FAQ
How much energy does the table store?
13 amp hours, at 12 volts. That equals 156 Watt / hours. Enough to run a laptop or portable TV for over 4 hours.
How many hours of use will my electronics get?
- Laptops - 40 Watts, or over 4 hours of usage
- DVD Players - 40 Watts, or about 4 hours
- Televisions - 40 Watts, or about 4 hours
- Water purifiers - 35 Watts, or about 5 hours
- Lights - Stated wattage on bulb (25W, etc.) High-efficiency bulbs strongly recommended - a 25 watt bulb can be used about 6 hours.
- Remember, since it takes about 4 hours of direct sunlight to charge, you can probably fully recharge every sunny day, and then use your electronics every night.
Does it get hot?
Like anything left outside in extreme sun, its surface can get hot. You should alternate between "charging" and "table" functions during extreme sunlight (During the hottest summer months, we recommend charging during the day and using it at night.
How long does it take the table to charge?
In direct sunlight, the table charges in about 4 hours.
Is it portable?
SunTable is designed as a fixed-location table.
Is it made for the outdoors?
Yes. All the outer parts are weatherproof, from the teak wood and stainless legs to the digital meters and on/off switch.
How much does it weigh?
It weighs 45 lbs / 20.4 kg.
What does the voltage meter do?
It displays the voltage of the battery, like a car's fuel gauge.
What does the hour meter do?
It displays the amount of hours the battery has been connected to the table.
Is there anything I should not do with the table?
- Do not submerge.
- Close the DC outlet when not in use.
- Do not spray water directly into electrical housing.
- Only have experienced electrical technicians service the table.
- Do not allow sharp objects to pierce or scratch solar panel.
- Place the table on a level, stable surface, where water will not accumulate.
- SunTable is not designed to run refridgerators, heaters, or air-conditioners.
- Do not use the table outdoors during a rain or electrical storm, hurricane, or tornado.
- Using the batteries past the point the battery meter indicates low power reduces their longevity.
- Inverter is not designed to be kept outdoors or used in wet conditions. The rest of the table can be left outside.
Can I run my refrigerator / heater / air-conditioner from the table?
Do not run a refrigerator, heater, or air conditioner from the table. Even if you could without blowing a fuse, doing so would quickly drain the batteries. Appliances to heat or cool things tend to be too energy-intensive for small solar panel systems.
How long will the table last? Are the parts recyclable?
Solar panels often last for 25 years or more. The batteries will probably have to be replaced in a few years, especially with frequent use. Every element is designed to be maintained and replaced without too much trouble. Once the table is no longer needed, 90% of the parts are recyclable.
Can I keep appliances plugged into the table permanently, like lights?
The table is designed for intermittant use, meaning appliances should not be plugged into it for extended periods of time. For lights, there are many high-quality, low-cost solar lights available that work separately from the table.
Does the table work if it is partially covered?
The solar panel is unique in its ability to absorb sunlight even if partially shaded (many solar panels are useless in such conditions). However, for maximumum efficiency, the table should be kept uncovered and in direct sunlight when charging. Do not use indoors, except in greenhouse conditions.
Where is the table designed and manufactured?
We are located in New York City. The table was designed and manufactured in the New York Metro area, with the vast majority of parts coming from North America.
What do I do if the table is not charging / takes too long to charge?
First, make sure the table is on (make sure the on/off button on the backside is pressed firmly in the ON position). Next, make sure the table is in a location that receives ample direct sunlight. If still not working, the problem is probably caused by something simple - like a blown fuse. Check the instruction manual for further guidance.
Why is the table making a beeping noise?
The inverter beeps when the batteries are low. Check the voltage meter. if the battery is low, allow the table to recharge. Make sure the inverter / 12V connection is properly plugged in.
How do I plug my regular electrical items into the table?
Attach the inverter to the table to use most electrical products. You may plug 12V products directly into the table, via the 12V outlet. The table was designed this way for safety concerns - 12V DC (car outlets) are generally much safer than 120V AC (wall outlets) in outdoor environments.
Precautions
- Do not submerge.
- Read the manual before using.
- Close the DC outlet when not in use.
- Store the SunTable inside during the winter.
- Only have an experienced electrician service the table.
- Do not use more than 150 Watts of electrical devices at once.
- Do not allow sharp objects to pierce or scratch the solar panel.
- Inverter is not designed to be kept outdoors or used in wet conditions.
- Do not keep devices plugged into the table for extended periods of time.
- Do not use while the table is wet (during or after rain/electrical storms).
- Place the table on a level, stable surface, where water does not accumulate (location must have proper drainage).
Maintenance
- Hose down to rinse.
- Keep debris off the table top, it lowers the solar panel's charging efficiency.
- To remove scuffs on metal, use a soft damp cloth and a small amount of soap.
- Clean with a damp non-abrasive sponge and a small amount of mild dishwashing detergent.