• Introduction
• Product Description
• Application & Target Markets
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Warranty

INTRODUCTION

The FulluxVu LED solar powered lighting system for bus shelter advertising light box offers a revolutionary concept for the outdoor advertising Street Furniture industry. It includes multi-crystal solar panels, rechargeable valve-regulated lead-tin-calcium acid batteries, patented LED light modules, and a solar lighting controller. This is a multifaceted product that has integrated these key elements into a single solution for off-grid application. The FulluxVu enables users to place advertising on Street Furniture, such as a bus shelter, without installing physical electric cable and paying monthly electricity bills. The conversion from the on-grid AC to off-grid solar DC power will reduce potential electrical hazards from lethal to harmless. It essentially combines the features of a regular advertising media light box and a solar energy input to create a cost-effective, safe and “green” solution offered in this turnkey product.

The FulluxVu system may be integrated into either an off-grid system(operated in isolated sites away from the electric grid) that converts the energy from the sun into the rechargeable batteries, or an on-grid system (operated in accessible sites within the city electric grid) that converts the city AC electricity into DC electricity and provides power input to the light box during requested hours of operation (mostly in the evening/nighttime). The Fullux system also provides high quality and uniform back-lighting without hotspots or shadows behind the graphics, thus generating ideal advertisement illumination.

The FulluxVu system is well-suited as a retrofit solution to existing bus shelters or for new bus shelter construction.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

FulluxVu

FulluxVu, with its unique design, provides high quality and high uniformity back-light to the poster advertisement placed at the media location. The poster is illuminated by banks of LED (light emitting diodes) module sets positioned inside the light box. Each LED is improved with patented modifications to achieve optimum lighting results. The LEDs are of high quality OSRAM SYLVANIA latest Golden Dragon series.

Solar Panel

FulluxVu is designed to operate under DC power which can be drawn from solar panels. It converts the sun’s energy into electric energy to power the system. The solar panels, or photovoltaic (PV) modules, should be directed and angled properly for optimum performance.

Each PV module is composed of 36 multi-crystalline cells. It generates:

• a direct current (DC) proportional to the intensity of the sunshine received.

• a standard voltage: 12V.

Though the solar panels are only warranted for 60 months, the average life expectancy of these panels could easily exceed 20 years.

Solar Battery

The batteries play the role of an energy reserve between the modules generating the electricity, the PV module, and actual consumption by the appliance using it, FulluxVu. There are four 12-volt, Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) batteries whose positive plates are made up of Lead-Tin-Calcium.

The battery enables:

• switching between generation and supply phases.

• a high power output during a short period.

Three batteries are designed in under the consideration of its life expectancy and operation hours under poor weather conditions. Though the solar batteries are only warranted for less than 3 years, the average life expectancy of the batteries will be roughly 14 years under our type of application. Running on a full charge, without charging, the four batteries will support roughly 5~6 days, 12 hours per day, of operation on cloudy weather; it may differ from locations.

Solar Controller

The solar controller, or regulator, constitutes the core of the generating system. It is vital to protect the batteries and ensure their longevity, system safety and the energy output of the installation. The controller is marine-rated.

The regulator is designed to:

• protect the battery from overcharge and deep discharge.

• optimize the battery charging rate.

• regulate operating hours.

APPLICATION & TARGET MARKETS

Applications:

Single-Faced and Double-Faced Illuminated Signage for:

• Bus shelter standard 4’x 6’ d/f advertising display cabinet

• Street furniture – varied concepts

• 12’ x 24’ posters

• Store-front s/f illuminated signs

• Free-standing d/f pylon signs

• Gas station canopy wrap-around signs

• Awnings – front-lit and down-lit

• National parks directional signs

Markets:

• Outdoor advertising companies

• Electrical on-premise sign manufacturers

• Awning manufacturers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question: For one full charge, without recharging again, how long will the system provide lighting?

