$2.25
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PowerFilm® SP3-12 Flexible Solar Panel Cell 3v 12mA
Voltage 3.00V
Current 12.0mA (0.012A)
Voltage (oc) 4.10V
Current (sc) 16.0mA (0.035A)
Thickness 0.2mm (8 mil)
Total Size 0.5 x 2.5" (12.7 x 64mm)
Aperture Size 0.5 x 2.0" (12.7 x 50.8mm)
Weight 0.012 oz (0.24 g)
Series Electronics Series
The OEM Components line consists of the most basic of flexible solar cell technology. There are 22 different cells in three different product lines to choose from, ranging in size, voltage, current, and encapsulation material. Each cell is created by depositing amorphous silicon on a thin plastic substrate and then encapsulating the cells in either a Polyester coating or heavy duty Tefzel, a DuPont product. The cells are paper thin and can be wrapped around almost any curved surface. The three product lines are the Electronic Series, the RC Aircraft Series, and the WeatherProTM Series. Each series has been designed with certain characteristics. The Electronics Series is perfect for integration into small portable electronics. The RC Aircraft Series has the best weight to power ratio as they were constructed with model aircraft in mind. The WeatherProTMSeries was built for permanent fixture in the outdoors, as the Tefzel coating has a rated lifespan of 20 years.
1) Module Polarity Information
It is extremely important to recognize the correct polarity of the PowerFilm® modules!The positive end of the solar module is shown in the diagram below. A diode, such as 1N5817, is recommended to prevent the solar module from draining the battery when the solar module is in the dark. A diode is not required for a battery-free electrical device. The positive end of the module connects to the positive end of the load. The negative end of the module is also shown in the diagram and should be connected to the negative end of the load. The recommended connector wire size is a minimum size of 24 gauge. As an extra measure, connect the solar module to a digital multimeter for polarity (+,-) identification. On solar modules with copper tape leads, remove a small piece of the clear coating that is on top of the copper tape to ensure good contact between the alligator clips of the digital multimeter and the copper tape.
Warning! Do not connect a charged battery backwards or reverse polarity to the solar module, this will destroy the solar module and may cause the battery to explode causing bodily harm, even death!
2) Module Selection
Select PowerFilm® modules according to:
Operating Voltage and Operating Current Required
Use Environment
Specific Applications Needs
Operating Voltage and Operating Current Required
Identify the Operating Voltage and Operating Current that your system requires. For direct powering devices, calculate the requirements of the total system.
Charging Batteries: Voltage
First, select the required Operating Voltage of the solar module for your load. As a general rule of thumb, a solar module with an Operating Voltage of 3-3.6 volts will charge 2 AA rechargeable 1.2 volt batteries. A solar module with an Operating Voltage of 7.2 volts will charge 5 AA rechargeable 1.2 volt batteries or a 6 volt gel or lead acid battery. A solar module with an Operating Voltage of 15.4 volts will charge a 12 volt gel or lead acid battery.
DO NOT CHARGE ALKALINE BATTERIES. THEY ARE NOT RECHARGEABLE.
CONTACT YOUR BATTERY MANUFACTURER FOR CONFIRMATION THAT YOUR BATTERY IS APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR SYSTEM WITH THE SOLAR MODULE.
Charging Batteries: Current
Second, select the appropriate Operating Current of the solar module to charge your load. As a general rule, do not charge a rechargeable battery with more current than 10% of its rated capacity. For example, a 700mA-hour battery can be safely charged with a solar module that delivers an Operating Current up to 70mA.
Connecting Modules for Higher Operating Voltage and Current
You can parallel and series connect solar modules to achieve higher voltage (series connected) or higher current (parallel connected). However, only put like modules together: for example, two MP3-37s or two MP7.2-75s, but do not mix them. Parallel connecting two similar modules will double the output current and series connecting three identical modules will triple the output voltage.
Warning! We do not recommend series connecting solar modules for an output voltage greater that 48V. Voltages above this can be deadly!
The diagram below graphically demonstrates parallel and series connected solar modules:
Use Environment
If the use environment is a permanent outdoor direct exposure environment, it is essential that the solar module system be UV-stabilized and protected from moisture. (In rare cases this may not be important if the required lifetime is less than one year.) Solar modules in the PowerFilm® WeatherProTM Series are specifically designed for permanent outdoor direct exposure environments.
Other use environments are generally less demanding and do not require the added protection offered by the PowerFilm® WeatherProTM Series. Use environments and usage patterns vary significantly. Always test the selected solar module in its specific use environment and according to the usage pattern to confirm it meets those aspects of the specific application needs.
