Safiery Copperflex 325W flexible solar panel325Wp flexible solar panel, 1925×875mm

Overview

The Copperflex 325W is the large-format flexible panel in Safiery's range, listed at 1925×875mm and 5.5kg. Safiery publishes its power, size and weight; electrical values such as Voc and Isc for this size are not shown in the Copperflex 60–370W datasheet, so they should be confirmed with the manufacturer before the charge controller is chosen. As with the other Copperflex panels, no controller is included.

• Copperflex MWT back-contact cells, 21.6% module efficiency
• Single copper-foil backplate for strength and heat dissipation
• Built-in bypass diode for partial shading
• Lead-free materials, TÜV certification stated
• Portable 350W set: two 175W blankets with joiner
• No solar charge controller included

Copperflex construction

Copperflex panels use MWT back-contact cells, so no busbars cross the front surface, and the datasheet gives a module efficiency of 21.6%. The conductive backplate is bonded without soldering and made from a single sheet of copper foil, which adds strength and spreads heat, while the fluoropolymer front layer has passed repeated environmental testing. A built-in bypass diode keeps the panel producing when part of it is shaded, a frequent situation on vehicles and boats.

The datasheet lists a maximum system voltage of 1500V DC, a power tolerance of 0…+3%, a Pmax temperature coefficient of -0.36%/°C, a nominal module operating temperature of 43±2°C and an operating range of -40…+85°C, with a maximum series fuse of 9A for the smaller sizes. Copperflex states that the panels are TÜV certified and made only with lead-free materials.

Mounting and warranty

Copperflex links its five-year warranty to correct mounting: the panel must be bonded to a smooth surface with 3M solar tape so that flexing is kept to a minimum, and the warranty is not offered in every country or type of installation. The 140W panel is 1.7mm thick and weighs 2.2kg according to the datasheet, while Safiery lists the 325W panel at 1925×875mm and 5.5kg.

Portable solar set

The Safiery 350W portable set consists of two 175W folding solar blankets and a joiner cable. No solar charge controller is included, so the set is connected to a controller already on board or to one chosen separately. Safiery's published values for the set are Voc 63.2V, Isc 5.1A, Vmp 52.3V and Imp 4.79A, and it states an operating output of 250W at 25°C.

Questions and answers