Foldable flexible solar panel
By incorporating an encapsulation, support plate, double-sided Velcro, and magnetic attraction design into the foldable solar panel, the problem of fatigue damage to the connecting components is solved, achieving component protection and stable power transmission during frequent folding and unfolding.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520117942.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing foldable solar panels are prone to fatigue damage to their connecting components during frequent folding and unfolding operations.
The design employs an encapsulation body, support plate, double-sided Velcro, raised and recessed structure, and magnetic attraction to restrict the position of the power generation unit, adjust the angle, maintain good contact, conduct power, and solve the problem of fatigue damage to the connection components.
It effectively protects the connecting components, ensuring that the power generation unit is not damaged during folding and unfolding, thereby improving the lifespan of the solar panel and the power transmission efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN223843734U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of solar energy equipment technology, and in particular to a foldable flexible solar panel. Background Technology
[0002] Foldable solar panels are photovoltaic systems that can be easily unfolded or folded up, allowing users to adjust their unfolded area to suit different usage environments. These panels connect individual panel units using hinge mechanisms or flexible and conductive connecting components, ensuring they can be tightly folded together when not in use, making them convenient to carry and saving space. However, frequent folding and unfolding operations may cause fatigue damage to the connecting components.
[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a foldable flexible solar panel that can adapt to frequent folding and unfolding operations. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the problem of fatigue damage to connecting components caused by frequent folding and unfolding of existing foldable solar panels.
[0005] This utility model provides a foldable flexible solar panel, comprising: an encapsulation body and a power generation unit. The power generation unit is fixed to one side of the encapsulation body, and a support plate is provided on the other side of the encapsulation body. Handles are provided at both ends of the encapsulation body, and double-sided Velcro is provided on the handles. At least two power generation units are provided. Each power generation unit includes a transparent protective layer, a photovoltaic material, a conductive layer, and an insulating layer arranged from top to bottom. Metal contacts are provided on both sides of the power generation unit, and the metal contacts are connected to the conductive layer. A groove is provided on one side of the power generation unit, and a protrusion is provided on the other side of the power generation unit. The groove and the protrusion are matched with each other and are each provided with a magnet. A second flexible fabric is provided between adjacent power generation units.
[0006] Preferably, the encapsulation body includes a back plate and a first flexible fabric. The back plate is used to support the power generation unit and is located on the back of the power generation unit. A support plate is fixedly connected to the side of the back plate away from the power generation unit. Handles are provided at both ends of the back plate. The first flexible fabric is located on the front of the power generation unit and the power generation unit is fixed to the back plate by sewing or gluing.
[0007] Preferably, the transparent protective layer is made of one of ETFE, PET or PVDF.
[0008] Preferably, the photovoltaic material is made of either monocrystalline silicon or copper indium gallium selenide.
[0009] Preferably, the conductive layer is a conductive metal film or a metal mesh, and the metal contact is a copper alloy contact.
[0010] Preferably, the insulation layer is made of one of PVDF, PI or PVC.
[0011] Preferably, the back panel is made of one of PET, PC, aluminum alloy or fiberglass board.
[0012] Preferably, the width of the second flexible fabric is between 6 mm and 16 mm.
[0013] Preferably, both sides of the second flexible fabric are covered with TPU film.
[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are reflected in the following aspects: by setting up an encapsulation body and a second flexible cloth, the relative position of the power generation unit on the encapsulation is restricted; by setting up a support plate, the angle of the power generation unit is adjusted, so that the area of the power generation unit in contact with the sun is larger; in the folded state, double-sided Velcro wraps the handle together, making it easy for users to carry the foldable flexible solar panel; protrusions are engaged with grooves to connect adjacent power generation units; and the mutual attraction of magnets makes the metal contacts on adjacent power generation units stick together, maintaining a good contact state and playing a role in conducting power. This solves the problem of fatigue damage to the connecting components caused by frequent folding and unfolding of existing foldable solar panels. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a foldable flexible solar panel provided by this utility model.
[0016] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the power generation unit provided by this utility model.
