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Solar Technology |
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What is
PV & how does it work? |
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PV stands for photovoltaic.
Photo = Light and Voltaic = Electricity. A solar cell converts light to electricity.
A solar cell is made of silicon. Computer chips are made of this same material.
Basically, when light strikes the surface of a solar cell some of it is absorbed
into the silicon. This light energy bumps the electrons loose and causes energy
to flow.
By packaging approximately 36 solar cells together a solar panel or a solar module
is created. When you have more than one solar panels you create a solar array.
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Why should
I consider using solar? |
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When the sun shines, you
get power! No muss. No fuss. It's absolutely silent, and it's pretty much maintenance-free.
All I (Libbie) do aboard s/v HOTWIRE is use a damp sponge or rag once in a while
to wipe off dust, salt, and bird poop!
Where we are now, I clean ours a couple of times a year. When we were downwind from
the cement plant at Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela, I cleaned them much more often. The
cleaner the surface, the better it works for you. |
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What's
the difference between solar cell, solar panel, and solar module? |
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The solar cell is one small
(approx. 4"x4") area on the surface of a solar module. The module is made up of
many solar cells set into a frame for support. A solar panel is several solar modules
installed together on a rack. Put some racks together and you have a solar array. |
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Solar Cards |
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Can SolarUno
store its own power? |
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Yes, put 2 AAA rechargeable
batteries into and SolarUno can store its energy. |
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What power
output can I expect from SolarUno? |
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The power can be 5V USB output
150mA. |
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How long
does it take to use the sun to charge SolarUno? |
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Fully charging 2 AAA rechargeable
batteries with SolarUno by the sun takes typically 4 hours of sunlight; 1 AAA NiMh
battery takes typically 2 hours. |
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Can SolarUno
be charged on a cloudy day? |
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Yes, you can charge SolarUno
even in cloudy & ambient light conditions, although significantly less power is produced.
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Does Solar Panel break easily? |
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With the high flexibility, SF Solar Panel can be bent without breaking, but do not
fold it. |
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What devices
can be charged by SolarUno? |
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SolarUno can charge most
of MP3 players, including iPod series. |
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Should
I put AAA rechargeable batteries into while charging MP3 via SolarUno with the sun? |
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depending, place 1 or 2 AAA
batteries in battery holder before charging MP3. |
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How to
clean SolarUno? |
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Gently wipe a slightly damp
cloth over SolarUno. Never use abrasive, corrosive solvents or chemicals. |
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How can
I charge my USB-powered MP3 player if there's no sun? |
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You can put 2 AAA non-rechargeable
batteries in and use SolarUno as the "inverter" to charge your USB-powered MP3
player. |
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Can I leave
SolarUno in the car when it is being charged? |
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Although leaving SolarUno
in the car while charging is harmless for SolarUno, but the heat may cause damage
to your devices. Therefore, we do not suggest you leave SolarUno and your devices
alone in the car while charging. |
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