When you're planning a trip deep into the outback, reliable power is not a luxury - it's an essential safety requirement. Keeping your fridge running, your lights on, and your communications charged means harvesting every bit of sunlight you can.
While traditional heavy, rigid glass panels have been the standard for years, they're not always the best fit for modern setups. If you are dealing with curved rooflines, strict weight limits, or tight mounting spaces, a flexible panel is the smart way to go.
This guide explains the distinct advantages of choosing a flexible solar setup and why the KickAss 170W Flexible ETFE Solar Panel is built to handle the harshest Australian conditions.
What is a Flexible Solar Panel?
Unlike standard heavy panels that use rigid silicon cells sandwiched between thick glass and heavy aluminium frames, a flexible solar panel is built using ultra-thin cells laminated in high-strength polymers.
The result is a panel that is incredibly thin (only 3mm thick), lightweight (just 3.2kg), and capable of bending to conform to curved surfaces.
Key Advantages of the KickAss 170W Flexible ETFE Solar Panel
1. Conforms to Curved Surfaces (Bends up to 270°)
Many 4WD canopies, caravan roofs, boat decks, and teardrop campers are not perfectly flat. Forcing a rigid flat panel onto a curved surface requires bulky custom brackets that ruin your aerodynamics and increase wind noise.
The KickAss 170W Flexible Panel is engineered to bend up to 270 degrees. This extreme flexibility allows it to follow the natural contours of your roofline, canopy, or curved camper front, giving you a flush, professional install where rigid panels simply cannot go.
2. Next-Gen N-Type TOPCon Cell Technology
The 170W flexbile panel is packed with next-gen N-Type TOPCon monocrystalline cells which incorproate advanced technology to deliver reliable real-world outcomes:
- Up to 25% greater conversion efficiency: You get more power from a smaller footprint.
- 3% to 7% more energy output: It outperforms standard P-PERC panels under identical conditions.
- Optimised low-light performance: Your batteries will continue to charge even during cloudy days or when parked in partially shaded campsites.
- Reduced high-temp power loss: Standard panels drop output when they get hot, but TOPCon technology keeps running efficiently even when the Australian sun is baking your vehicle's roof.
3. Outback Proof Durability (9-Layer Lamination & ETFE)
A common worry with flexible panels is that they can crack or degrade quickly under the harsh Australian sun. A superior 9-layer lamination process reinforced with extra polymer layers has given this panel a boost in structural strength that resists cracking and prevents sag over time.
To protect the face of the panel, it has been finished with a premium ETFE surface coating. This coating stands up to extreme heat, resists corrosion, and maintains high light transmission over a long lifespan.
4. Featherlight and Ultra-Low Profile
Every kilogram matters. Heavy glass panels and steel mounting racks quickly add up, stealing precious weight capacity that should be used for water, fuel, and gear.
At just 3.2kg and a paper-thin 3mm profile, this 170W panel adds almost zero bulk to your rig. The low profile also minimises wind resistance, which helps keep your fuel consumption down during long highway stretches.
5. IP67 Waterproof Protection
Whether you are dealing with coastal salt spray on a boat, crossing muddy rivers in your 4WD, or catching a torrential downpour in the tropical north, this panel is built to take it. With an IP67 waterproof rating, the internal electronics are completely sealed against dust, dirt, and heavy water exposure.
Specs at a Glance
When is a Flexible Solar Panel the Best Choice?
A flexible panel is not just an alternative to a rigid panel, in many scenarios, it is the superior choice:
- When you have a curved canopy or roof: Perfect for camper trailers, caravan fronts, and rounded canopy shells.
- When you are close to your GVM limit: Saves up to 70% of the weight compared to equivalent rigid glass panels.
- When you want a stealth install: Because it is only 3mm thick, it sits flat on your roof, making it virtually invisible from ground level and keeping your vehicle height low for garage clearances.
- When mounting to uneven surfaces: Perfect for marine use on boat decks where flat surfaces are rare.
Simple Setup and Integration
The panel features pre-cut metal eyelets, making it fast and simple to secure with adhesive, screws, or zip ties.
It comes fitted with industry-standard MC4 connectors. Because this is an unregulated solar panel, you must always run it through a solar regulator before connecting it to a battery.
Recommended Accessories for a Complete System:
- To charge a 12V battery directly: Pair it with the KickAss Smart 20A MPPT In-Line Solar Charge Controller for efficient, high-speed charging.
- To connect to a KickAss DCDC Battery Box or Control Hub: Grab a KickAss Solar Panel PV to Anderson Extension Cable - 5m to plug directly into your existing DCDC charger with plug and play simplicity.
If you want an all-in-one package, we also offer the KickAss 170W Flexible ETFE Solar Panel Bundle which includes the 170W panel, the 20A MPPT controller with Bluetooth, and the 5m Anderson extension cable.
Get Off-Grid with Confidence
If you want a lightweight, durable, and highly efficient solar setup that conforms to your rig without weighing you down, the KickAss 170W Flexible ETFE Solar Panel is built for the job.
Ready to upgrade your off-grid power? Check out the KickAss 170W Flexible ETFE Solar Panel on our store or speak to our local 12V experts today on (07) 3123 4715.