Integrated Solutions
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A complete solar power solution requires more than just a solar panel. Multiple components must work together efficiently to generate, control, and store the energy produced by a solar panel. We have the knowledge and expertise to recommend or design all these components to ensure your solar solution operates efficiently.
Solar / PV
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We can provide the ideal solar cell, module, panel, or array to meet the power needs of your device or system.
Storage
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Many PV systems require a storage element, such as a rechargeable battery or supercapacitor, to balance the generated solar energy and provide stable power output to the device or system, even when light is not present. We can help determine the right storage technology, size, and configuration that meets the needs of your application.
Electronics
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We will work with you to define the electrical requirements to inform the design or recommendation of appropriate charge controllers, voltage outputs, battery chargers, or other electronic features.
Mechanicals
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By defining the mechanical requirements, we can design or recommend appropriate enclosures, cabling, connectors, sealants, and mounting hardware.
Examples
Solution #1 (Optimal)
LightSaver Portable Solar Chargers. In the LightSaver Line, the solar charging circuit and USB outputs have been designed carefully to achieve high efficiencies. Charging the battery directly from the solar panel means high charging efficiencies are possible, and a much smaller and lighter panel can be used. The power transfer efficiency from the solar panel to the battery is >90%.
Solution #2 (Adequate)
Commercially available Li-Ion battery bank with USB input and output connected to a Soltronix 24W panel using an RA-14. In this case, the panel power is higher due to the PowerBoost charge controller. The PowerBoost controller is 90% efficient, and the RA-14 is 80% efficient. Typical battery bank USB charge electronics are 75-85% efficient. So, the total system is about 60% efficient.
Solution #3 (Poor)
Commercially available Li-Ion battery bank with USB input and output connected to a 7 Watt Rollable Solar Panel (R-7) using a 1A USB 12V Adapter (RA-14). In this case, the RA-14 acts as a charge controller and drops the panel’s voltage to 5V instead of the power point at 15V, so the panel can only produce a maximum of 30% of its potential power. Then there is further loss through the RA-14, which operates at about 80% power transfer efficiency. Finally, there is a loss in the USB charge electronics on the battery bank. Typical battery bank USB charge electronics are 75-85% efficient. So, the system is about 20% efficient compared to 90% efficiency for the LightSaver Line.