Press report
A small selection of news reports about SOLARA and our products in German trade magazines (translated)
Press report on various SOLARA topics
WALKABLE, NON-SLIP SOLAR MODULES
Solar modules from Solara are characterised, among other things, by their simple installation: They can be glued or screwed on. With a stable substrate and flat mounting, the modules of the M series are even walkable and non-slip - a separate mounting system is not necessary. Due to their low weight, they are ideally suited for vans, campers, panel vans and camping buses. As the solar modules have no frame and are therefore particularly flat, the mounting is not raised, there is no tripping hazard and no driving or air noise is generated.
The modules are available from 289 euros.
Solar cells are a proven solution for being self-sufficient from the electricity grid. Especially if you plan to stay overnight for several days outside campsites, you quickly reach the limits of charging the on-board battery. Solar modules from Solara, for example, are characterised by their ease of installation: They can be glued or screwed on. With a stable surface and flat mounting, it can even be walked on the modules of the M-series (price: from 289 euros) and they are non-slip. A separate mounting system is not necessary.
Walkable solar modules
The solar modules from Solara are characterised by their simple installation: They can be glued or screwed on. The modules of the M series can even be walked on and are non-slip - a separate mounting system is not required. Price: from 289 euros.
Flat solar modules. With the M series, Solara has frameless, only four millimetre thick solar modules in its range. There is no need for a mounting system. The panels are just glued or screwed onto the roof. Ten different sizes are available with nominal outputs from 12 to 150 Wp. The panels weigh between 900 grams and 5.2 kilos and can be ordered from 289 euros.
Increased performance
SOLARA. The new solar modules of the Solara M-series and Power M-series offer around seven percent more power due to more powerful crystalline solar cells. The modules are flat, semi-flexible, frameless, walkable and non-slip, making them suitable for mounting directly onto the deck. The proven module design with ETFE at the edge welded front and rear foil, hotspot cell protector with protective diodes and innovative cell connectors ensure long service life. Available with an output between twelve and 150 watts. Weight: from 900 grams. Five-year product guarantee. Price from 289 Euro.
Solara has further improved the M-series solar modules
Lightweight, robust and high performance
The new Solara M-series solar modules now offer seven percent more power. They are available in ten different power classes and sizes. The modules are flat, semi-flexible, without a frame and are glued directly onto the roof. The solar modules of this type have outputs between 12 and 150 watts and start at a weight of 900 grams. With a stable substrate and flat mounting, the Solarmodules of the M-series are walkable and non-slip. A mounting system is not necessary. In addition, the solar modules are particularly light and therefore ideal for vans, campers, panel vans and camping buses. As the solar modules without frame are particularly flat, the body is hardly raised, there are no tripping hazards and no driving or air noises are generated. The lightweight solar modules without frames are available from specialist dealers from 289 euros.
Solara has been involved in generating electricity from sunlight for almost 25 years. Together with his friend and colleague Hans Jacobs, Thomas Rudolph founded Solara in 1996 when he was just 32 years old. After the first steps had taken place in Thomas Rudolph's garage and living room, it was clear that a real office with a warehouse and a small shop was needed. A suitable domicile was quickly found in Hamburg-Eimsbüttel, Germany.
In the beginning, the founders concentrated almost exclusively on the boat and motorhome market in Germany. They had stands at all the relevant trade fairs and intensive contacts with resellers quickly led to success. "We overcame the scepticism about solar energy and ignorance about its great advantage by emphasising the benefits rather than the technology", Thomas Rudolph recalls.
Because of the success, the company's premises soon became too small and the next move to Hamburg-Altona was already on the cards in 1999. In the meantime, the turnover had risen to several million D-Marks. Finally, the company set up its own production facilities. In 2001, Solara's solar power factory started production. Solara was one of the first big players in Europe. In 2004, a trade magazine not only named Solara the best brand of the year but also supplied the solar modules for what was then the world's largest rooftop installation for BMW in Dingolfing, Bavaria Germany. Production was constantly expanded, culminating in 2008 in the company`s own 20,000 square metres building in Wismar with a capacity of several hundred megawatts and over 200 employees in Wismar.
