TRUE 100W OUTPUT
TL;DR : ~10% more solar cells guarantees advertised numbers
How many times have companies overpromised under the guise of "laboratory condition" results.
We have included up to an extra 10% of solar cells to ensure that the reputed 100W can actually be achieved in real world conditions, as it should be.
topBYPASS DIODES
TL;DR : Diodes segregate the solar wafers to allow for those unaffected to keep working
As a cost cutting measure "Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene" is a highly UV, chemical (acid rain, bird droppings..) and weather-resistant fluoropolymer panels are typically controlled by a single Wired in parallel between solar cells, bypass diodes activate when shading causes a voltage drop, re-routing current around the affected cells from their A sealed enclosure mounted at the top of a panel to serve as the electrical connection point between the solar cells and external wiring to mitigate If the current cannot pass from shaded areas this can lead to hot spots that damage the cell or even the entire panel hotspots, thus shutting down the entire panel when overactive.
Our panels are instead peppered with eight strategically placed diodes to allow for individually underperforming cells to be bypassed; such that hotspots can be allowed to cool down, or shaded cells bypassed to allow the remaining cells to perform at their peak.
This is the main reason why our panels cost more.
nb. damaged areas bent beyond 30° are automatically bypassed, granting better redundancy and output, particularly if daisy-chained with other panels
topSOLAR CELL COVERAGE
TL;DR : 92% of the panel is covered by solar cells working to a 23% peak conversion rate
Each panel contains 18 solar cells, measuring 170x170mm, each giving out one volt of power, with a solar wafer to board ratio of 91.75%
- Total area of the board: 540 mm × 1050 mm = 567,000 mm²
- Area of one solar panel: 170 mm × 170 mm = 28,900 mm²
- Total area covered by solar cells: 28,900 mm² × 18 = 520,200 mm²
- Percentage of the board covered by solar cells: (520,200 mm² ÷ 567,000 mm²) × 100 = 91.75%
FAIR GUARANTEE
TL;DR : 10 year guarantee
A decade is a long time in the tech sector and as I have only just incorporated this solar business venture (c2025) it is hard to predict that far ahead.
What I can guarantee is a product from an established Chinese factory that have been exporting solar panel hardware since 2010 and have been financially solvent since 2008.
The backend arrangement that I have with the Chinese factory is that they will issue me credit for a replacement panel, thus allowing me to deliver a new replacement to the affected customer my end immediately, deducting it when I place another bulk order from them.
As the years roll on and technology improves so will the panels that I receive and so I cannot guarantee a like-for-like replacement.
If the above does not fit your needs then I can only offer a full refund.
topRETURN ON INVESTMENT
TL;DR : T h r e e long years. But these panels can last five times that
Unfortunately, solar panel performance depends on the temperature it reaches in direct sunlight, as photovoltaic cells typically perform best at 25°C.
Solar panels generally have a temperature coefficient of around −0.4% per 1°C, meaning their power output decreases by 0.4% for every degree above 25°C.
So, if the panel temperature rises to 30°C (5°C above ideal), this results in a 2% drop in output (5°C × 0.4%), meaning a 100W panel would deliver around 98W under those conditions.
In 2025, UK electricity costs are approximately 27p per kWh. If a 100W panel runs at peak for around 5 hours/day during the May–September period, it would generate roughly 0.5 kWh/day. At 27p per kWh, that’s about 13p/day, or ~£20 over 150 summer days. Factoring in lower winter output, total yearly savings could reach £30/year, meaning the panel would pay for itself in about three years.
nb. typically "Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene" is a highly UV, chemical (acid rain, bird droppings..) and weather-resistant fluoropolymer polymer can withstand up to 150°C, but the Traditional monocrystalline silicon is rigid because it’s typically sliced into wafers 150-200µm thick. However, ultra-thin wafers (as thin as 30-50µm) reduce material usage and introduce some flexibility it protects might have a lower tolerance e.g. 85~90°C
topMAINTENANCE
TL;DR : Just use soap and water with a non-abrasive sponge
The panels, including the A sealed enclosure mounted at the top of a panel to serve as the electrical connection point between the solar cells and external wiring are rated for IP67, which is No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact (dust-tight). A vacuum must be applied. Test duration of up to 8 hours based on airflow. and can be Tested with the lowest point of the enclosure 1,000mm below the surface of the water, or the highest point 150mm below the surface, whichever is deeper to a depth of one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
Unfortunately, the IP rating does not allow for jetted water from a hosepipe, so hand-wash only !
Thanks to the hardy "Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene" is a highly UV, chemical (acid rain, bird droppings..) and weather-resistant fluoropolymer laminate coating, most general dirt is washed away with rainwater.
However, if you feel your panel needs a clean then follow these steps:
- Isolate from system (connecting both "Multi-Contact (4mm)" plugs lock securely with a weatherproof snap-fit mechanism to link solar panels together plugs together to prevent water getting into them).
- Inspect the panels for existing damage: anything that could allow water inside to damage the electronics.
