Flexible Solar panels - how do they perform?

[vas]

thanks noelex, will check that when I'm back home and come back
well, just checked, they are polycrystaline and 72 cell each, so should be OK (well actually I am OK now for 3seasons)
Wonder what's the meaning of the number of cells...

V.

 

[John_Silver]

Thank you, to all contributors, for such informative feedback and discussion. Based on which, I took the plunge last week. To excellent effect - well beyond my most optimistic expectations.

Fitted a Victron 75/15 MPPT controller. Added (to my existing roving 50W SunWare semi flexible panel) a fixed 25W panel on the only bit of coach roof not regularly walked and a folding SunWare 76W (effectively two 38W panels packaged on a hinged fabric backing for ease of stowage) roving panel. Panels wired in series.

After 5 days ‘off grid’ with no engine running, and overcast / sunshine and showers weather Stargazer’s batteries are currently sat at 94%. A joy to behold! Previously we’d have been into mandatory daily motor running, to charge batteries, by day 3 - and even then only bouncing between 65 and 75%.

There’s enough capacity on the Victron, and enough storage space left in the aft stow-cabin, for a second roving 50W panel. At this rate it looks as if we won’t need it. 150W seems to be handling the fridge, nav instruments and brief windlass use every few days.

Thanks again for the wise words!