Flexible solar panels: a targeted solution to the constraints of tertiary property
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While a niche solution, flexible solar panels perfectly meet the needs of specific projects, especially in tertiary building stock. They are less efficient than rigid panels, but can address certain technical and economic constraints.
Flexible solar panels are emerging as an innovative alternative in the solar landscape, in particular for specific applications where conventional solutions are reaching their limits. Driven by companies like ELIOVE, a VINCI Energies Building Solutions business unit, this technology is attracting increasing interest.
Specialising in the installation of photovoltaic solutions for all types of buildings, ELIOVE offers a comprehensive solution incorporating project management, technical design, operation, maintenance and finance. Its expertise draws on the experience of VINCI Energies, in particular in the development of systems on rooftops or car-park shade canopies. In this context, flexible solar panels may offer a solution when there are specific structural constraints.
An emerging market
“For the moment, this remains something of an emerging market,” says Houda Matta, Business Unit General Manager at ELIOVE. This can be attributed in part to performance levels inferior to those of conventional rigid panels. “For the same surface area, we have almost 50% less power at a fairly high price,” she explains. And other barriers exist in addition to the performance and cost, notably “the complexity of their maintenance” and various technical constraints. All these factors “are currently limiting their large-scale adoption”.
Avoiding costly heavy works
Despite these obstacles, says Houda Matta, flexible solar panels are proving their suitability in specific cases, “especially in the tertiary sector. These solutions are particularly well suited to buildings where the roof cannot bear any additional load. Flexible panels then become a viable option.”
“These solutions are particularly well suited to buildings where the roof cannot bear any additional load.”
In some cases, the flexible solution can avoid costly heavy works. Houda Matta emphasises this economic advantage: “Sometimes, restoring the waterproofing can double the cost of a project. But with a small installation, which is common in tertiary, there is no need to redo everything.”
Real-world projects are already highlighting this trend. “We currently have several projects in the study phase: tertiary projects, with non-technical type-B waterproofing (which cannot bear a load greater than 10 kg per sq. metre).” These specific cases highlight the benefits of flexible solar panels in exploiting otherwise unused surfaces.
A complementary solution
However, the regulatory framework is still under construction. “As yet, only a handful of flexible solar panels have gained certification,” says Houda Matta. In addition, certain technical constraints can impact their operation, on flat roofs in particular. “The lack of incline affects maintenance if the roof is flat and fills with water when it rains.”
Flexible panels have yet to emerge as a credible major alternative. Other new solutions do exist to address the same issues: lightweight rigid panels with integration systems, and lightweight waterproofing solutions. “What we are offering is a more attractive solution,” says Houda Matta. The development of lightweight rigid technologies could limit market growth in flexible panels.
Ultimately, flexible solar panels seem to be a complementary solution, applicable in highly targeted contexts, rather than a revolution in the solar market. Their future will depend on improvements in their performance, cost reductions, and their incorporation into building standards.
From there, they will continue to occupy a strategic position in projects with major constraints, where their flexibility makes all the difference.
07/13/2026
