A carbon panel that reaches 116 W
The SUNBEAMSystem Tough+ Carbon Optimized IQ replaces the flexible plastic of simpler models with a carbon material. It delivers 116 W over 107.8 x 55.4 cm and weighs 2.8 kg. Its stated cell efficiency of 23.7% makes it a serious candidate when the available area is tight, for instance on a small cabin, a dinghy or the roof of a converted van.
Who it is for and what it does
A boat owner will see a way to recharge the service battery without cluttering the deck. A long-distance traveller will pair it with a controller to keep a 12 V fridge, lamps and a laptop supplied. In a professional setting it can power a beacon, a site security camera or a measuring cabinet installed away from the grid.
An output designed for MC4 connectors
Here the connection goes through a junction box fitted with two cables ending in MC4 connectors, each 70 cm long. This layout is common in solar: it lets you link the panel to extension leads or other modules using standardised connectors, provided you check compatibility of the whole set with your installation. The cells are monocrystalline Sunpower, the panel is stated to be waterproof, and it has mounting eyelets.
Fitting and cabling advice
The eyelets allow mechanical fixing, but the choice of fasteners must take wind, vibration and any salty environment into account. Spread the tension over several points. Keep the junction box where water cannot collect, and form a loop in the cables before they enter the vehicle or room. Check the maximum voltage accepted by your controller before connecting several modules, and have any link to a household network carried out by a qualified installer.
Selling points
- Stated cell efficiency of 23.7%, of interest on a small surface.
- Carbon material and a weight of 2.8 kg.
- MC4 output through two 70 cm cables.
Specifications
- Power: 116 W
- Open-circuit voltage (Voc): 23.07 V
- Voltage at maximum power (Vmp): 19.87 V
- Current at maximum power (Imp): 5.84 A
- Short-circuit current (Isc): 6.15 A
- Cells: monocrystalline Sunpower, 23.7% efficiency
- Output: MC4 junction box, 2 x 70 cm
- Mounting eyelets: yes; waterproof: yes
- Material: carbon
- Dimensions: 107.8 x 55.4 cm; weight: 2.8 kg
Risk prevention
Disconnect MC4 plugs only as a last resort and never under load: switch off the controller first. Avoid mixing cables of different cross-sections on one circuit without checking that they suit the current. Do not drill the panel, and do not let it carry a point load.
Looking after the panel
Gentle cleaning with clear water followed by air drying is enough. Out of season, store the panel flat in a dry place. Before the next summer, look over the cables, the MC4 connectors and the eyelets for visible wear or discolouration, so that you can restart with confidence.
