Thank you for purchasing Solbian ALLinONE (AiO) and ALLinONE 2.0 (AiO 2.0) products. Designed using innovative technologies and high-quality components, Solbianflex solar panels provide reliable energy even in the most challenging environmental conditions, while offering the versatility needed for a wide range of applications. To get the most out of your panels and keep them in good condition, please read the following instructions carefully.
This manual does not constitute a warranty, either explicit or implied. Solbian accepts no liability for any damage resulting from the installation, use, or maintenance of its solar panels. Solbian reserves the right to modify its products, technical specifications, and installation manual without prior notice.
THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS ARE PROVIDED FOR GENERAL GUIDANCE ONLY. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT THE PANELS BE INSTALLED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LOCAL REGULATIONS. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU CONTACT US FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT.
The following instructions must be read carefully and fully understood before proceeding with the installation, connection, and use of Solbianflex solar panels. Contact with electrical components, such as terminals, can cause burns or electric shock, even if the panel has not yet been connected. This is because a solar panel begins generating electricity as soon as it is exposed to sunlight or another light source.
While the electrical output of a single Solbian AiO panel does not pose a health risk, connecting multiple AiO panels in parallel (to the same battery) increases the current. A solar system consisting of multiple AiO panels connected in parallel can therefore generate currents strong enough to be hazardous to health and potentially fatal.
Solbian cannot be held liable for any accidents or injuries, including electric shocks, resulting from improper use or incorrect installation.
This manual contains important safety information that must be read carefully and understood before installing and using the Solbian AiO solar panels and their accessories.
Please keep your purchase receipt and the original packaging for the duration of the product warranty.
Do not connect solar panels of different types and/or power ratings together.
Do not modify the electrical connections of the panels. In particular, do not open or remove the sealed junction boxes that connect the internal structure of the panel to the external electrical connections.
Do not drill or cut the panel, as this may expose live components and/or damage the panel.
Do not subject the electrical cables to excessive tension or bending.
Do not expose the solar panel to direct light during installation. Keep in mind that when exposed to light, the solar panel generates current and its terminals become live.
All maintenance, installation, and removal operations must be carried out on dry surfaces.
Only use tools with insulated handles.
Do not use the solar panels in the presence of explosive or flammable mixtures.
Keep the solar panels in their packaging until the moment of installation.
Make sure the positioning of the solar panel does not create mechanical or electrical hazards.
Do not use damaged solar panels (whether during transport, installation, or use).
Do not apply coatings or paints to the panel. Contact the manufacturer for information on cleaning or protecting Solbian AiO panels.
The photovoltaic cells inside Solbian AiO panels are fragile. The technology used provides mechanical protection for the cells, but this protection is effective only if certain precautions are followed.
Solbian AiO panels are flexible but must not be rolled or sharply bent. The recommended minimum bending radius is 1 meter. For example, for a panel with a length of L = 1 meter, this corresponds to a deflection of F = 122 mm.
The panels should be handled carefully to avoid creating excessive bending.
The panels can also be held by their edges, but only while keeping them vertical and without applying excessive pressure to the cells.
The panels should not be lifted by their ends, especially by the corners, to avoid excessive bending under their own weight.
Do not place objects on the panels when they are exposed to sunlight.
The impact of heavy or sharp objects falling onto the panels can cause fractures in the cells.
A panel with damaged cells, or even a panel in good condition where a single cell or just a few cells are completely shaded (see Fig. 4) can generate a HOT-SPOT. This refers to localized overheating that can become extremely intense, potentially causing the protective materials around the cells to melt, emit smoke, and reach temperatures exceeding 200°C in small areas of the panel.
In principle, these phenomena could lead to fires, an ever-present risk when using electrical equipment. However, in most cases, the damage is limited to small, localized burn marks, as shown in the example in Fig. 6.
If there is any evidence of a HOT-SPOT, the panel must be disconnected immediately. This stops the flow of current and prevents any further temperature rise. Alternatively, the panel can be covered to block exposure to sunlight.
Do not bend the solar panel to a radius smaller than one meter, as this could cause permanent damage to the photovoltaic cells.
Solbian AiO panels are not designed to withstand mechanical loads such as snow or strong winds. Depending on the type of installation, the structural integrity of the mounting surface must be carefully evaluated. The structure should not be subjected to ongoing mechanical stress. Improper use of Solbian AiO panels can cause irreversible damage to the system, potentially compromising its efficiency and functionality.
Choose an installation area that maximizes sun exposure while minimizing shading. Even partial shading of the panel can significantly reduce energy output. Avoid placing objects on the panel when it is exposed to sunlight (see Fig. 4).
The placement of Solbian AiO panels should allow for proper air circulation on the sun-facing surface. This helps lower the panel temperature and improve performance.
The panels will expand when heated, so thermal expansion must be considered during installation. When mounting multiple panels side by side, regardless of the mechanical installation method, a minimum gap must be maintained between them to allow for thermal expansion. A gap of at least 4 mm should be left between adjacent panels.
