Technical Innovations

The flexible solar panels from Recycled Goods utilize solar cells made with either amorphous silicon (essentially a super-thin layer of silicon) or CIGS (an ultra-thin layer of copper indium gallium selenide), enabling panels to be more flexible and lighter weight. These flexible panels can also withstand higher temperatures than fragile rigid crystalline panels and perform better in low light conditions due to the fact that they absorb a wider spectrum of light.

Why choose flexible solar panels?

Flexible solar panels are the best choice for many types of solar projects and situations where rigid bulky glass panels just won’t work effectively.

When comparing solar panels, take note of three components:

• Solar cells - the energy-producing component
• Encapsulate - material that protects the cells
• Installation

Of course there are plenty of other considerations when choosing a solar power system. Since every solar power project is different, please feel free to contact us if you'd like to discuss your situation.

Solar cells

The workhorse of any solar panel is the solar cell. When light hits a solar cell, electrons are set in motion and electricity starts flowing. If you want to impress your friends, call it the “photovoltaic” effect. All solar panels work this way. In the 40 years or so since consumer solar power has been a thing, there have been considerable innovations in power output, manufacturing techniques, and other features (like flexibility).

Standard crystalline solar panels are made of silicon wafers that are about as thick as a human hair. These wafers are used in the rigid, glass-covered panels that most people see on neighborhood rooftop solar installations.

Flexible or thin-film solar panels use material about 300 times thinner than their rigid counterparts. This ultra-fine profile allows for flexibility and is incredibly lightweight. We stock two kinds of thin-film solar panels:

Amorphous Silicon

Like crystalline panels, amorphous panels are made using silicon. However, instead of using relatively thick solid silicon wafers, amorphous panels are constructed by depositing an ultra-thin layer of silicon onto a thin flexible substrate, like stainless steel. They are made using a fraction of the silicon required for crystalline panels.

CIGS

Solar panels made with CIGS solar cells don’t use silicon at all. They use a compound called copper indium gallium selenide. Like their amorphous cousins, to make a flexible CIGS solar panel, a thin film of the material is deposited on a flexible substrate, like stainless steel.

Comparing power output

Generally, the power output from rigid crystalline panels is greater than what you’ll get from a flexible panel. However, with solar panel output in high-heat or low-light situations, this performance gap shrinks, as flexible panels better tolerate these common non-optimal environmental conditions.

Since flexible panels produce less energy than crystalline panels, it goes that you’ll need more flexible panels to produce the same amount of electricity. If roof space is limited, this may be a deal breaker for flexible panels, since there may not be enough room available to produce the amount of electricity needed.

Encapsulate

Solar panels operate in hot, harsh conditions, so it makes sense that the material used to protect solar cells is an important factor in how long a panel will work at maximum capacity.

ETFE is the current industry leader in durability and sustainability as an outermost protective layer. ETFE is a highly stable polymer that promises high UV permeability, suitability for cold/heat extremes, and intelligent features, such as self-cleaning, recyclability, and green manufacturing. 

Installation

Flexible panels are portable, lighter, and easier to handle than rigid panels. As a result, it’s generally understood that installation of flexible thin-film solar panels requires less labor and is thus less expensive than rigid panels.

Flexible panels can be installed on curved surfaces, non-conventional architecture, or in situations where a low profile is critical, such as installing solar panels on an RV, bus, or other movable surface.

Some flexible panels feature a peel-and-stick adhesive back which can be easily installed on most roofing types without the need for drilling or bulky roof mounting systems. This adhesive is designed to withstand high heat and adverse weather conditions.

Here's the deal...

You’re not going to beat the power output of crystalline panels. That being said, flexible panels are best for situations with:

• Curved and unconventional roof systems
• Limited weight allowances
• Prohibition or reluctance to drill holes in roofs
• Shady areas
• Hot and inhospitable weather
• Portable or temporary solutions

High quality flexible solar panels are durable, glass-free and will provide solid performance in punishing conditions for many years.