FAQ.

• Does flexible solar module require specific mounting system? 

  Flexible solar modules do not require specific or complex mounting systems due to their lightweight and flexible nature, they offer more versatility in how they can be installed.

  1. Adhesive Mounting: Flexible solar modules can often be adhered directly to surfaces using industrial-grade adhesives. This method is popular for surfaces like roofs, boats, and vehicles, where drilling holes for traditional mounting brackets might not be desirable.
  2. Velcro: In temporary or portable applications flexible modules can be mounted using Velcro, making it easy to remove or reposition them as needed.
  3. Lightweight mounting structure: For rooftops or other surfaces that may still require some form of a mounting system, flexible modules often use simpler and lighter brackets or frames. These systems are generally less expensive and easier to install compared to the heavy racks required for traditional panels.
  4. Integrating to materials: Flexible modules can be laminated or built directly into roofing materials, facades, or other building elements, requiring no separate mounting system at all.
• How do the costs of flexible solar modules compare to traditional solar panels?
  1. Flexible solar modules tend to have a higher upfront cost per watt compared to traditional rigid panels. This is mainly due to the thin-film technology used in flexible panels, which is less mature and efficient than crystalline silicon panels. Traditional panels, especially monocrystalline and polycrystalline, are widely produced and have lower manufacturing costs due to economies of scale.
  2. Flexible solar modules can be cheaper to install. Their lightweight design and flexible nature mean they often don't require heavy mounting structures or additional labor for complex installations. This can result in reduced labor and material costs during installation in applications where weight or surface constraints are present.
  3. Flexible modules are lighter and more compact, leading to lower transportation and handling costs. Traditional rigid panels, being heavier and bulkier, incur higher shipping expenses.
  4. Traditional solar panels tend to have a longer lifespan (25-30 years) and higher energy efficiency (15-22%), which means they generate more power over time compared to flexible modules (typically 10-15% efficiency and a 10-20 year lifespan). This can make traditional panels more cost-effective over the long term, depending on the installation location and use case.
• Are flexible solar modules compatible with energy storage systems?

  Yes, flexible solar modules are compatible with energy storage systems just like traditional solar panels. They generate direct current (DC) electricity, which can be stored in batteries through an inverter or charge controller

• What types of surfaces can flexible solar modules be installed on?

  HyET Solar's modules can be installed on a curved, irregular surface, lightweight, fragile structure and on roofing material like Steel, Aluminum, Bitumen, Poly Carbonate.

• What is the lifespan of HyET’s solar modules?

  The lifespan of modules generally ranges between 10 to 20 years.

• Are flexible solar modules as efficient as traditional solar panels?

  Flexible solar modules are generally less efficient than traditional rigid solar panels. This difference arises mainly from the materials and technologies used in flexible modules, such as thin-film photovoltaics (amorphous silicon), which have lower conversion efficiency compared to the crystalline silicon used in traditional panels.

  On average, traditional rigid solar panels have efficiencies around 22%, while flexible solar modules typically have efficiencies around 8%. However, flexible panels are improving, with some advancements bringing them closer to the efficiency of traditional panels​.

  Despite the efficiency gap, flexible solar panels offer other advantages:

  • Versatility: They can be installed on surfaces where rigid panels cannot be.
  • Lightweight: Easier to transport and install.
  • Durability: Less prone to breakage due to their flexibility.

• What are the benefits of using flexible solar modules?
  1. Lightweight : Flexible solar modules are much lighter than traditional panels, making them ideal for installations where weight is a concern, such as on roofs with limited load capacity, vehicles.
  2. Flexible and Adaptable: Their flexibility allows them to conform to curved or irregular surfaces, providing a versatile solution for installations on boats, RVs, building facades, and other non-flat structures where rigid panels can't be used.
  3. Easy installation: Due to their lightweight and flexible design, flexible panels are easier and faster to install, often requiring simpler mounting systems or even adhesives. This reduces labor costs and installation time compared to traditional solar panels.
  4. Durability: Flexible panels, especially those made from durable materials like amorphous silicon, are less prone to cracking or breaking compared to glass-based traditional panels. This makes them a good choice for mobile applications, areas prone to impact, or extreme weather conditions.
  5. Aesthetic: In building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), flexible panels can be seamlessly integrated into architectural designs, offering an aesthetically pleasing solar energy solution without bulky traditional panels.
• What are flexible solar modules?

  Flexible solar panels are a type of photovoltaic technology that uses thin-film materials, such as amorphous silicon, instead of traditional rigid silicon wafers. This makes them lightweight, bendable, and adaptable to a variety of surfaces, including curved or irregular structures.

  Unlike traditional glass-based solar panels, which are heavy and require rigid mounting systems, flexible solar panels are ultra-light and can be installed using adhesives or lighter mounting solutions, making them ideal for applications where weight or space is a concern. They can be used in places like rooftops, vehicles, boats, and building facades where traditional panels may not be feasible.

  These panels are designed for versatility, durability, and ease of installation, although they tend to have slightly lower efficiency compared to rigid panels. However, advancements in thin-film technology continue to improve their performance, making them a valuable option for energy generation in challenging environments​.