Flexible solar panels

Mick and I have talked about solar panels before and I wrote something about it at that time.  The Waterways World magazine we received a couple of weeks ago had an article about installing flexible solar panels on the the roof of a narrowboat.  We read it with interest but it raised an interesting question.

The article said the panels are glued to the roof of the boat.  What happens to moisture between the solar panel and the roof?  Wouldn't it cause rust?  I think I better investigate!

Solar power on a narrowboat

Having discussed solar power for our hot water at home, we got talking about solar panels on the roof of a narrowboat.

We've seen a few with a framed panel but I really like the idea of the flexible panels that are stuck down to the roof of the boat.  They are much less obtrusive and less likely to get broken, but they do appear have a shorter life span.  There is another compromise with the flexible panels and that is being unable to angle them to the sun.

This website includes prices for flexible panels :
http://www.wirefreedirect.com/solara_solar_panels_for_boats.asp#M%20Series

I also came across this company that uses solar energy to deal with damp issues.  The cost for one of these dehumidifier units on a narrowboat is around £350.  They are a great idea for boats being left over Winter.

http://www.solarventi.co.uk/index.pl?section=10

Dehumidifier unit solar panel

For further information I've found about all types of solar energy on narrowboats :
http://www.canalcuttings.co.uk/Narrowboat-Solar-Energy-Pannels-Power-Modules.html
http://www.midsummerenergy.co.uk/solar-panel-information/Guides/Narrowboats
http://shop.freesolarenergy.co.uk/index.php?p=page&page_id=Solar_Panel_Narrowboats
http://www.wirefreedirect.com/solar-panels-for-narrowboats.asp
http://www.solarboat.co.uk/