Description
Drivetech 4x4 DT-SPF160-1 160W Semi-Flexible Solar Panel - Ultra-Thin ETFE Coated Panel with MC4 Connectors for Permanent Vehicle Roof, Caravan, Marine, and Curved Surface Solar Installations
Upgrade your vehicle with permanent solar charging using Drivetech 4x4 DT-SPF160-1 160W Semi-Flexible Solar Panel—featuring ultra-thin 3mm profile enabling mounting on curved surfaces including vehicle roofs, caravan roofs, boat decks, and RV tops impossible with rigid glass panels, high-efficiency 160W monocrystalline cells delivering up to 8.65A charging current for continuous auxiliary battery charging while parked and driving, premium ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) coating providing superior weather resistance, UV protection, and self-cleaning properties exceeding traditional glass panel durability, anti-crack film construction preventing cell damage from flexing and impact ensuring reliable long-term performance on mobile installations, lightweight flexible design conforming to curved roof profiles up to 30-degree bend radius, stainless steel mounting eyelets providing corrosion-resistant permanent installation points around panel perimeter, 90cm integrated cable with industry-standard MC4 quick-disconnect connectors simplifying connection to solar charge controller and battery system, maximum power voltage 18.5V and open circuit voltage 21.6V optimized for 12V battery charging through MPPT or PWM controllers, maximum power current 8.65A providing substantial continuous charging maintaining auxiliary battery capacity without engine operation, short circuit current 9.68A with proper controller protection, large 1245mm × 670mm panel area maximizing solar collection in limited roof space, ultra-thin 3mm thickness creating minimal aerodynamic profile reducing wind resistance and noise compared to thick rigid panels, suitable for permanent installation on 4WD vehicle roofs providing automatic charging during parking and travel, caravan and motorhome roof mounting supplementing shore power and generator with renewable solar charging, boat deck installation providing reliable marine power generation, camper trailer roof mounting enabling off-grid camping without generator dependence, and commercial vehicle installations maintaining auxiliary systems during layover periods, eliminates daily panel deployment required with portable panels providing set-and-forget automatic charging, ETFE coating resists scratching, environmental contamination, and degradation maintaining efficiency over years of outdoor exposure, flexible construction withstands vehicle vibration, roof flex, and impact from branches and debris impossible with brittle glass panels, stainless steel eyelets resist saltwater corrosion in marine applications, MC4 connectors enable professional weatherproof wiring connection to charge controller (sold separately), requires MPPT or PWM solar charge controller for battery connection preventing overcharge damage, panel generates power during all daylight hours automatically maintaining auxiliary battery eliminating alternator charging dependency, ideal for vehicles with auxiliary battery systems requiring continuous charging during extended parking periods, Drivetech 4x4 Australian designed for extreme outback conditions and harsh marine environments, 12-month or 20,000km warranty covering manufacturing defects, and providing essential permanent solar charging solution for vehicle-based power independence.
Product Overview
Drivetech 4x4 DT-SPF160-1 160W Semi-Flexible Solar Panel provides permanent roof-mounted solar charging transforming auxiliary battery management from reactive (charging when depleted) to proactive (continuously maintaining full charge). Permanent installation eliminates daily portable panel deployment—solar panel automatically generates power whenever daylight present maintaining auxiliary battery capacity during parking, camping, and driving. Set-and-forget operation providing worry-free battery maintenance impossible with portable panels requiring manual setup.
Ultra-thin 3mm profile enables mounting on curved surfaces impossible with rigid glass panels (typically 35-50mm thick). Flexible construction conforms to vehicle roof curves, caravan aerodynamic profiles, and boat deck contours maintaining contact across entire panel area. Bend radius up to 30 degrees accommodates moderate roof curvature—flat to gently curved surfaces. Significantly more versatile than rigid panels requiring perfectly flat mounting surface with complex brackets. Flexible installation follows roof profile creating low-profile aerodynamic installation minimizing wind resistance and noise.
Premium ETFE coating provides superior weather protection exceeding traditional glass panel durability. ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) fluoropolymer offers exceptional UV resistance—maintains transparency and efficiency over decades of sun exposure without yellowing or degradation. Self-cleaning properties prevent dirt and dust adhesion—rain naturally cleans surface maintaining efficiency without manual cleaning. Impact resistance prevents damage from hail, branches, and debris—flexible substrate absorbs impact energy instead of shattering like glass. Saltwater corrosion resistance ideal for marine installations—ETFE resists saltwater spray and coastal environmental exposure.
