01) How do I know which size I need?
Consult the following Foldable Charge Time Table
Daily Run Times (in hours)
Based on 5 hours of full sun per day.
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Indicated below are examples of average run and charge times for common uses for PowerFilm® Foldable Solar Panels. For example, an average 12V fish finder consumes 0.83 Amps per hour. With the F15-300, a typical day with five hours of full sun will allow the fish finder to run for 1.8 hours and the F15-1200 would allow the fish finder to run for 7.2 hours.
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| Charge or Direct Power 12V Systems
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PowerFilm®
F15-300 |
PowerFilm®
F15-600 |
PowerFilm®
F15-1200 |
PowerFilm®
F15-1800 |
PowerFilm®
F15-3600 |
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daily run time in hours
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12V fish finder (0.83 Amps)
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1.8 |
3.6 |
7.3 |
10.9 |
21.9 |
12V GPS (0.43 Amps)
|
3.6 |
7.1 |
14.3 |
21.45 |
42.9 |
12V Bilge Pump (3 Amps)
|
0.5 |
1.0 |
2.0 |
3.0 |
6.0 |
Outdoor Lighting (0.8 Amps)
|
1.9 |
3.8 |
7.5 |
11.25 |
22.5 |
14" Color Television (3.33 Amps)
|
0.5 |
0.9 |
1.8 |
2.7 |
5.4 |
Search Light (8.3 Amps)
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0.2 |
0.4 |
0.7 |
1.05 |
2.1 |
CB Radio (0.42 Amps)
|
3.6 |
7.1 |
14.3 |
21.45 |
42.9 |
| Charge Wireless Electronics
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PowerFilm®
F15-300 |
PowerFilm®
F15-600 |
PowerFilm®
F15-1200 |
PowerFilm®
F15-1800 |
PowerFilm®
F15-3600 |
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daily run time in hours
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Cell Phone (0.5 Amps)
|
3.0 |
6.0 |
12.0 |
18.0 |
36.0 |
Satellite Phone (0.5 Amps)
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3.0 |
6.0 |
12.0 |
18.0 |
36.0 |
AM/FM Radio (0.4 Amps)
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3.8 |
7.5 |
15.0 |
22.5 |
45.0 |
Laptop (2.5 Amps)
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0.6 |
1.2 |
2.4 |
3.6 |
7.2 |
PDA (0.5 Amps)
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3.0 |
6.0 |
12.0 |
18.0 |
36.0 |
| Charge Almost All Lithium, NiCad, or NiMH Batteries
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PowerFilm®
F15-300 |
PowerFilm®
F15-600 |
PowerFilm®
F15-1200 |
PowerFilm®
F15-1800 |
PowerFilm®
F15-3600 |
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charge time in hours
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AA |
1-4 |
RA-3b |
(2 batt) 4-6 |
(4 batt) 4-6 |
(4 batt) 4-6 |
(4 batt) 2-4 |
(4 batt) 1-2 |
2-4 |
RA-4 |
N/A |
N/A |
1-3 |
1-2 |
~1 |
1-6 |
RA-5 |
N/A |
1-3 |
1-3 |
1-2 |
~1 |
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AAA |
1-4 |
RA-3b |
(2 batt) 1-2 |
(4 batt) 1-2 |
(4 batt) 1-2 |
(4 batt) ~1 |
(4 batt) <1 |
2-4 |
RA-4 |
N/A |
N/A |
1-3 |
1-2 |
~1 |
1-6 |
RA-5 |
N/A |
1-3 |
1-3 |
1-2 |
~1 |
|
D |
|
RA-3b |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
2-4 |
RA-4 |
N/A |
N/A |
3-13 |
2-8 |
1-5 |
1-6 |
RA-5 |
N/A |
3-13 |
3-13 |
2-8 |
1-5 |
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Lithium,
NiCad, or NiMH |
|
RA-3b |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
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RA-4 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
1 |
RA-5 |
N/A |
2-4 |
2-4 |
1-3 |
1-2 |
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02) How do I know if it is working?
You can check the PowerFilm® Foldable Battery Charger with a voltmeter.
03) Will this product drain my battery at night?
No. It has a built-in blocking diode to protect against reverse draining of current.
04) Can I leave it outside permanently?
The PowerFilm® Foldable 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.
05) What if the product gets wet?
Though the product is weatherproof, it is best to keep the unit dry. Move the wet unit to a clean dry area and allow to air dry.
06) What if the product goes under water?
Simply wipe the product with a dry cloth and allow the product to air dry before use. Avoid having the product completely submerged for an extended period of time.
07) Can I leave it outside in freezing temperatures?
08) If I need more power can I connect several of these together? How?
Yes, it is acceptable to connect several PowerFilm® Foldable Battery Chargers in parallel. Connect using the Daisy Chain Accessory (RA-6). Connect chargers up to a combined output of 20 Amps.
09) Can I use an extension cord?
10) Do I need to disconnect this charger when I start my vehicle?
You do not need to disconnect the rollable solar panel. However, you will need to disconnect any battery charger pack accessory that is connected to the solar panel.
11) 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.
12) How do I clean the product?
Use a damp cloth with a mild soap solution.
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