FLAP (Flexible Light and Power) FAQ
Is this a real product?
Not yet. The FLAP is a prototype concept in development, it is not a finished ‘product’. Your feedback is important and will help us improve the next generation of FLAP bags and we would like to hear from you – please send us photos showing how you use FLAPs in your context, so we can build a new culture around the use and adaptation of this mobile clean energy platform.
How do I order a bag?
Visit the Timbuk2 FLAP page for more information and an order form.
How do I give feedback? Where do I post my photos?
You can post photos on Flickr and tag them ‘flap’ and add them to the Flickr FLAP group. You can give feedback and tell us how you would use the FLAP on the FLAP GetSatisfaction.com page.
How long do flexible solar materials last?
Most thin film manufacturers offer only a one year warranty based on rooftop exposure. Portable solar textiles are rugged, and with proper care should last for many years.
How long does it take to charge the battery? How long does the light last?
It takes 6-7 hours of direct sunlight to fully charge the internal battery on the 2 watt FLAP, about 3 hours for the 4 watt FLAP. The LED will provide 10 or more hours of bright light.
How long will the FLAP internal battery last?
The internal high quality lithium ion rechargeable battery will last about 3 years. It can then be re-cycled via a number of cell phone battery re-cycling companies.
What’s the difference between 2W and 4W flaps?
4 Watt flaps are available for people to purchase at the conference; the remaining bags will be at 2watt flaps. Everything in field is currently 2W.
Is the technology dangerous or harmful?
The FLAP electronics meet RoHS standards of environmental responsibility, and thin film manufacturing produces much less carbon emissions than making glass based solar panels. At 14 ounces, solar kits use and waste less fuel used for shipping and transport. But our culture as a whole does not have adequate ways of reckoning or accounting for impact over time. People quite correctly are concerned about new solar technologies, but they do not scrutinize the dominant mainstream technologies. Use of kerosene is far more dangerous and is the leading global cause of respiratory deaths in women and children in the developing world.
Can FLAP charge a computer? Can FLAP charge my cell phone?
FLAP does not provide enough power to charge a computer, which would require about 10 watts. FLAPs will direct charge a cell phone via a standard USB port charging chord (available for many hand held devices) or any other USB enabled device.
How much does a FLAP cost today?
The FLAP partners are committed to producing ultra-affordable sources of light and power, and are working to achieve production levels that would allow FLAPs to be sold at under $100 per unit. However, the current FLAP product is a prototype; further product refinement will enable a much clearer cost structure.
What would be the real-world impact if the FLAP team were able to generate 10,000 units?
A 2 watt FLAP: Would provide 10,000 people with 15,000 watt hours per day of USB clean energy, more than 5 mega watt hours of clean per year, if used every day.
A 2 watt FLAP: Would provide 100,000 hours of renewable light per evening for 10,000 people and their families, and would provide 30 mega watt hours of renewable light per year, if used 300 days.
If people in U.S. used a 2 watt FLAP light for 3 hours each night in a room instead of three 100 watt bulbs, they would save about a 1 kWatt hour per evening, or about 365 kWatt Hours per year. With 2009 cost of electricity at $0.12/kwh, they save $ 36.50 per year. In less than three years the bag would pay for itself.