Rigid or flexible solar panels
- Rigid solar panels are typically less expensive than flexible solar panels.
- Rigid solar panels can become more expensive when adding the cost of the mounting system.
- The life expectancy of a rigid solar panel is typically longer.
- Rigid solar panels are typically much heavier, which is an important consideration on some boat and yachts.
Boat and yachts
Davits
Rigid solar panels work very well when attached to existing davits, providing the davits are designed for the additional load. Alternatively, custom davits/rails can be added.
Hard bimini
Rigid and flexible panels both work very well. Flexible panels are better if weight is an issue.
Soft bimini
Choose flexible solar panels. Velcro can be used if you want to be able to collapse the bimini in strong winds. Fibreglass re-inforced panels are a good option.
Guard rails and poles
Flexible solar panels are ideal for at anchor. For a more “permanent” solution, pole mounted or flip up guard rail solutions work well with rigid panels.
Sheds
Felt , fibreglass and steel roofs
Flexible panels are the most straightforward since they can easily be attached with silicoln adhesive. Rigid panels need to be bolted through the felt surface which is often subject to leaking issues.
Concrete, clay or slate
Rigid solar panels with appropriate mounting brackets and framework will be needed.
Caravans and campervans
Mount to a roof rack
Rigid solar panels can be bolted to a roof rack. U-bolts can be used if you don’t want to drill holes in the roof-rack.
Mount directly to the roof
Flexible solar panels can be attached to the roof using adhesive silicoln or good quality double sided tape.
Mounting using plastic corners
Rigid solar panels can be attached to the roof using corner and side mounting brackets. However, due to the low surface area and gap between the roof and solar panel (causing wind uplift) they need to be very secure and we recommend the use of appropriate screws/bolts.
Camping
Solar blankets
These unfold and lie on the ground or bonnet. For the occassional camping trip these work well, but there are better solutions which have stands to hold the solar panels at the correct angle to the sun.
Rigid solar panels with stand
These are great, but require a place to store them when not in use.
Solar suitcase with stand
These use flexible solar panels. They fold up into a small package and some come with a stand.