IMPORTANT NOTE: WE HAVE A NEW BATTERY SOLUTION THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE USB CONNECTIONS, AND IS MUCH MORE VERSATILE, ALLOWING FOR CHARGING VIA CIGARETTE LIGHTER ADAPTER, AMONG OTHER METHODS. IT NOW CHARGES IPODS (3RD AND 4TH GENERATION BUT NOT 5TH GENERATION) AND MOST OTHER PORTABLE DIGITAL DEVICES. Learn more about SeV Solar Panels by reading the USER'S MANUAL.
Described below are some frequently asked questions about how to use
and care for your Solar SeV. If you have a question that is not addressed
here, feel free to email us at solar@SCOTTEVEST (SeV).com.
CLICK HERE FOR
ORDER & SHIPPING FAQ.
1. Can the solar panels be used independently of
my SeV?
Yes! You can use the solar panels to charge your devices without attaching
it to the jacket so long as the panels are exposed to light, preferably
direct sunlight.
Back to Top
2. What are the solar
panels made from and why are they so special?
 Trademarked
PowerFLEX™, the solar panels consist of unique flexible thin-film
photovoltaic material made from copper indium gallium diselenide
(CIGS) sun-absorbing material placed onto a thin substrate. The
solar panels are made by Global Solar and are called PowerFLEX™.
Global Solar’s CIGS technology is a high-efficiency, ultra-lightweight
personal solar power solution that has proven itself in numerous
applications, ranging from marine to desert environments for the
military and others. It is a highly durable and the highest performance
flexible solar cell available in the market, ideally suited for
mobile applications. Combined with integrated charge control and
optional battery/charger systems, it provides the conveniences of
backup and always on, on-demand small scale solar electrical power.
Benefits and attributes of Global Solar PowerFLEX™ include:
- The solar cells are lightweight, flexible, and durable, which
make them ideal for portable power.
- PowerFLEX™ uses CIGS, which is 1.5 to 2X greater in performance
than comparable thin film flexible solar materials. CIGS has achieved
the highest performance of any thin film solar cell technology
in domestic and international laboratories.
- Global Solar employs roll-to-roll manufacturing which is a proven
industrial manufacturing process to reduce labor, materials, energy,
handling, and capital costs.
- Unlike other thin film solar cells, Global Solar’s PowerFLEX™
does not exhibit instabilities that cause reduction of power output
over time.
Back to Top
3. Will the battery’s and solar panel's
effectiveness reduce over time?
The solar panels and battery are guaranteed for a period of two years.
Please refer to the warranty shown here for more
details. The solar cells are encapsulated in protective plastics engineered
to protect the solar cells and prevent the solar panel performance
from degrading over time. These plastics keep out moisture and other
elements that could reduce the solar panel performance. If properly
cared for, the solar panels should not reduce in performance and should
operate for several years.
Back to Top
4. What is the warranty for the solar panels
and battery?
Please click here to read the warranty.
Back
to Top
5. How do I care for the solar panels?
To care for and clean your solar panels, please refer to the points
below:
- Although the solar panels are flexible, DO NOT fold or crease
the solar charger on sharp edges or objects.
- DO NOT crumple or fold the solar panels.
- Maximum rolling diameter of the solar panels is 3-inches (7.5
cm). The solar is not meant to be rolled into
a tight cylinder (for example rolled into a cylinder, folded and
stuffed into a pocket). The solar was designed to be lightweight
and comfortable and as a consequence is very flexible.
- REMOVE the solar panels and auxiliary battery from your SeV
before machine washing or dry cleaning the jacket.
- DO NOT machine wash, machine dry, or dry clean the solar panels.
- AVOID inserting electrically conductive objects (coins, metallic
gum wrappers) into the auxiliary battery USB port. The auxiliary
battery has an internal automatic reset fuse, however, a direct
short will discharge the battery reducing system performance.
- DO NOT open the auxiliary battery box.
- DO NOT attempt to charge the auxiliary battery with any other
charging device.
- The auxiliary battery box is not waterproof, DO NOT immerse
in water.
To clean the solar panels, follow the following instructions:
- Remove the solar charger from your SeV.
- Wipe clean with a damp wash cloth.
- Lie the clean charger flat and allow to air dry
- DO NOT machine wash or machine dry.
- DO NOT Dry clean. Dry cleaning chemicals may damage the solar
charger protective plastics.
Back to Top
6. How do you attach the solar panels to the
SeV?
The solar panels attach to your SeV with hook and loop fasteners (similar
to Velcro®) and using the epaulets located on the shoulder area
of the SeV. Detailed instructions will accompany your purchase or
you can view the step
by step onstructions online. The panels are designed to be attached
and removed quickly.
Back to Top
7. Can I attach the solar panels to an SeV I
purchased previously?
You can attach the solar panels to any Version Three.0 SeV (other
than the Limited Edition Leather), but some very minor modifications
will be required. Detailed instructions will be included if you purchase
the solar panels alone. You will be able to make the alterations yourself
if you can sew, but we recommend that you have a professional tailor
make the alterations. It should not cost more that $25 to have the
modifications made. Please note however that initially the fabric
attached to the solar panels will be made only from black Finetex.
We expect to offer other colors and fabrics to match other SeVs later.
Versions predating Version Three.0 cannot be easily modified.
Back to Top
8.
What is the material the solar panels are attached to?
The material used to attach the solar panels is the same material
Version Three.0 Finetex is made from, Finetex®.
Finetex is an innovative material. It is both waterproof and breathable
(like Gore-Tex, but not as costly).
Back to Top
9. Can the solar panels get wet?
Yes, but they are not intended to be submerged in water.
Back to Top
10. How many sizes do the solar panels come in?
One size fits all. The solar panels are adjustable to fit any size
SeV.
Back
to Top
11. Where are the solar panels made?
The panels are made in the USA. The fabric is made in South Korea,
and the panels are assembled in the USA.
Back to Top
12.
How large is the solar pack?
The solar pack is an unusual size, but at its largest area it measures
approximately 16" X 14”. It weighs less than 3 oz. You
can roll the solar pack when not attached to a maximum rolling diameter
of 3 inches, but be very careful not to bend the panels. As mentioned
above, we want to avoid the panel from being rolled into a tight
circle (cylinder). Rolling or creasing could damage the cells of
the electrical circuit connecting the cells. Click the image to
the right to view the solar pack.
Back to Top
13.
Can I charge more than one device at a time?
Only one device can be charged at a time. Need a device
to charge your phone? Purchase a Zipcord
Retractable Mobile Phone USB Charger.
Back to Top
14.
What pocket do you use to hold the battery while charging?
You can use any pocket that is connected to the Personal
Area Network (P.A.N.) to hold the battery. The cord to the solar
panels is 4 feet long, and is capable of reaching any of the pockets.
We recommend leaving the battery in one of the front handwarmer
pockets. You can then connect the USB charging cables to the battery
using the P.A.N.
Back to Top
|
 |
|
;)
