Is a 200 W flexible panel enough for serious off-grid use?

[auston]

When converting a van or setting up a boat roof, rigid panels often don’t fit the curve or add too much weight. I stumbled across models labelled “flexible” and wondered whether the performance holds up in real conditions. My main worries: will it charge a fridge and lights reliably, and how does it fare in cloudy or shaded moments? Has anyone used a panel like this long-term and seen real benefits?

[auston]

In my own setup I mounted a 200w flexible solar panel midway through the conversion phase, and it’s been one of the more practical upgrades so far. Because it bends slightly and weighs far less than rigid alternatives, fitting it onto a slightly curved roof section was effortless. On sunny days it replenishes the battery bank enough to run lights, fans and even the fridge while driving and after parking—provided I keep shading minimal and batteries well sized.