Kickstarter Project Offers Big Solar Energy On The Go
Kickstarter project hopes to create portable, efficient solar generator.
According to The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, the answer to life the universe and everything is 42. Now it looks like 42 will also be the answer to all of your gadget battery woes. Created by South Dakota's Peppermint Energy, the Forty2 kickstarter project hopes to offer users a source of personal, portable solar energy. So what makes the Forty2 different from all of the other solar chargers out there?
In an interview with Gizmag, Peppermint Energy said:
"Most days, the solar power will flow directly to the electronics," CEO Brian Gramm told Gizmag. "Unlike most 'solar chargers' or 'solar batteries/kits', the solar power actually powers the electronics. The battery is kicked into service when the electrical load is greater than what the solar is providing at the moment. In that way the solar is the power generator, and the battery is the backup or extra kick. Obviously, when the sun isn't available, the battery is called on full-time."
The Forty2 device is composed of two large photovoltaic panel arrays in a shell-like casing. Weighing in at 25 pounds and measuring 2 by 3 feet, the Forty2 isn't exactly the most portable solar device. But with big size comes big power. According to Peppermint, the unit can supply 180-200 watts of continuous power using lithium ion battery packs rated at 350 watt-hours.
The developers plan on increasing battery capacity, but the current Forty2 features onboard power inversion to make enough power available for three onboard AC outlets. A small fridge, LED TV, and multiple mobile devices are noted as several of many devices capable of being powered by the device.
With 25 days left to go, the project is close its $25,000 goal. A contribution of $500 or more gets you a first run of the device, while $100 and $199 contributions get you a miniature smatphone charger or solar backpack charger. The team hopes to begin shipping its initial batch of 250 devices sometime in December. For more information or to donate to the project, head on over to the Forty2 Kickstarter page.
Off Grid Solar Trainer
I'm guessing around 50, in optimal lighting conditions. Good for powering electronics for a while, especially if you let the battery charge up fully first. But a fridge? That better be one really tiny fridge. I'd be curious to know the peak watt output of the unit, that's important to determine if it can kick on the compressor.
They probably were testing that charging panel's early prototype on this http://gadget.brando.com/usb-mini-fridge_p00422c048d001.html one, or even maybe on something like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/KOOLATRON-KWC-4-COCA-COLA-PERSONAL-6-CAN-MINI-FRIDGE-/280941847969?pt=Refrigerators&hash=item41697065a1
I'd say - first one.
Yep, that IS on really tiny fridge!
Not sure why you got thumbs down because what you said is true. So many of these kickstarters wont produce a product.
a device like that seems to be using a custom li-ion battery,that might not be user replaceable, anyone buying it will have to know that they are spending $500 for a device that may only last 2-3 years.
you can build your own solar charger that will perform better and cost much less. Instead of using a custom battery, simply make use of popular laptop batteries (slots for multiple batteries), then have an input fir connecting multiple solar panels (this will allow you to expand to having more panels if needed)
First, it most definitely can develop 200 W in 12 sq ft. using mono crystalline. For instance, note this product which has a similar sized surface area:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200w-x-1-Solar-Panel-Monocrystalline-Local-Pickup-Oswego-NY-200-watts-kw-/120971120831?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2a70d0bf#ht_989wt_1397
Rest assured, we do not get our components from eBay, and have cutting edge efficient panels which are a bit more efficient than those.
Please keep in mind it is a small dorm fridge we are talking about - and that is life changing stuff for millions of people. This one runs on 90 watts (half the solar power generated): http://www.amazon.com/Danby-DAR195BL-1-8-cu-ft-Refrigerator/dp/B000FAR33M/ref=pd_sbs_la_1
Our goal has never been to power a modern home (some day, maybe...). But rather to bring power to people who have sun - but often little else - to run basic electronics. Plus, for those of us with access to regular grid power, to give you a great option for back-up power.
THANK YOU for keeping the conversation going!
- Brian from Peppermint Energy
There is no way that little breifcase thing is 12 square feet.
It's 2 feet by 3 feet, with two panels. Get out your calculator.
According to project page:
•Solar: ~180-200 watts