Kalahari400W Hi-Volt Portable Solar Panel | Shingled Cell | Teflon ETFE
The Kalahari400W is Flexopower's highest-output portable solar panel — 400W of field-proven performance built around a Hi-Volt 36.5V architecture that delivers faster recharge, longer cable runs and better MPPT efficiency than conventional 12V panels. Built with shingled solar cell technology, Teflon ETFE encapsulation and a rigid aluminium frame for long-term stability. Connects directly to any Flexopower power station or Victron Smart MPPT charge controller.
Panel in the sun. Power station in the shade.
What is Hi-Volt and Why Does It Matter
Most portable solar panels operate at a nominal 12V — typically around 18–20V at the operating point. Most portable power stations cap their solar input at 10A. At 12V that means a maximum of roughly 200W before the input is capped and charging slows.
The Kalahari400W operates at a nominal 24V — with an operating voltage of 36.5Vmp. At the same 10A input cap, the higher voltage delivers the full 400W without hitting the current limit. The result is a faster recharge at maximum rated output.
Higher voltage also means lower current in the cables — reducing voltage drop over longer runs. This is why the Kalahari400W can run on 4mm² Red/Black FlexoLink cables up to 20m without significant voltage loss (<2,6%). On 6mm² Yellow/Black FlexoLink cables up to 35m without significant voltage loss (<2,5%). A conventional 12V panel at the same wattage and cable length would lose meaningful output to cable resistance.
For campers using an MPPT charge controller, the higher voltage differential between panel and battery improves MPPT conversion efficiency — the controller has more voltage headroom to work with.
Series and Parallel Configuration — Up to 1600W Combined Solar Output
The Kalahari400W can be connected in series or parallel combinations — increasing combined solar output while maintaining the low-current, low-loss cable advantage of the Hi-Volt architecture.
Two panels in series is the recommended starting configuration for most camping and overlanding setups — delivering 800W combined at 86.2V Voc, well within the input range of quality MPPT controllers and compatible Flexopower power stations including the Lithium2400. This is the practical sweet spot for field use.
For higher output, two series strings of two panels each can be connected in parallel — a 2S2P configuration delivering 1600W at approximately 86.2V and 22A. This configuration addresses the most demanding power requirements in the field while keeping system voltage within a manageable range for quality MPPT controllers.
Hi-Volt Compatibility — Read Before Buying
Compatible with: all Flexopower power stations with solar input above 30V — confirm your model's solar input voltage range before purchasing. Victron Smart MPPT charge controllers — ideal pairing.
Not compatible with: PWM charge controllers. CTEK, RedArc and some other MPPT controllers that do not support input voltages above 30V — check your controller's maximum input voltage specification before purchasing.
Why Shingled Solar Cell Technology
Shingled solar cells are connected in groups and configured in parallel — significantly reducing losses when part of the panel is partially shaded. Conventional panels wire their cells in series, meaning a shadow on one cell can reduce the output of the entire panel. Shingled technology is more resilient, more efficient per square metre and produces a cleaner panel surface with no silver metal strips running across the face.
Why Teflon ETFE Encapsulation
Flexopower exclusively uses Neoflon from Daikin, Japan — the world's leading Teflon encapsulation supplier. ETFE encapsulation outperforms standard PET or EVA encapsulation in UV resistance, heat tolerance and long-term durability. It is the best encapsulation available for portable solar panels.
Why the Aluminium Frame
The Kalahari400W is the only panel in the Flexopower range with a rigid aluminium frame. The frame ensures structural stability under field conditions — minimising long-term solar cell cracking from flexing, vibration and rough terrain. It is heavier than the frameless panels in the range but built for maximum durability in demanding expedition use.
Key Features
- Hi-Volt 36.5V Vmp — full 400W output without hitting the 10A solar input cap on most power stations
- Series configuration — connect up to 4 panels for 1600W combined solar input within the 200V max system voltage
- Longer cable runs — 4mm² FlexoLink cables up to 20m and 6mm² FlexoLink cables up to 35m with minimal voltage drop
- Shingled solar cell technology — higher power density, superior partial shade resilience
- Teflon ETFE encapsulation — Neoflon by Daikin, Japan
- Rigid aluminium frame — long-term structural stability, minimises cell cracking
- Collapsible supporting legs — angle the panel at 45° for improved harvest in winter and low sun conditions
- Unique serial number — every panel individually traceable through manufacturing and QC
- Waterproof, IP67
- Free delivery within South Africa
Best For
- Extended overlanding and multi-week expeditions — 5 or more days off-grid
- High-capacity power stations requiring maximum solar input
- 2x400W Kalahari work well to off set A/C consumption
- Campers using Victron Smart MPPT charge controllers
- Long cable run installations — panel to power station distances up to 35m, 6mm²
- Maximum solar harvest — up to 1600W in series configuration
- Large off-grid systems requiring high combined solar input
How to Use It
Park in the shade. Put the panel in the sun. Connect the Kalahari400W directly to your Flexopower power station via a FlexoLink extension cable — confirm your power station's maximum solar input voltage supports 36.5V before connecting. Alternatively connect directly to a Victron Smart MPPT charge controller in front of a deep cycle battery.
