Basic knowledge of RV solar panel

The sun not only gives us life, but also constantly transmits energy to us on earth. Can we convert this energy into electrical energy to supply power for our electrical equipment? To achieve this goal, we need to use the device of solar panel.

Solar panel, also known as solar panel, is a device that converts solar radiation energy directly or indirectly into electric energy through photoelectric effect or photochemical effect by absorbing sunlight. With it, we can provide clean and quiet electric energy for the RV. When the sun comes out, we can charge the battery.

But before you buy solar panels, you should know which type of solar panel is best for you.

When choosing solar panels, you need to keep some key terms in mind:

Monocrystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous

Rigidity and flexibility

Types of solar panels

solar panels mainly include monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon and amorphous solar panels.

You may hear that one panel is more “effective” than another, but it’s just a difference in the size of the panel. No matter which technology is used, 100W panel is 100W. In other words, the conversion efficiency per unit area is high.

Monocrystalline silicon solar panels take up the least space, but they are usually more expensive.

Polycrystalline solar panels are cheaper and larger per watt. It has the same life and durability as monocrystalline silicon solar panel.

The amorphous panel is very different from the other two panels. They are less efficient, heavier, larger and more expensive than the first two panels. But these panels are the best in cloudy weather and will not be seriously affected by local shadows like other types of panels. And these panels, even if flexible, are quite durable, so you can often see them sewn into backpacks and cloth.

We all know that the roof space of RV is limited, so using monocrystalline silicon solar panel in RV is the best choice, because it takes up the smallest area.

What is a rigid solar panel?

The solar panel with solar cells installed under tempered glass is a rigid solar panel. They vary in size, and most panels are installed in aluminum frames for outdoor installation. Their structure can resist hail, dust and strong winds. The glass has scratch resistance and can be used for a long time.

Rigid solar panel features:

Wide size range

Cheap per watt

Rugged, usually with a longer warranty period (more than 10 years)

Because of their strong frame, they are easier to locate towards the sun

Rigid solar panels are the best choice for performance and durability.

What is a flexible solar panel?

Flexible solar panels are flat panels whose surface is covered with a layer of protective plastic. Because they have no frame, they are small and can be bent properly. For example, they can adapt to the arc of the roof. And it’s lighter. However, due to the surface protection, the plastic is relatively soft, easy to scratch and bear less impact.

However, excessive bending of the panel will often lead to problems in the internal connection, and even lead to a short circuit between the batteries. Due to these problems, the warranty period of flexible solar panels is often shorter than that of rigid solar panels.

Also, flexible panels are not easy to adjust the light angle because their position depends on the surface to which they are attached.

Features of flexible solar panel:

Thin and lightweight

Bendable to 30 degrees

Easy to scratch

Short life

When using flexible panels, the more panels bend, the less efficient they are. This is because the power generation effect of the panel is the best only when the whole panel obtains consistent light.

However, the illumination of flexible solar panels is inconsistent, some places are more and some places are less, so the power generation efficiency is low.

Flexible solar panels are only suitable where there are obvious bends on the surface. Rigid solar panels are recommended for flat surfaces.