Flexible Solar Panels UK

Flexible solar panels are lightweight, bendable, and easy to mount, and they’re helping open up new applications where rigid panels would never work.

Solar energy is a popular, low-cost form of power generation in the UK and unlocking its full potential will increase Britain’s energy security, drive down bills and contribute to preventing dangerous climate change.

Flexible solar panels help unlock potential in unexpected places and align with the UK’s Solar Roadmap to scale solar deployment to 45-47 GW by 2030, triple capacity and fuel the Clean Power Action Plan.

They allow rapid deployment in many different ways by exploiting every possible surface, angle and niche in pursuit of clean energy.

Flexible solar panels are one of the many new advancements in solar technology.

Although they can’t universally replace traditional solar panels, they can deliver power where rigidity fails and help Britain deploy solar more creatively, inclusively, and widely in its journey to clean power.

Key Takeaways:

Flexible solar panels are thin, lightweight modules that can bend to fit curved or irregular surfaces
The main build types include CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) and flexible monocrystalline
Rigid panels reach 19-22% efficiency, while flexible versions usually achieve 10-20%, meaning you need more area for the same output.
Expect a 2-10-year lifespan with warranties typically 2-5 years (vs 25+ years for rigid panels). Heat buildup and surface scratches reduce longevity.
Flexible panels are ideal for boats, caravans, curved industrial roofs, and portable solar kits where weight or shape limits rule out rigid panels.
Flexible panels are lightweight, portable, and diffuse-light friendly, but less durable, less efficient, and more costly per watt than rigid models.
For permanent, high-output, long-term installations, rigid monocrystalline panels remain the better choice.

Build Types of Flexible Solar Panels

Flexible solar panels come in two main varieties, each with strengths and weaknesses. Understanding the differences is essential before deciding which fits your needs.

CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) Panels

CIGS panels use thin-film photovoltaic layers deposited onto a flexible substrate. They’re genuinely bendable, allowing roll-up designs and easy installation on curved or soft surfaces.

Research assessing CIGS performance demonstrates its substantial strengths in aesthetics, economics, safety, energy saving, and innovation while maintaining reasonable economic feasibility.

They work in diffuse or shaded light, making them useful in the UK’s cloudy climate or shaded environments like marinas.

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However, they trade flexibility for lower efficiency, typically ranging between 10 and 13%. This means you need more surface area to generate the same output as crystalline silicon.

Their protective polymer layers also make them more prone to scratches and UV degradation if not handled carefully.

Flexible Monocrystalline Silicon Panels

These panels take traditional high-efficiency silicon cells and embed them into a lightweight polymer backing.

They’re less bendable than CIGS (generally safe up to about 30° of curvature) but far more efficient, often 15–20%.

This means fewer panels are needed to deliver the same wattage, which is advantageous when you have limited roof or deck space.

They also tend to be more durable than CIGS, though still not as long-lasting as framed rigid modules.

Choosing Between the Two

Choose CIGS if you need maximum flexibility, shade tolerance, or portable roll-up kits.
Choose flexible mono if you want higher efficiency and are mounting on gently curved but mostly flat surfaces like caravans or industrial roofs.

Efficiency Trade-Offs

Efficiency is one of the most significant differences between flexible and rigid panels. Modern rigid monocrystalline panels achieve 19 to 22% efficiency, meaning more power from the same footprint.

Flexible mono panels typically fall in the 15 to 20% range, while CIGS panels average 10 to 13%.

That gap can matter for small setups, like on a caravan roof. A 100W rigid panel may consistently output near its rating in good sunlight, while a flexible panel might lag by 10 to 20%.

Flexible panels also tend to operate hotter, particularly when glued flat to a surface, which reduces performance further.

However, CIGS panels partially offset this disadvantage with stronger low-light performance, making them reliable during cloudy days or partial shading.

The trade-off is simple: if space is abundant, rigid panels win on efficiency, but if space is tight or the surface is curved, flexible panels may provide the only viable option.

Durability and Warranty Reality

Durability is where flexible panels diverge most from rigid solar modules. Without protective tempered glass and aluminium frames, they are more vulnerable to scratching, moisture ingress, and UV degradation.

While high-quality flexible modules can last 10 years or more, many entry-level options decline in performance after only 3–5 years.

Warranty terms reflect this reality. Most rigid panels carry 25-year performance warranties, while flexible panels often come with 2 to 5 years, sometimes stretching to 10 for premium brands like SunPower.

Another weakness is heat management. Rigid panels are mounted with a gap underneath, allowing airflow to cool them down.

Flexible panels, often bonded directly to surfaces, lack ventilation and therefore run hotter, which accelerates wear and reduces efficiency.

These factors don’t make them poor products. It simply means you should manage expectations when installing.

Flexible panels are best treated as specialist tools for mobile and weight-limited applications, not as a lifetime investment for rooftops.

Mounting and Shading Considerations

Flexible panels are valued for their mounting versatility. They can be bonded directly with adhesive to smooth fibreglass or metal, tied down using built-in eyelets, or even sewn into fabric awnings.

This makes them extremely useful on caravans, boats, and curved roofs where framed modules are impractical.

However, there are trade-offs. Bonding directly to a roof eliminates airflow, leading to higher operating temperatures and reduced efficiency. Removal and replacement can also be difficult.

Shading is another factor. CIGS panels handle partial shading better, thanks to their thin-film structure.

