Flexible solar panels are the right choice when your surface is curved, lightweight or drill-sensitive.
At LinkSolar, we design and manufacture custom flexible solar modules that match your exact footprint, voltage, connector layout and mounting method—so your system looks clean, performs reliably and installs with minimal hardware.
Whether you are building marine systems, RV and camper roofs, expedition trailers or special equipment, our OEM / ODM team turns your drawings into production-ready flexible panels.
Why Choose Flexible Solar
Standard rigid modules are built for flat, open roofs. Many real projects are not:
- Roofs are arched or ribbed on vans, RVs and trailers
- Gelcoat decks on boats are sensitive to holes and heavy frames
- Weight is critical for mobile and off-road platforms
- Space is broken up by hatches, vents and antenna mounts
Custom flexible panels help you:
- Follow the curve of your surface and reduce wind noise
- Keep weight and profile low for better aerodynamics
- Use adhesive or low-profile mounts instead of large brackets
- Fill odd-shaped or narrow spaces with usable solar area
Built for Curved, Lightweight Surfaces
Our custom flexible modules are engineered to work where framed modules are difficult or risky:
- Curved roofs – campervans, buses, coach roofs, expedition trucks
- Marine decks – yachts, sailing boats, catamarans and workboats
- Thin roofs and skins – lightweight trailers and specialty enclosures
- Removable or temporary installations – demo units, rental fleets, show vehicles
We work from your photos and CAD drawings to define safe bend radius, mounting zones and cable routing before any tooling is cut.
Materials & Construction Options
Every environment is different. You can specify materials that match your durability and cost targets:
- ETFE front sheet
High UV resistance and anti-soiling surface
Recommended for marine and long-term outdoor use - PET front sheet
Cost-effective choice for lighter duty or intermittent outdoor use
Suitable for shaded or partially protected areas - Thin-glass or hybrid laminates (optional)
Extra scratch resistance with controlled weight
Use when foot traffic or abrasion is expected - Backsheet and encapsulation
White or black backsheet options
Encapsulation tuned for adhesion, flexibility and operating temperature - Junction box & cabling
Low-profile junction boxes with sealed entries
UV-resistant cables, strain relief and waterproof connectors
All modules are built under controlled processes with IV testing and visual inspection before shipment.
What You Can Customize
We treat each flexible module as part of your system, not a generic commodity. Key parameters you can define include:
- Size & shape
Panel length and width to the millimetre
Rectangular, tapered or contour-matched outlines - Electrical performance
Target voltage (e.g. 12 V, 24 V, 36 V or custom Vmp)
Power rating (from tens to hundreds of watts)
String layout and bypass diode strategy to handle partial shade - Cable & connector configuration
MC4, SAE, Anderson or custom connectors
Cable gauge and length to match your system layout
Exit location (front, rear, side) and orientation - Mounting approach
Adhesive-ready backsheets
Grommet holes or low-profile mounting strips
Edge design to interface with your chosen hardware - Branding & identification
Your logo on the laminate or label
Custom part numbers and serialisation for traceability
Packaging and documentation with your brand name
Solar Cell Choices
The power output of your custom panel is primarily determined by the total active solar cell area and the efficiency of the cells used. We work with various high-performance cell technologies, including:
- Standard Monocrystalline Solar Cells: A reliable and cost-effective option offering excellent performance.
- High-Efficiency Back-Contact Cells (e.g., SunPower): Offering premium efficiency (more power per unit area), superior performance in partial shading, enhanced durability due to robust copper backing, and a sleek, uniform appearance. Ideal for space-constrained applications.
| Cell | Type | Dimensions (mm) | Power (Watts) | Efficiency (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
n-type, monocrystalline, Back-Contact | 125 x 125 | 3.72 | 24% | |
n-type, monocrystalline, Back-Contact | 166 x 166 | 6.71 | 24.5% |
We precisely cut these cells into custom shapes and sizes using laser technology and assemble them to maximize the power output within your available surface area.
Tips: We also sell cut solar cells, and customers can purchase them as needed.
