A pocket-sized format for keeping a battery healthy
The black SUNBEAMsystem Tough 55 W is the smallest panel in its series: 54.5 x 53.5 cm for 1.2 kg. It is not meant to feed a large system, but to offset a light load or keep a battery in good shape during idle periods. Its monocrystalline Sunpower cells are stated at more than 22.5% efficiency, for a rating of 55 W.
Typical situations
The owner of a small boat will lay it on a bench or the transom; the owner of a leisure trailer or a roof tent will fix it to the canvas or the frame. A tradesperson can use it to maintain the battery of a portable site tool or a temporary lighting system. Always check that the battery voltage and the controller match the data below. If you are unsure what a panel of this size can deliver, first work out the daily consumption of your devices in watt-hours, then ask the manufacturer what yields are realistic in your conditions.
Material, eyelets and cable
The front is flexible plastic, and the manufacturer describes it as completely weatherproof. Four 6 mm eyelets are provided for fixing: the panel can be stretched with ties or suitable screws. The output is a 1.5 m Flush Cable.
A small surface, measured expectations
At 55 W, the module does not replace a full installation. It is better seen as a supplement or a maintenance charger, and the battery should be sized accordingly.
Procedure
- Choose a flat or slightly curved, well-lit surface of at least 54.5 x 53.5 cm.
- Pass strong ties through the eyelets and tighten them evenly.
- Secure the cable so that it neither dangles nor rubs.
- Connect the panel to a charge controller, then to the battery.
Any link to a household network must be entrusted to a qualified installer.
What speaks for this model
- A weight of 1.2 kg, easy to carry by hand.
- Four eyelets for removable fixing.
- Reduced dimensions for cramped spots.
Technical specifications
- Power: 55 W
- Cell type: monocrystalline Sunpower (efficiency above 22.5%)
- Open-circuit voltage (Voc): 21.76 V
- Voltage at maximum power (Vmp): 19.5 V
- Current at maximum power (Imp): 2.82 A
- Short-circuit current (Isc): 3.16 A
- Output type: Flush Cable (1.5 m)
- Mounting eyelets: yes, 4 x 6 mm
- Weather resistance: completely weatherproof
- Dimensions: 54.5 x 53.5 cm
- Weight: 1.2 kg
- Material: flexible plastic
Safety and looking after the equipment
A lit panel is live: insulate the cable ends until the connection is made. Check that the controller accepts 21.76 V open-circuit. After each outing in the open air, look at the state of the eyelets and the cable. Wipe the surface with a soft cloth dampened with clear water. For storage, lay the module flat in a dry place, away from anything that could puncture it.
