What Are Foldable Solar Panels? A Complete Guide on Their Working, Types, Cost, Pros, and Cons

Foldable solar panels, also known as portable solar panels or retractable solar panels, are made of flexible materials and are lightweight and easy to carry. They’re designed for outdoor purposes and can be used for on-the-go charging while you’re hiking or camping in remote locations. You can easily fold these solar panels and slip them in your backpack, and also mount them on top of your RVs. 

They use the same photovoltaic effect to generate electricity that fixed solar panels use, but they’re made of flexible materials that allow them to fold into compact, briefcase-like units. 

Once the foldable solar panels produce DC electricity, the generated DC can be used to charge appliances like phones or laptops. If your foldable panel has built-in USB ports, it already regulates the voltage. You can plug in phones, tablets, headlamps, and similar gadgets without a separate charge controller. However, if the panel doesn’t have USB ports or you’re using the panel to charge batteries, you will need a solar panel charge controller.

Despite their numerous benefits, foldable solar panels can’t be used as a replacement for fixed silicon solar panels on your home’s rooftop. Fixed solar panels are most recommended and widely used when installing rooftop solar panel systems for homes and housing societies because they’re a lot more rugged than retractable solar panels. They last for 25+ years, unlike folding solar panels that have a lifespan of just 5-10 years.

In this blog, we will explain how retractable solar panels work, whether or not they can power your entire house, their advantages, disadvantages, and prices. We will also explain the key differences between foldable solar panels and fixed solar panels, explaining why fixed silicon modules are preferred for installing rooftop solar for housing societies, homes, and commercial complexes. 

TL;DR Summary Box: Are Foldable Solar Panels Worth It?

Foldable solar panels are particularly worthwhile when you require on-the-go charging while camping or hiking. They’re also valuable for RV travel, emergency backup power, and off-grid applications where traditional on-grid solar installations are impractical. 

The most important features that make them an excellent emergency power backup option during off-grid applications are that they’re constructed with lightweight materials and have a folding mechanism that allows them to be stored even in limited space.

However, portable solar panels are not built to be as rugged and weatherproof as rooftop solar installations because, unlike rooftop solar, they don’t have to withstand harsh weather conditions for 25+ years. Hence, folding solar panels are unworthy if you are planning to use them as rooftop on-grid solar systems at homes. 

Their worth depends on what you’re planning to use them for. 

• They’re extremely worthy to be used to charge phones and laptops while you’re camping. They can even power lights and fans while you’re travelling in an RV. 
• They’re not practical for building residential or commercial rooftop solar systems.

Here are the main topics covered in this blog in detail:

*Please note: The above-mentioned foldable solar panel price range for mono-PERC modules in India is indicative and not fixed. The final foldable solar panel price depends on the brand, cell technology used, market demand of the module, GST inclusion, offers by the manufacturer, import duties, etc. Prices are subject to change. SolarSquare does not endorse, sell, or manufacture foldable solar panels. We only install on-grid rooftop solar systems for housing societies, homes, commercial complexes, and industries using higher-wattage rigid solar panels.

What Are Foldable Solar Panels?

Foldable solar panels are portable modules that use hinged designs and flexible materials that allow them to close like a briefcase. They use the same photovoltaic effect that fixed solar panels use to generate electricity. The DC power generated can then be used to charge devices like phones and laptops. 

Since these panels are very lightweight, they can be easily mounted on top of RVs, and the DC power generated can be used to keep the lights and fans running. They’re great for charging phones, laptops, and small appliances. However, they can’t be used to power an entire home.

Let’s check out all the core components/layers of flexible solar panels:

• Photovoltaic cells: These are usually mono-PERC or thin-film solar cells that convert sunlight into DC electricity.
• Flexible backing: These are ETFE or PET plastic layers that protect the cells without the heavy glass and frames used in rigid panels. ETFE generally lasts longer outdoors.
• Hinged frame system: These are aluminium or composite frames with hinges that allow folding the panels wherever needed.
• Integrated wiring: These include weather-resistant cables and connectors that are specially designed to withstand folding stress. Most retractable solar panels also include regulated USB ports for direct phone charging.
• Kickstand support: These are the adjustable legs or stands that are used for optimal sun angle positioning so the panel can absorb maximum sunlight.

How Do Retractable Solar Panels Work?

Retractable solar panels use the photovoltaic effect to convert sunlight into DC power. Solar panels have solar cells that capture photons present in the sunlight to knock electrons loose. The flow of electrons is direct current. 