160W Output Performance: 8.65A maximum power current provides substantial continuous charging for typical auxiliary battery systems. Daily generation example: 6 hours quality sunlight generates 45-52Ah maintaining auxiliary battery capacity. Sufficient for offsetting typical camping consumption—fridge 3-4A continuous (22-28Ah daily with 30-40% duty cycle), LED lighting occasional use (4-8Ah evening), water pump intermittent (1-2Ah), USB devices (2-3Ah). Total typical consumption 29-41Ah daily—160W panel output maintains battery capacity enabling extended off-grid camping without alternator charging dependency.
Permanent Installation Advantages: Roof-mounted solar eliminates portable panel deployment chores. Arrive at campsite—solar already working, no setup required. Leave campsite—solar secured on roof, no packing required. Panel generates power during driving and parking automatically maintaining battery. Particularly valuable for: full-time travelers requiring continuous charging, urban parking between trips maintaining battery preventing discharge, work vehicles requiring auxiliary system power during equipment operation, boats moored at marina maintaining house battery without shore power connection.
ETFE vs Glass Panel Comparison: ETFE flexible panels advantages—lightweight (50% lighter than glass), impact resistant (no shattering), conforms to curves, thinner profile, withstands flexing. Glass rigid panels advantages—slightly higher efficiency (1-2%), lower cost, proven long-term performance (20+ years documented). For mobile applications (vehicles, caravans, boats), flexible panels superior due to weight savings, impact resistance, and curved surface mounting. For fixed ground installations, rigid glass panels cost-effective. Vehicle roof installations benefit significantly from flexible panel advantages.
Stainless Steel Eyelet Mounting: Eyelets around panel perimeter provide multiple mounting points enabling secure attachment to various roof profiles. Typical installation: marine-grade VHB adhesive tape bonding panel to clean roof surface, supplemental eyelet fasteners through roof (with proper sealing) for high-security mounting, or combination approach (adhesive primary, eyelets backup). Stainless steel resists corrosion from weather exposure and saltwater spray. Mounting flexibility accommodates different roof materials—painted metal, fiberglass, aluminum, composite—with appropriate adhesives and fasteners.
MC4 Connector Integration: Industry-standard MC4 connectors simplify professional solar installation wiring. MC4 connectors weatherproof, secure, and tool-free connection/disconnection (with proper MC4 tools). Connect panel MC4 output to solar charge controller MC4 input, controller output to battery. MC4 system enables series/parallel panel connections for multi-panel installations—series connection increases voltage (2× 160W = 36.7V, suitable for MPPT controllers), parallel connection increases current (2× 160W = 17.3A). MC4 compatibility ensures professional installation standards and future expandability.
Requires Separate Charge Controller: Panel does not include charge controller—designed for permanent installations with separate MPPT or PWM controller. MPPT controller recommended for maximum efficiency (15-30% more power extraction than PWM). Controller prevents overcharging, regulates charging voltage, and prevents reverse discharge at night. Never connect panel directly to battery—21.6V open circuit voltage exceeds safe battery charging voltage causing damage. Budget installations use PWM controller (economical), premium installations use MPPT controller (maximum efficiency). Controller selection based on total solar array size and battery capacity.
Professional Installation Recommended: Roof-mounted solar installation requires: roof penetration sealing (if fastening through roof), proper adhesive selection, cable routing through vehicle/boat, charge controller installation and wiring, waterproofing and strain relief. Professional installers ensure watertight installation preventing leaks and corrosion. Competent DIY installers achieve successful results with careful planning, proper materials, and attention to waterproofing details. Critical: test installation with water hose before finalizing—identify leaks early preventing interior damage.
Drivetech 4x4 Quality and Support: Drivetech 4x4 Australian designed for extreme outback conditions and harsh marine environments. Components engineered for mobile installation vibration and environmental exposure. 12-month or 20,000km warranty providing peace of mind. Australian-based technical support assisting with installation planning and technical questions. Quality assurance for critical permanent installations.
Technical Specifications
|
|
| SKU |
DT-SPF160-1 |
| Product Type |
Semi-Flexible Solar Panel |
| Brand |
Drivetech 4x4 |
| Maximum Power Output |
160W |
| Maximum Power Voltage |
18.5V |
| Maximum Power Current |
8.65A |
| Open Circuit Voltage |
21.6V |
| Short Circuit Current |
9.68A |
| Panel Construction |
ETFE coating with anti-crack film |
| Cell Type |
Monocrystalline |
| Panel Dimensions |
1245mm (L) × 670mm (W) × 3mm (H) |
| Panel Thickness |
3mm (ultra-thin) |
| Bend Radius |
Up to 30 degrees |
| Mounting |
Stainless steel eyelets (adhesive + fasteners) |
| Cable Length |
90cm (4mm²) |
| Connector Type |
MC4 (industry standard) |
| Weight |
Lightweight flexible design |
| Charge Controller |
Not included (MPPT or PWM required) |
| Weather Resistance |
ETFE coating (UV resistant, waterproof) |
| Warranty |
12 months or 20,000km |
| Applications |
Vehicle Roof, Caravan Roof, Boat Deck, RV, Curved Surface Installations |
| Installation Type |
Permanent mounting (adhesive and/or fasteners) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I install this panel myself or do I need professional installation?
