recommendations for flexible solar panel

[Gunfleet]

I have had for more than 10 years a flexible solar panel which is slightly smaller than one of the dodgers on my boat - about 4ft x 2ft. It has been great. I used it by lashing it to whichever side of the boat was facing the sun. Now it's damaged and I would like to replace it like for like... but the variety available is mind boggling while I can't seem to find one exactly like the one I'm retiring. Of course when I bought it there wasn't much choice in solar panels, so I'm a bit bemused. I would be grateful if anyone has recommendations on brands or types - I still want to carry on in the same way, hanging it over the dodger on the sunny side.

 

[LadyInBed]

What sort of wattage are you looking for?

 

[Gunfleet]

Oh I'd take what I can get in the panel size. about 4' by 2' - doesn't have to be exact.

 

[alahol2]

I fitted a Lensun panel a year ago. It has performed well. Obviously can't give you a longevity report but they seem to be reasonably well spoken of.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I've had a couple of Lensum semi flexible panels. They do a range of sizes. The semi flexible type would suit in your application and give a better output than the flexible ones.

 

[Gunfleet]

Thanks for replies and recommendations. I'll explore Lensun.

 

[lpdsn]

If nothing else the new one should be cheaper than the one it's replacing.

 

[dunedin]

We use Photonics Universe semi flexible ones - eg
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Photonic-U...1-4&keywords=photonics+universe+semi+flexible

For the movable one we drilled holes and attached cable ties to avoid any tugs on the cables damaging the connections, and put some Sugru round the connection inlets - both preemptive measures rather than due to any problems we had actually had.

 

[Gunfleet]

We use Photonics Universe semi flexible ones - eg
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Photonic-U...1-4&keywords=photonics+universe+semi+flexible

For the movable one we drilled holes and attached cable ties to avoid any tugs on the cables damaging the connections, and put some Sugru round the connection inlets - both preemptive measures rather than due to any problems we had actually had.

That's a good point. My original one (long since lost its label) has three grommets down each side. Very handy

 

[dunedin]

That's a good point. My original one (long since lost its label) has three grommets down each side. Very handy

The Photonics semi flexibles can be drilled safely on the white band round the edge for attachment. We also put industrial Velcro on the back as our main ones on the sprayhood

 

[PaulRainbow]

The Photonics semi flexibles can be drilled safely on the white band round the edge for attachment. We also put industrial Velcro on the back as our main ones on the sprayhood

I would also recommend Photonic Universe. Good solar panels last such a long time it seems a false economy to fit cheap and nasty ones.

 

[Gunfleet]

Thanks all. I bought Lensun but could just as easily have had the photonics. 100w - wow. My old one is fully flexible but at the end would only put out 1amp in bright sunlight. I’m expecting 5 from this. One surprise was the MC4 connectors, which are big ugly and robust looking but not fully waterproof. Weird. I had to buy an extension set as the old wiring to my fox controller clearly won’t do. I’m looking forward to the supply!