Answer: It depends on the installation site of our system where the annual average daily sunshine hours may vary based on its latitude. Our design could provide sufficient power for operating from dusk to dawn in northern cities like Toronto. Different settings may be adjusted at the solar controller (see user’s manual). For example, on northern cities with extreme winter weather, you can change the timer setting to 6/off/2(6 hours operation upon dusk and 2 hours operation before dusk). Please contact your Rainpal representatives or consult authorized Rainpal distributors for optimum setup procedures in your city.

Question: On installation, what is the tilting angle of the PV modules?

Answer: It is recommended to set the optimum tilting angle for optimum for winter when the short days and cloudy weather put the greatest strain on the system to meet the load requirements. The tilt angle in the winter is your installation latitude plus 15º. As a rule of thumb, the PV module should face true solar south if located in the Northern Hemisphere, and north if located in the Southern Hemisphere. reference

As a rule of thumb, the PV module should face south if located in the Northern Hemisphere, and north if located in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question: How do you clean the solar panels?

Answer:

Step 1:	Inspect solar panels on a periodic basis to remove any debris and dirt.
Step 2:	Panels installed in a particularly dusty area may require more frequent inspection.
Step 3:	Clean the surface of the solar panel with warm water and dishwashing soap to remove any accumulation of dirt & grime.  (Note: The surface of the solar panel is covered with DuPont Tedlar, an inert, dirt-resistant film.)
Step 4:	Remove any bird droppings as well since they can reduce the panel's energy producing capacity.

Question: How do you avoid vandalism?

Answer: The solar panels that our system utilizes are with tempered glass and Tedlar on the surface. This should be able to prevent common defacements.

Question: Are there different battery requirements for different regions?

Answer: For North American markets, States/provinces north of 35º latitude and east and north of Missouri River, 100A battery will be used; for other States, 75A batteries will be used. All other regions please contact a Rainpal sales representative or consult authorized Rainpal distributors.

Question: What’s the ideal operating temperature?

Answer: The ideal operating temperature is 25°C. The acceptable storage temperature ranges from -45°C to 100°C. The acceptable operating temperature ranges from -40°C to 85°C.

Question: What happens when the off-grid system (with Solar input) meets 3 or 4 days of overcast weather?

Answer: Our solar power system is specially designed to not only fit for each different installed location, but also would withstand minimum of 4 days without sun ray. Moreover, the FulluxVu system has a “smart control” chip built into each LED driver, in the leading LED of each FulluxQua chain. The smart control chip detects the drop of input voltage, or power reserve reduction due to lack of daily solar radiation, in the rechargeable batteries and adjusts the power output (dimming the lights) accordingly to perform more efficiently resulting in longer operation hour.

Question: How far away should the sign face be away from?

Answer: The sign faces are recommended to be placed 8 to 12cm away from the light source to avoid hotspots and to achieve optimum illumination uniformity. The popular size of sign light box in the Bus Shelter is normally with a depth (thickness) of 20 cm, or 8 inches. The traditional size of sign light box in the Bus Shelter is normally with a depth (thickness) of 20 cm, or 8 inches, between the two signfaces. Our lighting modules are designed with this understanding. As retrofits to standard shelters, the sign faces are placed roughly 9cm away from the light source replacing the old fluorescent lamps. We also have a special item designed for shallower ad lightbox that is with a depth of 13.5 cm between the two signfaces.

Question: Should we be aware of any hotspot issues?

Answer: If the sign faces are placed in the recommended optimum distance, there are no concerns for hotspots; these recommended distances are of traditional North American street furniture lightboxes. For those lightboxes with shallower depth, hotspots could occur but they are not as serious as in the case when using traditional fluorescent lamps and will become invisible when sign face is installed..

Question: Will shading affect the performance of PV modules?

Answer: PV modules are very sensitive to shading caused by tree branch, shadows from nearby building, or even bird dropping. Partial-shading even one cell of a 36-cell PV module will reduce its power output. Because all cells are connected in a series string, the weakest cell will bring the others down to its reduced power level.

