Flexible solar panels are designed for surfaces where a rigid, framed module either won't fit, adds too much weight, or can't be mechanically fixed conventionally — curved roofs, low-load structures, and applications where minimising weight and profile matters more than maximising output per m². This collection covers two distinct panel technologies, and the difference matters for specification: crystalline semi-flexible panels and CIGS thin-film flexible panels perform differently, mount differently, and suit different jobs.
Crystalline semi-flexible panels use conventional monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells laminated into a thin, slightly bendable composite backing rather than a rigid glass-and-aluminium frame. They retain the higher per-panel wattage and efficiency associated with crystalline PV, but tolerate a gentle curve — typically up to a limited bend radius specified by the manufacturer, not a fully conformable surface. They're a reasonable fit where a roof has a shallow arch or slight camber (some motorhome and narrowboat roofs, standing-seam curves) but still behave, electrically, much like standard crystalline modules: partial shading or physical damage to one cell can disproportionately affect string output. The 250W unit in this range carries MCS certification, which is worth checking for any grid-connected or subsidy-relevant installation, since not all flexible panels qualify.
CIGS thin-film flexible panels (copper indium gallium selenide) are a genuinely different cell technology — a thin semiconductor layer deposited on a flexible polymer substrate rather than a crystalline wafer. They're lighter, properly conformable to continuous curves (not just a slight bend), and self-adhesive-backed for direct bonding to GRP, aluminium, or composite roofing without frames or brackets. Efficiency per m² is lower than crystalline, and total wattage per panel tends to be modest relative to footprint, but CIGS cells are significantly more shading-tolerant and degrade more gracefully under partial obstruction — relevant on boats and vans where aerials, vents, or rigging cast intermittent shadow. The Swedish-made ranges here span from small 80W units up to a 500W panel for larger low-load roof areas.
Typical applications
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Marine — GRP boat cabin roofs, cockpit coamings, and superstructure areas where through-bolting isn't practical and adhesive fixing is preferred. CIGS panels' shading tolerance suits boats with masts, aerials, or radar arches overhead.
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Motorhomes, campervans, caravans — low-profile mounting that avoids the wind resistance and roof penetrations of a framed panel, and suits GRP or aluminium roof skins that can't easily take standard mounting feet.
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Low-load and lightweight structures — sheds, cabins, agricultural buildings, and any roof where the structural load limit rules out a framed glass module.
Specifying notes
- Confirm bend tolerance against the actual roof curvature before specifying a crystalline semi-flexible panel — these are not suited to tight radii or compound curves; that's CIGS territory.
- Check adhesive compatibility with the roof substrate. Self-adhesive CIGS backing needs a clean, compatible surface (GRP and aluminium generally fine; some EPDM or rubber roofing may need a manufacturer-approved primer).
- Flexible panels of either type generally run lower open-circuit voltages and different temperature coefficients than rigid modules of equivalent wattage — check charge controller/MPPT compatibility rather than assuming a like-for-like swap with a rigid-panel system design.
- These are typically specified alongside an MPPT controller sized to the panel's Vmp/Imp, not a PWM controller, particularly for the higher-wattage CIGS units.
- For pairing components, see our MPPT Solar Charge Controllers, Solar Cables & Connectors, and Off-Grid Batteries ranges. For structural roof-mount panels rather than adhesive-fixed flexible panels, see our main Solar Panels collection.
