Wednesday, September 22, 2010

News: Plug-and-Play Portable Solar?

CNN posted a story a few weeks back about a start up company looking to make major changes to how people view solar power.

Today, most consumer-accessible solar consists of two options:

  1. Large arrays of panels generally mounted on the roof.
  2. Small purpose-built solar panels, such as for landscape lighting, charging electronics, fountain pumps, etc.
Solar arrays are costly and have a steep barrier to entry for consumers.  Despite rebates from electric companies and some state and local governments, many solar arrays end up costing well over $5000 out of pocket.  While many arrays can result in a return on investment (usually after 5 - 10 years), $5000 or more is difficult for most people to come up with.  We'll look further at the economics of solar panels in an upcoming solar series.

Small purpose-built systems may also make economic sense in some cases, but don't expect to see a major impact to your bills.

The start-up company, Clarian Power of Seattle, WA, looks to find a middle ground by reducing that costly 'barrier to enter' the solar market, and allowing consumers to add capacity to their solar systems as modularly, over time, as they see fit.


Clarian's product (called Sunfish) has not hit the market yet (not expected until 2011), so it is yet to be seen as to whether they will be able to hit their price points and design goals.  However, the basis of their product is singular modular 200 watt solar panels.  They are designed to be easily mounted and easily moved or removed, and have 'micro-inverters' to convert the DC power to AC.

Plug And Play
One of the key aspects making these 'plug and play' is that they can simply plug in to any electrical outlet to 'inject' power back into your home.   This immediately presents a limitation into how much power can be generated at one point, because most home wiring is rated at 15 amps (and to be safe, you would not want to push it too close to 15 amps).  But even a conservative 10 amps generation equates to around 1200 watts.

200 watts?
Clarion indicates their panels will be 200 watt panels.  The specifics of the design and make up of the panels is not currently available, but it is safe to assume that like most PV panels, the specified power will not be fully achievable.  It will be interesting to see full specs (size, efficiency, etc) when they become available.

Price and Availability
According to the company's website, major research and development is complete and it is simply a matter of fine tuning and getting compliance and regulatory approval.  They hope to sell their panels through the typical 'big box' retailers at a price point around $600-$800 per 200 watt panel.

What's Next?
I'll be watching for more news from Clarian, especially as their target release date nears.  As specs and more information becomes available, you can expect updates here.  I'm looking forward to running their devices through the payback calculator once price and efficiency is clearly defined.

Clarian also has a potentially viable wind power generator in the works, which we'll take a look at in a future profile.

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