In this section, we explain individual words whose meaning might not be immediately obvious. If you can't find an explanation for a word, feel free to ask us a question.
A
adapter
An adapter serves to mechanically and electrically connect different devices. It involves a connector with different nominal diameters, connector system standards, or signal conversion.
Starting current
The starting current is the current required at the moment a device is switched on. For some devices, this is higher than the power consumption stated on the nameplate.
B
battery
Storage for electrical energy.
Bypass diode
Prevents the current from well-exposed solar cells from affecting weaker or partially shaded solar cells.
gasoline generator
A gasoline-powered engine that supplies electrical energy via a type of alternator.
blackout
Sudden power outage affecting the entire public power grid.
C
Control Panel
Control panel and display for monitoring and controlling modern power stations. The display provides information about the power station's state of charge (SOC), current consumption, and solar charging power. Individual power station outputs can be switched on or off using separate switches.
CEE plug
Plug type often used for power supply at campsites for caravans and motorhomes.
D
Roof penetration
Component (usually made of ABS plastic) for easy cable insertion on caravans or motorhomes/vans.
DC input
The solar and vehicle charging inputs of a power station are referred to as DC (direct current) inputs.
E
Energy efficiency
Describes the ratio of a given benefit. The less electricity a supplier needs in comparison, the more efficient it is.
I
Inverter
Converts direct current (e.g., 12 V) to alternating current (e.g., 230 V). Also known as an inverter or voltage converter.
K
cable lock
Used to secure solar bags/cases against theft.
Short-circuit current
The current that flows in the event of a short circuit. Abbreviation: Isc.
L
lithium
Chemical element that is also used in the production of batteries.
Shore power
Electricity from the public power grid.
Charging cycles
A single charging cycle corresponds to the complete recharging of a completely discharged battery. Repeated cycles are created continuously.
LiFePo4
High-performance lithium iron phosphate battery characterized by durability and cycle stability.
Lotus effect
Special coating on high-quality solar modules that ensures water (rain) beads off optimally, thus increasing the possible incidence of light.
Charging options
A battery (vehicle) or power station can be charged via solar power, alternator or shore power, among other sources.
M
MC4 connectors
Enables time-saving and reliable wiring of solar modules.
Multimeter
Electronic measuring device for measuring current and voltage.
MPPT solar charge controller
MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers use conversion technology for charging. An MPPT controller does not require the solar panels to have the same nominal voltage as the battery bank. It can convert high-voltage PV power into lower-voltage charging power for a battery bank.
Monocrystalline
Monocrystalline solar cells consist of a uniform structure of silicon crystals. Under direct sunlight, polycrystalline solar cells achieve an average efficiency of 22 to 24% and are therefore significantly more efficient than monocrystalline solar cells.
N
power supply
A power supply adapts the voltage of the mains power supply to the voltage required by the device for charging.
Emergency power generator
Power generators that step in during a blackout or power outage and supply critical infrastructure with electricity. Power stations can be used as emergency generators and thus supply essential appliances such as lights or a freezer in an emergency.
P
Power station
Multifunctional mobile power source that can usually be charged via solar, shore power and DC, and has different outputs to power various devices.
Parallel connection
Connecting two (or more) solar modules without an additional adapter. A parallel connection increases the current (A) while the voltage (V) remains constant.
Example: Parallel connection of two WATTSTUNDE WS200SF solar bags with the values A = 10.71 A, V = 23.3 V
Total value of the two parallel-connected modules: A = 21.42 A, V = 23.3 V
Plug & Play
Ready to connect and usually ready for use after minimal installation effort.
PV
Abbreviation for photovoltaics.
Polycrystalline
Polycrystalline solar cells consist of a crystalline solid, which in turn is made up of many crystals of varying sizes. Under direct sunlight, polycrystalline solar cells achieve an average efficiency of only 15-20%.
R
Framework module
Fixed solar panel with aluminum frame.
series connection
Connecting two (or more) solar modules without an additional adapter. A series connection increases the voltage (V) while the current (A) remains constant.
Example: Series connection of two WATTSTUNDE WS200SF solar bags with the values A = 10.71 A, V = 23.3 V
Total value of the two modules connected in series: A = 10.71 A, V = 46.6 V
S
Solar bag (SunFolder)
A solar bag is a foldable solar panel. It consists of one or more solar panels integrated into the bag. The solar bag can be flexibly positioned towards the sun as needed.
Solar suitcase
Solar suitcases, similar to solar bags, are the perfect power generators for camping and outdoor activities.
Voltage converter
Converts direct current (e.g., 12 V) to alternating current (e.g., 230 V). Also known as an inverter or voltage converter.
suction cups
The suction cups serve to complement the solar bag and offer additional attachment options for it.
shingle cells
Minimal overlap of individual solar cells ensures that no gaps are created in the solar modules.
SOC
State of Charge
STC
Standard Test Conditions = Standard test conditions under which solar modules are tested.
Cell temperature of 25°C
Irradiation of 1000 W/m²
Air mass AM of 1.5
T
Deep discharge
Deep discharge refers to the almost completely depleted capacity of a battery.
Daily yield
Average expected yield of a solar module based on the annual average
W
inverter
Converts direct current (e.g., 12 V) to alternating current (e.g., 230 V). Also known as an inverter or voltage converter.
Inverter peak performance
Short-term available peak power, which usually significantly exceeds the continuous power output.
watt
Unit for measuring power (e.g., of a solar panel). Abbreviation "W".
Watt-hours
A watt-hour is the amount of energy that a system (e.g., a machine) with a power rating of one watt consumes or emits in one hour. A 50-watt light bulb that burns for one hour therefore consumes 50 Wh.
Wp (Watt Peak)
Power output of a solar module in watts under optimal conditions (STC - Standard Test Conditions).
Z
Cell efficiency
Cell efficiency refers to the effectiveness of a single solar cell. It is calculated as the ratio of electrical energy output to incident light energy.
cigarette lighter
The on-board power socket installed in vehicles, which is often used as a cigarette lighter, can also be used to power power stations.
Additional battery / auxiliary battery
Some power stations can be supplemented with an additional battery. This optional power variation provides even more flexibility and individual customization.
