FAQS
You Asked, We Answered
HOW IS PANEL PERFORMANCE TESTED?
All solar panels are tested and rated under an industry standard STC (Standard Testing Conditions). The Standard Test Conditions are: temperature of the solar cells 25℃, solar irradiance of 1000W/m2, and Air Mass (AM) 1.5. AM refers to the amount of light that has to pass through Earth’s atmosphere before it can hit Earth’s surface and has to do mostly with the angle of the sun relative to a reference point on the earth. AM is minimized when the sun is directly above as the light must travel a minimum distance straight down and increases as the sun goes farther from the reference point and has to go at an angle to hit the same spot. AM of 1.5 means a solar zenith angle of 48.19°.
WHAT IS ETFE COATING?
Most flexible and foldable solar panels are laminated with PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or TPT (Tedlar Polyester Tedlar) materials. ETFE is a new technology used in solar panels. It is a fluoropolymer or a polymer containing a fluorine atom. It can withstand high levels of thermal stress and has total UV permeability. Due to its molecular chemistry, ETFE is a self-cleaning material. In comparison with PET/TPT, ETFE is much stronger, more durable, resistant to heat and salt water corrosion, it is flame retardant, has better transparency, longer lifetime (10 years, compared to at most 5 years for PET/TPT) and does not reflect light.
WHAT IS HALF-CUT CELL TECHNOLOGY?
Half-Cut technology uses monocrystalline silicon cells cut into half. This reduces internal resistance of the cells, resulting in more energy being produced. The smaller cell size of Half-Cut panels also reduces mechanical stresses on the panel, reducing the chance of micro cracking of the solar cells.
WHY CAN I NOT CHARGE A BATTERY DIRECTLY?
While connecting the solar panel to a battery may work in an emergency situation (e.g. to charge a dead car battery), it is not safe for the battery. The difference between the voltage required to charge the battery and the voltage generated by the solar panel, may overcharge the battery, alter the battery chemistry, and damage the battery.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE USB OUTPUTS AND THE DC OUTPUT?
The USB outputs provide regulated voltage, in compliance with the USB industry standards. The DC outputs provide unregulated voltage, directly as generated from the panel.
CAN I USE THE PANEL TO CHARGE MY RV OR BOAT BATTERIES?
You can use the panel to charge your RV or boat batteries but you have to connect a charge controller between the panel and the batteries.
CAN I CONNECT MORE THAN ONE PANEL IN A SYSTEM?
You can connect several panels of the same model in series. Please check the individual product specifications for more details.
WHAT CHARGE CONTROLLER SHOULD I USE?
The vast majority of charge controllers should work with these panels, so long as the controller’s rated current is higher than the maximum power current output of the panels.
CAN I USE ALL THE OUTPUTS AT THE SAME TIME?
Yes you can do that. The total generated power by the panel will be distributed among the ports.
CAN I LEAVE THE SOLAR PANEL OUTSIDE WHEN IT IS RAINING?
Avoid lleaving the panel outdoors when raining. The panel has IPX4 rating and can withstand light rain and water splashing. However, water can potentially ingress the panel via the power outputs. Do not allow panels to be submerged in water or deployed in poor weather conditions.
WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY?
We accept product returns in the first 30 days after purchase.Products must be returned in original packaging with all included accessories. After the 30 days, we also provide limited manufacturer’s warranty for 12 months from the date of purchase.
CAN I INSTALL PERMANENTLY ON MY PROPERTY/VEHICLE?
Foldable Solar Panels are designed for regular outdoor use, but not for permanent outdoor installations. The fabric may discolor with permanent outdoor exposure, and the individual solar panel sections can become compromised with long term outdoor exposure.
HOW SHOULD I STORE THE SOLAR PANELS
Always store the Foldable Solar Panels in a cool, dry environment. If the panel is wet, allow it to thoroughly dry before folding and storing it to avoid damage.
CAN THE SOLAR PANEL CHARGE THROUGH A WINDOW?
Yes it can, but with a reduced efficiency.
HOW SHOULD I CONNECT THE PANEL TO MY CHARGE CONTROLLER?
All connections must be solar positive (red) to charge controller positive and solar negative (black or blue) to charge controller negative. Reversing can damage the solar panel. Consult your charge controller user's manual if you have questions about the specifications of your charge controller.
If you have more questions that are not answered here, please reach out to us and we will get back to you promptly.