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THE AMAZING TOUGH SERIES SOLAR PANELS

Independent Tests Winner

In order to understand why SUNBEAMsystem solar panels are multiple tests winner, most importantly is to understand its technology. SUNBEAMsystem solar panels have the smallest footprint thanks to world-record efficient solar cells. Sunpower Maxeon solar cells are by far the best and most efficient cells available. Resulting in the highest possible production per m2. Independent tests put the solar cells at the top regarding real-world yield.

Made of extremely durable materials, the Tough Surface transmits more light than normal glass. It also features an anti-slip profile. Due to this profile, the solar cells catch more light at low sun angles. As a result, SUNBEAMsystem solar panels have higher daily production.

SUNBEAMsystem Shadow Optimized technology is unique. Thanks to the internal division of the panel it will produce more than a panel without the same.

Combining all these technologies makes SUNBEAMsystem solar panels outstand in many real-life tests. We produce specialized solar panel models. With unique design and functionality for the user with high demands. And for this reason, the Tough Solar panels are multiple tests winner.

July 2021
Finnish Magazine Kippari
March 2019
Finnish Magazine VENE
June 2016
Norwegian Magazine Seilas
March 2016
Swedish Magazine Båtliv

KIPPARI Test

With a stunning grade of 9.1/10, the Tough+ 58W was the winner of yet another independent test! This professional test ordered by the Magazine KIPPARI compared 6 brands with a total of 8 models of different solar panels.
The measurements of the panels were done by the experts at Solar Simulator Finland in the laboratory in Littois. And the judging criteria were: Installability, Connectors & cables, Power per area, and Price per watt. The winner Tough+ 58w was declared “A high-performance solar panel which is well equipped and suitable for demanding use.”

The article also concludes:
“Walkable and a wear-resistant flexible solar panel that is easy to install thanks to the extraordinary nice wiring connection”
“The included 3M adhesive film makes installation very easy.”
“Measured perpendicular power relative to the area was the best of all panels in the test.”

SUNBEAMSYSTEM NORDIC 54W SECOND TO TOUGH+ IN THE KIPPARI TEST

Nordic grabbed second place in the same test, second only to the probably unbeatable Tough+ panel. The Nordic 54w model got a score of 8,7/10 and was declared as: “High-efficiency, well-priced and easy to install”.

Read the article.

solar panels tests winner

VENE Test

In 2019 SUNBEAMsystem panels won the award of “Best Premium Solar Panel” by the Finnish Magazine VENE.

The test was very extensive and had many categories. And it worth highlighting our outstanding results on the heat test.
“Only 13% power drop measured at 75oC compared to 25oC”.

Also on the true measured Watt/m2 test, we had great results. SUNBEAMsystem outstood all the competitors winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the test.

SEILAS Test

Norwegian Magazine Seilas made extensive testing of solar panels in the 50-watt class. The test was first published in June 2016.
Later on the magazine Praktiskt Båtliv (Practical Boating) published an article. They wrote the article based on the same measurements and conclusions.
The test focused on measuring electricity production in reality like test conditions. The test also included an estimation of physical qualities. And a comparison of the estimated lifetime.

In the end, they pronounced SUNBEAMsystem Tough 50W Flush Solar Panel as the “TEST WINNER”.

The Test Layout

The measurements consist the most of the electricity production in many real-life conditions. Such as cloudy weather, partial shadowing, and different solar angles.
Further on, the magazine also compared the construction and physical properties of the tested solar panels. Size and weight were also taken into account.

The magazine proposes that a 50W panel is suitable for keeping your batteries topped up. This is however followed up with the recommendation that most users will need 100W to keep up with their consumption on a modern yacht. They also tell the reader that in most cases it might be practical to use two 50W panels to reach the total recommended 100w.

General Recommendations

The test contains much useful information for those who want to learn more about electrical systems on a yacht with a focus on solar panels. It was also mentioned that ordinary lead-acid batteries are difficult to charge over 80% of their capacity with an engine alternator. To be able to top up and use the final 20% of the battery capacity, you’ll need solar panels (or a shore power charger).

You will also find a discussion about what to consider when purchasing a solar panel. An external expert advises against solar panels with a metal backside or with bad junction boxes. The reason for this is that it might cause future water ingression in the solar panel.

Comparison of external features

When comparing the physical properties the Magazine’s favorite is the SUNBEAMsystem solar panel. Due to its tiny size and weight, the smallest of them all. This is important because it makes it a lot easier to find a space for the fitting of the panel.

The paper also made a note that all the other panels equipped with a junction box are prone to water ingress. SUNBEAMsystem’s unique flat Flush cable completely lacks a connection box which is in fact, a big advantage.

Electricity Production

The core of the test was extensive in-reality measurements during several types of conditions. They measure for; maximum power, power after sunrise, power in the morning, and power at noon. Then repeated during cloudy weather with sunrise, morning, and noon measurements.

