RV FEATURE
The two aluminium carabiners are also good quality and , while they are small , they should be sufficient to clip the panels to any suitable location . They have a strong spring-loaded catch so they should hold the panel in place no matter what happens to them .
I particularly like the convenient zippered pocket on the back of the 11W and 20W panels , making for easy storage of the USB cable and the carabiners .
The LED indicators make it easy to ensure your panel is facing the sun at the optimal angle .
READ THE MANUAL !
As I mentioned , it is worth reading the manual for the BEAM Outback solar panels as it contains some handy information .
First , the safety and maintenance section warns against storing the panels with any sharp objects in order to avoid damaging the panels ’ surface . It also warns against exposing the panels to sunlight without any devices attached .
The manual also describes the functions of the dual LED charge indicators located next to the USB outlets . One LED indicates the amount of charging in milliamps and the other shows the amount of sunlight being captured . You can use these indicators to point the panel in the direction that maximises charging . Very handy indeed .
WHAT THE LEDS MEAN
LED 1 : USB |
Indicator colour |
LED 2 : Sun |
Exposure scale |
|
current
( all models )
|
|
exposure ( 6 and 11W models only ) |
|
Less than 400ma |
Off |
Insufficient |
Off |
|
|
sunlight |
|
400ma – 550ma |
Blue |
Marginal sunlight |
Flickering dim red |
550ma – 880ma |
Aqua blue |
Average sunlight |
Solid dim red |
Over 880ma |
Green |
Full sunlight |
Solid bright red |
32 \