One decisive factor in determining the lifespan of flexible solar panels would be the coating material. The two most popular types of coating materials are:
PET laminated solar panel – It is a polyester-based plastic. It is made by placing layers of PET, EVA, solar cell and PCB together.
ETFE or or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene – It is a fluorine-based polymer, that can withstand high temperature easily.
The main differentiating factors between the two would be strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion.
While, PET-laminated thin solar panels generally have a lifespans of up to 5 years. ETFE-laminated flexible thin film solar cells have lifespans of up to 10 years.