Optimizing for Lower Voltage: Where feasible for your circuit design, we often recommend specifying the lowest operational voltage possible. Benefits include:
- Higher Current: For the same panel area, a lower voltage panel delivers higher current. If your circuit doesn't need the extra voltage, opting for lower voltage/higher current can result in more usable power.
- Improved Area Efficiency: Fewer cell connections mean less "dead space" lost to inter-cell gaps, maximizing the active power-generating area.
- Better Shade Tolerance: Higher voltage panels with more, smaller cell pieces can be more susceptible to power loss from partial shading or soiling.
- Potential Cost Savings: Fewer pieces and connections can sometimes translate to slightly lower manufacturing complexity and cost.
Typical Specification Examples
These examples show how a custom flexible panel might be configured. Your project will be sized to your own constraints.
| Model example | Size (mm) | Nominal system | Rated power | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
FLX-50-12 | 600 × 300 | 12 V | 50 W | Compact trailer/teardrop roofs; adhesive mount |
FLX-100-24 | 1200 × 500 | 24 V | 100 W | Class-B van curved roof; low wind noise |
FLX-150-24-RIB | 1800 × 450 (rib-fit) | 24 V | 150 W | Yacht/bus roof; shaped to avoid hatches/vents |
* These are guidance only. Final specs are set from your footprint, sun conditions and load plan.
Installation & Mounting Guidance
A successful flexible installation is more than “stick it down and forget it”. When you plan your design, consider:
- Bend radius
Each laminate has a minimum bend radius; provide roof curvature data so we can design a safe stack-up. - Surface preparation
Surfaces should be clean, dry and compatible with the adhesive or tape system you plan to use.
We can recommend suitable adhesive types based on your substrate. - Thermal expansion
Allow for expansion and contraction across the panel length and width.
Avoid trapping edges rigidly on all sides to reduce peel stresses. - Cable routing & protection
Use waterproof cable glands and drip loops for roof entries.
Provide mechanical protection where cables pass near sharp edges or moving parts. - Inspection & maintenance
Design access so panels can be visually inspected over time.
Consider how panels could be removed or replaced if required in the future.
This planning up front increases service life and reduces field issues.
Applications & Use Cases
Our OEM/ODM Workflow
- Project brief
Share your drawings, photos, target power, system voltage, connector preferences, estimated volumes and any certifications required. - Engineering proposal
Our team reviews your surfaces and loads, then proposes one or more panel configurations with outline drawings and key electrical parameters. - Prototyping & validation
We build samples so you can verify fit, performance and installation method in real conditions before committing to full production. - Production & quality control
Approved designs move into production with EL imaging, IV curve testing and visual checks to ensure consistent quality. - Logistics & ongoing support
We package and ship to your chosen destination and support you with future revisions, additional runs and documentation updates.
FAQ
Custom Flexible Solar Panels
How tight can the panel bend?
How tight can the panel bend?
Minimum bend radius depends on laminate and cell arrangement. Provide your surface radius (R) and we’ll propose a safe stack-up and layout. For very tight curves, we may segment strings and adjust diode placement to protect cells.
Can I mount panels using only adhesive—no screws?
Can I mount panels using only adhesive—no screws?
Yes, many customers use adhesive mounting on smooth, compatible surfaces. In high-wind or high-vibration environments we often recommend a combination of adhesive and selective mechanical fixing for extra security.
How do you handle partial shade from rails, antennas or hatches?
How do you handle partial shade from rails, antennas or hatches?
We design string layouts and bypass diode placement to reduce the impact of partial shading. For heavily shaded surfaces, multiple smaller panels with independent inputs may perform better than one large panel.
Can you place the junction box and cable exit exactly where we need?
Can you place the junction box and cable exit exactly where we need?
Yes. Specify exit side, angle, and length; we’ll model strain relief and sealing to suit your enclosure route.
What are typical lead times and MOQs?
What are typical lead times and MOQs?
Samples typically 3-4 weeks after spec lock;
Common MOQs start around 5 units. Please understand that for smaller quantities, the per-unit cost may be slightly higher.
