Uploaded September 2019 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How fragile are flexible solar panels? Really? I tried to take my solar panel apart to find out why it failed after three years on my RV and how well it was made. I wanted to see how the solar cells were connected. Watch and see what I found.
Get Answers about RV Solar
DOWNLOAD my FREE RV SOLAR PANEL GUIDE
rvwithtito.com/solar-panel-guide
ABOUT MY REPLACEMENT FLEXIBLE SOLAR PANELS from SUNPOWER
My new Flexible Solar Panels from SUNPOWER have been amazing. They are highest quality flex panels on the market and have been generating a lot of power.
Here's a video I published comparing SUNPOWER panels to other popular RV solar panels: youtu.be/qalnxiY6w7M.
TAKE A TOUR OF OUR OFF-GRID RV SOLAR SYSTEM
rvwithtito.com/articles/our-solar
RECOMMENDED RV SOLAR PANELS and SOLAR COMPONENTS
rvwithtito.com/parts/rv-solar-power
MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Have you ever wondered how flexible solar panels work? In order to find out, I had to figure out a way to take it apart.
The failed flexible solar panel was removed from my RV after using it for three years. Here's the video of the removal and troubleshooting process: youtu.be/IPq_d4ftYnM
The back-contact solar cells of a semi-flexible solar panel are completely hidden making it difficult to analyze and troubleshoot. Separating the plastic layers would require heat. So I grabbed my gas torch and got to work.
It was very difficult to remove the back of the panel and expose the cells, but I was able to figure out how the solar panel was built.
I don’t want to spoil the outcome, so you’ll have to watch the video to see what I found. It’s pretty interesting to see and I’m sure you’ll learn something. I did.
#rvwithtito #rvsolar
These topics are also covered in this video:
Why do flexible solar panels fail, Mounting solar panels on RV, Flexible solar panel, Flexible solar panels for RV, flexible solar panels for motorhome, Flexible solar panel for rv roof, flexible 12v solar panels, do flexible solar panels get hot, 100w flexible solar panel, problems with flexible solar panels
DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. We are NOT liable for any damage to your RV or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not RV professionals or certified technicians. We are simply RV owners who work on our own RVs and have a desire to share what we learn with others. Be responsible and know your limits.
AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER
This video may include links to merchants with affilliate programs who pay us a commission on purchases made or actions taken after clicking the link. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How fragile are flexible solar panels? Really? I tried to take my solar panel apart to find out why it failed after three years on my RV and how well it was made. I wanted to see how the solar cells were connected. Watch and see what I found.
Get Answers about RV Solar
DOWNLOAD my FREE RV SOLAR PANEL GUIDE
rvwithtito.com/solar-panel-guide
ABOUT MY REPLACEMENT FLEXIBLE SOLAR PANELS from SUNPOWER
My new Flexible Solar Panels from SUNPOWER have been amazing. They are highest quality flex panels on the market and have been generating a lot of power.
Here's a video I published comparing SUNPOWER panels to other popular RV solar panels: youtu.be/qalnxiY6w7M.
TAKE A TOUR OF OUR OFF-GRID RV SOLAR SYSTEM
rvwithtito.com/articles/our-solar
RECOMMENDED RV SOLAR PANELS and SOLAR COMPONENTS
rvwithtito.com/parts/rv-solar-power
MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Have you ever wondered how flexible solar panels work? In order to find out, I had to figure out a way to take it apart.
The failed flexible solar panel was removed from my RV after using it for three years. Here's the video of the removal and troubleshooting process: youtu.be/IPq_d4ftYnM
The back-contact solar cells of a semi-flexible solar panel are completely hidden making it difficult to analyze and troubleshoot. Separating the plastic layers would require heat. So I grabbed my gas torch and got to work.
It was very difficult to remove the back of the panel and expose the cells, but I was able to figure out how the solar panel was built.
I don’t want to spoil the outcome, so you’ll have to watch the video to see what I found. It’s pretty interesting to see and I’m sure you’ll learn something. I did.
#rvwithtito #rvsolar
These topics are also covered in this video:
Why do flexible solar panels fail, Mounting solar panels on RV, Flexible solar panel, Flexible solar panels for RV, flexible solar panels for motorhome, Flexible solar panel for rv roof, flexible 12v solar panels, do flexible solar panels get hot, 100w flexible solar panel, problems with flexible solar panels
DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. We are NOT liable for any damage to your RV or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not RV professionals or certified technicians. We are simply RV owners who work on our own RVs and have a desire to share what we learn with others. Be responsible and know your limits.
AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER
This video may include links to merchants with affilliate programs who pay us a commission on purchases made or actions taken after clicking the link. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.


![(Review) Lensun 200 Watt Foldable Portable Solar Panel with MPPT
Heres a SPACE-SAVING Portable Solar Panel for RV, camping, van or overlanding. Review of the new Lensun 200 Watt Foldable Solar Blanket.
PRODUCT LINKS
Lensuns Website: http://www.lensunsolar.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=81&product_id=356
Amazon: https://amzn.to/33V6SUQ
Suction Cups I Used for Mounting: https://amzn.to/2ogaEZM
Anderson Connectors: https://amzn.to/2Jz0riD
MORE ABOUT THIS REVIEW
I was excited to test this product, because this was the first portable solar blanket of this type I have seen that provided 200 Watts of power output. Its also priced competitively with other 200 watt portable solar kits out there.
The biggest PRO for me is the portability and size of this package. Other 200 watt portable solar panel suitcases are large and heavy to carry around. This one weighs in at around 15 pounds and fits in this bag. Its small and easily stored in a van, off-road overland vehicle, and of-course RV. This is also the first portable solar kit Ive seen that comes with an MPPT charge controller which is why I spent a bit of time testing that component. The final PRO for me is that I can use this as a stand-alone solar panel. I already have a dedicated Victron MPPT solar charge controller for my portable panels. Im able to simply connect the MC4 adapter to the panel and connect this panel to my RV. It worked like a champ. Im looking forward to testing it more in the field.
The only two CONS I have is the weak mounting points and inability to use this MPPT charge controller with lithium/LiFePO4 batteries. Lithium batteries are becoming more popular these days and not being compatible limits how you can use this system.
** UPDATE (NOV2019) **
CHARGING LITHIUM BATTERIES - Good News! Lensun provided a Lithium compatible MPPT charge controller that charges Lithium/LiFEP04 batteries. I tested it out and it works fine. See the picture I posted in the community section of my channel.
GROMMETS: I also added grommets to each side. Those also work fine for hanging the panel and support the weight well. They should last a long time.
Other than that, I like almost everything I saw. Lensun is known for producing ETFE coated robust flexible solar panels, and these are inline with that.
MORE SPECS from LENSUN
Package Includes:
1 x 200W foldable solar blanket panel
1 x 15A Waterproof MPPT Solar Regulator
1 x 5m Anderson to Anderson Extension Lead
1 x Anderson to MC4 connectors (charge for solar generator)
1 x Anderson to Alligator Clip Adaptor(charge for battery)
1 x Heavy Duty Carry Bag
PERC - Passive Emitter and Rear Contact
Higher efficiency (21-22% efficient)
More about PERC cells: http://www.lensunsolar.com/blog/whats-perc-solar-cells-whats-the-different-between-the-standard-and-perc-solar-cells/
Rated Power Output: 200W
Optimum Operating Voltage [Vmp]: 18V
Optimum Operating Current [Imp]: 11.11A
Open Circuit Voltage [Voc]: 21.24V
Short Circuit Current [Isc]: 12.22A
Cell Technology: Monocrystalline Solar Cells (PERC cells)
Solar Cells Efficiency: 18%
Production Tolerance: +3%
Output Type: Solar Cables, Solar Controller
Dimensions(unfolded): 1770 x 1100 x 5 mm/70 x 44 x 0.2 inch
Dimensions(folded): 380 x 380 x 75 mm/ 15 x 15 x 3 inch
Net. Weight: 7 kgs/15.4 lbs
All Technical data at standard test condition AM=1.5, E=1000W/mm, Tc=25℃
#rvwithtito #rvsolar
DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. We are NOT liable for any damage to your RV or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not RV professionals or certified technicians. We are simply RV owners who work on our own RVs and have a desire to share what we learn with others. Be responsible and know your limits.
AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER
This video may include links to merchants with affilliate programs who pay us a commission on purchases made or actions taken after clicking the link. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. (Review) Lensun 200 Watt Foldable Portable Solar Panel with MPPT](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/X9okCt4LGN8/mqdefault.jpg)







