Flexible & Semi-Flexible Solar Panels

Flexible & Semi-Flexible Solar Panels include lightweight photovoltaic panels designed for applications where rigid panels are not suitable. This collection focuses on flexible CIGS panels and semi-flexible fibreglass panels with ETFE coating, intended for curved surfaces, mobile installations, and space-limited environments.

The panels are suitable for use on vehicles, boats, cabins, portable structures, and similar installations where reduced weight and adaptability are required. These designs support alternative mounting methods while remaining compatible with standard solar charge controllers, inverters, and battery storage systems.

All products are supplied by established manufacturers and are intended for off-grid, mobile, and auxiliary solar energy systems.

Frequently Asked Questions: Flexible & Semi-Flexible Solar Panels

What are flexible and semi-flexible solar panels?
Flexible and semi-flexible solar panels are a lightweight alternative to traditional rigid solar panels. Because they are manufactured without heavy aluminum frames or thick tempered glass, they can physically bend to conform to curved surfaces. This makes them the ultimate renewable energy solution for campervans, motorhomes, narrowboats, and lightweight portable structures where saving weight and maintaining a sleek, aerodynamic profile is essential.

What is a CIGS flexible solar panel?
CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) is a highly advanced thin-film solar technology. We stock premium SELM CIGS flexible panels ranging from 240W up to a massive 500W. Unlike traditional silicon cells that can crack if bent too far, CIGS panels are incredibly durable and can bend significantly without damaging the internal tech. Furthermore, CIGS technology offers exceptional low-light performance and handles partial shading much better than standard panels, making it highly effective for UK weather conditions.

What does ETFE coating mean on your semi-flexible panels?
Our Photonic Universe 200W Semi-Flexible Panels feature a highly durable ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) polymer coating. Instead of cheap plastic coverings that degrade and yellow under the sun, ETFE is a robust, textured surface that offers extremely high light transmittance. It is also self-cleaning and highly resistant to saltwater corrosion and harsh weather, making it the premier choice for marine environments and off-grid mobile use.

How do I mount flexible solar panels to my campervan or boat?
Because they do not require bulky mounting brackets or roof hooks, installing flexible panels is incredibly straightforward. They are typically bonded directly to the vehicle roof or boat deck using a strong, flexible marine sealant (such as Sikaflex) or heavy-duty double-sided mounting tape. This low-profile installation minimizes wind drag, reduces fuel consumption while driving, and prevents the panels from being easily spotted by thieves.

Will these panels work with my existing 12V or 24V leisure batteries?
Yes, they will integrate perfectly. These flexible and semi-flexible modules output standard Direct Current (DC) electricity just like traditional rigid panels. They are universally compatible with standard MPPT solar charge controllers, off-grid inverters, and all modern battery storage systems (including AGM and Lithium LiFePO4 setups) used in mobile energy systems.