To cope with this rapid growth, Solara had merged with other companies in 2006 to form CentroSolar AG under the listed CentroSolar Group AG. By now, Solar has left the CentroSolar Group. Solara continues to be successful with its off-grid applications, such as for sailboats and motorhomes but now also for exceptional electrification in Africa, for expeditions and much more. The company has returned to its headquarters in Hamburg Altona with a revised product portfolio. As before, Solara solar modules come from the solar power factory in Wismar, Germany.
New solar modules
SOLARA M-series solar modules (flat, semi-flexible, without frame for sticking on and walking on) now with 7% more power and in ten different power classes.
SOLARA now has ten different solar modules of this type with outputs between 12 and 150 watts and a weight starting at 900 grams.
SOLARA solar modules without frames can simply be glued or screwed on directly. With a stable surface and flat mounting, the solar modules of the M series can be walked on and are non-slip. A mounting system is not necessary. In addition, these solar modules are slightly flexible and therefore ideal for sailing boats. Since the solar modules are particularly flat without a frame, the superstructure is not raised and there is no tripping hazard.
The solar modules of the SOLARA m-series and Power M-series have around 7% more power due to more powerful crystalline solar cells. The more powerful Power M-series solar modules have over 23% efficiency due to monocrystalline SunPower solar cells with rear contacts. In addition, due to a large number of cells, the M-series has a higher voltage, which provides sufficient voltage to efficiently charge a 12 V battery even at high temperatures.
The unchanged and proven module construction with ETFE edge-welded front and back foil, hotspot cell protector with protective diodes and innovative cell binders ensure long service life. SOLARA provides a five-year product guarantee. The solar modules of the SOLARA M series have been manufactured in Germany with the implementation of innovations for over 20 years and have proven themselves on sailing boats, sea marks, expeditions and much more.
All SOLARA solar modules are robust, absolutely weather and salt water-resistant.
The lightweight solar modules without frames (SOLARA M-Series and Power M-Series, as well as DCSolar Power Flex) are available from specialist dealers from 289 euros.
Frameless
Solara has revised the M series and now offers the solar modules without a frame and for glueing on. In addition, the new generation is said to have seven percent more power. The modules are available in ten power classes between 12 and 150 watts and weigh from 900 grams upwards. The glued-on solar modules are supposed to be walkable and non-slip and can therefore also be glued onto the deck or superstructure - as long as the surface is stable and flat. Since the modules are somewhat flexible, they can adapt to slight curves such as the deck. Solara gives a five-year product guarantee on the modules. The price starts at 289 euros.
More Power
Solara now offers Solara M-Series solar modules with 7 percent more power and ten different output classes. They have a very flat design, do not require a frame, can be glued on without screwing on and are designed to be walkable and non-slip. There is a choice of outputs between 12 and 150 watts, the smallest version weighs 900 grams. A further advantage of the M-series is a large number of cells, which ensures a higher voltage for efficient charging even at high temperatures. With front and rear foil welded at the edges, hotspot cell protectors with protective diodes and special cell connectors, a particularly long service life are to be guaranteed. In addition, the...
Tried and tested: Mobile solar system from SOLARA
As a rule, solar systems are permanently installed. However, in some cases, a mobile solution can be useful - for example, if you usually stay overnight with electricity and only occasionally
need more self-sufficiency, want to use the solar system with different vehicles, have no space on the roof or appreciate the possibility of placing the solar panel in the sun but park the mobile
in the shade. Especially during winter camping - where we have tried the Solara-Power-Mobil-Plus-Set - two more advantages become apparent: It is easier to clear the panel of snow on the
windscreen than when it is mounted on the roof. In addition, the inclined installation fits the winter sun position better.
Insulating mat, solar panel and anti-theft protection in a practical Solara set.
The Solara set is cleverly combined with an insulating mat for the windscreen. This is fixed to the windscreen frame with the help of a Velcro strip running through the driver's cab and sewn-in magnets in the edge of the mat. The mat helps to keep the heat inside in winter and outside in summer. It also has sewn-on tabs into which the foldable solar panel can be inserted. An enclosed steel cable with combination lock also ensures that thieves are deterred.
