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SOLAR 101: GOAL ZERO
makes it easy to recharge your gear from the sun –
we didn’t invent solar power, we perfected it. Some things to keep in mind when
recharging your gear with solar power:
i. Solar panels don’t store power from the sun, they collect it.
We teach you to COLLECT – STORE – USE, which is the best way to utilize
solar power to recharge your gear. COLLECT the sun’s energy with a solar
panel. STORE the power in a recharger. USE the recharger to power your
gear, day or night. If you’re really a diehard, you can plug your gear directly
into the junction box located on the back of our NOMAD Solar Panels to
recharge from the sun.
ii. Not all solar charge times are created equal
Most solar panel manufacturers calculate their recharge times with the
following equation: Device Watt Hours/Solar Panel Watts = Solar Recharge
Times. So theoretically, a 13 watt solar panel would recharge a 50 watt-hour
recharger in 3.84 hours (50/13 = 3.84) – and this is the number you could
find in marketing material for a solar panel. However, in order to standardize
results across all manufacturers, these tests are completed in laboratory
settings.. The truth is, on a good, sunny day, you’ll receive about 50-75%
of your solar panel’s rated wattage, and this is how the engineers at GOAL
ZERO calculate the solar recharge times you see on our packaging.
iii. Solar works, even in overcast conditions.
Solar panels utilize IR, UV, and visible rays from the sun that can penetrate
through clouds. Although the efficiency of the solar panel will decrease in
cloudy conditions, you’ll still be collecting valuable power from the sun.
iv. Keep away from shade and windows.
Although you should seek out the shade on sunny days, your solar panels will
collect more power when fully exposed to the sunlight. Windows also have a
habit of decreasing efficiency. So keep those panels outside and in the bright
sunlight.
v. Proper alignment works wonders.
Keeping your solar panel angled toward the sun can dramatically increase
solar efficiency. Set it up and let Mother Nature do the rest.
Education
BATTERIES 101: GOAL ZERO
utilizes the latest and greatest in battery
technology to accompany you on all life’s adventures. From the versatile and
lightweight Lithium Ion, to the robust and powerful Lead Acid, we’ve compiled
some helpful tips to keep your GOAL ZERO batteries working their best.
i. Batteries need exercise
The best thing for any battery is to use it. Don’t leave a charged battery
sitting around, unloved and unused for long periods of time.
ii. The “Battery Memory” myth
Thanks to old Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries, there’s a myth running
around that you should completely drain your batteries before plugging
them in for a recharge, called “deep cycling”. Although true with NiCd
batteries, the typical batteries you’ll find in most of your gear today,
including the advanced lithium and lead-acid batteries used in your GOAL
ZERO products, require no such draining. In fact, you should avoid deep
cycling your batteries – it does more harm than good in most cases.
iii. The “Stadium Effect”
The stadium effect occurs when recharging your batteries. You’ll notice your
battery quickly filling up in the beginning, then slowing down noticeably
when trying to charge up the last several percentages. Think of how quickly
a stadium fills up when the doors first open – there are hundreds of open
seats so it’s easy to find the one you want. Eventually there are only a few
open seats here and there and people have to maneuver around to find
the spot they want and filling those seats takes longer. The same theory
applies to recharging batteries. It’s easy for energy to flow in and take up
empty space in the beginning, and as time goes on and there is less space
available, it takes longer for the energy to fill in the holes.
iv. Read the manual.
Yeah, it might be a long read, but the manual is the best place to find the dos
and don’ts for the battery in your specific device. Reading your manual will
ensure you’re taking steps to keep your batteries happy and healthy.
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