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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How does the solar mat work?
The solar mat converts sunlight energy into DC (direct current) electric power to charge rechargeable batteries.
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The batteries are then used to run your lights, fridge or power an inverter
Q: Can I bypass the controller to charge my battery?
If your battery has built in MMPT controller then you can go direct from solar to battery. Products with built in
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MMPT are usually items such as lithium power stations, be sure to check the battery specifications.
For products without a built in MMPT controller, you cannot bypass the controller. The controller automatically
regulates the voltage output to suit the battery size and type being charged.
Q: Will the solar mat overcharge my battery?
The controller (regulator) ensures that a steady charge is supplied and will not over charge the battery. The
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controller has up to 3 levels of charging and will automatically evaluate the battery's condition
Q: Why is it when it is a clear or slightly overcast day and the solar controller amperage output is a lot less
than the rated specification?
The solar controller is smart enough to know what the battery actually needs in regard to amperage input. If the
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battery is almost fully discharged the solar controller will allow maximum amperage to flow through to the battery.
If the battery is almost or fully charged the solar controller will automatically reduce the amperage input to the
required level. Amperage output from the solar controller is also affected by shade or intermittent cloud cover.
Q: How many Amps do I get out of my 120W Solar Mat and what can I run?
A 120W solar charger can supply between 5 and 6 Amps in optimal conditions on a sunny day or for most of the
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sunlight hours of the day. There are many variables, but let's assume that we can achieve 6 to 7 sunlight hours in a
day, anymore sunlight hours would be considered a bonus.
Provided it is not too cloudy, the solar mat is moved every now and again to best track the suns path and the
solar mat is kept out of the shade, it is safe to assume that the solar mat can supply between 5 and 6 Amps per
charging hour.
So, putting this into perspective, let's assume that the 120W solar mat is charging a 100Ah AGM battery. You wish
to run a 40L Fridge which draws on average 1.5A over a 24hr period, and 2 x LED camp lightwhich draw 1.0A each
when running.
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