Posted: Aug 21, 2007 06:14 pm EDT
(HumanEdgeTech.com) "Been there, done that." Unique hands-on experience is what made HumanEdgeTech the world leader in expedition technology. The result: unique software and hardware solutions created for truly global, all weather explorers.

Scouring the world for the latest technology - comparing charts and testing claims - last year we added the lightest and most efficient solar panels at the best prices. Shortly after - we were sold out.

Now at last, the panels are back in stock! Hurry to order, and look out also for a new generation batteries - custom made in a joint venture between Expedition Batteries and HumanEdgeTech - hopefully on the shelves in September!

Revisiting the system

Solar Blazt is the brand new HET solar power line selected from the most innovative technologies available in the world today. Foldable, rollable or rigid - you also have 2 different manufacturing methods and a number of sizes to choose from, pending your needs and budget.

These are not your regular flexible panels. The innovative technology is based on thin films of special material producing solar cells with high conversion efficiencies, while using much less material than crystalline silicon cells. The key is amorphous silicon (a-Si), in a multijunction design. The result: Flexible, very light and cheap panels that are also very efficient!

The FEATHER foldable panels are extremly lightweight and will fold down to the size of a wallet or a thin notepad - pending the size you choose. Easy to carry, they will charge your PDA, sat phone and/or iPod all the way from BC to the summit.

The SURVIVOR rollable panels are waterproof and very durable - great for rainy BaseCamps and soaked boat decks.

For high camps and tough going, the solution of a foldable solar panel, battery, PDA, small dig cam and Sat phone with HET Contact 3.0/GEO will stack a very small pile yet be sufficient for all your dispatches, pics, videoclips, emails and positions - updated instantly to your website.

SolarBlazt decreased impurities Crystalline Silicon Panels

The SolarBlazt MISSION is not just another regular rigid panel - think of it as a Diamond without inclusions. The difference is decreased impurities in Crystalline Silicon, considerably increasing efficiency.

Expensive laboratory cells have achieved efficiencies as high as 24.7%, whereas commercially produced cells typically have efficiencies less than 16%. The trick: Fabrication process that translate some of the performance features of laboratory cells. The result: Double the output without increasing size. Charges even in thin cloud cover and submerged in water.

Used by the Millitary for special tasks, SolarBlazt MISSION is ideal for Antarctica and other expeditions where space is limited and efficiency is critical. Mount on top of the sled, connect to a HET battery. You'll power up while skiing.

It's a jungle out there

When it comes to the emerging business of portable solar power, it's a jungle out there. But here are a few notes:

Charging straight to gadget: You can use solar panels to charge straight to the gadget, but many climbers and explorers charge to a battery instead. That way, you'll have power also on cloudy days and don't have to switch between gadgets while charging. Use a charge controller and you won't risk burning your gear.

Maximize the panel's solar exposure: Sun hitting the panel at a low angle will greatly lower charge efficiency. Try to slant the panel 90 degrees to the sun. Make sure the panel is out of shade.

Manufacturer's specs: Test your panels. HET found that manufacturer's specs often didn't translate to reality. Laptops and other gear are frequently under-dimensioned in terms of power needs (a reason why HET is working on a new line of batteries). Calculate you solar power the way you would an emergency campfire: When you think you have collected enough firewood to last you the night - triple it.

Check out the Solar Blazt products here

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