Renogy's solar generator charges in 3 hours, offers 900 watt hours of power

14.04.2016
Solar panel supplier Renogy today announced an Indiegogo campaign to raise development money for a mobile solar generator that can charge in three hours and produce 900 watt-hours of power, enough to run a refrigerator for eight hours.

Renogy's Lycan Powerbox also features an interchangeable lithium-iron phosphate battery that allows you to extend the generator's power life.

With a pre-order price of $1,500, Renogy is charging a hefty premium for the clean solar power provided by the Powerbox. Gas-powered generators with 1,500 watts of power, enough to run refrigerators and televisions, can be purchased anywhere from about $150 to $600. And, the Powerbox will retail for $1,800 once it begins shipping in August.

The Indiegogo campaign has raised more than $25,000 toward a $75,000 goal in the first day of a 30-day project.

Using 100-watt solar panels, the Lycan Powerbox fully charges in nine hours with one solar panel, four-and-a-half hours with two solar panels, or three hours with three solar panels. The Powerbox can also charge in seven-and-a-half hours by plugging it into a standard wall outlet.

The generator's lithium-iron phosphate batteries are rated to last up to 2,000 cycles (one cycle equals a full charge and discharge).

The generator's 300-watt capacity can power an LED flat screen TV for 11 hours,  a laptop for 8.5 hours or provide 120 charges for a smartphone, according to Renogy.

"Unlike standard batteries, you can keep The Lycan powered for longer periods of time with no risk of battery depletion. Our worry-free battery means you don't have to make sure it's fully charged every three months," Renogy stated in its marketing material.

The Powerbox, which weighs 60lbs, is waterproof and comes with wheels for transporting it. It it safe to use indoors during emergencies as a way to reduce energy-related expenses, the company said.

The generator comes with an LCD display with information about available capacity, a DC input, three 5V USB ports, a 12V car charger output socket, a 12V DC output socket and three 110V AC outputs (the standard voltage for a wall outlet).

"Our vision has been very clear, we want to simplify solar power by making it affordable, reliable and easy to use," Yi Li, CEO of Renogy, said in a statement. "We need to impact the world through clean and safe energy products that are appealing and plug-and-play."

(www.computerworld.com)

Lucas Mearian