Custom solar solutions that power your projects forward.

Powering IoT sensors, security cameras, and weather stations in 20+ countries.

From prototype to production — one supplier, one contact.
LinkSolar Flexible Solar Panels

Flexible Solar Panels

Flexible solar panels are frameless modules laminated behind an ETFE front sheet, so they bend to a gentle curve and weigh roughly a fifth of a glass module of the same output. They exist for surfaces where a rigid framed panel will not go: a cambered boat deck, a curved van roof, a fabric bimini, a trailer skin that cannot carry the weight. This collection runs on SunPower back-contact cells, in 50 W, 100 W and 135 W.

Electrical and physical specifications

Figures at STC (1000 W/m², AM1.5, 25 °C). The 50 W is built in two cell layouts, 4×4 and 2×8, at the same output. Blank cells are values not published for that model.

Model Vmp Imp Voc Isc Size Weight Price
50 W ≈9–18 V ≈2.8–5.6 A ≈11–22 V ≈3.0–6.2 A — ≈0.7–0.9 kg $150
100 W 18.05 V 5.72 A 21.63 V 6.17 A 1247 × 418 mm 1.0 kg $300
135 W ≈19–20 V ≈6.7–7.2 A ≈26–30 V ≈7.1–7.6 A 545 × 1180–1374 mm 1.8–2.0 kg $405

All three use an anti-slip UV-resistant ETFE front, MC4 output with extension leads, and a front or rear junction box. Operating range is −20 °C to +65 °C, with salt-mist-resistant encapsulation for marine exposure. A flat embedded wiring option and an aluminium back reinforcement are available for flush installs.

How to choose a flexible panel

  1. Check Voc against your controller, not just wattage. The 135 W runs up to about 30 V open-circuit — above the input window of some small PWM controllers that handle the 100 W without complaint.
  2. Measure the mounting surface in millimetres. The 100 W is 1247 × 418 mm, a long narrow strip; the 135 W is a wider rectangle. On a deck or roof the outline usually decides, not the power.
  3. Match the curve to the panel, not the other way round. These take gentle curves. Folding, creasing or forcing a tight radius cracks cells, and it is the single most common way a flexible panel dies early.
  4. Plan for heat. Bonded flat to a surface with no air gap, a flexible panel runs hotter than a framed panel on standoffs and gives up some output for it. Where you can, leave a ventilation path.
  5. Decide stock or custom early. If the outline, voltage or connector has to change, that is a custom build rather than a modification, and it is cheaper to start there than to retrofit.

Where they get used

Boats and marine: the salt-mist-resistant encapsulation and low weight are the reason flexible panels dominate deck and bimini installs; the sizing method is in our guide to solar panels for a boat.

RVs, vans and trailers: curved roofs and weight limits rule out glass. Bonding avoids roof penetrations, at the cost of the air gap.

Field and industrial enclosures: curved cabinet lids, tank tops and mobile equipment where a framed module cannot be bolted down. If you are weighing this against a framed module, read flexible versus rigid solar panels before ordering.

FAQ

How far can these bend?

Gentle curves only. There is no fold line and no hinge; the specification calls for avoiding sharp folding. Treat it as a stiff sheet that follows a curve, not something that rolls up.

Why are these more expensive than a generic flexible panel?

The cells. These use SunPower back-contact cells rather than standard mono cells, which is a real efficiency difference and the main cost driver. On a fixed-area surface — the reason you chose flexible in the first place — efficiency per square metre is what you are buying.

Can I get a custom size, voltage or connector?

Yes. Outline, voltage, junction box position and cable termination are all specifiable. Samples take 7–14 days from an approved drawing. Start from the custom flexible solar panel page.

Do you supply these in wholesale quantity?

Yes, and volume pricing differs from the listed single-unit prices. The 100 W sourcing guide covers what a wholesale quote should contain.

Have a curved surface and a power budget but no part number yet? Send the surface dimensions, load and voltage, and you get a specification back rather than a catalogue page. Get a custom quote.
View as

Flexible Solar Panels for Curved, Lightweight Surfaces


Flexible solar panels are built for places where glass modules struggle: curved RV roofs, biminis, thin metal skins and drill-sensitive decks. They keep system weight low, follow the shape of your surface, and stay quiet under wind and vibration while your batteries charge.

In this collection you will find ultra-light ETFE laminates based on high-efficiency cells, as well as small flexible modules and cells used in OEM and DIY projects. These products sit between consumer “disposable” panels and full custom engineering—serious enough for long-term marine and RV use, but fast to deploy on individual vans, boats and trailers.

Types of Flexible Solar Modules in This Collection

ETFE Flexible Panels for RVs & Marine Decks


ETFE flexible panels are designed for everyday RV and marine duty where weight and height are critical. Installed on coach roofs, dodgers and hardtops, they follow gentle curves and avoid heavy frames. Typical projects include house loads on cruising yachts and roof arrays on vans similar to those shown in our Marine & Yacht case studies and RV & Campervan builds.

Thin, Low-Voltage Flexible Modules for Smaller Loads


Smaller flexible modules are often used for low-power devices, instrument housings and compact enclosures where you cannot fit a framed panel. They bring a gentle bend radius, light weight and simple mounting, and are well suited to auxiliary loads, trickle charging or experimental projects where you want real-world data before scaling to a full custom design.