A comparison of the produced power while being under partial shadow was also made.

In the power production test, SUNBEAMsystem solar panels were the overall test winner.

Best in test

To summarize: they pronounced the SUNBEAMsystem Tough Flush 50W solar panel as the test winner. And the test board only had one minor complaint. Which was that the panel has got a slightly higher price compared to the tested budget panel alternative.

Read the article in full here.

Båtliv Test

In the Swedish yacht magazine Båtliv number 2/2016, SUNBEAMsystem was tested and compared to other options.

Efficiency

The newspaper notes that SUNBEAMsystem’s “Marine panels with the latest technology” had the highest efficiency in the comparison.

The tests were conducted in Stockholm, Sweden (59oN) at solar radiation of approximately 800W / m2 had the following result

PanelResults (at 800W / m2 solar irradiation)
Foldable panel> 130 W / m2
Traditional solar panel with frameUp to 150 W / m2
Marine Panel – Latest technology (SUNBEAMsystem)up to 190W / m2

We at SUNBEAMsystem conclude that the magazine’s measurements provide efficiency of our solar panels ranging from 21.25% to 23.75%. That is an average of 22.5%.

Installation Advantages

The Magazine upgraded two boats. Boat number one previously had a solid solar panel with a glass front and aluminum frame. Boat number two had a thinner solar panel with traditional cells and a protective stainless steel sheet on the back that was needed to protect the older type of fragile cells.

On boat #1 the magazine installed 2 x SUNBEAMsystem 30W (60W in total). It increased the total power by 17% utilizing the same surface area. There was a significant weight saved, 4.8kg compared with previous solar panels. In fact, the minimal size enabled the installation of a 2x30W SUNBEAMsystem on a surface that before could not fit the older type solar panels. Hence multiplying the total installed wattage.

Boat #2 got upgraded with 2 x SUNBEAMsystem 30W. As a result, an increase of 20% compared to the previous installation. The junction box free installation was very much appreciated by the owner

SUNBEAMsystem notes that the sample boats on average increased the installed wattage by 18.5% by replacing the old solar panels. We also note benefits for the owners such as no junction box to stumble upon. As well as avoiding ugly cables along the deck. There was also a significant weight loss for both boats.

Output in the Swedish reality

On boat #1 with a combined swivel and horizontal mounting, they extensively measure it over the summer. They revealed a good effect in all the different conditions that we suffer during a Nordic summer. During normal sunny conditions, the main production was about 7.5A corresponding to 106.5 watts. This result is 89% of the normative effect, a much higher value than traditional panels usually produce.

To complete the test of 30W panels fitted on the two boats. The newspaper also did tests on dry land including two other sizes. SUNBEAMsystem 50W (Part No. SP50) And SUNBEAMsystem 60W (Art No SP60-12v). In this test, the air temperature was about 20 degrees Celsius, relative humidity 48%. The solar panel exposure was straight at the sun at the peak of the day. To verify all values, they conducted the tests 4 times with 4 independent measuring instruments. In the table below is the highest observed effects (Wp):

PanelResults
SUNBEAMsystem SP50 (50W stamped effect)Wp = 51W
SUNBEAMsystem SP60-12V (60W stamped effect)Wp = 69W

You can found the original article in the Yacht magazine Båtliv No. 2 2016. www.Batliv.se here

Read here an article about the test.

SUPERIOR QUALITY AND FINISHING

EXPLORE THE MODELS

SUNBEAMsystem Innovations

Since its creation, the Tough Series aims to solve problems for clients with very high demands. Made to last in the marine environment, with high UV resistance and high durability. It has improved so much over the years. And SUNBEAMsystem keeps working on new innovations and solutions.

The so-called Tough family is available in many sizes, shapes, and power. And its family is always getting bigger. It starts with the Tough++, consider the best and most efficient solar panel on the market. Followed by the Tough+, Tough, and Black Tough. Models that are available in many size options, allowing the user to fit a solar panel in pretty much any tiny space available.

The Tough Fold Series is one of SUNBEAMsystem’s latest releases. Made to be powerful but at the same time mobile. Tough Fold can reach an impressive 124.5w.

Another recent big innovation from SUNBEAMsystem is the Tough+ Carbon. It is improved with carbon fiber and made to fit on Canvas and Biminis. The Tough+ Carbon panel is light, powerful, and stiff. As a result, it solves many problems for bimini and canvas yachts owners.

Quality and Warranty

SUNBEAMsystem combines the best technology, with the best solar cells and special materials. In order to create the best Series of solar panels that will last in Tough environments. As a result, a very attractive range of solar panels with an incredible 5-year warranty*. SUNBEAMsystem’s 5-year warranty is unique when it comes to flat and lightweight solar panels.
*Terms Apply

Båtliv magazine notes that the SUNBEAM system "Marine panels with the very latest technology" provided the highest efficiency of the measured alternatives.

Båtliv Magazine2/2016
solar panels tests winner