FAQs

LinkSolar specializes in providing high-quality, reliable solar solutions, including portable solar panels, flexible solar panels, mounting brackets, standard and custom panels, and various related accessories, helping customers easily harness clean energy.

LinkSolar is committed to product innovation, efficiency, and durability. We use high-quality materials, implement strict quality control, optimize designs for various applications, and offer professional customer support and flexible customization services.

Simply put, solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Depending on your needs, this power can be used directly, stored in batteries, or converted to alternating current (AC) via an inverter for household appliances. You don't need to be an expert; our products are designed for ease of use, and we provide clear instructions and support.

Key benefits include: environmental friendliness (reducing carbon footprint), saving on electricity bills (using free sunlight), energy independence (especially outdoors or off-grid), low maintenance requirements, and portability (with our portable and flexible products).

Our products are manufactured in partner factories in China that strictly adhere to international quality management systems (like ISO 9001), ensuring high standards.

Currently, LinkSolar primarily operates through our official Shopify store online. This allows us to better serve customers globally and maintain competitive pricing.

You can reach us via the contact form on our website, by emailing Dean@linksolar.net, or by calling +(86)15867137767 during business hours. We typically respond to emails within 24-36 business hours.

Yes, promoting clean energy is our core mission. We not only provide solar products but also strive to minimize our environmental impact in operations and use eco-friendly or recyclable materials whenever possible.

Our orders typically ship from our warehouse located in Tianjin, China. The specific origin might vary based on the product and your shipping destination.

We closely monitor the latest advancements in the solar industry, maintain strong relationships with upstream suppliers, continuously research and test new materials and processes, and constantly optimize product performance and reliability to offer technologically advanced solar solutions.

They are ideal for outdoor camping, hiking, RV trips, marine auxiliary charging, fieldwork, emergency backup power, powering devices in remote locations, and any situation requiring a mobile, easy-to-deploy solar charging solution.

Main differences: Flexible panels are lighter, thinner, and can bend to fit curved surfaces (like RV roofs, boat decks), ideal for weight-sensitive applications. Rigid panels are generally more robust, potentially offering higher long-term durability (especially in harsh environments), suited for fixed installations. LinkSolar flexible panels use quality materials to balance flexibility and durability.

Consider the panel's size and weight, the installation location (roof, ground, wall, pole, vehicle), required tilt and azimuth angles, local wind and snow load conditions, and the mounting surface material. Our bracket product pages provide detailed compatibility and load specifications.

Most of our standard solar panels (including portable and flexible) have an IP rating of IP65 or higher, meaning they are dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction. Please check the specific product specifications for the exact rating.

Some models have integrated USB ports (typically 5V) for directly charging phones, tablets, etc. Charging laptops often requires higher voltage/power and may necessitate using the DC output port connected to a compatible power bank or a DC-DC booster. Always check panel output specs and your device's input requirements.

Yes, flexible panels have a maximum bending radius specified in their datasheets. Do not exceed this limit. Forcing excessive bending can cause micro-cracks or fractures in the internal solar cells, permanently damaging performance and lifespan.

With normal use and proper care, our portable solar panels can last for many years. Lifespan is influenced by frequency of use, environmental conditions (extreme temperatures, humidity), and physical wear. We use durable materials to maximize their service life.

Generally, it's not recommended to walk directly on flexible solar panels, especially with hard-soled shoes. While the top surface (like ETFE) is abrasion-resistant, the pressure can damage the fragile cells inside. If installed in an area with occasional foot traffic (like a boat deck), consider protective measures.

Installing brackets typically requires basic hand tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, a tape measure, a level, and a drill (for making holes). For large or complex installations, more specialized tools and skills might be necessary.

This service allows customers to tailor various parameters of solar panels according to their specific project requirements, going beyond standard off-the-shelf products. It's particularly useful for those needing to integrate solar power into unique designs or applications.

Almost everything! This includes, but is not limited to: size and shape (square, round, irregular), substrate material (PCB, aluminum, flexible PET/ETFE), cell type (monocrystalline, high-efficiency like Sunpower), voltage and power output, encapsulation method (ETFE, PET, glass), frame presence and color, junction box location and type, output cable length and connector type, integrated mounting holes or adhesive backing, and even panel color or surface printing.

A wide range! Examples include: Internet of Things (IoT) devices, wireless sensors, asset trackers, smart agriculture equipment, portable electronics, Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), special vehicles or marine vessels, scientific research projects, educational kits, and any application with specific size, shape, or electrical requirements.

