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SunRaiden Solar Inverter-Charger for Off Grid Power Systems
35.242 $
The SunRaiden is an innovative solar inverter charger designed for off grid power applications in challenging environments.
Designed for Solar
Most economical inverters are not designed specifically for off grid solar applications. They lack a solar charge controller and only feature DC-to-AC power conversion. However, solar panels produce DC electricity and modern electrical devices such as smartphones are DC powered.
The SunRaiden has both DC-to-DC and DC-to-AC capabilities - allowing you to power DC connected devices more efficiently. It also includes a solar charge controller for the charging of batteries using solar panels.
Easy Set up
The SunRaiden is also tailored for the easy set up of a solar power system. Just connect it to a solar panel and a battery to start powering devices with solar power.
Greater Efficiency
Anything with a transistor relies on DC electricity. By bypassing DC to AC conversion to supply power to LEDs and USB chargeable devices, the SunRaiden provides greater energy efficiency than inverters that only perform DC to AC conversions.
Pure Sine Wave AC
The SunRaiden's output waveform for AC power is pure sine wave. It precisely simulates the AC power that is delivered from the electrical grid. It can provide power for all types of electrical loads including sensitive electronic devices.
2 year Limited Warranty
The SunRaiden is built to last. We're using only quality components and high standards for production. Our adherence to quality is supported by an industry standard 2 year limited warranty for every SunRaiden (though we expect your SunRaiden to last more than 3 years under normal usage).
Profits to Charity
We're committed to helping reduce energy poverty worldwide. With your help we can successfully bring the SunRaiden to market and devote a minimum of 20% of our profits towards helping the energy poor. We've already assisted a few impoverished families in Uganda with solar power systems and plan to help many others with your support. Currently we are working with Fundasolar.org to provide those in need with solar energy.
30% off your SunRaiden - Claim Your Renewable Energy Tax Credit!
The SunRaiden provides even better value when considering that 30% of its cost can be claimed as a tax credit in the USA when it is used as part of a home solar power system.
http://energy.gov/savings/residential-renewable-energy-tax-credit
Just download Form 5695 from the IRS link below, fill it out and submit it with your tax return.
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Form-5695,-Residential-Energy-Credits
We highly recommend that you view your local government's tax credits to see whether you also can save a substantial amount by getting a government rebate for your SunRaiden Solar Inverter Charger.
Whether you're in the middle of nowhere or in the city you can use a SunRaiden for reliable electricity with a solar panel and/or battery.
Keep your home lit and your phone powered during a blackout by using a SunRaiden and battery. With no fumes, no fuel and no noise, it's a clean alternative to gas generators.
Use a SunRaiden with a solar module to charge up a 12V car battery with solar energy.
And more!
There are countless things you can do when you have access to electricity - especially fun things such as:
- Charging up your drone in the middle of nature with a SunRaiden for you to continue taking compelling video of beautiful scenery or
- A Solar Dog House complete with wifi cameras and an automatic feeder
Features
(1) DC plus DC & AC output modes
Put your SunRaiden in DC only output mode to use less energy to power LEDs and electronic devices, or put it in DC & AC output mode to connect both DC and AC powered devices.
(2) LCD status screen
See in real time the status of the SunRaiden and connected battery. Know when it's operating effectively and see if the battery is fully charged or still charging.
(3) 5V USB ports
Power up smartphones, tablets, cameras and other USB chargeable devices using the SunRaiden USB ports.
(4) Four 12V DC sockets
Plug in 5.5 mm x 2.5 mm DC barrel connectors into each socket. Each socket provides 12V power output. These sockets allow the running of 4 LEDs lights via DC power cables. Running DC LED ceiling lights directly through DC cables uses less energy than having the AC-DC switch done inside the light fixtures. You can also power other 12V DC devices via the DC sockets.
(5) Mounting Holes
Mounting holes are included to securely mount your SunRaiden Solar inverter/charger to a wall or platform.
(6) DC power cables with clips or ring terminals (your choice)
Clips make it easy to connect and disconnect a standard 12V battery to the SunRaiden. Ring terminals, on the other hand, allow one to more securely wire the SunRaiden to a battery.
(7) Cooling Fan
Regulates internal temperature and prolongs equipment life.
(8) Solar DC Input Connectors
These allow you to connect the SunRaiden solar inverter charger to a solar module in order for you to charge a connected battery and power equipment using solar energy.
