F.A.Q.
How is the Solar Powered Umbrella™ different from other “solar umbrellas” on the market?
Our Solar Powered Umbrella™ is completely unique, as it is the only solar umbrella that allows you to plug devices in and charge them using the power of the sun. Other “solar umbrellas” that are available only power lights that come with the umbrella, but they do not allow you to charge your devices as our Solar Powered Umbrella™ does.
How long will the battery charge last on the Residential Solar Powered Umbrella™?
Our Residential model produces 48 watts (4 amp hours). This means that if you plugged in a device that uses exactly 48 watts, you can power it for approximately 4 hours. If your Solar Powered Umbrella™ is being charged during this time, then the time for use for your device in this example extends to approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes. These times will vary based on the wattage of the device you have connected.
How long will the battery charge last on the Commercial Solar Powered Umbrella™?
Our Commercial model produces 60 watts (7.5 amp hours). This means that if you plugged in a device that uses exactly 60 watts, you can power it for approximately 7.5 hours. If your Solar Powered Umbrella™ is being charged during this time, then the time for use for your device in this example extends to approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes. These times will vary based on the wattage of the device you have connected.
How long will the battery charge last on the Deluxe Solar Powered Umbrella™?
Our Deluxe model produces 90 watts (7.5 amp hours). This means that if you plugged in a device that uses exactly 90 watts, you can power it for approximately 7.5 hours. If your Solar Powered Umbrella™ is being charged during this time, then the time for use for your device in this example extends to approximately 9 hours. These times will vary based on the wattage of the device you have connected.
What is solar energy?
Solar energy is radiant, produced by the sun. It is referred to as “renewable”, because the sun’s energy is constant and can be used as a dependable source of power. The heat and light that the sun produces can be harnessed to provide electricity, heating, and fuel. It may also be utilized as a fossil fuel alternative, which can reduce controversial reliance on foreign sources of energy as well as help minimize localized pollution.
What are the advantages of solar energy?
Solar energy is a clean, renewable, and reliable source of energy, which may lower the cost of your electricity bill. Not only is solar energy very competitive with other energy forms in terms of cost, but it is also more environmentally friendly as it reduces greenhouse gases. In addition, photovoltaic (PV) modules, which are used to absorb solar energy, contain no moving or wearing parts. As a result, the components require little maintenance and last for decades.
What is a “photovoltaic” system?
A Photovoltaic (PV) system is one of the components of a solar electric system. The system utilizes solar cells to convert solar light energy into electricity. The PV modules are comprised of semi-conducting materials that attract sunlight while freeing electrons from atoms. As the electrons flow through the material, electricity is produced. Typically, several PV modules are combined to generate electricity for a single structure.
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is all energy that is created through a renewable source. Energy that does not have a limited supply (such as the sun, wind and other sources) which do not pollute the environment, are considered renewable energy.
What is non-renewable energy?
Non-renewable energy is all energy that is created through a non-renewable source. For instance, we have a limited supply of fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas. Non-renewable energy also emits harmful greenhouse gases which have adverse effects on the environment.
How much electricity will a solar system produce?
In general, a solar system will produce the most electricity in the summer since sunlight hours are the longest during this time. Depending on location, the energy demand for a specific electronic, and time in use, your Solar Powered Umbrella™ can be available for as long as 10 hours. Remember, the more wattage load on the Solar Powered Umbrella™, the less time it has to dispense energy. For example, you can plug in a 3watt cell phone, an iPod, an MP3/4 device, or a PDA for 24 hours, a 25watt radio for 12 hours, a 50watt Laptop for 2-4 hours. Check your devices wattage consumption in order to determine the length of time you can power up a device
Can a solar system generate electricity on a cloudy or rainy day?
Solar systems produce the most electricity when the sun is out. Power may be significantly reduced on cloudy days.
Can a solar system generate electricity in cold weather?
Since photovoltaics generate electricity through light and not heat, the system works well in cold weather environments. The solar system may even generate more power in lower temperatures because, similar to most electronics, it operates more efficiently in the cold.
What is the difference between watts (W) and watt hours (Wh)?
