Solar panel install advice needed

westend wrote:
The only way the efficiency of the module could change with orientation is if you park the RV in a certain direction, continually, or have shade interference issues. I guess I would orient it with the least amount of forward edge facing the front. A lot would depend on future plans.

Have you investigated any efficiency differences regarding mounting the module on a rigid substrate? I'm thinking that you may be able to keep the module cooler by elevating it above the roof surface. That may pay a significant dividend with power in warmer climes. Maybe not. Pianotuna has similar type of modules on his Class C. He might be a good source of info about installing or using these modules.

Another thing noted: You're paying more than market rate $$$/watt. You may have considerations about installation of rigid frame modules or ease of installation we're not privy to. Basic consideration is that a rigid module has better $$$/watt and the price of aluminum angle mounts is much less than the difference in price from the bendable module.

The main reason I chose flexible is that I have a curved roof made from foam laminate. The top skin does not hold screws that great, as I found out when replacing my old fan with a Fantastic fan.

I was also concerned about the wind at one of our favorite campsites. It is popular with kite surfers and it gets so windy that shopping carts need to be brought inside at the local shopping centers. I realize this may be more fear than fact but nonetheless, it factored into my decision.

You raise a good point about heat. Concerning price, I am only going to be buying 2 to 3 panels max did not make such a big difference in the end.