Let’s understand how folding solar panels work in simple steps:

• Step 1 – Solar cells capture photons: The solar cells in foldable solar panels absorb photons, which are energy packets present in sunlight.
• Step 2 – Photons excite electrons present in the solar cells: Photons transfer their energy to electrons present in the solar cells. Excited electrons leave their place empty. This empty place is known as a hole, and it’s positively charged.
• Step 3 – The built-in electric field keeps electrons and holes separated: The electric field at the cell’s p-n junction pushes electrons and holes in opposite directions.
• Step 4 – Electrons flow in one direction: The unidirectional flow of electrons is direct current.
• Step 5 – The direct current is used to charge the devices: The DC power can be used to charge your devices.  
• Step 6 – The DC power can be used to charge the lithium batteries (optional): If you require power after sunset, you can charge a lithium battery through an MPPT solar charge controller, and use the stored power at night or whenever you need.

Do You Need a Battery With Folding Solar Panels?

A lithium battery is not a mandatory requirement, without which foldable solar panels won’t work. Folding panels will still work without the batteries as long as sunlight is available. However, after sunset, these panels will not be able to power your devices. 

Since portable solar panels are designed for outdoor activities, it’s always a good idea to buy a portable rechargeable lithium battery to store solar energy, which you can use at night to keep important gadgets like phones and flashlights charged. Stored solar energy can also be used to power lights and fans in RVs after sunset. 

What Are the Different Types of Foldable Solar Panels?

The two most common types of foldable solar panels used nowadays are thin-film solar panels and monocrystalline solar panels with PERC cells. Polycrystalline solar panels were also used earlier. However, polycrystalline panels are almost obsolete now. The most efficient folding solar panels are the monocrystalline panels made of PERC cells. 

• Thin-film foldable solar panels: These panels are made by depositing solar material like CIGS or amorphous silicon on a flexible sheet. They are very light and bend easily. Hence, you can drape them over tents or backpacks, and they work better in heat and mild shade. Their efficiency ranges between 11% and 12%.
• Monocrystalline folding solar panels with PERC cells: These solar panels use monocrystalline silicon cells with a PERC layer that helps capture more light. They can be up to 22.5% efficient. They fold for travel, but you should not bend them sharply because the cells can crack.

Here’s a table comparing both types of foldable solar panels:

Can You Power a House With Portable Solar Panels?

While portable solar panels can power small devices like bulbs and fans in RVs, they can’t power an entire household. Since most of them come in lower wattages, they are not even practical to build a kW-scale solar system, which is typically what’s needed to meet the energy requirements of a house.

Let’s take the example of the number of solar panels required to build kilowatt-scale solar systems using high-wattage 540Wp rigid bifacial solar panels and 200Wp flexible solar panels. We’ve used this simple formula: number of solar panels = solar system’s capacity in watts ÷ module’s capacity. 

As is clear from the table above, you will require many more foldable panels to build a kW-scale solar system than what you’ll need if you use high-wattage rigid solar panels. Moreover, foldable panels last for 5-10 years only and are not built to withstand constant rain and storms. On the other hand, fixed high-efficiency solar panels last for 25+ years and work well whether it’s raining or snowing. 

What is the Foldable Solar Panel Price in India in 2025?

The cost of mono-PERC foldable solar panels from premium manufacturers can range from ~Rs. 5,000* for an 84Wp module to ~Rs. 26,000* for a 500Wp module. These rates are, however, just indicative. They can vary significantly based on product quality and brand.

*Please note: The above-mentioned foldable solar panel price range for mono-PERC modules in India is indicative and not fixed. The final foldable solar panel price depends on the brand, cell technology used, market demand of the module, GST inclusion, offers by the manufacturer, import duties, etc. Prices are subject to change. SolarSquare does not endorse, sell, or manufacture foldable solar panels. We only install on-grid rooftop solar systems for housing societies, homes, commercial complexes, and industries using higher-wattage rigid solar panels.

What Are the Benefits of Foldable Solar Panels?

Foldable solar panels are portable and super lightweight. Hence, it’s very easy to carry them while traveling to remote locations where the grid supply is not available. Also, they can be easily folded, which makes it even easier to carry them while you’re hiking or camping. 

Let’s check out all the advantages that make retractable solar panels excellent power backup options in off-grid remote locations:

• They are extremely portable: These panels are incredibly lightweight and fold into a compact shape. Therefore, you can slip them into a backpack or store them in a car or RV.
• They are easy to set up: You just unfold the panel, point it at the sun using the kickstand, plug it into a charge controller or power station, and it starts making solar electricity right away.
• No installation costs: Because they’re portable, you don’t need permits or an installer to fit them. It eliminates installation cost entirely. 
• Versatile placement: You can keep them on the ground, set them on their kickstand, or tie them to a tent or roof rack. 
• Emergency readiness: As long as there is sunlight, these panels provide instant backup power during outages or after storms.
• Off-grid freedom: You can use them to generate power in remote locations without a grid. 
• Quiet operation and no fumes: Unlike fuel generators, foldable solar panels run silently and don’t produce exhaust.
• Easy battery charging: They work well with a solar charge controller or a portable power station. Thus, you can store solar energy in rechargeable lithium batteries for use after sunset.

What Are the Disadvantages of Flexible Solar Panels?

