Rigid Solar Panels

Rigid solar panels are usually made of glass or reinforced material as a cover, which has high durability and stability, and is suitable for installation on fixed locations such as roofs and floors. Flexible solar panels, on the other hand, are thinner and more flexible, making them easier to carry and install on irregular surfaces, such as tents and vehicle roofs.

Rigid solar panels are widely used in fixed installation scenarios such as rooftops of homes, commercial buildings, industrial plants, solar power plants, etc. due to their ruggedness and durability. There are also special models designed for marine environments and for motorhomes (RVs).

Pros:

• Durable: Able to withstand wind, snow and other harsh weather.
  High Efficiency: Conversion efficiencies are typically higher than those of flexible panels.
  
• Simple to maintain: Once fixed and installed, they usually only need to be cleaned on a regular basis.
  

Disadvantages:

• Heavy weight: Installation requires consideration of structural load-bearing capacity.
  
• Poor flexibility: Not suitable for applications that require bending.

Prices for rigid solar panels vary by brand, model and efficiency, and are usually calculated on a per watt basis. It is recommended to compare several products before buying and consider the overall system cost, including inverter, racking and installation costs.

The service life of rigid solar panels varies depending on factors such as brand, quality and usage environment, but in general, high-quality rigid solar panels have a service life of more than 20 years under normal usage conditions. Users should pay attention to care and maintenance during use to extend its service life.

The following points need to be considered when installing rigid solar panels:

• Racking structure: There must be stable racking to support the panels.
• Orientation and tilt: To obtain the best light conditions, it is usually recommended to face south and set the tilt angle according to the latitude.
• Ventilation space: Ensure that there is sufficient ventilation behind the panels to improve heat dissipation.