Other manufacturers make use of solar cells laminated onto steel or aluminum back plates. These metal plates will expand in hot climates, causing microscopic cracks in the connections between individual solar cells. With each crack the efficiency of the solar panel decreases until eventually losing all ability to provide power.
International Solar Signal Inc. uses panels specifically designed to overcome this limitation. Our solar cells are laminated onto plates molded from G-10 plastic and fiberglass substrate. This combination has the same expansion characteristics as the solar cells, thus eliminating problems of expansion/contraction.
Batteries are a particular area of vulnerability in hot regions. Nearly all manufacturers use wet-cell batteries similar to automotive batteries. These are very susceptible to evaporation in hot climates. A lifespan of one year is typical.
International Solar Signal Inc. uses sealed gel-cell batteries that do not face evaporation problems. These batteries contain an infused glass mat in-between lead plates. The batteries will not leak and can operate in any position. Our batteries are made with pure lead rather than recycled lead calcium plates. As such they have a longer life expentancy, faster recharge times and much larger temperature span. These are military spec batteries used in the world's hottest locations.
