The Voltaic Converter is our most versatile model. It is a small light weight, so it is ideal for biking and hiking.

Multiple attachment mechanisms mean it can work as a pannier on a bicycle, a tank bag on a motorcycle, a saddle pack, or a day bag attached to a lager rucksack.

• 4 Watts of Solar Power: From three tough, light weight, waterproof solar panels
• 4-6 hours of direct sunlight produce enough charge to fully charge a typical cell phone – see charging times
• Battery Included: 4,400mAh at 3.6 volts Li-Ion battery pack with 3 voltage settings to store solar power
• When not in the sun, the battery can be charged using the AC travel charger or DC car charger making it just as useful on the grid as off
• 11 standard adaptors for easy connections to common cell phones and universal plugs
• Note: It is not designed to charge laptops, it will however charge cell phones, sat phones, PDAs, GPSs, iPods, cameras and most other handheld electronics

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This 1350 mah (approx 21 watt) solar panel comes with a cable that can connect to a battery or various other devices – including many laptops. The internal batteries of your wireless electronics can be charged by connecting the powerfilm® rollable solar panel to your device’s 12v cigarette lighter adapter by using the included ra-2 female cigarette lighter adapter. (additional adapters available separately) size: 67.5 inches x 14.5 inchesMade in USA

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United Solar’s proprietary Triple Junction spectrum-splitting amorphous silicon cell design achieves high performance.These cells are constructed of three separate p-i-n type, amorphous semiconductor solar sub-cells, each with a different spectral response characteristic. This allows the cell to convert the different visible and near infrared wavelengths of sunlight with optimal efficiency.

The thin-film cells are made in a patented continuous roll-to-roll deposition process on a flexible stainless steel sheet. Each of the nine thin-film semiconductor layers that comprise the cell is sequentially deposited in separate, dynamically-isolated, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition
(PECVD) chambers as the stainless steel substrate progresses through the machine.

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As a general manufacturer of electrical machinery and appliances, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation offers a legacy of innovation and achievement that goes all the way back to its founding in 1921.

Since 1976, when Japan launched its first commercial satellite, Mitsubishi has participated in approximately 250 related projects around the world. One such project led to the development of a number of photovoltaic power generation systems that have proven to be extremely reliable, even in the harsh conditions of outer space.

Mitsubishi has applied leading-edge technologies from its space-related applications to terrestrial systems to create high-performance photovoltaic power-generation systems for an astonishing range of applications. Mitsubishi Electric successfully produced the first cells in Japan that do not require solder coatings. This was a milestone in the development of environmentally friendly composite materials and manufacturing processes for the silver electrodes used on the surfaces of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. Their PV modules are now made using lead-free solder, completely eliminating lead from the manufacturing process.

The 175-watt and larger modules are designed for use in high-voltage grid-tie applications, but can be used in large industrial and off-grid applications for battery charging if the system includes an appropriate MPPT charge controller such as the OutBack MX-60, Apollo T80 or Blue Sky Solar Boost.

These modules use 50 square poly-crystalline 156mm cells in series behind tempered glass with anodized aluminum frames, and Multi-Contact locking connector output cables. Positive and negative cables come from junction boxes at opposite ends of the module.

The 125-watt modules have Multi-Contact locking connector output cables and are optimized for 12-volt battery charging with 36 cells in series.

The 125-watt module has 36 cells, a clear-anodized frame and a conduit-ready junction box.

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Microprocessor-Based Technology

The AIR is by far the world’s number one selling small wind turbine.In late 2001 we introduced an entirely new level of technology previously found only in state-of-the-art mega-watt-class wind turbines.

The Air X incorporates a new microprocessor-based technology that results in increased performance, improved battery charging capability, greater reliability and the reduction of “flutter” noise from the machine.

The controller allows for peak-power tracking of the wind by optimizing the alternator’s output on all points of the cubic curve and efficiently delivers the energy to the battery. The turbine’s smart controller allows it to actually control blade rotation speed thus eliminating the buzzing noise commonly found with most small wind turbines.

Quieter operation

Previous AIR wind modules relied on their aero-elastic blade design for protection in high winds. This caused a loud flutter noise in winds above 35 mph (16 m/s). The Air X circuit monitors the wind speed and electronically slows the blades as it reaches its rated output preventing it from going into flutter. This results in a much quieter wind turbine. In high winds, the Air X will continue to produce power at a reduced level until the wind decreases, at which point maximum potential output will resume.

Improved Battery Charging

Previous AIR designs required 300-400 amp hour battery banks so the trickle charge of the wind turbine could be adequately absorbed. The Air X charge controller periodically stops charging, reads the battery voltage, compares it to the voltage setting and if the battery is charged, it completely shuts off all current going to the battery. This function is performed within a few milliseconds. The closer the battery is to reaching its full state of charge, the more often the Air X circuit repeats this action. This means any size battery bank from 25 to 25,000 amp hours or higher can be charged safely. When the battery has reached its charged state, the Air X will slow to an almost complete stop. Only when the battery has dropped below its voltage set point will it startup and resume charging.

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Any motivated do-it-yourselfer can learn how to make solar panels for their home, workshop or business.  When compared to the cost of purchasing and installing a pre-made solar energy system, learning how to make solar panels for your energy needs and the materials you need to execute the project are far less.  By learning how to make solar panels for yourself, you have greater control over the size and design of your system as well.

Once you have a quality manual and you have learned how to make solar panels, the supplies are fairly simple to find.  Most can be found at your local hardware store like, plywood, sheets of glass, and a roll of copper wire.  It is also easy to locate inexpensive solar or photovoltaic cells to use in your project.  Many are available over the Internet or you may have a retailer available locally.  One you’ve learned how to make solar panels and you have your supplies, it usually takes about a day to assemble a 100-watt panel.  This is the perfect amount of electricity to operate small appliances or a small workshop.

The most important step is finding a quality manual with detailed instructions for learning how to make solar panels.  In many cases you get what you pay for, so don’t be afraid to spend a few extra dollars on a well-reviewed instruction manual.  Overall, the cost of the making your own panels is so low, the price of the how to guide is minimal-you will still be paying way less learning how to make solar panels on your own than purchasing a professionally installed system.

With a little bit effort, you can be on your way to learning how to make solar panels to meet your energy needs.  Then sit back and bask in the pride the next time the power goes out on your block.  Your lights will still be on because you learned how to make solar panels and your energy supply is still in your battery bank.

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