The five-metre-long connecting cable is connected to the panel via a plug and fed through the rubber seal of a cab door or body window to the inside. The other end is simply plugged into one of the 12 V sockets in the body via a cable-connected solar charge controller. Alternatively, it can be connected to a permanently installed charge controller. During the practical test in the Allgäu region of Bavaria, the 102 Wp module managed to refill the battery, which is about half full according to the control board, to 75 percent over a sunny day. The Solara-Power-Mobil-Plus-Set is available tailor-made for the VW Transporter, Mercedes Vito and Fiat Ducato. With a charge controller, it costs 1124.90 euros - in other words, similar to a permanently installed system.
Power supply
Unbuttoned:
mobile solar modules form Solara
With their textile edging, the compact modules can be easily attached to a sprayhood or bimini and stowed away just as easily.
The modules are equipped with solar cells from Sunpower mounted on the back and are said to have an efficiency of over 22 percent. The output of the module array, which measures approximately 69 x 63 x 2.5 centimetres, is specified as 102 Watt peak. On a summer's day in our latitudes, it should be possible to generate slightly more than 400 watt-hours of energy.
It can be fastened with Velcro, zip, eyelets or Tenax-/LOXX-buttons. The weight is stated as 4.9 kilograms. The recommended price is 859 euros.
Solara (Hamburg) developed solar panels in the M-series, which thanks to new cells offer seven percent more power than before. This means, conversely, that the panels can be smaller for the same output so that they also fit smaller areas onboard and thanks to their flexibility they can also adapt curves. They are also slip-resistant thanks to their anti-slip structure. The panels are available in ten power classes from twelve to 150 watts nominal power.
Solara
Fill up with sunshine
At most in the deepest wilderness, away from any power sources, photovoltaic systems ensure the power supply of the campervan. Solara is a specialist for off-grid power supply with photovoltaics. The Hamburg company has around ten different solar modules of the Solara M and Power M series in its range. What they all have in common is that with four millimetres they are extremely flat (no driving noise), particularly light (from 900 grams) and available without frames for glueing on, so that no screw-on or mounting system is required. This makes them perfect for quickly upgrading your camper for even more independence on the road. The weather- and saltwater-resistant solar modules with the dirt-repellent surface are now available with even more power (twelve to 150 watts) and are available from 289 euros.
Many thanks to DCSolar (a brand of SOLARA GmbH) for providing a mobile solar system! Whether during a break or, as in my case, during a forced break due to a breakdown in front of a workshop: in any case, you are supplied with enough energy to keep all telephones and / or the cool box functional. Since we can hardly get by without our electronic helpers, aka lifesavers. Nothing going without electricity!
As a special feature, the widely travelled (and much more extensive) solar system will be auctioned at the end of our Baltic Sea Circle Rally for SAGE Hospital e.V. - energy for a good cause, as we say!
Off road on tour
When: April 18, 2020
10 questions for ...
Frank Heise, SOLARA
What's new in 2019?
Particularly robust solar panels for special applications, e.g. our speciality is for marine signs, external measuring stations and of course off-road vehicles. That is why we are planning further glass-glass solar panels.
The next project?
Tailor-made solutions for different vehicles.
Which product was a hit so far?
Fortunately, we didn't have a so-called bum. Our fastening systems are an absolute hit.
When and how did you get off-road fever?
Adventure & 4WD 2014. It became clear to us that our robust solar panels are also ideal for off-road vehicles.
Which off-roader do you drive privately?
Offroad often and with pleasure on my mountain bike and while running. However, I don't (yet) have an off-roader.
And which one would you like to have?
A Defender or Toyota Land Cruiser. However, I have not yet committed myself. There is still considerable need for experience and advice.
If we were to send you on a trip now, you would go to ...
The balcony would definitely be my first travel destination.
Why should the customer come to you of all places?
We are certainly one of the solar companies in Germany with the longest and greatest experience of over 20 years! I personally have been in the industry for more than 20 years and vouch for our products so that they keep what we promise!
Your company in three words?
Experience - quality awareness - fast
KING CUSTOMER
AWARD 2019
1st Place
in the equipment-category
solar panels
ReiseMobil - Europe's competent trade magazine
Foldable sun catchers
Solara is showing two neu solar panels: two and three parts with 102 and 110 watts of power. They can be hung up or simply put on the floor. The high daily yield is achieved through the use of monocrystalline cells - even in diffuse light.
