Portable Solar

Power Dock
PowerDock is an exciting new product providing 12-volt power for operating portable low voltage electrical products – Electricity coming from the sun charging self contained batteries.

 

About PowerDock

More products exist today as low voltage devices than ever before. Five years ago, who would have thought we could purchase a 12vdc to 120 vac inverter the size of a small tape measure? Laptop computers, cell phones, LCD TV's, AM/FM radios, lights, fans and a host of other products are now available to make our lives more mobile.

 

Fixed electric utility systems tie us, as consumers, to our homes. When we do achieve mobility, we are tethered to a car or motor generator set. PowerDock is designed to bridge the gap between home recharging and vehicle recharging. PowerDock products enhance mobility and portability by not only storing the energy but generating it as well. Operate your equipment day or night and recharge by simply positioning PowerDock in the sun. Energy created free of charge and environmentally friendly.

 

Whether you are concerned with having emergency backup power in the event of utility power loss or backpacking and want to recharge your GPS system, we have the unit to satisfy your need. We also offer numerous products that are complimentary to PowerDock and will help you set up a complete operating system.

 

 

PowerDock Applications

PowerDock not only generates energy (direct current), using multi-crystalline photovoltaic solar cells, but it also stores the energy. The solar cells charge sealed lead-acid batteries which in turn power devices that you can easily hook up to PowerDock. Electrical energy is stored in the batteries for any time you need power day or night.

PowerDock comes with two automotive cigarette lighter receptacles which allow hookup and operation of various devices. Expansion connectors are available from numerous retail electronic outlets to augment the capabilities of the product.

PowerDock can be used in many applications as a convenient, mobile method of acquiring electrical power. Take it with you while camping and energize your TV, stereo or operate your laptop for extended periods of time. Plug in your cell phone along with your laptop and enter the wireless community

Store PowerDock in your airplane, boat or automobile as a backup low voltage emergency system. Don’t worry about discharged batteries – just put PowerDock in direct sunlight and begin generating electricity.

Bring PowerDock along while sailing and operate peripheral lights, communication equipment or radio knowing that your not discharging your on board batteries. Or, charge you’re on board 12-volt boat battery.

Keep PowerDock in your apartment, condominium or townhouse as an emergency backup system in case of a utility brownout or natural disaster. Have the ability to stay in contact around the clock knowing that you don’t need utility power.

 

 

Take PowerDock to your remote shed and operate fans, radios, TV and lights. Plug in our small inverter to get 120 vac to operate a broader number of electrical devices.

Take PowerDock with your family or group while going on extensive backpacking trips. Have the knowledge that you have backup power and generating capability.

PowerDock Specifications

       15-watt (peak) multi-crystalline thin film folding solar module. Module life twenty years.

      Blocking diode eliminating battery feedback.

      Up to 9.2 amp-hours of gel cell power.

      Battery life of 3-5 years.

      Power meter indicates energy capacity of batteries: Good 75%-100% / Fair 25%-75% / Low 0%-25%.

 

 

      8 amp replaceable automotive fuse.

      Water resistant, carrying case with five storage compartments. Will accommodate lap top computers up to 2" x 9" x 15"

      Shoulder strap for easy transportation.

 

 

      Carrying handle.

      Serrated molded polymer feet.

      Attachment loops on case.

      Low voltage transformer for rainy day charging period.

      Velcro fastening system for easy disassembly.

         Heavy No. 12 stranded copper wiring.

PowerDock Operation (1 of 2)

PowerDock recharges completely in one full day of summer sunlight. You can use the product day or night, leave it out in the sun and be ready for more use. Cloudy conditions are no problem – It will just take longer to charge the batteries.

PowerDock Executive

PowerDock comes in a durable, water resistant, padded carrying case that features several closable pockets to retain your laptop computer, cell phone and accessories. Because the solar cells are hermetically sealed, the product can be left outside rain or shine. There is no glass over the solar cells that can break. The solar module is extremely durable. The unit can be completely disassembled without tools for a repair or battery replacement – Important for outdoor applications.

