Model lines

Our model lines

All model lines share these features:

Same type and number of high-efficiency mono-crystalline solar cell elements, meaning that all models operate at the same voltage and can be freely combined (exception: models for 24V charging that use double the number of cells). The cells may be cut to elements of a different shape or size but this does not affect voltage. The cells are good diodes in themselves, no current stealing back diodes are needed.
Circuit sizes are limited, for larger panels several circuits are used instead. This eliminates problems with hot spots from shading or the need to use bypass diodes. The smaller cell elements also are subject to less bending cell stress.
Textured surface using the same mechanically resilient fluoroplastic polymer, which resists degradation by solar UV radiation.
No junction boxes or other protrusions on the surface, which tend to catch feet, sheets or other lines.
When mounted on a solid surface the panels can be walked on. However, in areas where it is necessary to work in rough weather a walkway between panels is advisable as a wet panel surface does not offer as good a grip as a good deck covering
Built on G10 composite plates which are very strong, impermeable to water and electrically insulating. Exception: A few "legacy" models are still available on anodized aluminum plates and "hatch" models are built on transparent polycarbonate.

Compact ST panels:

Built using separate circuits connected in parallel. Circuits use 36 cell elements with rounded corners arranged in a square. The larger panels (73W and up) therefore has shade tolerance in both directions, useful in locations where shading patterns are unpredictable..
Conform to slightly rounded surfaces, the larger panels in both directions.
The models with a double backplate (36W and 73W) are stiff enough to tolerate mounting on a fabric dodger or bimini without extra support. The other models need some support to prevent repeated flexing in wind and wave motion.

Suncatcher panels:

Built using separate circuits connected in parallel. Circuits use 36 cell elements with square corners arranged in narrow rectangular segments. This allows for optimal shade tolerance from objects like a boom, when the long side of the segments runs in the same direction.
Conform well to moderately rounded surfaces in the direction across the segments, aided by the hinges between segments.
Require good support when mounted in places subject to repeated flexing in wind and wave motion.

Choosing between Compact ST and Suncatcher panels:

The Suncatcher panels are ideal on cabin roofs, hardtop dodgers and hardtop biminis subject to shade from the rigging.
The Compact ST panels are easier to support on fabric biminis and mounted on rails or brackets. They can be made at lower cost.

Bluewater and Compact panels:

There is no technical difference, it is just shape. Bluewater is the name we gave to long narrow panels fitting spaces where other panels won't.

Hatch panels:

Panels built on clear polycarbonate, which will transmit some light through a window (the cells are still opaque).
Fitted with a flat cable permitting the hatch to be closed with the cable going inside.

Legacy panels:

Between 2006 and 2013 all our panels were built using 5"x 5" (125 x 125 mm) cells which was the former industry standard. The current standard is 6" x 6" (more precisely 156 x 156 mm), which means that to make the classical models we have to cut down the larger cells with a waste of material. Hence these panels will be phased out, but for a limited time we can still offer panels with the older dimensions. They are primarily intended for users who already have panels and need to maintain the same size..