A: DIY installation possible with careful planning and proper materials. Critical steps: (1) Clean roof surface thoroughly (alcohol wipe removing oils/contaminants), (2) Apply marine-grade VHB adhesive tape or solar panel adhesive to panel back (3M VHB 4991 common choice), (3) Position panel on roof ensuring optimal sun exposure and avoiding roof obstructions, (4) Press firmly achieving full adhesive contact, (5) Optional: drill through eyelets (with proper waterproof fasteners and sealant) for supplemental security, (6) Route cable through roof gland or existing entry point (seal thoroughly), (7) Connect to charge controller and battery with proper fusing. Professional installation recommended if uncomfortable with: roof penetrations, waterproofing, electrical wiring, adhesive bonding techniques. Poor installation risks roof leaks causing interior water damage—test thoroughly with water spray before finalizing.
Q: What charge controller should I use with this panel?
A: Two options: MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controller recommended for maximum efficiency, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controller economical alternative. For single 160W panel: 20A MPPT controller (Victron, Redarc, CTEK) extracts maximum power (15-30% more than PWM) particularly valuable in variable light conditions, 10-20A PWM controller (budget option) adequate for single panel providing reliable charging at lower cost. MPPT advantages: higher efficiency, better low-light performance, handles higher input voltage enabling series panel connections. PWM advantages: lower cost, simpler operation, adequate for basic installations. Calculate total solar array size—multiple panels require higher-capacity controller. Size controller for 25% margin above panel current—160W panel (8.65A) requires minimum 11A controller, 20A controller provides comfortable margin.
Q: How do I mount this to a curved roof surface?
A: Flexible panel conforms to curves up to 30-degree bend radius. Mounting procedure: (1) Test-fit panel on roof verifying full contact across surface—severe curves may prevent contact at panel edges requiring smaller panel or flatter mounting location, (2) Clean roof thoroughly with alcohol removing all contamination, (3) Apply high-quality adhesive—marine VHB tape (3M 4991) or Sikaflex construction adhesive proven for solar installations, (4) Position panel carefully—once adhesive contacts cannot reposition without damage, (5) Press firmly rolling across entire panel achieving uniform contact, (6) Allow adhesive cure time (24-72 hours typically) before vehicle use, (7) Optional supplemental security: fasteners through eyelets with proper sealant (Sikaflex, 3M 4200) waterproofing penetrations. Severe curves (over 30 degrees) may require multiple smaller panels instead of single large panel maintaining contact across entire panel area.
Q: Will this panel work while driving or only when parked?
A: Panel generates power whenever receiving sunlight—driving and parked. Driving benefits: panel supplements alternator reducing alternator load, charges auxiliary battery simultaneously with starter battery (if DC-DC charger installed), maintains charge on vehicles with high auxiliary consumption (fridges, communication equipment). Parked benefits: maintains battery during extended parking, charges battery during camping without engine operation, prevents discharge from alarm systems and vehicle electronics during storage. Continuous generation valuable for: full-time travelers maximizing charging opportunities, work vehicles requiring auxiliary power during equipment operation, emergency vehicles maintaining readiness during standby periods. Panel output during driving slightly reduced by: non-optimal angle (horizontal roof vs angled toward sun), vehicle shade (trees, buildings), dirty panel (dust accumulation). Clean panel periodically maintaining efficiency.
Q: How much power will this panel actually generate in real-world conditions?
A: Output depends on sunlight intensity, panel angle, temperature, and shading. Optimal conditions (bright sun, panel perpendicular to sun, cool temperature): 8-8.5A continuous. Real-world roof-mounted (horizontal, variable sun angle throughout day): 5-7A average midday, 2-4A morning/evening. Daily generation examples: clear summer day 8-10 hours sunlight = 48-60Ah, clear winter day 6-7 hours sunlight = 30-40Ah, cloudy day = 15-25Ah (30-50% reduction). Shading dramatically reduces output—keep panel clear of roof racks, antennas, and equipment casting shadows. Panel temperature coefficient: efficiency decreases ~0.5%/°C above 25°C—hot roof surface slightly reduces output but still generates substantial power. Dirty panel reduces output 10-30%—clean periodically especially after dusty travel maintaining efficiency. Track actual generation with charge controller display or battery monitor optimizing installation and identifying issues.
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