About us

I spent years as a product development engineer solving hard problems in emergency medicine — including how to keep ambulances reliably powered between calls. Too often, ambulance batteries are depleted after sitting idle between shifts, drained by the constant demands of onboard systems. If crews forget to plug in after a shift, a battery can be dead in just a few hours. On-shift, many crews keep their engines running just to prevent that from happening. I knew solar was the answer, but I was frustrated with the technology commonly used for mobile applications.

Standard monocrystalline panels are built for rooftops, not vehicles. Bolted frames, exposed wiring, and silicone caulk holding everything together is not suitable for a $200,000 ambulance. Panels cracking from hail, failing under partial shade, snagging wires on tree limbs, and roof leaks from the multitude of fasteners holding bulky solar frames was unsightly and inefficient. Flexible monocrystalline panels marketed as a vehicle solution aren’t much better — the constant vibration and flex cycles of daily vehicle use cause microfractures in the silicon cells, leading to early and unpredictable failures. Other thin-film alternatives cut costs with cheap adhesives and inferior encapsulants, resulting in delamination that destroys panel performance long before its time. The failure rates across the board were unacceptable — so we built something better.

ChargeSys Solar Kits are engineered from the ground up for demanding vehicle environments — EMS, Fire, marine, RV, construction and beyond. We created our ARMORCELL line of solar panels using advanced thin-film CIGS flexible panels that are just 2mm thick, self-adhesive, and built to take a beating. Hail, rain, ice, heat, foot traffic — they handle it and keep producing year after year.

Installation takes minutes, not days. No frames, no drilling, no messy exposed wiring runs. The panels conform to curved rooflines, blend seamlessly with your vehicle’s profile, and in most cases, bystanders never even notice they’re there. Paired with high efficiency MPPT charge controllers, the system optimizes battery charging from the moment it’s installed.

We solved the problems that have plagued this industry for decades — and packaged everything into one clean, high-performance solution you can trust.

At ChargeSys, we design solar power systems you can depend on.

— Tim Schroeder, PE | Co-Founder, ChargeSys

Frequently asked questions

  • ArmorCell™ is ChargeSys's proprietary technology designation for our engineered CIGS solar assemblies. It represents our specific selection, testing, and integration standards — not just off-the-shelf thin-film panels.

    Every ArmorCell™ kit is built from the same high-quality components and is suitable for ambulances, RVs, marine, trailer, and fleet applications. The right kit for you comes down to wattage — not platform. When you buy ArmorCell™, you're buying a system — not just a panel.

    What sets ArmorCell™ apart starts at the top layer: we use ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) film as the outer surface rather than the lower-cost PET film found on most competing CIGS panels. ETFE is harder, more UV-stable, more chemically resistant, and maintains optical clarity far longer — which means better light transmission and longer panel life in the harsh conditions mobile platforms face. Combined with premium-grade CIGS films and materials throughout, ArmorCell™ is engineered to outperform, not just match, the category.

  • Quality CIGS panels are rated for 20–25 year operational lifespans with typical power degradation under 0.5% per year. All ArmorCell™ products are backed by a ChargeSys 5-year warranty covering panels and kit components.

    Unlike glass-faced panels, CIGS on flexible substrates does not suffer from microcracking due to vibration — a significant failure mode for crystalline panels on ambulances and RVs operating on rough roads or at highway speed for extended periods.

  • Item descriptionSeveral engineering reasons. First, weight: ambulance gross vehicle weight is tightly managed. An ArmorCell™ panel weighs a fraction of an equivalent glass panel system. Second, vibration tolerance: ambulances operate on rough roads at speed, creating continuous mechanical stress that causes glass panels to microfail over time.

  • Yes — panels generate power from diffuse (indirect) sunlight, not just direct rays. Output is reduced proportionally to light intensity: expect 10–30% of rated output on overcast days, and 30–60% under light cloud cover.

    CIGS thin-film technology has a particularly good spectral response in diffuse light compared to monocrystalline, one reason it's well-suited to variable-weather environments.

  • Yes — ArmorCell™ panels without aluminum frames and glass are inherently better suited to marine environments than conventional rigid panels. All exposed components in ArmorCell™ kits are waterproof and designed for harsh marine environments, including connectors and junction points sealed against moisture ingress.

    All ArmorCell™ kits use the same components and are equally suited for RV, marine, ambulance, and fleet applications — no platform-specific version needed. Just select the wattage that matches your power needs.

  • Item descriptionArmorCell™ panels are self-adhesive — no mounting holes or brackets required. They bond directly to the roof surface using integrated structural adhesive, making installation clean on TPO and metal ambulance roofs, fiberglass RV roofs, and aluminum marine surfaces.

    Our kits are designed with clear documentation and labeled wiring for experienced technicians and capable DIYers comfortable with 12V electrical work. Installation instructions, wiring diagrams, and component specs are available for download at chargesys.solar or by contacting us directly.

    That said, for ambulance and emergency vehicle builds, we strongly recommend licensed electricians or certified emergency vehicle upfitters handle final installation — both for safety and to maintain compliance with applicable fleet standards. We're happy to send our technical documentation directly to your upfitter.

Terms of service

Effective Date: March 1, 2026

Please read these Terms of Service carefully before using ChargeSys products or services. By accessing our website or placing an order, you agree to be bound by the terms below.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the ChargeSys website (chargesys.solar) or purchasing our products and services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our site or place an order.

2. About ChargeSys

ChargeSys is a solar power systems company specializing in engineered CIGS (thin-film) solar solutions for ambulances, RVs, and marine applications. We provide both direct B2B and consumer product sales, as well as authorized dealer products including Bluetti power stations.

3. Products & Orders

  • All product descriptions, specifications, and pricing are subject to change without notice.

  • Orders are confirmed upon receipt of payment or approved credit terms (for authorized B2B accounts).

  • ChargeSys reserves the right to refuse or cancel any order at its discretion.

  • Pricing does not include applicable taxes, shipping, or installation unless explicitly stated.

4. B2B Accounts

Customers with established B2B accounts — including fleet builders, ambulance manufacturers, and OEM partners — are subject to additional terms outlined in their individual account agreements. Those terms govern in the event of any conflict.

5. Shipping & Risk of Loss

Risk of loss and title for products pass to you upon delivery to the carrier. ChargeSys is not responsible for delays or damages caused by carriers, customs, or circumstances beyond our reasonable control. International orders may be subject to import duties and tariffs, which are the buyer's sole responsibility.

6. Returns & Warranty

  • Standard products may be returned within 30 days of receipt in unused, original condition with prior authorization.

  • Custom-engineered or made-to-order systems are non-refundable unless defective.

  • Warranty terms vary by product. ArmorCell CIGS panels and systems are covered under their respective product warranties. Third-party products (e.g., Bluetti) are subject to the manufacturer's warranty terms.

  • Warranty claims must be submitted in writing to support@chargesys.solar.

7. Technical Information & Engineering Content

ChargeSys provides technical documentation, sizing guides, and application notes for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, this content is not a substitute for professional engineering review for your specific application. Always verify system sizing, compatibility, and compliance with applicable codes and standards before installation.

8. Intellectual Property

All content on chargesys.solar — including product designs, documentation, the ArmorCell brand, and engineering materials — is the property of ChargeSys or its licensors and may not be reproduced, distributed, or modified without written permission.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, ChargeSys shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of our products or website. Our total liability shall not exceed the amount paid for the specific product or service giving rise to the claim.

10. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Travis County, Texas.

11. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of our website or services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.


Contact

Questions about these Terms? Reach us at:

info@chargesys.solar