Specific Application Needs
Some applications have specific needs. Examples include: ultra thin profile, specific footprint, ability to connect the solar module to the load from the back side of the module, pressure sensitive adhesive, etc. To meet specification needs we have developed several PowerFilm® Series.
3) Series Description
PowerFilm® Wireless Electronics Series
Modules in the Wireless Electronics Series offer a new opportunity to solve the old problem of limited power for wireless electronics for portable and remote applications. Wireless Electronics modules are lightweight, paper thin, and durable. Their ultra-thin profile enables them to be easily integrated with devices for solar recharging or direct powering. Modules have been specifically developed to recharge AA, AAA, and 6V and 12V batteries. These modules do not have a UV-stabilized surface. For connection, just solder or crimp to the copper tape.
4) Wireless Electronics Series Instruction
Leads and Testing
The leads on the modules in the PowerFilm® Wireless Electronics Series are the copper tape strips located at each end of the solar module. Remember to check the Polarity! To test the module using alligator clips for the connection to the tester, ensure the clips make direct contact with the copper tape. The coating over the copper tape will likely need to be scraped away to ensure direct contact.
Connecting the Module to a Load
Connection methods include soldering, crimping or using alligator clips. Remember to check the Polarity!
Soldering
The solar modules should be soldered to from the front. The positive copper contact is on one end and the negative is on the other end (see section on Polarity).
Use the hot tip of the soldering iron to melt through the clear coating over the copper tape. Be careful not to burn through more than just the thin clear coating. Burning too deeply can damage the solar module. Although not necessary, it is possible to remove a small piece of the clear coating with a sharp knife prior to soldering to the copper tape.
Good contact can be made by melting and depositing a dot of solder to the exposed copper tape.Use a low temperature soldering iron adjusted to about 600 to 650 degrees (F). It is also acceptable to solder directly to the copper tape, without using a solder dot.
Crimping
A pressure method of mechanically securing a terminal, splice or contact to the copper strips may be used.
Alligator Clips
Although not the most secure connection option, alligator clips may be used.
Fastening the Module
The modules may be fastened in several ways: Epoxy, silicon, super glue, 3M super 77 spray, double-sided acetic tape, etc. Be sure to choose adhesive based on the material to which module is being attached. Also, be careful not to get any adhesive on the front side (dark side) of the module since it will degrade overall performance.
All products are guaranteed 100% NEW, have never been used, and are being offered Factory Direct.
No returns unless the product arrives defective
Current 12.0mA (0.012A)
Voltage (oc) 4.10V
Current (sc) 16.0mA (0.035A)
Thickness 0.2mm (8 mil)
Total Size 0.5 x 2.5" (12.7 x 64mm)
Aperture Size 0.5 x 2.0" (12.7 x 50.8mm)
Weight 0.012 oz (0.24 g)
Series Electronics Series
The OEM Components line consists of the most basic of flexible solar cell technology. There are 22 different cells in three different product lines to choose from, ranging in size, voltage, current, and encapsulation material. Each cell is created by depositing amorphous silicon on a thin plastic substrate and then encapsulating the cells in either a Polyester coating or heavy duty Tefzel, a DuPont product. The cells are paper thin and can be wrapped around almost any curved surface. The three product lines are the Electronic Series, the RC Aircraft Series, and the WeatherProTM Series. Each series has been designed with certain characteristics. The Electronics Series is perfect for integration into small portable electronics. The RC Aircraft Series has the best weight to power ratio as they were constructed with model aircraft in mind. The WeatherProTMSeries was built for permanent fixture in the outdoors, as the Tefzel coating has a rated lifespan of 20 years.
1) Module Polarity Information
It is extremely important to recognize the correct polarity of the PowerFilm® modules!The positive end of the solar module is shown in the diagram below. A diode, such as 1N5817, is recommended to prevent the solar module from draining the battery when the solar module is in the dark. A diode is not required for a battery-free electrical device. The positive end of the module connects to the positive end of the load. The negative end of the module is also shown in the diagram and should be connected to the negative end of the load. The recommended connector wire size is a minimum size of 24 gauge. As an extra measure, connect the solar module to a digital multimeter for polarity (+,-) identification. On solar modules with copper tape leads, remove a small piece of the clear coating that is on top of the copper tape to ensure good contact between the alligator clips of the digital multimeter and the copper tape.
Warning! Do not connect a charged battery backwards or reverse polarity to the solar module, this will destroy the solar module and may cause the battery to explode causing bodily harm, even death!
2) Module Selection
Select PowerFilm® modules according to:
Operating Voltage and Operating Current Required
Use Environment
Specific Applications Needs
Operating Voltage and Operating Current Required
Identify the Operating Voltage and Operating Current that your system requires. For direct powering devices, calculate the requirements of the total system.
