Five questions to ask before choosing this module
The SUNBEAMSystem Tough Black Optimized IQ is a 111 W module with a dark surface. Before adopting it, it is wise to ask: how much area is available, what is the daily energy need, how will the panel be held, where will the controller sit, and who will do the wiring? The answers guide the choice far more reliably than a simple reading of the power figure.
Area and uses
At 109 x 54 cm and 2.8 kg, the module suits a fitted-out touring kayak, a trailer roof, a greenhouse or an isolated storage building. A private user will tend to dedicate it to lighting and device charging; a tradesperson to a control box or the battery of a service vehicle. The flexible format tolerates a moderate curve, within the conditions given by the manufacturer.
What the data sheet says about construction
The cells are monocrystalline Sunpower with a stated efficiency of 22.5%. The output cable measures 1.5 m. No mounting eyelets are fitted, which means thinking about the holding method before purchase, consulting the manufacturer’s instructions for the type of surface involved.
From panel to battery
Position the charge controller as close as possible to the panel while respecting the 1.5 m cable length, to limit losses. The controller must accept the module’s electrical values and suit the battery in use. A dry run, with the panel laid but not fixed, is a good way to check the stated voltage. Any link to a domestic installation must be handled by a qualified electrician.
Advantages to remember
The appeal of this module lies in how much it asks of its surroundings: very little height, very little weight and a surface that does not draw the eye. It is a practical match for installations where discretion and low load matter as much as the number of watts, and where a short cable run is realistic.
- Dark surface and slim profile, discreet on a dark support.
- Weight kept to 2.8 kg.
- Cell efficiency of 22.5% to make the most of a modest area.
Specification sheet
- Power: 111 W
- Open-circuit voltage: 21.76 V
- Voltage at maximum power: 18.56 V
- Current at maximum power: 5.97 A
- Short-circuit current: 6.32 A
- Cable length: 1.5 m
- Mounting eyelets: no
- Dimensions: 109 x 54 cm
- Weight: 2.8 kg
Good practice and safety
Avoid placing objects on the module and do not bend it further than the instructions allow. Route the cable away from sharp edges, moving parts and water inlets. Switch the controller off before touching the connections, and respect the limits of the associated equipment.
Cleaning and setting aside
Clear water and a soft cloth are enough to keep the surface clean. When the module stays unused for a long period, keep it dry, flat or rolled as the instructions say, with nothing resting on it.