Although they have an obvious weight advantage against rigid solar panels as they are extremely lightweight, and can be carried and folded easily, folding solar panels aren’t built to last for 25+ years on rooftops. Their biggest disadvantage is that they are not meant for permanent installations on rooftops.

Let’s check out all the major disadvantages of retractable solar panels:

• Not meant for permanent installation on rooftops: Most folding solar panels are made for temporary outdoor use. They don’t have the glass, frames, and long warranties that rooftop panels do. Hence, they won’t last decades on a roof when exposed to storms and intense temperatures.
• Limited weather resistance: Foldable solar panels are not 100% weatherproof and require protection during storms. You should bring them in during heavy rain, high winds, or storms, and keep the charge controller and ports dry.
• They have a shorter lifespan: Unlike rigid solar panels that last for 25+ years, foldable solar panels usually last for 5-10 years. 
• Manual positioning is frequently required: Since professionals install rooftop solar panels, they are installed at a specific tilt and orientation, which naturally ensures they receive maximum sunlight during peak hours. However, with foldable solar panels, you will have to manually adjust their angle all day long for optimal electricity generation.
• Easier to damage or lose: Their soft surface can scuff, and the cells can crack if bent sharply. Portable solar panels left outside can also be stolen.

Folding Solar Panels vs Fixed Silicon Solar Panels: Which is Better For Homes, and Why?

While both use the photovoltaic effect to generate DC power, which is used to charge devices, folding solar panels and fixed silicon panels serve entirely different purposes. Foldable solar panels are used for on-the-go charging, and they provide emergency power backup to charge appliances in remote and off-grid locations. On the other hand, rigid rooftop solar panels can power an entire household. 

On-grid rooftop solar panel systems are the obvious choice for homes because they are built to last despite harsh weather conditions for 25+ years, can withstand extreme winds, rain, and heat, and produce enough power to run the entire household. 

Here’s why installing on-grid rooftop solar systems is better than using folding solar panels for homes:

• They reduce reliance on grid electricity: Since they generate enough electricity to power the entire household reliably, electricity bills are reduced by 90% or more. Foldable solar panels can only power a few appliances and devices, like lights and fans, in an RV. They cannot power an entire home.
• They last for 25+ years: High-quality rigid solar panels from reputable solar panel manufacturers are built to last for 25+ years despite rain, heat, winds, hail, and storms. Foldable solar panels, on the other hand, have to be moved inside when the weather gets harsh, as they are not built to handle heavy storms and rain. They are weather-resistant but not weatherproof. 

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of both types:

Cost of Installing On-Grid Rooftop Solar Systems With Rigid Panels vs ROI

You can use SolarSquare’s free solar power estimator calculator to check the cost of installing an on-grid rooftop solar system in your city vs the solar savings the system will offer in 25 years. 

For a clear demonstration, we’ve also created this table comparing the estimated cost of installing a 4 kW solar system in India with the solar savings that the system will offer in 25 years:

*Please note: The above-mentioned 4 kW solar panel price in India with subsidy is indicative as of 18th September 2025 for the SolarSquare Blue 6ft variant. The actual 4 kW solar plate price depends on your DISCOM charges, city, product variant opted for, panel type, inverter type, mounting structure height, type of after-sales service, savings guarantee, roof height, etc. Prices are subject to change. Additionally, when calculating savings, we have considered an annual tariff escalation of 3% and an annual degradation of 1%. The actual final savings from for a 4 kW solar panel system depends on the types of solar panels you’ve installed and their efficiency, intensity of sunlight your rooftop receives, orientation of the panels and tilt angle, the pollution level and weather conditions in your city, the temperature, shadow on the roof, impact of dirt/dust, and how well you maintain your panels after installation.

Conclusion 

Foldable solar panels are extremely worthwhile when you require on-the-go charging while hiking or camping in remote locations with no grid supply. These are flexible and extremely lightweight modules, which makes folding them and carrying them very easy. 

However, they’re not designed to be installed on rooftops to power an entire household. For that, you require high-wattage and high-efficiency rooftop solar panels that last for 25+ years. If you have any questions about installing solar at your home, book a free consultation with SolarSquare now.

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FAQs

Q1. What is the lifespan of a folding solar panel?

Ans. Folding solar panels can last between 5-10 years, depending on the panel quality and how well you clean and maintain them.

Q2. Can foldable solar panels get wet?

Ans. Foldable solar panels are water-resistant, but they’re not waterproof. Hence, they can get wet. They can handle light rain but should be protected during heavy storms or prolonged wet conditions. Always check the manufacturer's IP rating and follow their guidelines for wet-weather use and storage.

Q3. Do portable solar panels need a charge controller?

Ans. Portable solar panels absolutely require a charge controller when connected to batteries to prevent overcharging, voltage spikes, and battery damage. The charge controller regulates the voltage and current flowing from the panel to the battery, ensuring safe and efficient charging while protecting both the battery and connected devices from electrical damage.