 68's on T@Bs over the past couple of years.  I still randomly see pal-68's on ebay every once in a while (actually picked up a spare a few months ago at a decent price).  

It would be nice if someone came out with a good version again.  It is really nice not needing to deal with solar when I arrive or worry about security on the solar system.  Two fit perfectly on either side of the fan and provide me with 136 watts on a permanent basis.  I'm still toying with where I will add the third and whether I will permanently attach it (may allow this to be my wandering panel but then I'd need to deal with security).  

I found a source for Unisolar 120W panels for $160.  Sounds like a deal to me.  They are 24V.  Is that a problem?  Will 24V work with 12V battery?  If I decide to go to a two-battery setup to increase storage capacity, can I still use them?

mash2

Look at the length of the panels.  I seem to recall that they were too long to fit on T@B.  As I recall the 120 Watt panels were 18 foot long.

RZRBUG

mash2 said:

Look at the length of the panels.  I seem to recall that they were too long to fit on T@B.  As I recall the 120 Watt panels were 18 foot long.

I've heard that the devil is in the details.

mash2

Unless I'm mistaken, the only unisolar that is short enough and permanently mountable is the pvl-68.  There were some recently on ebay for $199.  If you keep an eye on ebay they do sow up in the 150 to 200 range still (mine were a steal at less than 100 each).  I would assume that someone will make adhesive panels ... they are a great application for RV's.  I think the canadian safari alto uses them in their rv installation.  You could send them an email and ask what panels they install on the Alto series (look like they are PVL68's but it may be worth an email).

Mr_Mrs_Gnome

Has anyone talked with Zamp about their launch of the Flexi-flat panels?

jkjenn

I have to tell you, the 50 watt flexible Rengy mounted on my roof rack of my TV has really exceeded my expectations. It is giving me a nice little boost when I stop for breaks and even starts charging before I take off in the morning.

Nomad

I wouldn't think you'd need to hook that up with your setup.

jkjenn

PXLated said:

I wouldn't think you'd need to hook that up with your setup.

Recharges to full quicker with the extra boost.

jcfaber1

Here is a shot of how my wife and I are using (2)100watt flexible Renogy Panels.  The site is Oreville NF in the Black Hills south of Hill City. 

[Deleted User]

JC, great looking stand.  Is there a way to fold the panel section?  It doesn't appear to be hinged, although I may have missed that.  Thanks for sharing.

jcfaber1

Yes, it is hinged with a 36 inch stainless piano hinge.  It measures 42 x 24 folded and fits perfectly behind the rear seat in the JGC.  It weighs 20 lbs.  The frame is maybe 10 lbs but I have not weighed the frame.  The bolts and nuts are epoxied into the knobs.  If you have any questions let me know.  BTW Renogy did not foresee any problems with this setup as I was concerned about not having any air gap behind the PV.
John

capewoods

Great!  Having just permanently mounted two Renogy 100W flexible solar panels to my T@B clamshell, I come across this post.  I love it so far, but I guess I'm going to have to just wait and see what happens.  The bend is less than the 30 degrees they said they could accommodate.  I also used a permanent tape that I know is going to take the roof with it if I ever did try and get them off.