[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the power generation unit provided by this utility model.
[0018] In the figure: 1-Encapsulation body; 11-Support plate; 12-Handle; 13-Double-sided Velcro; 14-Back plate; 15-First flexible fabric; 2-Power generation unit; 21-Transparent protective layer; 22-Photovoltaic material; 23-Conductive layer; 24-Insulating layer; 25-Metal contact piece; 26-Groove; 27-Protrusion; 3-Second flexible fabric. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0020] In the description of embodiments of this utility model, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.
[0021] Reference Figures 1-3 A foldable flexible solar panel includes: an encapsulation body 1 and a power generation unit 2. The power generation unit 2 is fixed to one side of the encapsulation body 1, and a support plate 11 is provided on the other side of the encapsulation body 1. Handles 12 are provided at both ends of the encapsulation body 1, and double-sided Velcro 13 is provided on the handles 12. At least two power generation units 2 are provided. The power generation unit 2 includes a transparent protective layer 21, a photovoltaic material 22, a conductive layer 23, and an insulating layer 24 arranged from top to bottom. Metal contacts 25 are provided on both sides of the power generation unit 2. The metal contacts 25 are connected to the conductive layer 23. A groove 26 is provided on one side of the power generation unit 2, and a protrusion 27 is provided on the other side of the power generation unit 2. The groove 26 and the protrusion 27 are matched with each other and are both provided with magnets. A second flexible fabric 3 is provided between adjacent power generation units 2.
[0022] By setting up the encapsulation body 1 and the second flexible fabric 3, the relative position of the power generation unit 2 on the encapsulation is restricted; by setting up the support plate 11, the angle of the power generation unit 2 is adjusted, so that the area of the power generation unit 2 in contact with the sun is larger; in the folded state, the double-sided Velcro 13 wraps the handle 12 together, making it easy for users to carry the foldable flexible solar panel; the protrusion 27 is engaged with the groove 26 to connect adjacent power generation units 2; through the mutual attraction of magnets, the metal contacts 25 on adjacent power generation units 2 are made to stick together, maintaining a good contact state and playing a role in conducting power. This solves the problem of fatigue damage to the connecting components caused by frequent folding and unfolding of existing foldable solar panels.
[0023] In some embodiments, the package 1 includes a back plate 14 and a first flexible cloth 15. The back plate 14 is used to support the power generation unit 2 and is located on the back of the power generation unit 2. A support plate 11 is fixedly connected to the back plate 14 on the side away from the power generation unit 2. Handles 12 are provided at both ends of the back plate 14. The first flexible cloth 15 is located on the front of the power generation unit 2 and is fixed to the back plate 14 by sewing or gluing.
[0024] Reference Figure 1 The backplate 14 has multiple distributed components, each corresponding to one power generation unit 2. The backplate 14 provides robust support for each power generation unit 2, preventing deformation or damage due to external impact or improper operation. The first flexible fabric 15 ensures that the power generation unit 2 is securely mounted on the backplate 14 without affecting the electrical connection between the power generation units 2.
[0025] In some embodiments, the transparent protective layer 21 is made of one of ETFE, PET or PVDF.
[0026] ETFE, PET, and PVDF all possess excellent light transmittance, ensuring that solar panels receive sufficient sunlight and thus improving photovoltaic conversion efficiency. Furthermore, ETFE, PET, and PVDF can all resist the effects of ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes, and other environmental factors to a certain extent, guaranteeing stable performance during long-term outdoor use. Because PET raw materials are relatively inexpensive and have mature processing technologies such as injection molding and thermoforming, the transformation from design to finished product can be quickly achieved, reducing production cycles and costs, making PET the preferred choice for mass production.
[0027] In some embodiments, the photovoltaic material 22 is made of either monocrystalline silicon or copper indium gallium selenide.
[0028] Both monocrystalline silicon and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) possess high photoelectric conversion efficiency, effectively converting received sunlight into electrical energy. Furthermore, both monocrystalline silicon and CIGS maintain relatively stable performance over long-term use, reducing efficiency degradation caused by aging.