Detailed report and test of the new SOLARA Power-Mobil-Plus solar panel for the windscreen of various vehicles.
Tested: mobile solar system from SOLARA
As a rule, solar systems are permanently installed. However, a mobile solution can make sense in some cases - for example, if you usually spend the night with a power connection and only occasionally need more self-sufficiency, want to use the solar system with different vehicles, have no space on the roof or appreciate the option of installing the solar panel to lay in the sun, but to park the mobile in the shade. Especially when it comes to winter camping - where we tried out the Solara Power Mobil Plus set - there are two other advantages. The panel on the windscreen is easier to clear of snow than when installing on the roof. In addition, the sloping arrangement fits better with the winter sun position. The clever thing about the Solara-Set is the combination with an insulating mat for the windscreen. This is fixed to the windscreen frame with the help of a Velcro tape that runs through the drivers house and sewn-in magnets in the edge of the mat. The mat helps keep the warmth inside in winter and outside in summer. In addition, it has sewn on corresponding tabs into which the foldable solar panel can be inserted. An enclosed steel cable with combination lock also ensures that long fingers are deterred. The five-meter-long connection cable is connected to the panel via a plug and led through the rubber seal to the inside. The other end is simply plugged into one of the 12 V sockets in the body using a wired solar charge controller - alternatively, connection to a permanently installed charge controller is possible. During the practical test in the Allgäu region, the 102 W module managed to replenish the half full battery, according to the control board, to 75 percent over a sunny day. The Solara Power Mobil Plus Set is tailor-made for the VW Transporter, Mercedes Vito and Fiat Ducato. With a charge controller, it costs 1124.90 euros - a similar amount to a fixed installation.
Complete set with module and controller
Solara now also offers its solar power sets as a complete package with a Votronic charge controller. The Votronic solar controllers of the SR-series have overcharge protection and a recharge circuit when power is being used and are suitable for all types of batteries (acid, gel, AGM, LiFeP04). To visualise the solar power, an EBL-adapter cable for connection to the electro block in the vehicle is included in the scope of delivery. In addition to the charge controller, the set also includes a Solara solar panel and ABS retaining spoiler for roof mounting, as well as assembly instructions, an adhesive set, solar cable and roof duct. The complete set is available from 449 euros.
Unbuttoned: mobile solar panels from Solara
With their textile edging, the compact modules can be easily attached to sprayhood or bimini and just as easily stowed away
The panels are equipped with Sunpower solar cells on the back and are said to have an efficiency of over 22 percent. The output of the module assembly, which measures around 69 by 63 by 2.5 centimetres, is given as a 102 watt peak. This should allow a little more than 400 watt hours of energy to be gained on a summer day in our latitudes.
The attachment is possible with Velcro, zipper, eyelets or Tenax / LOXX buttons. The weight is given as 4.9 kg. The recommended retail price is 859 euros.
click here for the German article
Report in the magazine Reisemobil International about a Solara solar system charge controller for charging two batteries (e.g. motor battery and living area battery) with LCD display.
Electricity for two
Solara charge controller
The Solara charge controller SR-350DUO charges two batteries at the same time with a solar system - for example the living area and the starter battery of the motorhome. Different battery types such as AGM and LiFePO4 batteries can be charged at the same time. The four-stage charging process with temperature compensation, external sensor and overcharge protection should guarantee optimal charging. Users can read the energy flows and the charge status of the batteries on an LCD display. The SR320DUO also has various control, programming and acoustic warning functions. The controller is suitable for twelve and 24 volt systems with a charging current of up to 20 amperes. The electronics are encapsulated in the housing and protected against moisture, the controller is suitable for fixed installation. Price 169 euros.
Good combination
Self-sufficient camping enables the windscreen cover "Power Mobil plus" in combination with the MPPT charge controller. "The cover can be stowed away quickly, is opaque and can be had for 1199 euros. The charge controller is available from 36 euros.
