Flexible solar panel longevity?

[Griffon12]

I'm starting to outfit my latest camper and am thinking of using flexible panels instead of traditional ones. I've used a flexible as a front window shade in my Alaskan setup and worked fairly well but only had it for a year. My question is- Why is the warranty period so short on these? I'm seeing 1-2 years in the ads for them while my traditional panels were 2o years or more. Anyone have one go bad yet? Preferred brands? Thanks:)

[pianotuna]

Griffon12,

There are thousands of makers who probably just buy panels from the big guys and then rebrand.

The issue is lifespan.

[Griffon12]

Well, geez, that kind of defeats the purpose of them....I'd be curious what brand is the considered the best in the marine industry

Might have to stick with the "tried and true" panels:h

[Lwiddis]

"Why is the warranty period so short on these?"

Seems as if you answered your own question...they don't last long.

[pianotuna]

Uni-Solar made excellent flexible panels. Unfortunately they went under.

The issue seems to be cupping of the panels so if you do go that route place them so they will drain water off.

[dewey02]

I've had a couple for only a year.
My understanding is that the problem lies in how people are using them. If you glue them down or mount them so there is no air space between the panels and the roof (or whatever you are mounting them on) then they tend to overheat and fail prematurely. If you mount them where there can be some air that circulates behind the panel, then they will likely last much longer.

I actually made a frame for mine and use them as a portable panel. I wanted the light weight, rather than the typical suitcase panels which are glass, plus I got 240 watts out of mine, where the the typical suitcase panel is 100 watts.

[Jim]

I would think the manufacturer would hedge their bets on the warranty for a product that is begging to be wrapped, twisted, bent, flapped around by users.

IF you tend to be gentle with a product like this, it'll likely last quite a while, especially if it's set in one place and not moved afterwards. If it's going to be set up and than removed and stored later, you'll probably not get a long life from it.

But 'flexibility' is one of it's selling points, and is why most buy them. If you can keep the 'flex' to a minimum, you may get a nice long life from them.