The new Namib150 Teflon and 240 Teflon are built with shingled solar cells. What are the benefits?

The recently launched versions of the Namib-150W Teflon and Namib-240W Teflon foldable solar panels incorporate shingled solar cells and Teflon encapsulation.

The benefit of Teflon is understood. It's the best cell protection you get in a portable solar panel. But what are shingled solar cells?

Firstly, solar shingles and shingled solar cells are not the same. Solar shingles are roof tiles with integrated solar cells. 

Shingled solar cells are cells laser cut in strips and arranged in groups of shingles forming the solar panel.

What are the benefits?

Shingled solar cell technology has been used in recent years to manufacture high-wattage solar panels that cover less roof space than regular solar panels. Panels based on shingled cell technology are the most advanced available right now in terms of performance, dependability and aesthetics.

Flexopower has adopted the shingled solar cell technology in the Namib portable solar panel range. The results are smaller solar panels, enabling easier storage, transport and greatly reducing power losses from partial shading.

Typical solar panels (incl. portable) have their cells wired in series. If shade covers any part of the panel, the entire string is affected resulting in major power losses. In contrast, shingled cells are connected in parallel, substantially reducing losses caused by partial shading.

Partial shading is possibly the biggest operational issue with solar panels in camp. Shading from grass, trees, trailers, tents caused by the moving sun directly affects how much power is being produced. Positioning the panel in full day sun is desirable, but often not achievable or practical. The Namib150W Teflon and Namib-240W Teflon with shingled cell technology improves the solar yield by reducing losses from partial shading.

Visit the Namib150W and Namib240W product page for cost and specifications:

NAMIB-150 TEFLON (ETFE) FOLDABLE SOLAR PANEL BY FLEXOPOWER – FLEXOPOWER ZA

NAMIB-240 TEFLON (ETFE) FOLDABLE SOLAR PANEL BY FLEXOPOWER – FLEXOPOWER ZA

Further reading on shingled cell technology