Solar panel type

[Philip]

Is the solar panel in the link an amorphous fully flexible type panel?

 

https://www.bimblesolar.com/solar/small-panels/80W-folding-portable-12V-solar-panel

 

I'm looking around for a new panel, having just removed a semi-flexible stick on monocrystalline variety (patch of rust underneath one of the corners). I use the boat for trips out rather than living on, with an 800 watt inverter and 2 x 110a leisure batteries;  I think the D2 Eberspacher heater is the biggest consumer. I think a 50 watt panel would do for this, but I want to balance avoiding corrosion issues and cracking/damage from being regularly walked over, with one which is good in low light (as I've read the amorphous ones are) and not likely to get in the way of the centre rope.

 

I have also seen this bracket mounting arrangement: https://www.bimblesolar.com/extras/mounting/solar-abs-mount-kit, it looks good for avoiding ropes catching and might persuade me towards a 50-80 watt rigid panel.

[Philip]

Also I have seen this one - https://www.bimblesolar.com/solar/small-panels/70w-mipv-flexi

 

This is CIGS, is this an amorphous type? Any pros or cons to this type?

Edited September 18, 2021 by Philip

[matty40s]

https://www.itstechnologies.shop/products/bipvco-125wp-peel-and-stick-flexible-solar-panel

 

[David Mack]

4 hours ago, Philip said:

Is the solar panel in the link an amorphous fully flexible type panel?

 

https://www.bimblesolar.com/solar/small-panels/80W-folding-portable-12V-solar-panel

Looks to me to be two rigid panels mounted into a folding wallet/briefcase for easy portability.

Edited September 18, 2021 by David Mack

[Philip]

3 hours ago, matty40s said:

https://www.itstechnologies.shop/products/bipvco-125wp-peel-and-stick-flexible-solar-panel

 

Thanks for the link, I have come across similar to this and it looks like a quality product, but the cost is a bit out of range and there isn't enough clear roof space to accommodate the length; there is about 26 inches by 54 inches spare to play with.

56 minutes ago, David Mack said:

Looks to me to be two rigid panels mounted into a folding wallet/briefcase for easy portability.

 

Ah, so not the most secure arrangement.

[Sea Dog]

12 hours ago, Philip said:

I want to balance avoiding corrosion issues and cracking/damage from being regularly walked over

I (and others) achieve this by fitting narrow rigid panels leaving room to walk by either side. Works a treat for me.

[Philip]

I like the look of these ones: https://www.bimblesolar.com/solar/small-panels/victron-90w-mono-solar-panel  https://www.bimblesolar.com/solar/small-panels/12v-bimble-100w

 

These are both rigid aren't they? 

 

They do look a bit cheap for 90w/100w, are victron and bimble solar panels known for being 'cheap and cheerful'?

Edited September 19, 2021 by Philip

[Tony Brooks]

As both are about 1.25" deep, almost certainly rigid. You will also want suitable mounting brackets.

Victron tend to be known for  expensive and good quality but Bimble seem to  deal in end of line and second hand stock so are usually one of the cheaper suppliers. They seem to have a fair to good name on here.

[MtB]

1 hour ago, Tony Brooks said:

Victron tend to be known for  expensive and good quality

 

Not where solar panels are concerned. I bought two 100W Victron panels from Midland C a few weeks ago and they deliver approx half the current my 100W Vikram panel (from Bimble) in the same sunny light conditions near midday. Weird. 

[Philip]

1 hour ago, Tony Brooks said:

You will also want suitable mounting brackets.

 

 

Such as these?

 

[Tony Brooks]

They will do, you can stick them down with a suitable sealer/adhesive like one of the Sikaflex range. I used metal ones  and drilled and tapped the roof PLUS sealer/adhesive but I am happy doing that sort of thing.