The typical process is:
Inquiry & Communication: Contact us via our custom inquiry portal or customer service with your detailed requirements (specs, application, quantity).
Design & Evaluation: Our engineering team assesses technical feasibility, may discuss details further, and provides a preliminary design proposal.
Quotation: Based on the finalized design and quantity, we provide a detailed quote including tooling costs (if any), unit price, and estimated lead time.
Prototyping & Confirmation (Recommended): For bulk orders, creating and testing samples first is highly recommended.
Mass Production: After sample approval, mass production is scheduled.
Delivery: Completed and QC-passed products are shipped as agreed.

Please provide as much detail as possible: desired dimensions/shape (drawings are helpful), required output voltage (Vmp) and power (Pm) or current (Imp), application description (helps us understand environmental needs), substrate preference (rigid/flexible), encapsulation requirements, cable and connector specs, estimated order quantity, and target delivery date.

Yes, due to the custom design, potential tooling, and production line adjustments involved, there is usually an MOQ. The MOQ depends on the complexity, size, and type of customization. Please contact us with your specific needs, and we will inform you of the relevant MOQ.

Due to the extra design, engineering, potential tooling costs, and non-standardized production, the unit cost of custom panels (especially in smaller quantities) is typically higher than standard panels of equivalent power. However, for highly integrated applications, the value they bring (e.g., space saving, optimized performance) can outweigh the cost difference.

Yes, our engineering team can provide design support and recommendations based on your requirements. We can help optimize dimensions, select appropriate materials and electrical parameters to ensure the custom panel best meets your application needs.

Yes, LinkSolar provides a quality warranty for custom solar panels as well, covering defects in materials and workmanship for the agreed-upon warranty period. The specific warranty terms and duration will be clearly stated during the quotation and order confirmation stages and may differ slightly from standard products.

A: Lead time is affected by complexity, tooling requirements, current order backlog, and quantity. We will provide an accurate estimated lead time for your specific order.

Calculate this by considering: ① Total power consumption of your devices (Watts); ② Daily hours of use for each device to get total energy needed (Watt-hours, Wh); ③ Average daily peak sun hours in your location; ④ System losses (typically budget 20-30%). A rough formula: Required Panel Wattage = (Total Daily Wh / Peak Sun Hours) / System Efficiency Factor (e.g., 0.7-0.8). We recommend consulting us or using an online calculator.

Series connection (+ to -) adds voltages, keeps current the same.
Parallel connection (+ to +, - to -) adds currents, keeps voltage the same.
The choice depends on: ① Your charge controller's maximum input voltage and current limits; ② Your battery system's nominal voltage; ③ Shading considerations (parallel is slightly more tolerant to partial shade, but manage combined current). Always follow controller and panel manuals.

On cloudy days, panels still produce power from diffused light, but output drops significantly – maybe 10-25% or less of peak output. On heavily overcast or rainy days, light is minimal, and power generation is negligible.

Regular cleaning is key for efficiency. Gently wipe the panel surface with a soft cloth, sponge, and clean water to remove dust, dirt, bird droppings, etc. Avoid abrasive materials or harsh chemicals. Clean as needed based on your environment. Also, periodically check cable connections for tightness.

For maximum annual energy production, panels should generally face True South (in the Northern Hemisphere) or True North (in the Southern Hemisphere), with a tilt angle approximately equal to the local latitude. The angle can be adjusted seasonally for optimization. For portable panels, try to keep them perpendicular to the sun's rays.

Shading has a significant and disproportionate impact. Even small partial shading (like a leaf or wire shadow) on one part of a panel can dramatically reduce the output of the entire panel or even a whole series string, as the shaded cell(s) act like a resistor. Always choose a shade-free location for installation.

Bypass diodes are typically integrated into the panel's junction box. When a section of the panel is significantly shaded, the diode activates, allowing the current from the unshaded sections to flow around (bypass) the shaded section. This minimizes power loss and prevents the shaded cells from overheating (hot-spot effect).

High temperatures reduce solar panel efficiency, primarily by lowering the output voltage. Most silicon panels have a negative power temperature coefficient (e.g., -0.3% to -0.5% per °C), meaning for every 1°C rise above the standard test condition of 25°C, the maximum power drops by that percentage. Cold temperatures generally increase voltage slightly and improve performance.

