Flexible vs rigid panels — pros and cons

The real trade-off is degradation rates. Flexibles typically lose 0.8–1% annually versus 0.5% for rigids, so over 10 years that compounds meaningfully. I've run both on my narrowboat—flexibles won for weight and installation ease, but the rigids hold their output better long-term. Cost per watt favours rigids if you've got structural support sorted.

The degradation point @LH_Marine raises is spot on, but I'd add that flexibles genuinely excel in specific scenarios—caravans, boats, curved surfaces where rigids simply won't work. I've run Renogy flexibles on my narrowboat for five years; the durability's been solid despite constant temperature swings. They're not inferior, just different tools. Rigids remain superior for stationary ground mounts though.

Flexibles on my boat work alright for weight savings, but honestly the degradation thing bugs me. Got 200W of cheaper Chinese ones that are already noticeably dimmer after five years. Rigids cost more upfront but you're not replacing them every half-decade. The lifespan math just doesn't add up for flexibles unless you're weight-critical like a vessel or caravan.