- Wearing gloves, wipe with a soft non-abrasive sponge in lightly soapy water (dish-soap) and dry with a soft cloth or paper towel to avoid mineral deposits obscuring the solar cells.
nb. if you have a multimeter then you can measure your panel's output before washing, and again afterwards, to see how much of a difference your efforts made
nnb. set a reminder for yourself on your smartphone to wash the panels as often as you feel the season demands it
topRESISTANCE AGAINST THE ELEMENTS
TL;DR : Whether bird poo, snail trails or the beating sun, our panels will weather the elements
- We don’t do extreme weather here in the UK, so a bit of snow and hail every now and then isn’t going to be any trouble for "Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene" is a highly UV, chemical (acid rain, bird droppings..) and weather-resistant fluoropolymer chemically inert properties (i.e. acid rain, snail trails, bird droppings..).
- The main thing the coating will be defending against is rain water and The chlorine atoms in the ETFE laminate coating allows energy-rich UV rays to pass through for maximum solar efficiency, whilst resisting harmful UV radiation effects like degradation and discolouration (natural light), which is a must as they are designed to face the sun.
- Even though flexible, the ETFE coating is durable enough to walk upon (on a flat surface), with normal usage lasting around ten years.
INSTALLATION
TL;DR : Secure with at least four mounting points and respect the bend limit of 30°
- Ensure, when lifting, not to allow the board to bend more than 30° by collecting it from the centre point.
- Leave space between the panel and mounting surface for passive cooling.
- Ensure that each of the four sides has at least one mounting point properly secured to prevent wind lift.
- Use proper strain relief for wire protection.
- Ensure no sharp edges contact the panel surface.
nb. even though the panel is rated at IP67 it is advisable to hang-mount it rather than leave it propped against a wall, to avoid it being left in any standing water that may have runoff collecting at the base
topPEELING (DE-LAMINATION)
TL;DR : Our panels will not delaminate like other crappy ones
The many layers that make up a solar panel can begin to peel away, which is soon followed by runaway water damage, due to a poor bonding process at the factory, which can lead to insulation resistance issues and hotspots.
The key materials in use are outer layers of "Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene" is a highly UV, chemical (acid rain, bird droppings..) and weather-resistant fluoropolymer and an inner layer of "Ethylene Vinyl Acetate" is used to bond and cushion solar cells between layers which are combined to protect the solar cells from natural UV light, moisture and mechanical damage.
ETFE's greatest asset is also its biggest drawback, given it is naturally non-stick and chemically inert, it wilfully resists bonding with other materials. Corona Treatment solves this issue by allowing it to form a secure attachment to materials like EVA, which are used to protect the solar cells.
Corona Treatment employs a high-voltage electrical discharge to modify the surface of the ETFE plastic, introducing polar functional groups that increase its surface energy, making it easier for adhesives or encapsulants to bond effectively.
The lamination process employs a pressure slightly below atmospheric pressure, of around 100 Kilopascal to heat the materials to temperatures around 145°C.
This combination of pressure and heat helps create a secure bond between the ETFE and EVA layers, ensuring durability and adhesion, particularly around the more hard wearing edges of the panel.
nb. all exposed edges are seal-treated at the same time, so beyond the metal eyelets the bare ETFE layer is also finished to the same standard as the exposed outer edges
topENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
TL;DR : Traceability in the mining industry is unreliable, so we mostly use synthesised materials
Much is made of the environmental credentials of solar panels, but it not until recently (c2020) that synthesising the materials that make them became comparable in power conversion rates and economically viable to silicon.
Silicon-based panels ( Traditional monocrystalline silicon is rigid because it’s typically sliced into wafers 150-200µm thick. However, ultra-thin wafers (as thin as 30-50µm) reduce material usage and introduce some flexibility / Polycrystalline silicon is made by melting raw silicon and letting it cool into multiple crystal structures. It’s less efficient than monocrystalline but cheaper to produce, with a rigid, blue-tinted appearance due to visible grain boundaries ) required mining and refinement before being grown to make solar cells. This process entailed the usual environmental hazards that often go overseen, along with the unpredictability of growing the cells.
With organic photovoltaic panels, that rely on carbon-based materials and not silicon, there is no need for hazardous mining in their production. So our panels inherently have less of an impact during their creation over traditional non-flexible panels.
| Material | Processing |
|---|---|
| Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) | Synthetic |
| Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) | Synthetic |
| Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) | Synthetic |
| Mono-Silicon Wafer (Mono-Si) | Mined |
| Tedlar-PET-Tedlar (TPT) | Synthetic |
nb. compare this to traditional roof mounted non-flexible panels: the silicon wafers, glass (SiO₂), silver traces, copper wiring, Aluminium frame and Fluorite are all mined
topSEMI-FLEXIBILE YOU SAY
TL;DR : Basically don't bend the panel, it's only safe to lay upon slightly curved surfaces
The "Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene" is a highly UV, chemical (acid rain, bird droppings..) and weather-resistant fluoropolymer panels we offer strike a balance between the three common domestic solar types: they’re easier to install than rigid Traditional monocrystalline silicon is rigid because it’s typically sliced into wafers 150-200µm thick. However, ultra-thin wafers (as thin as 30-50µm) reduce material usage and introduce some flexibility rooftop panels, yet more durable than the ultra-flexible CIGS panels are made by layering thin semiconductor films onto flexible substrates like plastic or metal foil, making them lightweight, bendable, and ideal for curved or portable applications panels.