Watts are units of power measured over one second. If one watt of electric power is used per hour, the total volume of power consumed is expressed as one watt hour, or 1Wh. Similarly, 1,000 watts of power is expressed as one kilowatt (1kW) and 1,000 watt hours as one kilowatt hour (1kWh). If a 2kW system produces power continuously for five hours, the total volume of power generated is expressed as 10kWh.
Are there any state rebates/incentives on a solar system?
State rebates/incentives are typically on home or commercial installed systems of a 2 Kilowatt capacity and greater.
Are there any federal tax credits?
Federal tax credits are typically on home or commercial installed systems of a 2 Kilowatt capacity and greater.
What are solar cells?
Solar cells are small, square-shaped panels that can convert light directly into electricity. Solar PV Panels consist of dozens of solar cells. These cells are composed of silicon and other conductive materials. They are manufactured in thin layers of film and are arranged into square-shaped panels and larger PV arrays. When sunlight strikes these panels (which can be mounted to a tracking device that follows the movement of the sun), chemical reactions aggravate resting electrons and the result is a consumable current. Solar cells can also be used in the form of rooftop shingles, roof tiles, building facades, and glazing for skylights or atria while still maintaining the integrity of the originally used materials.
What does “Green Energy” mean?
The term “green” (or “renewable”) describes forms of energy considered to be environmentally friendly.
Is the Solar Powered Umbrella™ waterproof or element resistant?
The Solar Powered Umbrella™ is safe to use outdoors in the environment as is waterproof and elementally resilient. However, the Solar Powered Umbrella™ is NOT safe to leave out during inclement weather of any sort, such as severe lighting storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, hailstorms, snowfalls, windstorms, meteor showers, rain showers, volcanic ash falls, earthquake(s), sandstorms or any natural disaster caused by mother nature. Remember to bring the Solar Powered Umbrella™ inside a safe environment free from elemental damages. Moreover, the Solar Powered Umbrella™ is not fire proof or fire retardant and must be kept at a safe distance where fire, sparks, smoking, fire pits, BBQ’s, matches, lighters, can reach the Solar Powered Umbrella™. Do NOT attempt to burn the product. Do NOT attempt to climb on product. Do NOT use a home, business, and/or commercial water hose on product.
What mechanical warranty does the Solar Powered Umbrella™ have?
The Solar Powered Umbrella™ has a one (1) year warranty on all operational functions if there is a manufacturer’s technical misfire dependent on the manufacturers discretion, and on the buyers expense, may be returned to the manufacturer for a thorough examination and reconfiguration. However, any damage caused by any form of misuse of the product is NOT covered under warranty, such as underwater submerse, fall, drop, hit, taken apart, inappropriate paring of electronics, repaint, reupholster, and/or any damage not associated with manufacturers specifications of use. The product warranty is waived in case of any accidents caused by inclement weather of any sort, such as severe lighting storm(s), hurricane(s), tornado(s), thunderstorm(s), hailstorm(s), snowfall(s), windstorm(s), meteor shower(s), rain shower(s), volcanic eruption or ash fall(s), earthquake(s), sandstorm(s) or any natural disaster caused by mother nature.
Is there a return policy for your products?
Yes, we do allow for returns with the following conditions: You must contact us by email within 10 (ten) calendar days from the date your product was delivered, stating your request to return and why you would like to return. You will be responsible for shipping costs to return your product. All original documentation and packaging are required to accept your return. Your return is subject to a restocking fee of 10% (ten percent). The product(s) you are returning must be in mint (perfect) condition – if your product is returned with damage that the purchaser inflicted on the product, the appropriate cost will be deducted from your return amount (in addition to the restocking fee).
What is your shipping policy?
Shipping times vary depending on shipping carrier and your location. We are not in business to profit from shipping; you are charged what we are charged. Shipping charges depend on the size and weight of your order. Should you charge Rush shipping, or if we’re shipping your order internationally, your shipping cost will be exactly the same as we are charged by whichever shipping company is used to deliver your package. Shipping costs are calculated on the website automatically during Checkout based on the weight of the items you are purchasing.