Flexible solar panels are significantly lighter than their rigid counterparts, thanks to their design using thin solar cells. However, this lightweight nature makes them less durable, prone to damage from debris and UV exposure, and unsuitable for permanent installations. Like traditional photovoltaics, they use silicon cells to generate electricity via the photovoltaic effect. If. Advantages of Flexible Solar Panels 1. No gaps, better looks, less wind resistance. They're also way lighter, so your boat performs better. This has kept many people from buying flexible panels despite. Let's delve into some of the drawbacks associated with these panels: One of the most significant drawbacks of flexible solar panels is their lower efficiency when compared to traditional rigid panels.