Flexible monocrystalline panels are more sensitive. Shade on one section can reduce output disproportionately, especially if bypass diodes aren’t included.

For vehicles or boats that regularly encounter shading from masts, vents, or trees, CIGS may deliver more consistent results even if peak efficiency is lower.

Choosing the right panel type depends heavily on the intended surface and operating environment.

Typical Yields in the UK

In real-world UK conditions, yields from flexible panels are modest but practical.

A 100W flexible monocrystalline panel in southern England might generate 80–100 kWh per year, enough to charge 12V leisure batteries, run LED lighting, or keep laptops and phones topped up.

CIGS panels may deliver slightly less peak power but outperform rigid panels under overcast or shaded conditions.

That makes them particularly useful for boating, where shading from rigging and sails is inevitable.

Efficiency loss from heat should also be accounted for: flexible panels bonded directly to surfaces may lose an additional 5-10% output compared to tilted, ventilated panels.

While these figures seem small compared to home rooftop systems, they’re often enough to power critical appliances off-grid.

The key takeaway is that flexible panels provide reliable, supplementary energy for mobile or space-limited users, but they won’t replace a household array for serious energy independence.

Best Applications

The real strength of flexible panels lies in applications where rigid panels can’t be used.

Caravans and Motorhomes: Lightweight, low-profile, and aerodynamic, they can be bonded to roofs without affecting clearance or adding much weight.
Boats and Yachts: Their bendable form fits curved decks or dodgers, providing silent charging at anchor. CIGS panels are excellent here due to shading resilience.
Curved or Delicate Roofs: Buildings unable to take the weight of rigid panels, such as older industrial roofs, can benefit from thin, lightweight laminates.
Portable Solar Kits: Foldable and roll-up flexible panels are ideal for camping, festivals, or fieldwork where temporary power is needed.

They’re less suited for permanent residential installations but excellent for mobility, off-grid convenience, and niche architectural needs.

When applied strategically, flexible panels open up solar adoption for users who would otherwise be excluded.

Pros and Cons of Flexible Solar Panels

Pros	Cons
Lightweight (1-3 kg per 100W vs 6-8 kg rigid)	Lower efficiency (10-20% vs 19-22% rigid)
Flexible mounting on curved or irregular surfaces	Shorter lifespan (2-10 years vs 25+)
Easy to transport and install	Weaker warranties (2-5 years typical)
Perform better in diffuse light (CIGS)	Heat buildup reduces performance further
No glass means less fragile in transport	More prone to scratches and moisture damage

Installation and Care Checklist

Before Installation

Ensure the surface is smooth, clean, and compatible with adhesives or fixings.
Match panel size to energy needs and battery capacity.
Use an MPPT charge controller for efficiency under variable shading.

During Installation

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended adhesives and fixings.
Avoid bending panels beyond the rated curve tolerance.
Leave at least some ventilation space if possible.

Ongoing Care

Clean with a soft cloth and never use abrasives.
Inspect regularly for lifting edges, cracks, or delamination.
Monitor output; sudden drops may signal damage or heat fatigue.
Avoid stepping on panels, even if marketed as “walkable.”

Following these steps ensures a longer lifespan and more reliable performance.

When Rigid Panels Are Still the Better Choice

Flexible panels are excellent for mobility and weight-limited situations, but they’re not the default choice for long-term solar installations.

If you have a strong, flat roof with enough space and want maximum efficiency, durability, and warranty coverage, rigid panels remain superior.

Their higher wattage per square metre, 25+ year warranties, and lower cost per watt make them unbeatable for permanent systems.

Flexible panels should be seen as a complementary or niche solution where rigidity won’t work. For most homeowners or businesses aiming for serious energy independence, rigid monocrystalline modules remain the better investment.

Flexible panels, however, fill critical gaps, making solar viable for caravans, yachts, portable kits, and structures where weight or shape would otherwise exclude renewables.

Final Thoughts on Flexible Solar Panels

The UK’s Solar Roadmap depends on deploying solar everywhere it makes sense, not just on suburban rooftops.

Flexible solar panels are a vital part of that picture, enabling adoption in mobile, curved, or weight-restricted environments.

They’re not a universal replacement, but they extend solar’s reach into places rigid panels can’t go.

Their lightweight build, shade tolerance (in CIGS), and easy installation make them perfect for boats, caravans, and specialist architecture.

Their shorter lifespans and weaker warranties mean expectations must be realistic.

When used strategically, flexible panels can help the UK meet its ambitious solar targets while giving users freedom, independence, and renewable power in challenging environments.

FAQs on Flexible Solar Panels

How Long Do Flexible Solar Panels Last?

Most flexible solar panels last between 2 and 10 years, with warranties usually in the 2-5 year range.

Premium models like SunPower may stretch closer to 10 years, but they won’t match the 25-year lifespan of rigid panels.

Are Flexible Solar Panels As Efficient As Rigid Ones?

No. Flexible panels usually achieve 10-20% efficiency, compared with 19-22% for rigid monocrystalline modules.

This means you’ll need more surface area to generate the same power output.

Where Are Flexible Solar Panels Best Used?

They work best on boats, caravans, campervans, and curved or weight-limited roofs.

Their lightweight, bendable design allows solar adoption where rigid panels would be too heavy or impractical.

Sources and References:

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero – Solar roadmap: United Kingdom powered by solar
MDPI – Application of Copper Indium Gallium Selenide Thin-Film Solar Technology in Green Retrofitting of Ageing Residential Buildings