Flexible Cells for DIY & OEM Prototyping


Some products in this range are bare or semi-finished cells intended for engineers and advanced DIY users building their own laminates or validating new form factors. They let you prototype voltage, current and layout on a small budget, then move to a production-ready laminate once you are confident in surface, cable routing and shading in the field.

Installation & Mounting Notes


Flexible panels install differently from rigid glass modules. They are usually bonded or attached close to the surface, so heat, expansion and water management need more attention than with a raised rail system. Good planning here makes the difference between a two-year panel and one that runs for many seasons.

  • Surface and curvature: Confirm that your roof or deck curvature is within the panel’s allowed bend radius and that the substrate is clean, dry and structurally sound.
  • Adhesive vs. mechanical fixing: Many users bond panels directly and add a few low-profile fasteners or edge strips for security. On hotter roofs or where airflow is critical, you can combine flexible modules with low-profile hardware from the Solar Panel Bracket collection to introduce a small air gap.
  • Heat and shading: Dark, unventilated roofs run hot. Avoid mounting directly over insulation voids or exhausts, and keep vents, antennas and roof racks from casting regular shadows across the cells.
  • Cable entry and strain relief: Use proper glands, drip loops and strain relief so movement, vibration and water cannot stress the junction box or cable terminations.


For mobile projects such as vans, trailers and expedition rigs, a common pattern is a low-profile roof array for “drive and park” charging plus a small portable kit for shaded camps, as described in our Camping & Overlanding guide. On boats, careful layout around hatches and winches—as shown in the Marine & Yacht examples—helps balance harvest with safe movement on deck.

OEM & Custom Flexible Panel Solutions


If you are designing a product line or repeating the same installation across many vehicles or hulls, a standard kit is often more valuable than a one-off installation. In those cases, the flexible panel becomes part of your own system: shaped to your roof or deck, matched to your controller and wiring, and documented so technicians can install and service it consistently.

LinkSolar’s engineering team can take the lessons from this ready-made flexible range and turn them into a dedicated module for your platform—defining size, voltage, connector layout and mounting approach for your specific surface. To see how that process works in more detail, and when an OEM laminate makes sense over off-the-shelf panels, visit our Custom Flexible Solar Panels page and share a brief on your target power, geometry and environment.

Featured Collection

View all

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do flexible solar panels make the most sense?

Flexible panels are best on curved or weight-sensitive surfaces where framed glass modules are awkward or too heavy: RV and campervan roofs, biminis and hardtops on boats, expedition trailers, thin metal skins and some industrial enclosures. If you have a large, flat, easy-to-drill roof, rigid panels often remain the better choice.

How long do flexible solar panels typically last?

Service life depends heavily on materials, installation and temperature. Panels built with quality encapsulation and ETFE front sheets, mounted on stable surfaces and kept reasonably cool, can run for many seasons. Most premature failures come from heat build-up, poor bonding, wrong bend radius, trapped moisture or cables that move and stress the laminate or junction box over time.

Are flexible solar panels as efficient as rigid panels?

High-end flexible modules using premium cells can reach efficiencies close to many rigid panels of similar class, especially when kept cool and unshaded. However, they usually trade a little efficiency for low weight and flexibility. When roof or deck space is tight, you often gain more by improving placement, tilt and shading than by chasing the last few percent of panel efficiency.

Can I walk on flexible solar panels?

Standard flexible panels are not designed as permanent walking surfaces unless they are specifically rated and installed for that purpose. Light, occasional access may be tolerated on some laminates, but regular foot traffic, hard shoes or dropped gear can damage cells or crack solder joints. Where people must move regularly, keep walkways clear of panels or use dedicated, walkable designs and protective paths.

How much can I bend a flexible panel?

Every flexible laminate has a minimum bend radius. Bending tighter than this can create invisible stress that later shows up as cracks, delamination or hot spots. As a rule, panels should follow gentle curves rather than sharp edges or steps, and the surface underneath should be smooth and well supported. Always follow the product-specific guidance on curvature and mounting.

Do flexible panels need airflow behind them?

Yes, managing heat matters. Bonded panels sit close to the surface, so they tend to run hotter than raised glass modules. Good practice is to avoid the hottest spots on a roof, keep light-colored substrates when possible, and design for at least some lateral airflow. In hot climates, even a small air gap or thermal spacer can improve both output and long-term reliability.

How should I clean and maintain flexible solar panels?

Clean flexible panels with a soft cloth or sponge, water and mild detergent if needed—no abrasive pads, harsh chemicals or high-pressure jets at close range. Periodically check for loose edges, bubbles, discoloration, cable strain and dirt that collects at the leading edge. Catching and correcting small issues early usually prevents larger failures later.

When should I choose flexible panels instead of rigid ones?

Choose flexible panels when weight, curved geometry, low profile or limited mounting options outweigh the advantages of a framed glass module. Typical triggers are height limits on vehicles, gelcoat decks you prefer not to drill, aerodynamic concerns and surfaces broken up by hatches and vents. When you have a strong, flat, open area and no tight clearance limits, rigid panels with brackets will often be more economical.

Chat on WhatsApp