There is no denying the impact that alternative energy sources are having on our world today. Even here at the 9to5 family, we’re taking note with Electrek.co, our newest site focused on electric vehicles. We roundup the best Green Deals each day with a focus on sustainable energy and manufacturing practices that are safer for the environment. There is no shortage of solar-based products on the market that are capable of charging your iPhone, tablet or even bigger things like a refrigerator.
Along those lines, more generators are being released with alternative methods of power as opposed to traditional fossil fuels. Today, Renogy has announced the Lycan Powerbox Solar Powered Generator that utilizes the energy of the sun to provide power in the case of an outage. It uses a replaceable lithium-iron phosphate battery as opposed to traditional acid-based alternatives. More below.
The Lycan Powerbox just launched on Indiegogo a few hours ago with a goal of $75,000. At the time of writing there are 9 early bird spots left priced at $999, after that you’ll have to put up $1,099 or more. It is expected to have a final list price of $1,799+ depending on the configuration if the project is fully funded.
By using the power of the sun as opposed to gasoline, the Powerbox is capable of maintaining a charge without dependency on other fuels. The internal power storage system can be charged in three hours using two solar panels and is easily swapped for powering up additional batteries as well. It can take in 300 watts of energy at a time while putting out up to 10A of power across its three 110V AC outlets. Additionally, it has two 12V DC outputs and four USB ports with three capable of reaching 2.4A charging speeds.
Here’s a look at expected usage times by appliance:
- LED Flat Screen TV = 11 hours
- Smart Phone = 120 charges (USB Port)
- Laptop = 8.5 hours (constant plug in) / 5 charges
- Microwave = 58 minutes
- Radio = 24 hours
- Refrigerator = 8 hours
- Digital SLR Camera = 25 charges
- 120V 9 Watt-LED Bulb = 33 hours
The internal battery is capable of producing 900W per hour which is one of the higher outputs available for consumer solar generators on the market. By comparison, Goal Zero offers a few different options with its Yeti line of products but those use acid batteries. The Lycan Powerbox is comparable to the Yeti 1250 in terms of features and charging times. Both have similar rugged exterior designs with the main difference being the location of each product’s ports.
If all goes to plan, the Lycan Powerbox is set to ship in August. At the time of this post going live, the Indiegogo campaign had raised $13,589 of its $75,000 goal.
Interested in solar power but not ready to take the plunge on a big-time setup? Check out this deal on Aukey’s latest solar power bank or this foldout power supply from Anker.
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- Ryobi’s new Ultra Quiet Garage Door Opener has a Bluetooth speaker and laser guided parking
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Renogy Rethinks Mobile Energy with Lycan Powerbox Solar Powered Generator
Ontario, Calif, April 13, 2016 – Renogy, a leading expert in renewable, non-traditional energy, unveils the Lycan Powerbox, the world’s first personal energy solution that transforms the power of the sun into easy-to-use and dependable energy. A quiet, efficient and pollution-free portable solar generator, the Lycan is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, and is the first to feature a swappable lithium-iron phosphate battery, the most reliable and cleanest battery in the world.
“Our vision has been very clear, we want to simplify solar power by making it affordable, reliable and easy to use,” says Yi Li, CEO of Renogy. “We need to impact the world through clean and safe energy products that are appealing and plug-and-play.”
The ideal power source for camping, tailgating or survivalist excursions, the waterproof Lycan Powerbox features a rugged exterior to weather any environment, heavy-duty wheels for effortless movement, and extended handles to easily maneuver it on any setting. Unlike conventional gas generators that use motors and discharges fumes, the Lycan is 100% battery powered, making it safe to use indoors during emergencies or as a way to reduce energy related expenses.
“The Lycan PowerBox is incredibly intuitive and uses the best battery technology available for outstanding reliability and safety,” adds Li. “Our interchangeable lithium-ion phosphate battery has a lifespan of over 2000 cycles, or almost 40 years if used once a week. The Lycan does everything for you, simply plug your appliances and devices in and forget about energy issues.”
The Lycan Powerbox has a maximum solar input of 300 watts and can be fully charged in 3 hours using 3 solar panels. It can also be charged through wall outlets and by using car charging inputs. Its built-in USB and AC/DC outputs are compatible with a full range of devices and appliances, allowing consumers to simultaneously charge and power multiple items including smartphones, TVs, laptops, microwaves, refrigerators, cameras, lamps, medical equipment, and more.
“Renogy started as a way to educate people about the benefits of solar power when I was pursuing my PhD degree, and we’ve effectively reached the DIY market throughout the years,” states Li. “We believe that the Lycan will help us reach another audience and convey the need of having alternative sources of energy.”
Lycan Powerbox is currently available for pre-order on Indiegogo.com for the discounted rate of $1449 (MSRP $1799); the first 25 backers will receive Lycan Powerbox for the “early bird discount” pledge level of $1249.
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