Solbian AiO panels may be supplied with metal eyelets for installation. In this case, the panels are secured using ropes, cable ties, or similar fasteners to rigid supports that provide adequate stability and resistance to weather conditions.
Since this installation method does not guarantee contact between the panel and a solid underlying surface, the panels must not be walked on.
First, ensure that the surface where the panel will be applied is completely clean and dry. Installing Solbian panels using the structural double-sided adhesive provided by the manufacturer must be done with great care and precision, as this type of adhesive does not allow for repositioning. This is therefore considered a permanent installation. The bonding surface does not need to be perfectly flat, but only in this case can the panel be considered walkable.
A similar installation can be done using panels not provided with double-sided adhesive but through the use of silicone, polyurethane or similar glues. In this case, Solbian is not responsible for the adhesion, although the company can be consulted to evaluate the suitability of the product being used.
Here is an example installation video.
In the case of using glues, care must be taken not to create thickness irregularities beneath the panel, if a walkable installation is desired. In any case, Solbian guarantees walkability only in the case of installation using double-sided adhesive applied by the manufacturer.
Before proceeding with a non-removable installation, such as one using adhesive or glue, it is recommended to verify the panel's functionality by checking that the electrical values (Voc and Isc) are in line with those indicated on the technical datasheet. This can be done using a common multimeter capable of measuring currents up to 10A and by exposing the panel to sunlight.
The double-sided adhesive used bonds strongly to the mounting surface and does not allow for repositioning. Attempting to remove a panel, even if only partially adhered, can seriously damage the cells.
It is not strictly necessary to apply sealant along the edges of the panels or in the gaps between them. However, if you choose to do so for aesthetic reasons or other considerations, make sure to use suitable sealants. These must adhere well to the materials used in Solbian panels and remain flexible over time. Examples of appropriate products include Innotec Easy Seal XS, Sikaflex Sikasil WS 605 S, or similar.
As an aesthetic alternative to sealing the gaps, you can consider coloring the space between the panels.
Solbianflex panels can be mounted using screws and washers. It is recommended to use M6 screws with flat washers placed between the screw head and the panel. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, allowing the panel to move slightly during thermal expansion. Again, since full contact between the panel and the underlying surface is not guaranteed, the panels cannot be walked on.
Depending on the type of surface selected, some panels are shipped with a protective plastic film on the front. This film is easy to recognize, as it is colored. It is recommended to remove the film only after installation is complete, taking care not to bend the panel excessively. In any case, the protective film must be removed as soon as the installation is finished.
The AiO photovoltaic panel you have purchased comes equipped with a highly efficient MPPT Buck/Boost charge controller. This charge controller, housed in a durable ABS casing and protected from moisture by complete resin coating, is capable of directly charging both lead-acid and lithium batteries with nominal voltages of 12 or 24 V.
The AiO is supplied with a two-wire cable that is weather-resistant and made to withstand repeated bending. Electrical installation is therefore as simple as connecting the positive and negative cables to the corresponding battery terminals. Install the connector with fuse as shown in the figure on the side, making sure to respect the polarities and insert the fuse correctly. If the AiO has been supplied with a cable featuring an inline fuse holder (installed on the positive cable), check that the included 10A fuse is correctly installed.
The AiO is preconfigured for either lead-acid or lithium battery, and for 12V or 24V systems, based on the project specifications. The AiO 2.0, on the other hand, comes with a default configuration for lead-acid battery. However, it can be programmed for lithium battery or with a custom charging profile by accessing the web panel via Wi-Fi connection to the AiO 2.0. See the Wi-Fi Communication (setup and programming) section for details.
NOTE: Only the AiO 2.0 is equipped with an autodetect function to automatically detect the nominal battery voltage: 12 V or 24 V.
The cross-section of the cables supplied with AiO modules is such that it prevents significant voltage drop between the AiO’s charge controller and the battery. If you need to extend the cable to reach a more distant battery, you should use cable with a conductor cross-section of at least 2.5 mm². In any case, the total cable length should not exceed 8 meters, to avoid negatively impacting charging efficiency.
Thanks to its integrated electronics, each AiO panel operates as an independent power source. Multiple AiO panels can therefore be connected to the same battery simply by wiring them in parallel to the battery terminals.
(only for ALLinONE 2.0 starting from serial number SOL10035755)
The AiO 2.0 is equipped with Wi-Fi communication. Through its web panel, you can monitor operating parameters and program the integrated MPPT charge controller to ensure the correct charging profile based on the battery's specifications.
NOTE: The AiO's electronics are powered directly by the solar panel, so Wi-Fi connectivity is not available at night or during low sunlight conditions (e.g., cloudy weather or shading).
Enable Wi-Fi on your laptop or smartphone and look for the Wi-Fi network named Solbian_AiOxxxx.
Depending on your device, a pop-up notification may appear prompting you to connect to the Solbian_AiOxxxxx network, or your browser may automatically open a web page. If not, open your browser manually and enter the IP address 192.168.1.100.