Electricity for two
The Solara charge controller SR-350DUO charges two batteries at the same time with a solar system - for example the living area and the starter battery of the motorhome. Different battery types such as AGM and LiFePO4 batteries can be charged at the same time. The four-stage charging process with temperature compensation, external sensor and overcharge protection should guarantee optimal charging. Users can read the energy flows and the charge status of the batteries on an LCD display. The SR320DUO also has various control, programming and acoustic warning functions. The controller is suitable for twelve and 24 volt systems with a charging current of up to 20 amperes. The electronics are encapsulated in the housing and protected against moisture, the controller is suitable for fixed installation. Price 169 euros.
Charge controller for 85 Voltage
Solara has a new charge controller for solar power systems in its range. The SR280E MPPT controller automatically adjusts the input voltage to the battery voltage. As a result, the solar system is to provide maximum performance and the battery is protected against overcharging and deep discharge. The charge controller has three LEDs that inform the motorhome about the charging status, battery voltage and the load status. The housing is completely potted and protected against moisture. The charge controller SR280E is designed for a maximum voltage of 85 volts and a current of 16 amps. The price is 130 euros. There is also a simple version with 12 volts and 16 amps for 36 euros. Both controllers are already available.
Strong double
The Power Mobil Plus from Solara is a solar panel and windshield cover in one. In this way, the vehicle is protected from excessive heating in summer and at the same time generates electricity. The mobile solar panel is suitable for VW T5 / T6, Mercedes-Benz Vito and Fiat Ducato and costs 1,299 euros. Thanks to its magnet system, the module can be quickly assembled and disassembled and easily attached above the windscreen. The Power Mobil Plus consists of two solar panels with a total of 102 Wp and weighs 7.1 kg. Also new at Solara: the SR280E charge controller. It automatically adjusts the input voltage optimally to the battery voltage, so that the solar system always delivers the maximum output. In addition, the MPPT charge controller protects the battery against overvoltage and deep discharge. Three LEDs provide information about the charging status, battery voltage and load status. The SR280E with up to 85 volts and 16 amps is available for 130 euros. A smaller version with 12 volts and 16 amps is available from 36 euros.
Strong double
The Power Mobil Plus from Solara is a solar panel and windshield cover in one. In this way, the vehicle is protected from excessive heating in summer and at the same time generates electricity. The mobile solar panel is suitable for VW T5 / T6, Mercedes-Benz Vito and Fiat Ducato and costs 1,299 euros. Thanks to its magnet system, the module can be quickly assembled and disassembled and easily attached above the windscreen. The Power Mobil Plus consists of two solar panels with a total of 102 Wp and weighs 7.1 kg. Also new at Solara: the SR280E charge controller. It automatically adjusts the input voltage optimally to the battery voltage, so that the solar system always delivers the maximum output. In addition, the MPPT charge controller protects the battery against overvoltage and deep discharge. Three LEDs provide information about the charging status, battery voltage and load status. The SR280E with up to 85 volts and 16 amps is available for 130 euros. A smaller version with 12 volts and 16 amps is available from 36 euros.
Charge controllers are the heart of a solar power system. The new Solara SR280E MPPT charge controller automatically adjusts the input voltage optimally to the battery voltage. As a result, the solar system can always achieve maximum performance.
With solar cells on the sunny side
The new Solara S-series vision cells not only perform in bright sunshine, but also in diffuse light and in low-light months. The panels consist of 36 high-performance cells, which are inserted and accessible in a robust, seawater-resistant aluminium profile frame. Drainage holes in the frame prevent frost damage, a special film protects against scratches.
Flat solar panels
Solara offers new, particularly flat solar panels. They are only three millimetres thick and weigh four to five kilograms. The flat design means that they should be easy to bend and, above all, should not generate any additional noise while driving. The panels are also equipped with a transparent and weatherproof, dirt-repellent special film. Advantage: They do not need to be cleaned and are not prone to falling rocks. So that the panel builds up enough voltage to charge the battery even at very high temperatures, Solara equips it with significantly more than the usual 36 cells.
In addition, the company deliberately does not use the silver conductor tracks on the surface of the cells so that more light falls on the monocrystalline high-performance cells. As a result, the solar panel should generate over 20 percent more electricity than conventional solar panels on the same area. The panel is available in three sizes with an output of up to 140 watts peak. In summer, it can generate an average of 560 watt-hours of electricity a day. The module costs 938 euros.
