PowerFilm Mini Solar Panels for Wireless Electronics
Powerfilm Mini Solar Panels for Wireless Electronics
Modules in the PowerFilm Wireless Electronics Series offer a new opportunity to solve the old problem of limited power for wireless electronics in both portable and remote electronic applications. PowerFilm Wireless Electronics modules are light weight, paper-thin and durable. Their thin profile enables them to be easily integrated with devices for solar recharging or direct power. Modules have been specifically developped to recharge AA, AAA, 6-volt and 12-volt batteries. These modules do not have a UV-stablilized surface. For connection, just solder or crimp to the copper tape. Ideal for OEM and hobby applications.
PowerFilm® Wireless Electronics Series - Installation
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.
PowerFilm® 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!
Connecting the PowerFilm® 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 clean coating of 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. There are many sources of crimp connectors, such as AMP (www.amp.com).
Alligator Clips Although not the most secure connection option, alligator clips may be used.
Fastening the PowerFilm® Module The PowerFilm® module may be fastened in several ways:
Adhesives
Choose adhesive based on the material to which PowerFilm® is being attached A wide range of adhesives are effective.
Epoxy, silicon, super glue, 3M super 77 spray, double-sided acetic tape, etc.
Be careful not to get any adhesive on the front side (dark side) of the module since it will degrade overall performance.
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