Question: What’s the lifetime of the LEDs?

Answer: LEDs exhibit very long operational life characteristics, typically 50,000 hours or longer. Like all light sources, LEDs slowly decrease in light output over time.

Exemplary median Lifetime

Conditions	Median Lifetime	Unit
IF = 250 mA TA = 25°C	50.000	operating hours
IF = 500 mA TA = 85°C	10.000	operating hours
IF = 350 mA TA = 150°C	1.000*	operating hours

Due to the special conditions of the manufacturing processes of LED, the typical data or calculated correlations of technical parameters can only reflect statistical figures. These do not necessarily correspond to the actual parameters of each single product, which could differ from the typical data and calculated correlations or the typical characteristic line. If requested, e.g. because of technical improvements, these typical data will be changed without any further notice.

Each LED in our FulluxVu system has a designed IF (forward current) of less than 90 mA which would prolong LED lifetime. As far as TA (ambient temperature) is concerned, it differs from location to location. (Note: This lighting system is usually turned on during cool evening hours.)

Rainpal Merchandise Ltd.
Limited Warranty
FulluxVu System

Rainpal Merchandise Ltd. ("RAINPAL") warrants different components of the FulluxVu System, for different periods ex-works RAINPAL date of delivery (“Delivery Date”), that the FulluxVu product or component (collectively, the “FulluxVu”) complies with the published product specifications as posted on Appendix A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, subject to the limitations below.

FulluxVu components include:

FulluxVu : LED back-light system

KC-130TM : Photovoltaic module

SB12/100A : Rechargeable VRLA batteries
(or SB12/75A)

SL-10 (or 20): Solar Controller

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FulluxVu

1. RAINPAL shall warrant:

   a.	Within 18 months after the Delivery Date, replace or repair the FulluxVu, or
   b.	for the period 18 months to 36 months from the Delivery Date, a credit of 50% of the original purchase price will be applied to the purchase of the new FulluxVu, or
   c.	for the period 36 months to 60 months from the Delivery Date, a credit of 25% of the original purchase price will be applied to the purchase of the new FulluxVu.

   
   
2. The warranty on any replacement FulluxVus will not extend beyond the sixty months from the original Delivery Date. RAINPAL must be notified in writing of any warranty claim within 60 days after first evidence of non-compliance or the warranty will be void. Written notification shall include date of non-compliance, location and use of lighting product, and proof of purchase. RAINPAL may, in its sole discretion, satisfy the warranty by supplying replacement components in lieu of the new FulluxVu or credit in respect thereof.
   
   
3. Installation Location FulluxVus installed at locations greater than 55° latitude North or South do not qualify for the product warranty unless the FulluxVu has been properly adjusted by an Authorized RAINPAL Representative for the operating environment and RAINPAL confirms in writing that the warranty will apply.
   
   
4. Restrictions on Warranty

   Any recommendations made by RAINPAL or its distributors concerning the use, design or application of FulluxVus are believed reliable, but RAINPAL makes no warranty of results to be obtained. Buyer assumes all responsibility and liability for loss or damage resulting from the handling or use of FulluxVus and RAINPAL shall not be liable in the event that the failure of the FulluxVus to perform in accordance with published product specifications is in any way attributable to the improper use, storage, installation or placement of the FulluxVus. Consistent operation at temperatures above 25 Deg C (+77 F) will void the warranty. Use, alteration or deployment of a FulluxVus other than in accordance with the Owner’s manual will void the warranty.

KC-130TM

1. Limited Warranty Five Years – Repair, Replacement or Refund
   

   a.	Warrants the modules to be free from defect in materials and workmanship. The duration of the present warranty is 60 months from the Delivery Date.
   b.	Claims under the warranty shall only be receivable if the buyer can provide the proof that module malfunctions result exclusively from defects in materials, and/or workmanship.
   c.	If the product fails conform to this warranty, RAINPAL will, at its option, either repair or replace the product, or refund the purchase price.
   d.	This warranty does not cover failure of product due to faulty application, installation or use, or to special conditions of use unknown to RAINPAL.