The benefit of depositing onto flexible polymer substrates allows CIGS to win hands down when it comes to flexibility, but the nature of its material leaves it far more vulnerable to both puncture and UV exposure.
ETFE panels are made up of many layers to offer a point load puncture resistance of 120N of force (if laid flat on the ground), the material itself also The chlorine atoms in the ETFE laminate coating allows energy-rich UV rays to pass through for maximum solar efficiency, whilst resisting harmful UV radiation effects like degradation and discolouration from degrading the cells over time, protecting it for years from constant sunlight exposure and other natural elements.
| Material | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) | Protects from UV degradation and natural elements |
| Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) | Bonds components together and seals out moisture |
| Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) | Concentrates and directs incoming sunlight onto a smaller, high-efficiency solar cell area |
| Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) | Cushions and protects solar cells |
| Mono-Silicon Wafer (Mono-Si) | Converts photons (sunlight) to current (electricity) |
| Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) | Cushions and protects solar cells |
| Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) | Bonds components together and seals out moisture |
| Tedlar-PET-Tedlar (TPT) | Tough, opaque backing that insulates the panel, blocks UV light, and resists scratches, punctures, and chemical wear |
The nature of the flexible polymers used in an ETFE panel allow for it to flex, which can lead to micro-cracks in the solar cells it is designed to protect. The thin 50-100 Micrometre solar cell wafers are far less brittle than those found in a complete and uninterrupted crystal flat glass panel (the kind found on roof tops), but will still fracture if bent in either direction beyond 10°-30°.
Sandwiched in place, cells bent past their breaking point initially recouple after the panel is returned flat, but the micro-cracks will continue to widen over time to prevent the current from flowing freely to generate electricity.
Stiffened to prevent aggressive bending, you’ll know when you’ve gone too far after you hear a Likely located at the centre of the panel where it will bend with the least resistance However, assuming there is no broken circuit, the bypass diodes will allow those cells left undamaged to continue to work to their peak performance.
topTESTING
TL;DR : Our panels have passed through many hands, so best test them
When we receive the solar panels from China, we check to see if they work properly, as they may have been in good working order from the factory, but could have been damaged during shipping and handling from the other side of the world.
A simple testing method that you can do at home is with a relatively inexpensive multimeter, which can be used to test that the circuit completes and matches the rated wattage output. However, you will need to expose the panel to strong natural sunlight in order to activate the wafers conversion from photons to a current.
Testing before first use is one thing, but we highly recommend periodical testing e.g. before and after peak seasons, quarterly, or bi-annually, in order to record any fatigue in the panel's ability to maintain expected output
nb. in order for the panel to deliver 100W in the real world, it has been over-engineered to produce ~110W, so that you actually get the rated 100W, or even a little more
topEVERYTHING ELSE
TL;DR : Some people think the strangest things
"Will lightning recharge my solar batteries faster ?
A 100W panel is rated for ~5.56 Amps (100W ÷ 18V), not 30,000 Amps, so you're on your own with that one.
But do let me know how it goes.
"Can I use a leaf blower to rid my panel of snow ?"
Good idea, it's safer than physical contact !
"Do squirrels nibble solar panels ?"
Ever heard on 'squirrels on the line' - that's right, they chew cables, beware !
"Do solar panels work at night if there's a Full Moon ?"
Direct sunlight delivers about 1000 Watts per square meter , while moonlight is a million times weaker as the Moon's surface absorbs some wavelengths to alter the reflected spectrum.
"Can I buff my solar panels with wax polish to make them shinier ?"
No way, man. This will likely reflect light away and possibly even damage the ETFE coating.
"Can I plug my panel directly into an appliance ?"
Solar panels convert light photons into A steady, consistent voltage ideal for safely powering and charging batteries to feed into a battery, which is then converted through an inverter into an Periodically reverses direction and varies its voltage over time to power devices.
nb. the power grid delivers an alternating current, which is why most devices have a preference for it
"Do solar panels cause cancer ?"
Only if you look at them in a funny way.
"Black attracts light, so will my panel work better if I paint it ?"
Interesting approach, but adding an obfuscation layer would only block light (it's black already anyway).
"Will solar panels drain my battery at night ?"
Although we don't sell them, a 'charge controller' will block any reverse flow.
"Can I stack solar panels like pancakes for extra power ?"
The concept of an array of panels is a neighbouring one, not an overlapping one.
"Can solar panels be hung upside down ?"
Some, genuinely think, flipping a panel vertically increases output in the Southern Hemisphere.
here in Britain we're in the Northern part, just in case you were unsure.
"Do solar panels work better during a solar eclipse ?"
I'm going to bed now.
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