STC is the industry standard for lab testing panel performance: 1000 W/m² solar irradiance, 25°C cell temperature, and Air Mass 1.5 spectrum. Real-world conditions rarely match STC. Actual irradiance, higher operating cell temperatures (often much >25°C), angle, shading, dirt, and other factors mean actual energy production is typically lower than the rated STC power.

A: Simply browse our official website linksolar.net, select the products and quantities you need, and add them to your cart. Then proceed to checkout, provide accurate shipping information, choose your payment method, and complete the payment.

We accept various secure online payment methods, typically including major credit cards (like Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and PayPal. We may also support.

Absolutely. Our website uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption technology to protect all your personal and payment data during transmission. We adhere strictly to PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) for handling payment information.

Yes, we ship to many countries worldwide including United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Australia, Belgium, Poland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Canada, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Singapore, New Zealand, Italy. International shipping costs are calculated at checkout.
Please note that any applicable import duties, taxes, or customs clearance fees are the recipient's responsibility and are determined by the destination country's customs authorities, beyond our control.

For in-stock standard products, we typically process and ship orders within 1-3 business days after successful payment. Shipping times for custom orders or pre-order items will be specified on the product page or in the order confirmation.

We offer various shipping options depending on the destination. Shipping costs are automatically calculated based on the package weight, dimensions, destination address, and selected service level. You'll see the exact shipping cost at checkout.
Currently, we offer free shipping for packages weighing less than 2 kg

Once your order ships, we will send you a shipping confirmation email containing a tracking number and a link. You can click the link or copy the tracking number to the respective carrier's website (e.g., UPS, FedEx, DHL) to monitor your package status.

Please inspect the package upon arrival if possible. If you find the product was damaged during transit, please take photos of the damage (including packaging and the product) within 48 hours of receipt and contact our customer support team immediately with your order number and photographic evidence. We will assist you with a replacement or refund.

If tracking information shows unusual delays or hasn't updated for a long time, please contact us. We will initiate an investigation with the carrier. If the package is confirmed lost, we will arrange for a replacement shipment or issue a refund according to the situation.

If you need to change or cancel your order, please contact our customer service as soon as possible. If the order has not yet been processed or shipped, we can usually accommodate your request. However, if the order is already in the shipping process or has been dispatched, changes or cancellations may not be possible.

We offer a limited warranty on LinkSolar products covering defects in materials and workmanship. Standard solar panels typically have a 2 year product warranty. For accessories and other items, please refer to the specific product page for details.

Please prepare your proof of purchase (order number or invoice), a clear description of the issue, and relevant photos or short videos as evidence. Then, contact our customer support team via email or our website's support channel. We will guide you through the warranty claim and resolution process.

We accept returns or exchanges for eligible items within 30 days of receipt. Products typically must be in unused, uninstalled condition with original packaging and all accessories. Some items (like custom products) may have different return conditions. Please read our full "Return & Exchange Policy" on our website.

Actual output depends on many factors. First, check:
① Are sunlight conditions ideal (clear sky, midday)?
② Is the panel free of any shading?
③ Is the panel surface clean?
④ Is the installation angle/orientation optimized?
⑤ Are cable connections secure?
⑥ Are controller or load settings correct?
⑦ Is the ambient temperature very high?
If the issue persists after checking these, contact our support.

We do not currently offer direct on-site installation services. However, we provide user manuals and installation guides with our products. For standard items, customers can often perform DIY installation or hire a local qualified electrician/installer. For custom or complex systems, professional installation is highly recommended. Our support team can offer remote guidance and answer installation questions.

Absolutely! We are happy to provide technical support. Whether you have questions about product selection, system configuration, wiring, or troubleshooting, feel free to contact our technical support team via email, phone.

We sincerely apologize for any shipping errors. Please contact us immediately upon receipt, providing your order number and a clear photo of the incorrect item received. We will verify the situation and arrange for the correct item to be sent to you free of charge, along with instructions on how to return the incorrect item (we will cover the return shipping cost).

To help us resolve your issue faster, please have the following information ready: your order number, product model number, date of purchase, a detailed description of the problem, any troubleshooting steps you've already tried, and relevant photos or videos (especially for physical damage or performance issues).

For products outside the warranty period, we may not be able to offer free repairs. However, you can contact us to inquire about the possibility of paid repair services or replacement parts. We will also do our best to provide diagnostic advice.