Powerfilm Frequently Asked Questions

OK, some of these questions may not have been asked very frequently, but they are all good background information.

How do I know if it is working?

You can check the PowerFilm® Rollable Battery Charger with a voltmeter.

Will this product drain my battery at night?

No. It has a built-in blocking diode to protect against reverse draining of current.

Can I leave it outside permanently?

The PowerFilm® Rollable Battery Charger can be left outside permanently if maintained properly. It must be properly secured to avoid damage from high winds. Terminals should be kept clean and firmly connected.

What if the product gets wet?

No problem. The product is waterproof.

What if the product goes under water?

Simply wipe the product with a dry cloth and allow the product to dry before use. Avoid having the product completely submerged for an extended period of time.

Can I leave it outside in freezing temperatures?

Yes.

Can I use an extension cord?

You can use the 15 ft. Extension Cord accessory complete with matching marine-grade connectors. Total cord length greater than 30 feet likely will result in reduced power output.

Do I need to disconnect this charger when I start my vehicle or when I recharge the battery with an auxiliary power source?

You do not need to disconnect the rollable solar panel. You need to disconnect any battery charger pack accessory that is connected to the solar panel.

Do I need a charge controller?

A charge controller is used to prevent overcharging. As a general recommendation, a charge controller should be used if the current output of the solar panel, in Amps, is more than 1% of the battery capacity, in Amp-hours. For example, a charge controller would be recommended if the R15-1200 (with 1.2 Amps) were connected to a battery that is less than 120 Amp-hours. Consult the battery manufacturer for complete battery information and recommendations.

How do I clean the product?

Use a damp cloth with a mild soap solution.

What is PowerFilm®?

PowerFilm is a line of flexible solar modules with a thin film plastic substrate.

What is the base technology of PowerFilm®?

Thin film amorphous silicon photovoltaics.

How thin are PowerFilm® flexible solar modules?

PowerFilm is very thin, like paper. Encapsulated modules range from 0.22mm (8 mil) to 1.22mm (44 mil) thick. The thin aspect of PowerFilm allows it to be ultra flexible.

How does PowerFilm® compare in flexibility to other solar cells or modules?

PowerFilm is so flexible it can be curved around a cylinder 2 inches in diameter. This is possible because PowerFilm has a plastic (polyimide) substrate. PowerFilm is the most flexible solar module.

What can PowerFilm® provide energy for?

PowerFilm can be used for both large- and small-scale power generation. It can power devices directly or recharge batteries from which devices draw power. The current focus is on small to medium scale power generation. New products are being developed for large-scale power generation.

What is the efficiency of PowerFilm® modules?

Overall efficiency is strongly dependent on the module design configuration which determines the percentage of the area which is actually collecting sunlight. You can use 5% as a starting point. We have ongoing research and development programs to continue to improve the efficiency of PowerFilm modules. Note: There are widely varying standards for module efficiency numbers. We encourage you to test actual commercially manufactured modules on a consistent basis.

What is the ideal temperature range for PowerFilm® to be used in?

The modules are guaranteed to perform in normal atmospheric conditions. The optimal temperature is usually 25-50 C. surface temperature. The module is guaranteed to perform in normal atmospheric conditions (50 C. surface temperature). For all solar modules voltage output drops with increasing temperature.

How is PowerFilm® made?

PowerFilm is manufactured using breakthrough proprietary manufacturing processes. The core process is a true roll-to-roll process. The general process steps are Vacuum Deposition (Back Metal, Amorphous Silicon, Transparent Top Contact), Printing and Laser Scribing, Bus Bar/Lead Attachment, Encapsulation, and Die Cutting. PowerFilm is patterned on a 13 inch wide web on a roll up to 2400 feet long.

What are the benefits of PowerFilm® modules being produced on a true roll-to-roll process?

The proprietary roll-to-roll semiconductor manufacturing process of Iowa Thin Film Technologies™ enables lower-cost manufacturing and enhanced product functionality through ease of customization.