Press reports on the company's 20th anniversary
... at Walther Grauerholz, one of the three managing partners of Solara
The solar system specialist Solara celebrates its 20th anniversary. What was the biggest challenge in the two decades?
20 years ago, solar power generation (photovoltaic) for mobile homes was fairly unknown. There was great scepticism as to whether the then very expensive solar technology would reliably produce electricity for many years. We didn't promise too much at the time. Even today there are Solara solar systems that work reliably even under extreme conditions on mountain huts and sea markers. Today, simple assembly and high electricity yield are the most important. Solara has mounting systems and new high-performance solar panels with back-contact solar cells at affordable prices.
Solara sells its products worldwide, but remains loyal to German locations. What is the meaning of Made in Germany?
Those who use solar technology are mostly dependent on (solar) electricity. The most important thing is absolute reliability of all components. We can only ensure that with our production in Germany and our many years of experience.
The demand for solar systems for homes is dependent on the funding. Is the camping industry a good mainstay?
Our specialist dealers and motorhome owners exchange information about Solara products. Just because we have always delivered excellent solar technology has made it a very stable mainstay for us with good annual sales growth.
How will we see solar technology in the future? Would it be conceivable to integrate the panels into the body wall?
Solar power generation is becoming more and more individual, and the multiple benefits are becoming more important. Our latest solar module Power Mobile Plus is the best example. It can shade the windshield and produce electricity. If the vehicle is already in the shade, you can remove the solar panel and place it directly in the sun. Solar panels integrated in the vehicle are absolutely conceivable. The extremely flat, walk-in and semi-flexible M-series comes very close to that.
20 years of Solara
The success story with solar energy looks back on two decades of consistency. Solara, the Hamburg-based company, was founded in 1996 by Thomas Rudolph. After eight years in a shop for engineering products, he was infected with the solar virus. His version: “When my children are big, solar systems should be normal on mobile homes and even on houses.” Today they are indispensable on both.
Screen-energy
With Solara's combination solution, energy is generated on the windscreen. While it is covered and isolated.
Combined solutions are always a good idea in a motorhome. Solar system specialist Solara connects a flexible solar panel with a cover mat for the windscreen in 2017. This set is called Power Mobil Plus.
The insulated mat was developed in collaboration with Projekt Camper and is completely opaque. It is attached to the window with magnets outside the vehicle. The solar panel is attached to the mat with a high-quality YKK zipper. The module produces 102 watts, the cable is routed anywhere in the vehicle and connected to the battery. It is also possible to change the angle of inclination of the solar panel without having to lift the mat off the pane. A security cable with combination lock protects the solar cell from occasional thieves.
The cover is ideal for winter campers when snow covers the solar cells on the roof. This year the set costs 1199 euros, in 2017 the price for the Power Mobil Plus rises from 1299 euros.
Conclusion: great idea. How much power the solar panel really brings could not be tested at the fair.
20 years of Solara
From the very beginning, Thomas Rudolph focused on off-grid applications when he founded Solara together with Hans Jacobs in 1996. Frank Heise, now a managing partner, was already there at the time. Expert advice made it possible to take away the initial scepticism from customers about the technology, which was initially still quite young - transparent depictions of the realistic yield did the rest. Customer experiences were in turn passed on to the producers. Solara entered international business just one year after its foundation. Soon the premises at the headquarters - a shop with office and warehouse in Hamburg-Eimsbüttel - became too small and the company moved to Hamburg-Altona. In 2001, the Solara solar power plant started production, which was set up with the support of the physicist Ralf Hennings. The Wismar production site soon employed over 200 people. After having teamed up with other companies for CentroSolar AG in the meantime, Solara is now performing independently again. The modules still come from Wismar and have proven their worth especially in off-grid applications.
20 years of Solara
The success story with solar energy looks back on two decades of consistency. Solara, the Hamburg-based company, was founded in 1996 by Thomas Rudolph. After eight years in a shop for engineering products, he was infected with the solar virus. His version: “When my children are big, solar systems should be normal on mobile homes and even on houses.” Today they are indispensable on both.