This is a very short and to-the-point guide, with information included in a Suaoki Flexible Solar Panel review.
Suaoki is one the newer brands and introduce SUAOKI SOLAR panels to the flexible solar panel range. We discuss the 100 watt solar panel in particular, including uses, benefits, and drawbacks.
Suaoki 100W 18V Flexible Solar Panel
Film material is bendable up to a stated 30 degrees > better for curved and uneven surfaces than solid panels
What’s Good About This 100 Watt Panel?One of the cheaper flexible solar panels on the market
Water resistant
Suaoki claim a maximum 23-25% efficiency of this panel
Has pre fabricated metal ring mounts that you can put temporary, or permanent fixings through
Easier than solid 100 watt panels to transport, hang, and remove – can even hang on a camping tent > VERY portable
Can be used in a number of applications – boats, cabins, tents, cars/SUV’s, vans, motorbikes and Rv’s
100 Watt panel – good size for most singular 12 volt batteries which need 12.6 volts max charge
Made of thin PET, EVA and TPT material – very lightweight at 4.85lbs
18 volt panel – will need a solar controller/regulator to charge a 12 volt battery
Make sure you have enough space on the surface you want to hang or fix it – dimensions are 43.3 x 22.4 x 0.1 inches
Has 31.5 inch long cables with MC4 connectors
CE and ROHS certifications
Can be used with a cheaper PWM solar controller
What Isn’t So Great, And Could Be Improved?
Thin film material is more susceptible to sharp objects and rough surfaces than the solid panels – but, it’s still fairly durable to general surfaces
Can’t mount this panel on an adjustable tilt rack, or a pole mount > this is more a surface mounting panel
Pay attention to the key specifications of this panel – particularly the limitations on the maximum system voltage at 600volts
Suaoki are not a company that specialise in only solar – they aren’t as established as a company like Renogy for example. This isn’t an issue in itself – but it will be interesting to see how long they offer their solar product for, and whether they develop them any further
Who Are Suaoki?
Suaoki are a company that offer products in automotive, solar, laser and various other accessories.
What Do They Do Well With Their Solar Panels?
Suaoki do a good job of three things in particular with their flexible solar panels:
They are relatively cheap compared to their competitors in the flexible solar panel market
Their customer service are quite responsive
They offer a range of panels of different sizes – between 20 watts to 100 watts
This is not necessarily a problem with Suaoki, it’s an issue with all all flexible solar panel manufacturers.
Flexible solar panels are much newer technology that the rigid/solid solar panels. With this in mind, the companies manufacturing them have not had as much time to develop them and establish a high quality product.
The panels will certainly charge your 12 volt battery, or batteries, if that is your main purpose.
But, there’s definitely room for improvement in overall quality of this product and others on the market.
Potential issues can include bubbles appearing in the plastic, loose cables in the junction box, inconsistent packing/delivery – but these aren’t regular issues.
Also, be mindful of who you purchase the product from. Suaoki offer a 1 year warranty – so make sure that is guaranteed for you.