[0029] In some embodiments, the conductive layer 23 is a conductive metal film or a metal mesh, and the metal contact 25 is a copper alloy contact.
[0030] Conductive metal films, metal meshes, and copper alloys all possess high conductivity, enabling efficient current transmission and reducing resistance losses. The thin and uniform thickness of the conductive metal film helps reduce the overall weight of foldable flexible solar panels. Advanced vacuum coating technology allows for precise control of the conductive metal film's thickness, ensuring consistent electrical performance. Phosphor bronze is a preferred copper alloy, as it is easy to form and can be precisely processed through stamping, bending, and other techniques to meet various shape and size requirements.
[0031] In some embodiments, the insulating layer 24 is made of one of PVDF, PI or PVC.
[0032] PVDF, PI, and PVC all possess excellent electrical insulation properties, effectively preventing current leakage and ensuring the safe operation of solar panels. PVDF, PI, and PVC also have sufficient mechanical strength to withstand stresses that may occur during installation and use, ensuring structural integrity.
[0033] In some embodiments, the back panel 14 is made of one of PET, PC, aluminum alloy or fiberglass board.
[0034] PET, PC, aluminum alloy, and fiberglass board all possess sufficient mechanical strength to provide the necessary support for power generation unit 2. Among them, fiberglass board has excellent electrical insulation properties, ensuring the safe outdoor use of the foldable flexible solar panel.
[0035] In some embodiments, the width of the second flexible fabric 3 is between 6 mm and 16 mm.
[0036] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 In the figure, A represents the width of the second flexible fabric 3. The appropriate width of the second flexible fabric 3 can meet the folding requirements of the foldable flexible solar panel and reduce the space occupied by the foldable flexible solar panel in the folded state. On the other hand, it can prevent the width of the second flexible fabric 3 from being too large, which would affect the connection between the groove 26 and the protrusion 27.
[0037] Preferably, both sides of the second flexible fabric 3 are covered with TPU film.
[0038] By covering it with a TPU film, the tear resistance and abrasion resistance of the second flexible fabric 3 are improved, which also serves to waterproof and dustproof the metal contact 25 and ensure safe and efficient power transmission.
[0039] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0040] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be understood that "-" and "~" represent a range of two values, and this range includes the endpoints. For example, "AB" represents a range greater than or equal to A and less than or equal to B. "A~B" represents a range greater than or equal to A and less than or equal to B.
[0041] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A foldable flexible solar panel, characterized in that: include: The package includes a package body and a power generation unit. The power generation unit is fixed to one side of the package body, and a support plate is provided on the other side of the package body. The package body has handles at both ends, and the handles are equipped with double-sided Velcro. There are at least two power generation units. Each power generation unit includes a transparent protective layer, a photovoltaic material and a conductive layer, and an insulating layer arranged from top to bottom. Both sides of the power generation unit are provided with metal contacts, which are connected to the conductive layer. One side of the power generation unit is provided with a groove, and the other side of the power generation unit is provided with a protrusion. The groove and the protrusion are matched with each other and are both provided with magnets. A second flexible cloth is provided between adjacent power generation units.
2. The foldable flexible solar panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The encapsulation body includes a back plate and a first flexible fabric. The back plate is used to support the power generation unit and is located on the back of the power generation unit. A support plate is fixedly connected to the back plate on the side away from the power generation unit. Handles are located at both ends of the back plate. The first flexible fabric is located on the front of the power generation unit and the power generation unit is fixed to the back plate by sewing or gluing.
3. A foldable flexible solar panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transparent protective layer is made of one of ETFE, PET or PVDF.
4. A foldable flexible solar panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photovoltaic material is made from either monocrystalline silicon or copper indium gallium selenide.
5. A foldable flexible solar panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive layer is a conductive metal film or a metal mesh, and the metal contact is a copper alloy contact.
6. A foldable flexible solar panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The width of the second flexible fabric is between 6mm and 16mm.
7. A foldable flexible solar panel according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that: Both sides of the second flexible fabric are covered with TPU film.