# Arced or curved flexible solar panels

**URL:** https://forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/t/arced-or-curved-flexible-solar-panels/2730
**Category:** Solar Questions and Comments
**Created:** [August 4, 2023, 10:40am UTC](https://forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/t/arced-or-curved-flexible-solar-panels/2730 "2023-08-04T10:40:35Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![nicklee](https://forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/user_avatar/forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/nicklee/32/3302_2.png) [@nicklee](https://forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/u/nicklee)
#### Post date: [August 4, 2023, 10:40am UTC](https://forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/t/arced-or-curved-flexible-solar-panels/2730/1 "2023-08-04T10:40:35Z")

</div>

A thought popped into my head recently when looking into panel size vs space available on the roof as well as the thought of tracking the sun, can flexible panels operate in a arced fashion allowing for a smaller footprint and would allow part of the panel to be online with the sun more often.

Is this possible?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![nicklee](https://forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/user_avatar/forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/nicklee/32/3302_2.png) [@nicklee](https://forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/u/nicklee)
#### Post date: [August 8, 2023, 10:34am UTC](https://forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/t/arced-or-curved-flexible-solar-panels/2730/2 "2023-08-08T10:34:46Z")

</div>

My Class C RV has a fiberglass roof. I bought 4 Renogy 100W panels that I will want to install. But I don’t want to punch.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Svarky](https://forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/user_avatar/forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/svarky/32/20_2.png) [@Svarky](https://forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/u/Svarky)
#### Post date: [August 9, 2023, 4:50am UTC](https://forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/t/arced-or-curved-flexible-solar-panels/2730/3 "2023-08-09T04:50:52Z")

</div>

Unfortunately, this will not work. The individual cells in the panel are connected in series and all need to recieve the same amount of sunlight to operate efficiently. If the panel is curved too much then some cells will receive much more/less sunlight, causing reverse current and poor performance.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![amitbajpayee](https://forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/user_avatar/forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/amitbajpayee/32/2686_2.png) [@amitbajpayee](https://forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/u/amitbajpayee)
#### Post date: [April 30, 2024, 4:19am UTC](https://forum.cleanenergyreviews.info/t/arced-or-curved-flexible-solar-panels/2730/5 "2024-04-30T04:19:58Z")

</div>

Yes, it’s possible to use flexible solar panels that can be arced to optimize sun exposure. These panels are designed to bend to fit curved surfaces, allowing for more efficient use of space and better alignment with the sun throughout the day. Flexible panels can be a great option for installations where traditional rigid panels may not be suitable due to space constraints or roof shape. However, it’s important to ensure that the panels are compatible with your specific installation requirements and that they are installed correctly to maximize their effectiveness.
