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IP44.DE solar join

Powered by the sun

Simply illuminating

Why?

IP44.DE solar join opens a completely new chapter in outside lighting. In combination with up to four solar luminaires and a powerful solar panel, IP44.DE solar join can be used to create absolutely self-sufficient light islands, without any external power connection or conventional energy consumption. 

Why?

Combinations are possible with all IP44.DE solar join luminaire models for completely different light moods. Seen in the light of day, IP44.DE solar join is thus conceivably the easiest and most resource-efficient lighting solution for gardens, roof patios and balconies. 

That's why!

Strong connection: IP44.DE solar join comes into its own in situations where light is wanted but the next power socket is too far away. With piek mini solar, reed solar and lix spike solar, IP44.DE solar join offers very different solar luminaires that can be used in any combination. 

IP44.DE solar join stores daytime light for nighttime hours. The system comes on automatically at twilight and goes off again at the latest five hours later. This also means our luminaire cluster never sheds more light than the amount of solar energy previously collected and stored. During the darker seasons, when the sun is low and after bad weather, the burn time is naturally less. But it is restored to full strength when the sun is higher in the sky and when there are more hours of sunshine.

Useful information about IP44.DE solar join

full power

Two sunny days with ten hours aligned in a southerly direction are sufficient to fully charge the solar panel L. A completely charged battery has enough power for 15 hours of light, in other words, approx. three evenings of atmospheric lighting.

automatic mode

When the battery is fully charged, the IP44.DE solar join system goes on automatically when it starts to get dark - and goes off again automatically after about five hours. The battery can also easily bridge three days without sunshine before being recharged again.

connect four

The port can be used to connect up to four solar luminaires to one solar panel L. On the other hand, it is not possible to connect a second solar panel. 

luminaires and nature

The lower the level of the sun in the sky and the shorter the hours of sunshine, the smaller the amount of PV energy collected by the solar panel L. IP44.DE solar join therefore has a far greater output during the brighter months of the year than in the dark seasons.

shared output

The output of the solar panel L is shared equally among the luminaires connected to the IP44.DE solar join network. And even when four luminaires are connected, the system is so strong that the output is still approx. the same as with one solitary luminaire in combination with the solar panel S.  

maximum distance

Both our solar luminaires and also the solar panel L are each equipped with a cable about 1 metre long. An 8 metres extension cable can be used to extend the distance between luminaire and solar panel to 10 metres. The distance should not be any larger than this.

Components and configuration

solar panel L
solar panel L

The heart of every IP44.DE solar join system is the solar panel L. With its generous size of 22.5 x 22.5 cm, it captures lots of sunlight which is stored in a powerful battery. The articulated joint means it can be aligned to the current level of the sun.

port
port

Connects the solar panel L and luminaires; available as port 2, port 3 and port 4 (each with 1 plug + 2/3/4 sockets).

extension cable
extension cable

The extension cable makes it possible to extend the connection between port and solar panel L or port and solar luminaire (but not both at the same time). Available in lengths of 2, 4 or 8 metres.

extension variants

The distance between solar panel L and luminaire should not exceed 10 metres to avoid power losses.

Tips for maximum solar harvest

ideal placement

To ensure solar panel L can capture every ray of sunshine, it should be put in a place where it is not overshadowed by leaves, twigs or trees.

perfect positioning

The sun provides the most energy at its highest point in the sky. That is why the solar panel should be aligned directly to the south, as far as possible.

regular cleaning

Remove leaves, debris or dirt with a cloth and water.

seasonal alignment

The panel collects the most energy when sun beams hit it at an angle of 90°. The place where the solar panel is put should therefore be adjusted to the level of the sun in the sky, which changes according to the season.

FAQ

How do I start using the luminaires, and will they work immediately? 

After unpacking for the first time, the solar panel needs a first light pulse lasting about 10 seconds, which is provided by daylight. This activates the solar panel.

 

To be sure that the battery is fully charged, it should be exposed to direct sunlight ideally for 2 days; during this time, the solar panel is preferably not connected to the luminaires. The initial charging process should be made indoors, to warrant protection class IP65. Once the solar panel is fully charged, it can be connected with the luminaires, the port and the extension cable.

 

How is the solar panel charged?

To be sure that the battery is fully charged, it should be exposed to direct sunlight ideally for 2 days; during this time, the solar panel is preferably not connected to the luminaires. The initial charging process should be made indoors, to warrant protection class IP65. Once the solar panel is fully charged, it can be connected with the luminaires, the port and the extension cable.

Does the battery of the solar panel charge even on cloudy days with little solar harvest, or even in autumn/winter months?

The solar panel is also charged on cloudy days and also in autumn/winter months and then still reaches up to 25% of full power.

 

The alignment of the solar panel must be adjusted to the level of the sun in the sky, which changes according to the season. 

Is the solar panel charged when it is delivered?

On delivery, the battery is charged to about 70%. Before starting the luminaire, the battery should be charged with direct sunlight ideally for 2 days; during this time, the solar panel is preferably not connected to the luminaires. The initial charging process should be made indoors, to warrant protection class IP65. Once the solar panel is fully charged, it can be connected with the luminaires, the port and the extension cable.

How long does it take for the solar panel battery to be fully charged?

It takes the solar panel battery about 2 sunny days with constant direct sunshine to be fully charged. 

How long is the usage time of the luminaires once the solar panel is fully charged?

Once the battery is fully charged, the luminaires can be used for about 15 hours. 

Can the luminaires and accessories stay outside during the winter?

The luminaires and accessories can stay outside even during the winter months. 

How do I choose the best place to put the luminaires respectively solar panel?

Put the solar panel outdoors in a place with direct sunshine (facing south) where it is exposed to continuous direct sunlight. Functions may be restricted during the autumn/winter when the sun is no longer so high in the sky with possibly longer periods of shade, depending on the region. 

 

The solar panel must be kept permanently free of dirt and debris, foliage, leaves and branches, as otherwise the charging results can be considerably impaired.

Why won’t the solar panel charge properly?

The solar panel must be absolutely free of dirt and debris, foliage, leaves and branches to obtain the best possible charging results.

Why won’t the luminaires switch on?

The battery capacity is insufficient. To charge the battery, the solar panel must be exposed to direct sunshine (facing south) with continuous, direct sunlight.

 

In autumn/winter months the function of the solar panel may be restricted when the sun is no longer so high in the sky with possibly longer periods of shade, depending on the region. 

 

The solar panel must be kept permanently free of dirt and debris, foliage, leaves and branches, as otherwise the charging results can be considerably impaired.

 

The solar panel, port and luminaires have not been connected properly.

How frequently can the battery be charged?

The battery can be charged about 800-1000 times, depending on charging and usage patterns.

Can the solar panel battery be replaced?

In case of failure, the battery can be replaced by IP44.DE. Please contact your retailer.

How do I clean the luminaires and solar panel?

To make sure your luminaires don't lose their looks and bring you lasting pleasure, we need a little help from you: please clean all components regularly. Please also remember that different materials and environments need different kinds of care.

 

Do not use a pressure washer. 

 

A gentle solvent-free household cleaning agent is all you need to care for your luminaire. Then polish all components off with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use scouring agents, steel wool, scouring pads, acid or alkaline cleaning agents as these would damage the surface.