Flexible, Sticky Solar Sheets?

[coachmac9]

Anybody seen or tried these? Sure seems like they would be a lot easier to mount and much lighter...if they work. My father always taught me if something was to good to be true, it wasn't...so I am naturally skeptical about any new technology.

 

http://venturebeat.com/2017/01/04/sunflare-unveils-flexible-stick-on-solar-panels/

[sandsys]

Best places to look for answers to this are Bob Well's blog at http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/ and Chris & Cherie's blog at http://www.technomadia.com. Real live testing of products at both sites.

 

Linda Sand

[bruce t]

They have been in use here in Australia for many years. My understanding is that they work, or they wouldn't be still selling, but have limited use. OK for keeping chassis batteries charged etc.

 

regards

[Mark and Dale Bruss]

I would question being stuck to a RV roof. Current panels need air gaps to allow airflow under the panels.

[VallAndMo]

Interesting post.

 

I've seen flexible solar panels on sale for some years, but at a higher cost/watt than conventional panels, and with lower efficiency. Their main advantages so far have been only easier installation and less weight.

 

The article linked by the OP mentions a "new technology" called "Capture 4" that would make them *more* efficient than conventional panels.

 

This could be just a scam, er, "creative" advertising, but I think it bears watching.

 

Cheers,

--

Vall.

[coachmac9]

That's also what caught my eye Vall. I had seen this type of product before but had heard that they weren't nearly as efficient as conventional solar set-ups. Hopefully the technology has caught up with or is close to conventional solar arrays, that would be fantastic. I'm sure if the claims are legit we will hear more and more about them in the future. Thanks for all the input.

[Chris-n-Dennis]

AM Solar did some tests a few years back and found the existing technology had a design flaw that caused "cupping" where the cells would warp and form cups in each segment. Jason and Nikki Wynn found similar problems if I recall correctly and have since returned to the rigid construction.

This new stuff is exciting if all the marketing hype is true. A 10% gain over rigid goes a long way in overcoming the cost differences and looks to be more efficient than the older flexible sticky panels. I do note however, it is a prototype/concept and there doesn't appear to be any actual production as of yet. I would be very much interested if/when they do come to market. Until then, this could be like that MIT project where they were using deskjet printers to print a solar cell on a strip of film - sort of disappeared didn't it?