Nigel Calder has old info.
Today, the efficiency ratings for average monocrystalline or polycrystalline
panels hovers between 14 and 17 percent. Thin film
solar panels, on the other hand, typically offer an efficiency of between 11 and 13 percent. 2018 specs.Not much difference really.
You have a lot more options for mounting flexible
panels, and breaking the glass on monocrystalline panels is sure to happen with
hardware flinging around as it can do in a blow.
Being a small difference in efficiency makes the flex panels more Valueable and are easier to re orient to optimum positions than much heavier and framed panels.
Flex panels, are less expensive as well, can be slipped out of sight on the
dock where theft can be a problem, or vandalism, it happens! And have a lot less weight for
shipping (so important in places where you cannot get things easily)and usually can be stacked for more
power by connecting cable ends together, not hard
wiring.
They are better
power producers in Low Light conditions.
I love the fact that they can be pull out as needed for power, connected together, then packed away when not needed, thus freeing up space for doing other things.
Just my two cents worth.
SV Cloud Duster