Kingsolar can you tell if it is ETFE?

[FrugalNomad]

Is it possible to know if flexible panels are ETFE based on the texture, or do some companies use PET with the dimples associated with ETFE?

Attached are some pictures of Kingsolar 50W panels, poorly described as ETFE on Amazon, but the spec sheet (8.5x11 photocopy) that came with them says PET EVA CELL EVA TPT. I sent a question to the Chinese company through Amazon with no response.

Size for my application is perfect, close second are the Sunpower brand PET. The Kingsolar Supposedly use (I’m guessing lower grade) Sunpower cells, and they look really nice, I still need to test.

My thought process is with consensus that flexible panels only last about a year, wouldn’t it be better to spend 33% less and plan on them not lasting? And wouldn’t cheap ETFE last at least a little longer than quality PET?

Cheers,

FrugalNomad

 

[HRTKD]

I would want my panels to last longer. There are some flexible panels out there with more "normal" warranties.

 

[FrugalNomad]

These panels were not consistent build quality after thoroughly inspecting all four. I couldn’t get out of my mind how much longer glass panels would last compared to flexible. Kingsolar never responded to email. I decided against permanent mounting anyway, so I returned them and ordered 2 Newpowa 50W Monocrystaline panels (size/weight/price being the deciding factors). Will use these in series with MPPT, and attempt a DIY suitcase build.