Every time you connect, you'll be asked to enter a PIN Code to access the web panel homepage. The default PIN Code is 000000 (see fig. 10).
It is recommended to change the PIN Code via the Settings page of the web panel (see fig. 11).
NOTE: Be sure to save the new PIN Code once it's changed. If you forget it, you can use the PUK Code found in the "Technical Notes" document.
The Home section provides an overview of all the most important information about the PV system, such as PV power, panel and battery voltage, charging current, and battery status.
Battery Setup
It is very important to configure the AiO for the correct battery type (chemical) and charging profile. This setup must be performed during the first access. If you do not have this information, please refer to the battery’s user manual or contact the battery manufacturer.
The AiO 2.0 comes preconfigured for lead-acid battery. In the Battery Setup section, default settings for lead-acid batteries are available, and you can choose a different charging profile, such as for LiFePO4, custom dual-stage, or custom multistage battery, compatible with any type of lead-acid or lithium battery (including Li-ion and LFP) (see Fig. 13).
Settings
In the Settings section you can access the general parameters of the AiO 2.0 (see Fig. 14).
Firmware – Periodically check that your AiO 2.0 is running the latest firmware version. The latest firmware can be downloaded from the Download section of the website solbian.eu.
It is recommended to perform the firmware update using a PC or laptop.
Once the file has been saved to your device (PC/laptop/smartphone), go to the Settings section, select Update, and follow the instructions on the Firmware Update page (see Fig. 15).
NOTE: The AiO 2.0 is powered exclusively by the solar panel, so make sure there is sufficient sunlight before starting the firmware update. The update cannot be performed at night or when there is no solar input.
PIN Code – Allows you to change the six-digit access PIN code.
Restore Factory Settings – This function resets all AiO 2.0 settings, restoring the original factory configuration.
After resetting the AiO 2.0 settings, make sure to reconfigure the correct battery type and charging profile to avoid potential battery damage.
Thanks to the absence of moving mechanical parts, maintenance of these photovoltaic solar panels is minimal. Here are a few important guidelines:
Keep the panels clean. It is recommended to rinse the system with fresh water, especially in marine environments, to prevent damage from salt buildup.
The panel surface can be cleaned with water and mild soap, gently wiping without using abrasive materials. For grease or similar residues, alcohol may be used.
Periodically check the structural integrity of the panel, the mounting system, and all electrical connections.
Cell breakage usually does not result in complete panel failure but rather a reduction in performance.
Breaks can be caused by excessive bending of the panel during installation or use, or by impacts or mechanical stress.
A panel with broken or malfunctioning cells can be identified by measuring the current it produces using a 10 A full-scale ammeter. Under full sunlight, the current should be in the same range as the Isc value specified in the technical datasheet. Measuring the voltage at the ends of the panel is less reliableas it may show only minimal variation even in the presence of cell damage.
Like any electronic device, charge controllers can fail. In any case, first check the condition of the electrical connections between the AiO and the battery, particularly the correct polarity and the status of the fuse (if one is included in the supplied cable). Measuring the output voltage of the cables with no battery connected and in the presence of sunlight may still provide some useful information.
If you have an AiO 2.0, you can monitor operating parameters and check for faults via the web panel, accessible through a Wi-Fi connection.
If Wi-Fi access to the AiO 2.0 is not available, it is recommended to use a suitable measuring instrument to read current, voltage and power values.
Solbian AiO panels are covered by a warranty against manufacturing defects and power output performance. Below is an excerpt from the full warranty conditions, which are the only legally binding version and are published on the website solbian.eu.
Solbian guarantees the integrity of its panels for a period of five years. In the event of a malfunction within 60 months from the delivery date, Solbian will, at its discretion, either repair the panel, replace it, or refund the full amount paid by the customer. Repair, replacement, or refund are the only remedies provided under this warranty and cannot be extended beyond the 60-month period.
The power output of Solbian AiO solar panels is measured under standard test conditions at the end of the production process. This power, expressed in watts (W), gradually decreases over time due to various factors such as material degradation, cell encapsulation clouding, deterioration of electrical contacts, and others.
Solbian guarantees that, when properly used, its solar panels will retain at least 90% of their original rated power for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase. If the customer has evidence of a greater power loss within the five-year “Power output warranty” period, they may request warranty service. Solbian will, at its discretion, either repair or replace the defective panels, provide additional panels to compensate for the lost output, or refund the value of the lost power (beyond the 90% threshold), based on the average market price of similar panels. Repair, replacement, or refund are the only remedies provided under the “Power output warranty” and cannot be extended beyond the 60-month period.
Solbian is a member of the PV CYCLE consortium for the recovery and disposal of damaged or end-of-life solar panels. Solbian AiO panels fall under the category of Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in accordance with current regulations and must therefore be disposed of in compliance with the appropriate procedures for such waste.
If disposal is required, please contact our sales office.