Charging Batteries: Voltage
First, select the required Operating Voltage of the solar module for your load. As a general rule of thumb, a solar module with an Operating Voltage of 3-3.6 volts will charge 2 AA rechargeable 1.2 volt batteries. A solar module with an Operating Voltage of 7.2 volts will charge 5 AA rechargeable 1.2 volt batteries or a 6 volt gel or lead acid battery. A solar module with an Operating Voltage of 15.4 volts will charge a 12 volt gel or lead acid battery.
DO NOT CHARGE ALKALINE BATTERIES. THEY ARE NOT RECHARGEABLE.
CONTACT YOUR BATTERY MANUFACTURER FOR CONFIRMATION THAT YOUR BATTERY IS APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR SYSTEM WITH THE SOLAR MODULE.
Charging Batteries: Current
Second, select the appropriate Operating Current of the solar module to charge your load. As a general rule, do not charge a rechargeable battery with more current than 10% of its rated capacity. For example, a 700mA-hour battery can be safely charged with a solar module that delivers an Operating Current up to 70mA.
Connecting Modules for Higher Operating Voltage and Current
You can parallel and series connect solar modules to achieve higher voltage (series connected) or higher current (parallel connected). However, only put like modules together: for example, two MP3-37s or two MP7.2-75s, but do not mix them. Parallel connecting two similar modules will double the output current and series connecting three identical modules will triple the output voltage.
Warning! We do not recommend series connecting solar modules for an output voltage greater that 48V. Voltages above this can be deadly!
The diagram below graphically demonstrates parallel and series connected solar modules:
Use Environment
If the use environment is a permanent outdoor direct exposure environment, it is essential that the solar module system be UV-stabilized and protected from moisture. (In rare cases this may not be important if the required lifetime is less than one year.) Solar modules in the PowerFilm® WeatherProTM Series are specifically designed for permanent outdoor direct exposure environments.
Other use environments are generally less demanding and do not require the added protection offered by the PowerFilm® WeatherProTM Series. Use environments and usage patterns vary significantly. Always test the selected solar module in its specific use environment and according to the usage pattern to confirm it meets those aspects of the specific application needs.
Specific Application Needs
Some applications have specific needs. Examples include: ultra thin profile, specific footprint, ability to connect the solar module to the load from the back side of the module, pressure sensitive adhesive, etc. To meet specification needs we have developed several PowerFilm® Series.
3) Series Description
PowerFilm® Wireless Electronics Series
Modules in the Wireless Electronics Series offer a new opportunity to solve the old problem of limited power for wireless electronics for portable and remote applications. Wireless Electronics modules are lightweight, paper thin, and durable. Their ultra-thin profile enables them to be easily integrated with devices for solar recharging or direct powering. Modules have been specifically developed to recharge AA, AAA, and 6V and 12V batteries. These modules do not have a UV-stabilized surface. For connection, just solder or crimp to the copper tape.
4) Wireless Electronics Series Instruction
Leads and Testing
The leads on the modules in the PowerFilm® Wireless Electronics Series are the copper tape strips located at each end of the solar module. Remember to check the Polarity! To test the module using alligator clips for the connection to the tester, ensure the clips make direct contact with the copper tape. The coating over the copper tape will likely need to be scraped away to ensure direct contact.
Connecting the Module to a Load
Connection methods include soldering, crimping or using alligator clips. Remember to check the Polarity!
Soldering
The solar modules should be soldered to from the front. The positive copper contact is on one end and the negative is on the other end (see section on Polarity).
Use the hot tip of the soldering iron to melt through the clear coating over the copper tape. Be careful not to burn through more than just the thin clear coating. Burning too deeply can damage the solar module. Although not necessary, it is possible to remove a small piece of the clear coating with a sharp knife prior to soldering to the copper tape.
Good contact can be made by melting and depositing a dot of solder to the exposed copper tape.Use a low temperature soldering iron adjusted to about 600 to 650 degrees (F). It is also acceptable to solder directly to the copper tape, without using a solder dot.
Crimping
A pressure method of mechanically securing a terminal, splice or contact to the copper strips may be used.
Alligator Clips
Although not the most secure connection option, alligator clips may be used.
Fastening the Module
The modules may be fastened in several ways: Epoxy, silicon, super glue, 3M super 77 spray, double-sided acetic tape, etc. Be sure to choose adhesive based on the material to which module is being attached. Also, be careful not to get any adhesive on the front side (dark side) of the module since it will degrade overall performance.
All products are guaranteed 100% NEW, have never been used, and are being offered Factory Direct.
No returns unless the product arrives defective