Solar Panels

MiPV SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM

Harvesting significantly more energy…

Solar panel efficiency is measured in ‘watts’, calculated from how much of the sun’s energy a panel can convert into usable electricity, however this is often an unreliable way for consumers to work out which is the best flexible panel to choose for their motorhome.

MiPV panels are made up of thin solar cells constructed from copper, indium, gallium and selenium, which can harvest significantly more energy than a standard flexible monocrystalline panel (when compared solely in wattage size).

The technology is much more efficient at harvesting power in low light; the panels work earlier in the day and later into the evening, and also if the weather is at all overcast or part of the panel is in shade (linked monocrystalline cells stop working if any cell is shaded – MiPV panes continue working). This makes our panels more than 17% efficient over glass photovoltaic panels and 60-70% more efficient than an equivalent flexible monocrystalline solar panel.

Most flexible monocrystalline panels are constructed in China and, on top of their inefficiency, they are also notorious for failing after a short period of time. Flexible monocrystalline panels do not cope well in hot weather as they have a tendency to overheat and burn themselves out. Where panels are sold with a 20-year cell warranty, it is often stated in the small print that they only actually have a 1-year manufacturing warranty and failures are normally down to manufacturing.

“Flexible” panels are often still fragile and can sometimes only be flexed a couple of times. If being fitted to a solid structure this is fine. However, when fitting to an elevating roof which will flex slightly every time it is operated, the effect overtime can cause the panel to break and this will not be warrantable. Our panels are fully manufactured in the UK and are designed to be used on commercial roofs that are constantly walked on, and are therefore almost indestructible.

Fitted costs for a 120w panel with Victron Smart Solar Regulator from £726 inc VAT

Fitted costs for a 180w panel with Victron Smart Solar Regulator from £968 inc VAT

Please Note that ribbed roofs and bottom terminals may take longer to fit and this time is chargeable at £70 inc VAT per hour.

For an additional £99 inc VAT we can provide a solar panel with hidden underside terminals.