So Vic, did you ever find out what the actual percentage of disparity in output between "same" quality flexi versus std. panel? I didn't have the energy to read that whole 20 pg post...
LOL. I don't blame you. Its a slog! The flexi panels have been held in reserve for a whole year. Never needed them in 42 days of camping. They are NOT as efficient as the hard/heavy panels. Design tech is all going into big commerical solar panels. These 12 v flexi panels are mostly for the sailing crowd.
I can still lift my 265 panel, even now that I leave my bed pull out extended and have to push the roof up from essentially the center of the roof. Much more difficult! If I had to do it again, I would do the same, but use the biggest highest wattage panel (I think this is 350W today) I could and not bother with the flexi/portable setup. But then I don't often park in the shade or worry about shade and need my portables. If I do, I drive to the next location and my 2g wires from the alternator charge the batteries at 80A.... 2 hours and I'm good.
Sooooo, much depends on how you camp, where you camp, and what your expectations are.