Solar Technology 5W Flexi Solar Panel Kit

The Solar Technology 5W Flexi Solar Panel Kit (SKU: 751-STPVF005) is a lightweight and durable semi-flexible photovoltaic panel designed for maintaining and trickle charging 12-volt batteries in various off-grid applications. Featuring an advanced ETFE top layer, this 5W panel from the PV Logic flexi range offers enhanced resilience and weather resistance, making it ideal for marine, caravan, motorhome, and other outdoor uses across the UK.

Key Benefits

• Exceptional Durability: The ETFE top layer provides a self-healing memory effect, protecting against minor abrasions and ensuring a long lifespan.
• Completely Waterproof: Constructed with a six-layer heavy-duty laminate and a silicon-injected junction box to prevent water ingress in extreme conditions.
• Lightweight & Flexible: Its ultra-thin and semi-flexible design allows for easy installation on flat or slightly curved surfaces, such as boat decks or vehicle roofs.
• Anti-Slip Surface: The dimpled ETFE surface provides an anti-slip property, particularly useful when installed on boat decks.
• Reliable Trickle Charging: Delivers up to 1.68 Amp hours per day, perfect for maintaining the life of 12V batteries.

Key Features

• 5W nominal power output.
• ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) top layer for superior weather resistance, UV stability, and self-cleaning properties.
• Robust six-layer heavy-duty laminate construction for cell circuit protection.
• Waterproof junction box with silicon injection and strain relief for the fitted 4m UV stabilised PV cable.
• Rounded panel corners and a unique curved junction box for superior adhesion and a snag-free profile.
• Pre-drilled 4.5mm holes in the aluminium layer for optional mechanical fixing.
• Integrated blocking diode to prevent reverse current drain from the battery at night.
• Designed to fit flush to surfaces with a curve of no greater than 3cm per metre panel length.

Technical Specifications

Typical Applications

This Solar Technology 5W Flexi Solar Panel Kit is highly versatile for various low-power charging needs:

• Marine: Ideal for trickle charging 12V leisure batteries on boats, yachts, and narrowboats.
• Caravans & Motorhomes: Suitable for maintaining vehicle and leisure batteries during storage or light use.
• Off-Grid Charging: Perfect for small off-grid systems, remote sensing equipment, or electric fencing batteries.
• Battery Maintenance: Provides a continuous trickle feed to extend the life of any 12-volt battery.

Installation Notes

The PV Logic flexi range can be bonded to flat or slightly curved surfaces (up to 3cm curve per metre) such as painted aluminium, metal, GRP, and fibreglass using suitable adhesives like Simson ISR 70-03. The panel also features pre-drilled 4.5mm holes for mechanical fixing if preferred. When bonding, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's recommended glue pattern to ensure adequate airflow beneath the panel, preventing heat build-up and potential warping under extreme heat. This 5W panel is supplied with a 4m cable, connectors, and a fuse. Please note that hot spot protection diodes are typically found in larger PV Logic flexi panels (60W and above) and are not present in this 5W model.

Before You Buy

For battery charging applications, this 5W panel kit does not require a separate charge controller if the battery to be used is larger than 35Ah, as it is fitted with a blocking diode to prevent reverse current drain. However, for smaller batteries or if you are unsure, it is always advisable to consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek expert advice to ensure optimal battery health and system performance. Always verify the panel's specifications and compatibility with your existing or planned solar setup.