   
   
2. Limited Warranty – Limited Remedy

   a.	For glass-Tedlar with a power superior to 30 watts used in a tropical or equatorial environment: If, within fifteen (15) years from the date of sale to the original purchaser, any module has a power output less than 80% of the minimum power specified at time of delivery, as measured at RAINPAL in both cases, then, provided that such loss in power is determined by RAINPAL (at its sole discretion) to be due to defects in materials or workmanship, RAINPAL will replace such loss in power by either providing to the buyer additional modules to make up the total wattage lost, at a cost pro-rated for the time in service of the faulty module, or by repairing or replacing the module, at the option of RAINPAL.
   b.	The remedy set forth in these paragraphs shall be the sole remedy provided under the warranty. The limited warranties set forth herein do not apply to any module which, in RAINPAL’s sole judgment, has been subjected to misuse, neglect or accident, or which has been damaged through abuse, alteration, improper installation or application, or negligence in use, storage, transportation or handling, or has been repaired, or in any way tampered with. The limited warranties do not cover any transportation costs for return of modules, or for reshipment of any repaired of or replaced module, or cost associated with installation, removal or reinstallation of modules.
   c.	The limited warranties set forth herein are in lieu of and exclude all other express or implied warranties, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or application, and all other obligations on the part of RAINPAL, unless such other warranties and obligations are agreed to in writing by RAINPAL. Under no circumstances shall RAINPAL be liable for incidental, consequential, or special damages, however caused.

   - Obtaining Warranty Performance

   d.	If you feel you have a claim covered by warranty, you must immediately notify the dealer who sold you the module of claim. The dealer will give advice on handling the claim. If further assistance is required then write RAINPAL for instructions.
   e.	The factory will not accept the return of any modules unless RAINPAL has given prior written authorization.

   - Severability

   f.	If a part of the items and conditions set out above is held invalid, void or unenforceable due to any particular national or international legislation, it shall not affect other parts of the terms and conditions remaining.

    

SB12/100A (or SB12/75A)

1. Full warranty of 12 months
2. Pro-Rata-Warranty of 24 months
3. The Warranty starts with the date of installation of the batteries but not later than 6 months after Delivery Date.
4. Requirements
   

   a.	The warranty is applied if the supplied batteries show one of the following defects within the agreed warranty period. Prerequisite is that the batteries have been used compliant with the valid Operating Instructions and that failures have been caused by poor material or workmanship: ●Battery Capacity is < 80 % of Nominal Capacity at Nominal Temperature ●Specified Number of Cycles have not been reached ●Short Circuit in one cell respectively in one or more cells for blocks ●“open connection” in one cell or block
   b.	The compliant use of the batteries requires, within others, following conditions: ●batteries should have been used at an average temperature of 20° C ●not more than 2 cycles per day should have been carried out
   c.	Another prerequisite for a justified warranty claim is that ● the failure does not refer to force majeure ● the battery was correctly chosen for the application and installation compliant to valid instructions ● it must be proven that the batteries have been charged, used and maintained according to RAINPAL’s recommendations (Operating Instructions) ● the commissioning, inspections and required maintenance according to the Operating Instructions become documented in a written form ● any repair work within the warranty period has been performed by RAINPAL or one of their authorized representatives ● the defect was not caused by damage during transport or rough handling

   
   
5. Scope of Warranty

The decision to repair or replace parts, cells or blocs caused by manufacturing defects will be at RAINPAL’s discretion. The reimbursement of any additional cost or claims is specifically excluded.

6. Enforcement and Settlement

In case of any claim within the agreed Warranty Period the rightful claimant has to inform RAINPAL immediately about the defect by giving exact details on the findings. Both parties will mutually agree next steps. RAINPAL will only compensate cost for returning defective products if the return of goods has been required by RAINPAL.

