Flexible Solar Panel Installation

Solar energy is changing the way in which people across Britain are generating their electricity and heating their water. Using solar panels is not only an excellent way to cut down on energy bills but also to help the environment. Solar panels that are commonly seen on the roofs of homes and businesses have now been modified to allow portable use, making them the ideal solution for free, and renewable energy on the move. Flexible solar panel installation is now seen being utilised on camping trips, on boats and on climbing expeditions.

What are flexible solar panels?

Flexible solar panel installation does not pose any of the problems seen with traditional rigid panels. This is because of the design of the panel. Flexible solar panels are designed without glass or aluminium frame which allows them to be rolled up or folded small enough to fit into a back pack or car boot. They are lightweight and versatile making for the perfect portable solution for powering appliances when at sea or camping; flexible panels are also excellent for use as chargers for tablet pc’s or mobile phones when a power supply is not available.

Flexible solar panels can come in different types; the most common are mono-crystalline and amorphous silicon. The latter can cover a larger area per watt than the former and is more flexible but may not be as high levels of overall efficiency. The flexible panels use photovoltaic technology to provide electricity, this is done by sunlight shining on to the cells and causing an electric field to be created across the layers.

Installation of flexible solar panels

Flexible solar panel installation could not be any easier. When fitting solar panels onto a building there are important factors to consider such as the location of the roof and whether there are any obstructions that could cause the panels to become shadowed; flexible and semi-flexible panels do not pose any such problems.

Installation of foldable and rolled solar panels is simply a case of unpacking the product and directing it towards the sunlight so that it can generate electricity. The power cord is then plugged directly in to the supply.

Flexible solar panels will come with a 12 volt socket and a 12 volt battery connector; many are also fitted with blocking diodes so that the panel does not drain any power at night when no electricity is being generated.

Flexible solar panels are robust and versatile; this enables them to be fitted to a flat or curved surface quickly and easily. If you are looking to use the flexible panels for use on a boat you may prefer to attach the panels semi-permanently. This can also be done very easily with the use of bonding glue or stay put fasteners. The stay put fasteners provide excellent benefits for the easy fastening and removing of the panels, they are easily screwed onto any hard surface and flexible solar panel installation is completed by simply attaching the panel.