Semi-Fexible Solar Panels' longevity

[Nigel Crompton]

Following on from another thread, it looks like I'll be getting panels from Photonic Universe.

Previous Photonic Universe customers can help inform my choice by ticking boxes ....

Cheers 'n' Beers

 

[hilldweller]

Use the search engine, I'm sure failures have been reported in here.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Maybe you should add "other panels"

 

[bobandjanie]

We had 2 x 100w on the last panel van conversion for over 4 years, and were still working fine when we sold it.
We used our motorhome more than average, we spend most of our time in hot climates with no problems.

We changed our motorhome in March last year for another panel van conversion and fitted another 2 x 100w flexible panels, and yes very happy with them, light easy to fit, not expensive and do what it says on the box. Bob.

 

[GPW]

fitted another 2 x 100w flexible panels

Hi, I have a flexible panel and it has an eyelet on each corner which I was wondering if it could be used for a fixed installation.
How did you fix your panels on and do they flap about?

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[bobandjanie]

Hi, we have seen the brackets, but we was not impressed, so just used Sikaflex 512 ? I think and no they just sit there and do not flap around. Bob.

 

[Boycie]

I've had semi flex 100w solar panels for about 3 years now still going strong. Fitted the brackets with sikaflex ebt from screwfix.

 

[Phill D]

I had semi flexible attached direct to the roof of our coach built, the top coating discoloured very quickly ( 2 summers ) which affected performance and i believe the fact that there was no air space under the alloy back plate to dissipate heat was instrumental in their failure within 3 years of fitting.

replaced with rigid and been very happy..

 

[bobandjanie]

I know the early panels made by Biard were trouble, but honestly cant fault the new type ETFE flexible panels, and as for heat, we live in Spain in winter and travel in summer and we only do hot and we have not had any problems and have a white tin roof. Bob.

 

[Neckender]

Here’s my installation now two years and two months since fitted, I used brackets and put a bead of silkaflex where the panels touched the roof so no lifting in the wind, plus cooling underneath the panels.

John.

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[Boycie]

View attachment 312781

I've had semi flex 100w solar panels for about 3 years now still going strong. Fitted the brackets with sikaflex ebt from screwfix.

I've just realised its coming up to 5 years since I fitted them. They are Biard but I was lucky with mine.

 

[jockaneezer]

My first Biard 150 watt failed at around 18 months, they sent me a replacement which also failed after about 16 months. I haven't fitted a replacement yet due to circumstances and the fact it was a royal pain removing the first failed unit. Be good to see people's recommendations though for when I eventually get around to it (might just glue the next one on top of the existing one ?)

 

[GPW]

it was a royal pain removing the first failed unit.

I was thinking about that when one sticks down a flexi panel directly to the roof.

I thought of two possibilities:

1. Over winter one could use a van cover to keep the frost etc off anyway
(I acknowledge one should be over-wintering on a Spanish coast )

2. If you need new panels they are so thin and light one could actually stick the new ones directly on top!

 

[Driventemple]

My first Biard 150 watt failed at around 18 months, they sent me a replacement which also failed after about 16 months. I haven't fitted a replacement yet due to circumstances and the fact it was a royal pain removing the first failed unit. Be good to see people's recommendations though for when I eventually get around to it (might just glue the next one on top of the existing one ?)

Fitted a Baird 100w to the previous van, a VW T5. Panel failed after 18 months and rather than try to remove it I fitted a 140w self adhesive on top of the old one. With a proper MPPT controler I was well pleased with the results. The present 'van has two 95AH leisure batteries and I am undecided whether to fit solar. If I do it will definitely be flexi and self adhesive.