Choosing a solar system can be difficult. With such a wide range of options, which solar panels should you buy? There are a few crucial points you should definitely consider!
1. Never buy cheap modules!
There are many online retailers offering inexpensive solar panels. This may seem attractive at first, but our electroluminescence images show that you end up buying twice if you opt for the cheap panels.
Here you can see an electroluminescence image of two modules after one year of use. The module on the left is one we use in our products. You can see that all the cells are intact. On the right is a no-name module where almost all the cells are destroyed after one year. FLIN focuses on quality that you can feel in the end!
2. We focus on products made in Europe and in-house production!
It's more cost-effective to have individual components or products like our bags manufactured in Asia. However, we've decided to conduct our development, purchasing, manufacturing, and assembly in Europe to the best of our ability. We source most of our components and our FLINbags from local companies in Germany and Europe. Even some of the junction boxes, mast sliders , and other components are manufactured and assembled in our own workshop. We source only the panels from China, a decision that came about after a lengthy search for a suitable supplier and ultimately proved convincing.
This decision allows us to minimize transport routes, reduce unfair working conditions, and control manufacturing and production ourselves. In this way, we can ensure that our products meet the highest quality standards while simultaneously contributing to environmental protection by promoting local manufacturing.
*We developed the mast sliders ourselves so that they can be easily clicked into the mast system.
3. That's why our modules are better than others!
Our partner companies prioritize high-quality workmanship. Our solar module manufacturer, Bright Solar , is based in China and uses premium components in the production of our panels. These panels feature two outer composite layers, making them extremely robust and perfectly suited for use on sailboats.
We also offer bifacial solar modules that generate power from both sides – these are used in our FLIN+ products. Other solar module manufacturers now offer these as well. However, since their modules are almost exclusively fixed to a surface, the bifacial panels lose their functionality. Because our solar modules are oriented in almost every product, our bifacial modules deliver up to 10% more power than conventional modules. All products that use bifacial modules are marked with a " +" in their name.
4. Our systems are up to 50% more efficient than fixed solar panels!
FLIN systems impress with their adjustability. Our FLINsail and FLINrail+ can be tilted on one axis, allowing you to position them at the perfect angle to the sun. Tests show that the FLINsail, when tilted, is up to 50% more efficient than when horizontal, comparable to flat-mounted solar panels. Our FLINkite+ and FLINpole+ can even be adjusted on two axes. This means you can adapt the panels not only to the sun's position but also to its direction of movement. We also have new products: FLINrail+ and FLINpole+ . Similar products are already available from other manufacturers. FLINrail+ is attached to the railing, while FLINpole+ is mounted on a frame at the rear of the stern rail. The key difference is that both FLINrail+ and FLINpole+ can be tilted towards the sun. These products also utilize bifacial modules, where the reflection from the water makes a significant difference. This is what makes our FLIN+ products so special!
5. We know how much our modules can do!
We often hear from customers who have had their solar panels mounted on their boats for ten years and don't realize that their cells are barely producing any power anymore. Our Victron Energy charge controllers use an app to show you the ideal angle for aligning the panels for optimal energy generation. This way, you can easily see the perfect angle for panel placement. And it's easy to spot when a panel is no longer working properly!
The photo shows the app that displays the charging current.
6. Your satisfaction is important to us!
If you have any suggestions, feedback or problems, please feel free to contact us.