Not compatible with PWM charge controllers or MPPT controllers with maximum input voltage below 36.5V.
Technical Specifications
Rated output: 400W
Cell technology: shingled monocrystalline, 22% efficiency
Encapsulation: Teflon ETFE — Neoflon by Daikin, Japan
Max operating voltage (Vmp): 36.5V
Open circuit voltage (Voc): 43.1V
Operating current (Imp): 11.0A
Max system voltage: 200V
Maximum panels in series: 4 — based on Voc (4 × 43.1V = 172.4V)
Nominal voltage: 24V Hi-Volt
Frame: aluminium
Weight: 12.6kg
Dimensions folded: 900 × 590 × 90mm
Dimensions deployed: 2,360 × 900 × 25mm
Recommended use: 5 or more days in camp
Warranty: 5 years on manufacturing
What's in the Box
- 1 x Kalahari400W Hi-Volt foldable solar panel — Anderson SB50 grey connector, unique serial number
- 1 x Y-cable to connect
- 1 x padded carry bag
Compatible Systems and Accessories
- Kalahari Expedition System | Lithium3000 + Kalahari400W + 20m FlexoLink + Bracket – FLEXOPOWER ZA
- Kalahari Overland System | Lithium1200 + Kalahari400W + 15m FlexoLink + Bracket – FLEXOPOWER ZA
- Kalahari Expedition Pro System | Lithium3000 + Extra Battery + 2x Kalahari400W + 20m FlexoLink – FLEXOPOWER ZA
- FlexoLink 20m Extension Cable – FLEXOPOWER ZA
- FlexoLink 25m Extension Cable – FLEXOPOWER ZA
FAQ
Does it need a separate charge controller? No — if connecting to a Flexopower power station with a solar input voltage range that supports 36.5V. Yes — if connecting to a conventional battery system, use a Victron Smart MPPT charge controller. Always confirm your power station or controller's maximum solar input voltage before connecting.
What is Hi-Volt? Hi-Volt means the panel operates at a nominal 24V with a Vmp of 36.5V — higher than conventional 12V portable panels. This allows the full 400W to be delivered without hitting the 10A solar input cap on most power stations, enables longer cable runs with less voltage drop, and improves MPPT conversion efficiency.
Can I connect multiple Kalahari400W panels together? Yes — up to four panels in series, delivering 1600W combined rated output. At four panels the open circuit voltage reaches 172.4V — safely within the 200V maximum system voltage. Never connect five or more panels in series — the combined Voc of 215.5V exceeds the 200V limit. Always calculate series configuration using Voc, not Vmp.
Can I use it with my existing MPPT controller? Only if your MPPT controller accepts input voltages up to at least 43.1V (single panel Voc). Victron Smart MPPTs are confirmed compatible. CTEK, RedArc and many other controllers do not yet support this input voltage — check your controller's specification before purchasing.
Can I use it with a PWM controller? No. The Kalahari400W Hi-Volt is not compatible with PWM charge controllers.
What cable length can I use? The Kalahari400W Hi-Volt supports 4mm² FlexoLink Red/Black cables up to 25m with minimal voltage drop. This is one of the primary advantages of the Hi-Volt architecture over conventional 12V panels.
Is the aluminium frame necessary? Without a supporting frame, a solar array of this dimension flexes during handling, transport and field use — causing micro-cracking of the solar cells. Micro-cracks are invisible to the eye but progressively reduce output over time. That is why the Kalahari-400 has a light weight aluminium frame supporting maximum performance over its long service life of >10 years.
What warranty does it carry? 5 years on manufacturing — the longest warranty in the Flexopower solar panel range.
How many days off-grid will it support? The Kalahari400W is rated for 5 or more days in camp.
Maximum output. Hi-Volt architecture. The Kalahari400W — the most powerful panel in the FlexoSun range.
