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| Clarian Smart Box Solar (http://www.clarianpower.com) |
They offer stand-alone solar panels, rated at 200 watts, that can be connected to the power grid via a standard electrical outlet. Micro-inverters and a simple mounting system make this possible.
Clarian's price point at that time was $600 - $800. A check back on their website today reveals an increase to $700-$900, with another part of the site indicating "less than $1000). This increased price point will make payback even harder to achieve, though we still don't know the full specifications of their panels. But assuming typical efficiency specs, I was really thinking a $600 price point would be needed to be viable.
And on a side note, Clarian seems to have re-branded this product as the "SmartBox' (previously SunFish).
I'll continue to keep an eye on Clarian to see when their product is released to the general public.
Probably illegal in most 'jurisdictions having authority' as you need permits and interconnection agreements with utilities to legally connect to the power grid. Didn't your mom tell you not to stick things into electrical sockets?
ReplyDeleteYes, that is the biggest question, which Clarian attempts to answer in their FAQ: http://www.clarianpower.com/solar.html
ReplyDeleteI'd be amazed that any VC would fund a company like this without having at least checked the possibility that these hurdles could be overcome. That said, their web page has seen no noticeable updates in 6 months, so they seem to be losing momentum, and perhaps have encountered a problem.
This looks quite appealing if the previously posted concerns are addressed. I would buy one now as an ordinary awning is hundreds of dollars. If one looks at the delta between purchasing an aluminum or canvas awning and a solar panel, the price becomes reasonable.
ReplyDeleteI sent them an email asking where to purchase but have not received a reply. It is possible they never got intro production.