 

PowerDock has been designed with outdoor people in mind. The carrying housing is designed to fit the width of a backpack so it is easy to attach and mount. A carrying handle is affixed at one end to facilitate movement when the shoulder strap is stored and not used. It is the lightest power unit of its type.

 

The 9.2 amp-hr. capacity (PowerDock Elite) will allow a device consuming 1 ampere to operate for 9.2 hours. If a device consuming 2 amperes is connected PowerDock will operate for half as long (4.6 hours).  Full 120vac operation can be accomplished with the purchase of our 12vdc to 120vac inverter.

 

Operation is easy – Just remember that operating time is controlled by how many devices are connected to the product. If you know that the following day will be cloudy, then conserve your energy. Most products have their electrical consumption listed on the label so it’s easy to determine how long you can operate the device(s).  Just add up the current and multiply by your projected hourly usage.  In doing this, do not exceed 9.2 amp-hours.

PowerDock Operation (2 of 2)

 

Open solar module to direct sunlight. Charging can be enhanced by "aiming" the flat panels toward the sun. Charging occurs automatically as sunlight hits the solar module. Charge level of the batteries is determined by pressing the momentary button and reading the power meter. Green 75%-100% charged, Yellow 25%-75% charged, Red 0%-25% charged. Recharging should be considered when the power meter is in the Red zone for optimizing battery life.

 

 

PowerDock may be completely disassembled without tools because it is fastened together with strong continuous strips of Velcro. In time, 3-5 years, the batteries may need to be replaced. Batteries may be obtained from us or several online internet resellers. To replace the batteries, carefully pull the solar module away from the battery compartment exposing the electrical connections of PowerDock. Detach the battery termination leads making sure you do not short circuit the wires. Replace the batteries making sure you connect positive leads to the positive battery terminal, negative to negative.

 

Trouble Shooting Tips

Problem: Batteries do not take a full charge.

New batteries must be charged and discharged 3-4 times in order to optimize their capacity. Or, PowerDock is not receiving enough sunlight. This could be do to winter time conditions or not enough time in the sun. PowerDock requires 1000 Watts / Sq. Meter of sunshine to optimize charging (clear sunny day)

Problem: Does not operate my laptop computer for long periods.

PowerDock Executive and Elite should operate most laptop computers for 3-4 hours. However, some laptop computers use a LVD (low voltage disconnect) set above 11 vdc. PowerDock can supply power down to 10 vdc. This could shorten operating time. Instead of using your 12 vdc adapter try using a 12 vdc-120 vac inverter and your standard wall receptacle charger

Problem: Need more than two receptacles for connection purposes.

Expansion connectors are available from numerous electrical and electronic retail stores.

 

Estimated Operating

Time And Performance
Example #1 – PowerDock Elite

Load: B/W TV rated at 850ma or .85 amps. Assume nighttime use.              2 Hours =       1.70 amp-hours

          Florescent light – 450ma or .45 amps.                                                 3 Hours =       1.35 amp-hours

          Laptop computer – 1.9 amps.                                                             1 Hour =         1.90 amp-hours

                                                                                                                    TOTAL =      4.95 amp-hours

 

Example #2 – PowerDock Executive

Load:

LCD Color TV – 450ma or .45 amps. Assume nighttime use.              2 Hours =       0.90 amp-hours

Charge Cell Phone And GPS – 500ma or .5 amps.                              1.5 Hours =    0.75 amp-hours

Laptop computer – 1.9 amps.                                                             1 Hour =         1.90 amp-hours

Florescent Light – 450ma or .45 amps.                                                2 Hours =       0.90 amp-hours

AM/FM Radio – 600ma or .6 amps.                                                   2 Hours =       1.20 amp-hours  

                                                                                                               TOTAL = 5.65 amp-hours

PowerDock Elite

PowerDock Elite  9.2 Amp-Hours

$411.90

PowerDock Executive

PowerDock Executive 7 Amp-Hours

$380.88

PowerDock Basic

 PowerDock Basic  4.6 Amp-Hours

$341.20

 PowerDock Lite 

 PowerDock Lite  1.1 Amp-Hours

 $ 301.53

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