The FlexoSun165W is Flexopower's entry-level TOPCon solar panel — the new generation of portable solar that replaces shingled ETFE technology with higher efficiency, IP67 waterproofing and a 5-year warranty. 165W of field-proven output in a compact tri-fold design that folds to 600 × 610 × 45mm. Connects directly to any Flexopower power station via a FlexoLink extension cable — no separate charge controller required.
Panel in the sun. Power station in the shade.
Why TOPCon Solar Cell Technology
TOPCon — Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact — is the current leading generation of monocrystalline solar cell technology. Cell efficiency of 25.8% or higher means more power output per square metre than conventional PERC or shingled cells. The 16 busbars per cell reduce resistive losses and improve performance under real-world conditions including partial cloud and low light. TOPCon cells also demonstrate better temperature coefficient performance — they lose less output as the panel heats up in African sun.
The FlexoSun165W uses 182.5 × 182.5mm TOPCon shingled cells — combining the high efficiency of TOPCon architecture with the partial shade resilience of shingled cell configuration.
IP67 Waterproofing
The FlexoSun165W carries an IP67 rating — fully dustproof and waterproof to submersion at 1 metre for 30 minutes. This is a significant step up from standard ETFE encapsulation. Rain, dust, river crossings, condensation and field conditions that would compromise lesser panels are within the FlexoSun165W's design parameters.
Key Features
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TOPCon shingled solar cell technology — ≥25.8% cell efficiency, 16BB, 182.5 × 182.5mm cells
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IP67 rated — fully dustproof and waterproof. Built for real field conditions
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Compact tri-fold design — folds to 600 × 610 × 45mm. Fits behind a seat or in a drawer system
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Anderson SB50 50A connector — red/black 4mm2 cable, genuine Anderson connector
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Collapsible aluminium legs — angle the panel at 45° for improved harvest in winter and low sun
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Eyelet mounting points — secure the panel to a vehicle, roof rack or ground using pegs or rope
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5-year warranty — the longest warranty in the Flexopower solar panel range
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Free delivery within South Africa
Best For
- Weekend camping and bush travel — 2 to 4 days in camp with light to moderate loads
- Caravans and trailers
- Overlanding setups requiring a compact high-efficiency panel
- Park in the shade, panel in the sun strategy
- Buyers upgrading from legacy shingled panels
- Ambassador Rikus Truter's recommended panel — LekkerKampplekke, 309,000+ followers
How to Use It
Park in the shade. Put the panel in the sun. Connect the FlexoSun165W directly to your Flexopower power station via a FlexoLink extension cable — no separate charge controller required. Alternatively connect directly to a solar charge controller in front of a deep cycle battery for use in a conventional fixed solar system.
Technical Specifications
Rated output: 165W
Cell technology: TOPCon shingled monocrystalline — ≥25.8% efficiency
Open circuit voltage (Voc): 21.2V
Max operating voltage (Vmp): 18.8V
Short circuit current (Isc): 10.21A
Operating current (Imp): 8.51A
Max system voltage: 100V
IP rating: IP67 Output tolerance: ±5%
Dimensions deployed: 1,640 × 610 × 3mm
Dimensions folded: 600 × 610 × 45mm
Connector: Anderson SB50 50A — red/black 4mm2 cable
Warranty: 5 years
What's in the Box
- 1 x FlexoSun165W foldable solar panel — Anderson SB50 50A connector, unique serial number
FAQ
Does it need a separate charge controller? No. The integrated MPPT in any Flexopower power station handles charge management automatically. Connect the panel directly via a FlexoLink cable. Alternatively connect to a Victron Smart MPPT or compatible solar charge controller for a conventional fixed battery system.
What is TOPCon solar cell technology? TOPCon — Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact — is the current leading generation of monocrystalline solar cell technology. It delivers higher cell efficiency, better low-light performance and a lower temperature coefficient than conventional PERC cells. The FlexoSun165W uses TOPCon shingled cells combining both technologies for maximum output and partial shade resilience.
What does IP67 mean? IP67 means the panel is fully dustproof and waterproof to submersion at 1 metre for 30 minutes. Rain, dust and field moisture are within the design parameters of this panel.
How does it compare to the legacy Namib150W? The FlexoSun165W delivers 10% more rated output at 165W versus 150W, significantly higher cell efficiency at ≥25.8% versus approximately 22% eff Namib150W does not have, and a 5-year warranty versus 2 years. It is the current generation replacement for the Namib150W.
What warranty does it carry? 5 years — the longest warranty in the Flexopower solar panel range.
Which ambassador uses it? Rikus Truter — LekkerKampplekke, 309,000+ Facebook followers — uses the FlexoSun165W as his standard panel. He spends approximately 200 days per year camping and has been testing Flexopower products in the field since 2019.
New generation. Higher efficiency. IP67. The FlexoSun165W — where the FlexoSun range begins.
