Common Questions

  •  Where is the sakku solar bag manufactured?
    sakkus are 100% Swiss made
     
  • What is the advantage of sakku akku compared with sakku direct?
    With a sakku direct you are only able to load your devices if the sun is shining and the reload device is attached. This option is suitable for the beach or public swimming pools. sakku akku will be charged continuously at integrated rechargeable battery. It can be also used in bad weather or at night. 
     
  • Where can I order spare parts?
    Here.
     
  • Is a sakku solar bag heavier than other bags?
    No. sakku direct is the same weight as other bags. sakku akku, with an integrated rechargeable battery, is around 400 grams heavier, so no problem. ;-)
     
  • Is the sakku solar bag available in different colours?
    No, No, they are currently available only in white.  This is the natural colour of the sailing boat sails from which they are manufactured.  Exception: Large orders of 100+
     
  • Is the sakku solar bag also available in different fabrics?
    No. Currently not.
     
  • Is the sakku solar bag water proof?
    The bag is rain- and splash proof, but not 100% water proof. So don’t throw it in the water please :-)
     
  • Can I wash the sakku solar bag?
    Yes. The bag is washable.  It is conceptually designed so all of the electronic components can easily be removed.
     
  • What are the dimensions of the sakku solar bag?
    The bag is a little bit bigger then a standard Freitag-bag: width 47cm, heigth 35cm, depth 16cm. For example, you can easily carry an A4 folder or a notebook.
     
  • Is there a padding to protect the notebook?
    Yes. Order padding here.
     
  • What kind of partitioning does the sakku solar bag have inside?
    On the inside, the bag has 4 pockets (ca A6) at the front, one pocket (ca. A3) at the back and of course there is the big section in the middle.
     
  • Where are the sails from?
    The sails are from all Swiss lakes e.g. Lake Constance, Walensee, Lake Geneva, Lake Zurich and also from the oceans around the world. The ancestry is noted in each bag.
     

Questions about the handling of the sakku solar bag

  • How much can I bend the solar panel?
    The panel can be bent as long as it doesn’t kink. Kinks can damage the panel. Kinks derogate the capapility just marginal.
     
  • Can the panel overheat?
    The panel can get very hot in direct sunlight, but will not be damaged. Tip: Don’t store ice in the bag ;-)
     
  • Is the solar panel sensitive to impact?
    No. Exception: Hits with sharp objects.
     

Technical questions

  • What are the technical specifications for a sakku?
    - Solar panel max. voltage:                         19V
    - Solar panel operating voltage:                 15.4V
    - Maximale Stromstärke bei 15.4V:             200mA
    - Average capacity of a mobile battery:  ca.800mAh
    - Capacity of a sakku battery:                     1100mAh
     
  • How long does it take to reload a device?
    This depends on which device you reload. Directly reloading with sunlight takes an average of 2-3 hours. Reloading the rechargeable battery in your sakku (just sakku akku) takes max. 1 hour.
  • How is the connection made between the solar panel and your reloading device?
    The
    reloading device will be connected with a 12V car adapter cable for cigarette lighters. The protection of your device is ensured with this.
  • Why do I need a charge adapter?

    The adapter cable is needed to connect devices to the sakku (refer to à functional principle). We advise using only the manufacturers’ original cigarette lighter adapter for each device. There are universal adapters on the market (like this here) for connecting more then one device. However, we do not sell them, because the safety of your devises can not be guaranteed when using such adapters.
     

  • Which adapters do I need for my mobile phone?

    http://www.opera.com/products/mobile/operamini/phones/ 
     
  • Can I connect all devices that I can normally reload with a car adapter?

    Yes, as long as the devices dont require more then 1100mAh. All devices like Black Berrys, Mobile phones, GPS and PDA's should have no problems.
     

  • Can I use the same adapter cable in the car?
    Yes sure. Another advantage.
     

  • Can I reload notebooks with this bag?
    No. The solar panels we are currently using do not generate the power required to reload a notebook.
     

  • Can I reload my Digicam with the bag?
    Yes, if the manufacturer
    produces an adapter and the batteries don’t require more then 1100 mAh.
     

  • Will the bag reload my device while I am walking through the city?
    Yes, if the bag is aligned
    with the sun. Optimal results are achieved by aligning the panel perpendicular to the sun. The best way to reload the rechargeable battery is to place the sakku akku  in as much direct sunlight as possible, such as at street cafés or on a windowsill. It is possible to reload it behind the window.
     

  • Do I need a new adapter when I change my mobile phone?

    Only if the charging connection or the mobile has changed.
     

  • How much power does the solar panel deliver?
    Maxim
    um 5 Watt.
     

  • How I have to aligning the solar panel?
    The best is perpendicular to the sunlight.
     

  • How long is the lifespan of a solar panel?
    Approx. 20 years. In the case of non-use, the panel can send be sent back to 5212.ch. and it will be integrated into a solar wall and deliver power until the end of its life cycle.
     

  • What is the lifespan of a rechargeable battery in a sakku akku?

    With care, a rechargeable battery will last a minimum of 3 year.
     

  • Can I replace the rechargeable battery in a sakku akku?

    Yes the bag is built modular. Individual parts can be exchanged.

     

  • Is it true that a solar panel requires more power to be manufactured than it gives off during its life cycle?
    No, this is an old myth. The solar panels today, produce more power in around one to two years, than was required during the manufacturing process. With a life cycle of around 20 years, solar panels are highly sustainable.
     

  • How long does a rechargeable battery retain its power after being reloaded? (just sakku akku)

    If it’s totally dark (no recharge of the battery) approx. 30 to 40 days.
     

  • Can I also charge the battery in a sakku akku with diffused light?

    Yes, but loading power will be reduced to a level of 20 ~ 30%.
     

  • Can I also reload a sakku akku from behind a window?

    Yes. Approx. figures of merit, is between 40 an 70% of the power from direct sunlight.
     

  • Can I charge all devices with a sakku akku?

    No. We use 1100mAh power cells in our sakku akku-box. Most rechargers are manufactured for larger capacities, such as 1500mAh ~ 2500mAh. If the rechargestation is built for fast – recharge, then it`s anyway impossible.hese devices need a constant energy input, such as an outlet or a car battery. This type of power supply is not possible with our solar panels. Be aware of this point, and check that your recharger is only for 1100mAh batteries or smaller.
      

  • Can I leave the rechargeable device connected to a sakku akku over night?

    No. Because it can result in deep discharge.  As soon as you have reloaded your battery the switch should be turned back in position “0”.

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