7. Pro-Rata Warranty
   

   a.	If there is an Agreement for a pro-rata warranty after the full warranty, it will only apply if the customer will purchase a new battery from RAINPAL of same or similar product group.
   b.	The customer will get a discount when purchasing the new battery which will be calculated as follows: G = ( P x M ) / GG G = Credit for unused warranty life (EURO or USD) P = Original net buying price (EURO or USD) M = Number of unused months (months) GG = Guaranteed pro-rata life (months) These are all net prices.

   
   
8. Exclusion of additional claims

There is no right for any additional claims other than mentioned in this Warranty Certificate.

9. Others

This Manufacturer’s Warranty has been given voluntarily. The remaining warranty time of the complete site will not be changed due to the repair or replacement of defective cells or block batteries.

SL-10 (or 20)

1. Warrants free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of FIVE (5) years from the Delivery Date to the original end user. RAINPAL will, at its option, repair or replace any such defective products.
   
   
2. Claim Procedure
   

   a.	Before requesting warranty service, check the Operator’s Manual to be certain that there is a fault with the controller. Return the defective product to your authorized RAINPAL distributor with shipping charges prepaid. Provide proof of date and place of purchase.
   b.	To obtain service under this warranty, the returned products must include the model, serial number and detailed reason for the failure, the panel type, array size, type of batteries and system loads. This information is critical to a rapid disposition of your warranty claim.
   c.	RAINPAL will pay the return shipping charges if the repairs are covered by the warranty.

   
   
3. Warranty Exclusions and Limitations
   

   a.	This warranty does not apply under the following conditions: i. Damage by accident, negligence, abuse or improper use. ii. PV or load currents exceeding the ratings of the product. iii. Unauthorized product modification or attempted repair. iv. Damage occurring during shipment.
   b.	The warranty and remedies set forth above are exclusive and in lieu of all others, express or implied. RAINPAL specifically disclaims any and all implied warranties, including, without limitation, warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. No RAINPAL distributor, agent or employee is authorized to make any modification or extension to this warranty.
   c.	RAINPAL is not responsible for incidental or consequential damages of any kind, including but not limited to lost profits, downtime, goodwill or damage to equipment or property.

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Limitations on Liability

• RAINPAL's liability on any claim, whether in warranty, contract, negligence, or any other legal theory, for loss, damage or injury arising directly or indirectly from or in relation to the use of the FulluxVu shall in no event exceed the purchase price of the FulluxVu which gave rise to the claim. IN NO EVENT SHALL RAINPAL BE LIABLE FOR PUNITIVE, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHETHER FORSEEABLE OR NOT INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, LOSS OF USE OF GOODS, OR LOSS OF BARGAIN.

Product Return Policy and Procedure

• Goods returned under this warranty shall be delivered to the point of purchase at the Buyer's expense and if found not to qualify under this warranty will be returned to the Buyer at its expense and may be subject to a testing charge of 10% of the original invoice price together with any applicable tax thereon. If goods returned are found to be noncompliant, RAINPAL will repair or replace in accordance with this warranty.
• Replacement FulluxVu requested by Buyer prior to receipt by RAINPAL of returning Fullux 100 will be charged to Buyer’s account. Once Buyer’s returning FulluxVu has been received and qualified for warranty by RAINPAL, RAINPAL will issue the appropriate credit as per RAINPAL Limited Warranty Terms and Conditions.
• A RMA number (Return Materials Authorization number) must be obtained from RAINPAL Customer Service prior to returning any FulluxVu and must be displayed on the shipment as well as accompanying paperwork. To prevent duty and taxes being assessed, Buyer’s goods being returned to RAINPAL from outside of Canada must include on commercial invoice and all shipping documentation “CANADIAN GOODS RETURNING”. Failure to provide this may result in non-acceptance of shipment by RAINPAL.