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Understanding Solar Gain on the Solar Edge Devices
What is Power Glass?
Solar Edge® cycling computers features technology that converts sunlight into battery power, extending your time between charges. The solar gain is not designed to be used at the primary charging source.
Can I Use a Screen Protector with a Solar Edge?
Garmin does not recommend the use of any kind of screen protector, as it will reduce the solar intensity received by the Power Glass lens.
if damage occurs to the screen while using a third-party protector, the device will not be covered under Garmin's Warranty.
What Factors Will Affect Solar Gain?
Mounting Position
To get the most out of the sun's power, the solar lens should have the maximum exposure to the sky. The position of the mount can impact the angle in which the Edge receives its light. Your riding position can also block light more if the Edge is mounted to face you. Consider where you have the Edge mounted and the direction of the sun.
Light Intensity
The position, angle direct sight of the sun affects solar performance. A late winter day with clouds will provide less solar gain than on midday cloudless summer day. Urban areas as well as heavy foliage will limit the direct sight of the sun.
Light Source
While you can use non-natural light, such as from fluorescent lights, the Power Glass is optimized for the spectrum of sunlight.
What Temperature Can Solar Gain Happen?
During an Activity
- -20° to 60°C (-4° to 140°F)
Not During Activity
- 0° to 45°C (32°to 113°F)
Will My Battery Percentage Increase?
Battery percentage will show whole percent increments only. It will take approximately 1.5 hours to gain a measurable 1% in full sun conditions.
1% equals approximately:
21 additional minutes of ride time in Demanding Use Case.
42 additional minutes of ride time in Battery Saver Mode.
For more information on use case battery drain, see Edge 1040 Solar Battery Life Expectations or Edge 540 Solar and 840 Solar Battery Life Assumptions.
Does Solar Gain Take Place While the Edge is Off?
Yes, solar gain can take place while the Edge is powered off or asleep.
Solar Power Screen Examples
The Battery Gain in this example represents 7 minutes and 48 seconds.
