The solar panel solution we've all been looking for! A light, flexible, thin, and durable solar panel to make sure you're never without power no matter where the adventure takes you.

In this article we will cover:

• Remote Power & Adventure Travel
• Technology Behind the Sunflare Flex60 Modules
• Energy Management
• Installation
• Solar Panel Applications
• Alu-Cab and Sunflare

Remote Power and adventure travel:

At OK4WD we outfit out our vehicles with Sunflare's Flex60 solar panels to ensure that when we go off grid we can be self-sufficient, while having the reassurance of abundant battery when we need to turn the key and return home.

Adventure travel demands a lot from batteries and one thing for sure is being able to maintain all of our electronics. A standard vehicle has to be running in order to keep these devises charged. With a solar set up, and energy management, you can take the strain off your vehicle's battery and power all your additional components without touching your vehicles complicated electrical system. There is so much solar energy can be used for:

• Maintain optimal battery charge
• Maintain refrigerator temperature
• Run air compressor
• Power 12volt and 110 power outlets for other electronics
• Power lights:
  • Camp
  • Kitchen area
  • Inside Tent
  • Ditch lights

Sunflare Technology:

What makes Sunflare modules unique and versatile compared to conventional, silicon-based solar panels are their flexibility. This trait makes them easier to install and eliminates the micro-cracking that silicon cells experience after the flexing of sport and recreational driving. Micro-cracking compromises the electrical integrity and reduces the power output of the panels over time making Sunflare flexible the most reliable solar panel to travel with.

Flex60 modules eliminate the entire antiquated solar panel and replaces it with the cleanest mass produced solar power product on the market. This new build process results in a global warming potential (GWP) of just 1/10 of silicon modules.

Sunflare uses an extremely thin light-absorbing CIGS layer with less than 1mm of elemental materials in its production process. Flexible Sun2 cells are encapsulated between durable polymer sheets and each cell has a bypass diode so that only the shaded cell turns off rather than the entire cell. These diodes ensure you get the most out of your solar panel and only turn off the modules that are not producing energy due to shade. By doing so these diodes ensure the panels in the sun will not overheat and get damaged.

Check out this comparison between Sunflares's CIGS technology and the old silicone panels:

Energy Management:

In order to use the energy the solar panels produce you need a way to store and distribute it safely to your electronics. We have taken the guess work out of power management.

The solar energy produced is transferred to Victron's BlueSolar MPPT 75/10. What it does is constantly monitors the voltage and current output of your solar panels, MPPT technology ensures that every drop of available power is rinsed out of your panels, and harvested for storage to your auxiliary battery and then distributed to your devices in use.

While that energy is stored in a deep cycle battery or being used, all energy can be monitored with Victron's BMV-700 Battery monitor within your vehicle. If away from your vehicle, you can also view this information on your smartphone. These complete solar kits can all be purchased on our website.

Solar panels are used to charge an auxiliary battery, not to charge a device directly. A deep cycle battery will be needed to store the energy produced by the solar panels.

The kit we recommend is the same kit we use in our Toyota Tacoma. Our Tacoma utilizes the Sunflare 180w Solar Panel.

• Victron 75/15 Smart Solar Charge Controller
• Victron BMV-700 Battery Monitor
• Wiring kit includes:
  • 20-40' battery cable
  • MC4 Connectors
  • Anderson plug
• Auxiliary battery *not included in wiring kits

Installing Sunflare's Flex60:

This simple slim design eliminates the extra cost associated with buying mounting brackets and crossbars that all take up valuable space, cause drag and wind noise while traveling down the road. The absence of glass makes this process worry free and opens the door to new mounting locations since it does not have to be a flat surface. After picking the desired location add adhesive to the surface. Check out this installation video on how to properly adhere modules to your vehicle.

Solar Panel Applications:

These Flex60 panels are perfect for the adventure traveler or if you are a contractor. Sunflare can be built into specific dimensions to optimize every square inch of available space whatever the application.

Mounting Locations:

• Vehicles
  • Roof
  • Rooftop Tent
  • Roof Box
  • Adventure trailers
• Boats
  • Canvas dodgers
  • Biminis covers
  • Decks
  • Open hard surfaces
  • Boat covers
• Homes
  • Roofs
  • Sheds
  • Fences
• RV & Campers

Alu-Cab and Sunflare:

Teaming up with Alu-Cab we have been able to perfect the integration of Sunflare's panels and energy management. We can outfit your Alu-Cab tent, canopy, canopy camper, or khaya camper with these durable panels and supporting equipment to make sure your adventures are always powered. We can install the Sunflare Flex60 panels in your desired location and seamlessly integrate all solar energy management and auxiliary battery to a factory finish.

We'd love to hear from you!

Let us help you bring your solar energy ideas to LIGHT! If you're a serious adventure traveler or a contractor looking for power outlets and cool drinks lets work together!