Solar Panel Performance vs Sun Elevation
There are many factors that affect panel performance but one that is predictable is the angle of the sun striking the panel. The literature suggests that the panel watts * sin(sun angle on the panel) ...
Forum Discussion
Salvo wrote:
Actually flexible panels have several drawbacks.
When using a mppt controller, panel performance degrades with increasing temperature. It's good to have a 2" gap between the roof and the bottom of the panel to allow bottom side cooling. Flexible panels don't have that back side cooling capability. Performance suffers.
Flexible panels are not as efficient. To get the same wattage, you need about 20% more surface area. RV roofs have a limited usable roof surface area.
An interesting point. How did you come up with the 20%? I did not experience this heat effect with my mppt controller and 200 watt panels on my boat that is made out of fiberglass which does not distribute heat.
