Frequently Asked Questions

Answers

General

• How can I get the best performance from my solar panel?

  You should ensure that your solar panel is outside in direct sunlight and that the solar panel is in no way shaded. Shade will reduce the performance. A solar panel’s performance is always highest during “peak sun hours” which is normally between 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun is highest in the sky. For the best performance, the solar panel should be perpendicular to the sun.

• Can I take my Aurora solar panel sailing with me?

  The Aurora and Xpedition solar chargers are not saltwater resistant, so you shouldn't use it in a saltwater environment. While they are water-resistant, we do not recommend their use while sailing.

• Do the solar panels themselves store power?

  The solar panels do not store their own power. This reduces the overall weight since the solar panel is made to charge the batteries in your device not a second set of batteries. External batteries for storage are available separately as accessories.

• Can I use solar panels indoors, i.e. through window glass or under a light bulb?

  Solar panels require sunshine to function, using the photovoltaic effect to create electricity. Using a solar panel indoors will severely hamper its ability to generate electricity, since a window is a natural filter of light. And a light bulb, no matter how powerful, is not a replacement for the sun. So no.

• What type of solar technology is used?

  The solar cell technology used in the Aurora and Xpedition products is called CIGS which stands for Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide, a versatile solar technology due to its flexible nature. The solar cells used in our products are made in the United States.

• What is sun soaking and how do I do it?

  Sun soaking is unique to CIGS solar cells. Due to the molecular structure of the cell, a CIGS solar cell which is fresh from the manufacturer will initially produce less electricity then stated. Once it has been "soaked in the sun", meaning it has been exposed to UV radiation, the solar cells will awaken and will perform at their peak efficiency.

  Basically, before you use the panel for the first time, lay it out in the sun for a few hours. This only needs to be done once in the solar panel's lifetime.

• What about cloudy days and if the solar panel is left outside?

  The solar panels will work in cloudy conditions but at a lower efficiency. However, if the cloud cover is so thick that no sunlight can get through, then they will not perform.

  It is not a good idea to leave a solar panel outside for an extended period of time since they are not made for permanent installation. If the solar panel is left outside and happens to get wet, just use a cloth to wipe off excess water and allow the panel to dry before folding it up. While the Aurora panels are made to be water-resistant, they are not weather-proof.

Aurora

• Is the Aurora compatible with my device?

  The Aurora is compatible and supports charging of all USB 2.0 devices which adhere to the USB Implementer’s Forum Battery Charging Specification. If you can charge your device via your computer’s USB port, then you can most likely charge it with an Aurora. For more information, please consult the Compatible Device chart.

• What are the differences between the Aurora models?

  The Aurora 2 has a maximum output of 400mA at USB 5V while the Aurora 4 has a maximum output of 800mA at USB 5V. This means that the Aurora 4 can charge your devices twice as fast as the Aurora 2.

  Also the Aurora 4 is bigger.

• Can the Aurora charge a laptop?

  No. The Aurora charges USB compatible devices only. To charge laptops, consider using an Aurora Pro or a Xpedition solar panel with an external battery such as the Arigo or the Superbox.

Aurora Pro

• Is the Aurora Pro compatible with my device?

  The Aurora Pro is compatible and supports charging of all 12V devices. All Aurora Pro products come with a 12V accessory kit that allows the connection of any 12V device via a cigarette lighter adapter, found most commonly in cars. In addition, the Aurora Pro 12 includes a USB adapter to charge USB devices. For more information, please consult the Compatible Device chart. For device specific adapters, please consult the accessory section of the store.

• What are the differences between the Aurora Pro models?

  The Aurora Pro 12 has a maximum of 800 mA at 12V while the Aurora Pro 25 has a maximum output of 1500 mA at 12V. This means that the Aurora Pro 25 can charge your devices twice as fast as the Aurora Pro 12.

  The Aurora Pro 25 is larger and heavier than Aurora Pro 12.

  The Aurora Pro 12 includes a USB adapter while the Aurora Pro 25 does not.

• Can the Aurora Pro charge a laptop?

  The Aurora Pro can charge a laptop when used in conjunction with an external battery such as the Arigo or the Superbox.

Xpedition

• What is MIL-STD-810?

  The MIL-STD-810 is a test method standard used by the United States Department of Defense to test an equipment's design and test limits based on the environment the equipment will be used in and the conditions it will experience throughout its time of service. All Xpedition solar panels have been tested and have passed MIL-STD-810 standard.

• Can the Xpedition solar panels charge a laptop?

  The Xpedition can charge a laptop when used in conjunction with an external battery such as the Arigo or the Superbox.

• Do Xpedition solar panels come in other colors?

  Yes, the Xpedition solar panels are also available in forest camouflage and desert camouflage. However, these must be special order as we only stock the black version and they are more expensive than the black version. If you are interested in forest or desert camouflage please contact us directly via the contact form.