9. Universal AC Socket
A socket that accepts plug types from across the globe including US, UK, EU, and AUS plugs. (Please see the specifications of your electrical device before connecting it to the solar inverter/charger). Note: The unit will only pass AC power to connected equipment if the operation mode switch is on "DC+AC".
Specifications
How it works
When connected to a solar panel the SunRaiden continuously charges the attached battery while the panel is producing power from the Sun. It also monitors the charging process to prevent battery damage from overcharging.
And unlike other inverters that only convert DC into AC and then pass it along to connected equipment, the SunRaiden can perform both DC-to-AC and DC-to-DC power conversion. It has a DC-to-DC converter that takes the 12 V DC at the battery input and alters it to supply both 5V and 12V output for USB charging and LEDs.
See more video of the SunRaiden functioning here:
All versions of the SunRaiden should be connected only to batteries with a nominal output voltage of 12 volts.
Likewise, all versions of the SunRaiden should not be connected to solar panels with a total wattage above 250W.
SunRaiden Evolution
Our first design featured the AC socket at the front of the SunRaiden next to the DC ports. After putting our SunRaiden prototype to use in Africa and collaborating with our Asian manufacturing partner, we adjusted the design. The main adjustment we made was moving the AC socket to another side of the SunRaiden. We did this to more evenly space out the wires plugged into the SunRaiden, facilitate manufacturing and to enhance the future possibility of adding more features to the SunRaiden. Possible future features we've considered include AC input capability for the charging of batteries using grid supplied AC electricity.
And we've worked closely with our manufacturing partner to do our best to ensure all built-in components are within their applied temperature limits to avert fire hazards.
We have also examined the SunRaiden's response to abnormal conditions to determine whether there are any risks due to extreme working conditions or foreseeable component failures. In fact, we continue to put our early SunRaiden prototype to the test day and night in Uganda with optimum results so far.
We, along with our manufacturing partner, are well aware that the success of the SunRaiden depends largely on its reliability, so we've only selected high-quality components for its production, despite higher costs.
Overall, we want the SunRaiden to be easy, reasonably affordable and reliable. In addition to testing the SunRaiden, we continue to seek new ways to optimize its design and production.
THE SUNRAIDEN JOURNEY
The current SunRaiden arose from collaboration between Michael Sewanaku (Arlington, Texas), Silver & Flash Technology Inc. (Ottawa, Canada) and their manufacturing partner (China). Michael is the lead product developer behind the SunRaiden. His keen interest in developing renewable energy solutions blossomed from his personal experiences in the Canadian Oil Sands and Africa.
After graduating from the University of Ottawa with degrees in Biochemistry and Biopharmaceutical Science, Michael began work in the Oil Sands as an Analytical Chemist. He later went on to become a field supervisor overseeing testing of tailings reduction efforts. His first hand encounters with the devastating environmental impacts of the Oil Sands steered him into wanting to further develop and support renewable energy technology.
In 2014 while seeking a convenient, yet reliable solar power system for a trip to Africa, Michael became dissatisfied with the inverter options available. The economical inverter/chargers he found didn't accurately stand up to the power challenges faced by Africans. In Africa, lighting efficiency matters as often times the only alternative to an off grid system is complete darkness.
Not one to get easily discouraged, Michael initiated work with contract staff under Silver & Flash Technology to discover an alternative inverter/charger solution - The SunRaiden.
Since the SunRaiden's first inception, and prototype development, Michael's been spearheading cooperation with an established manufacturer in China to improve the SunRaiden - making it a high quality, yet affordable product.
What can you power with a 1000W SunRaiden?
The 1000W SunRaiden can be used to power a broad array of equipment including:
STRETCH GOALS
Goal# 1: 200 Backers - 24V / 20A Controller Option for 500W of Solar Power
If we're able to obtain 200 backers we can provide all backers with the option of having their SunRaiden equipped with a 24V 20A controller instead of a 12V 20A one.
With a 24V 20A controller, 500W of Solar Modules can be connected to the SunRaiden to harvest double the solar power! However, two 12V batteries will need to be connected in series to get the 24V required for the SunRaiden to operate with a 24V 20A controller.
Overall, we're eager to get going with the SunRaiden, so we've set our funding goal to the bare minimum we require. However, if we can exceed our goal we can offer better pricing and much more! We're planning to introduce more stretch goals as our campaign advances. Some of the stretch goals we are considering include production of SunRaidens with AC charging capabilities.
TIMELINE
DISCLAIMER
As we continue to innovate and improve, some changes may be made to the design and appearance prior to final production. However the overall functionality of the SunRaiden will not change.
Risiken und Herausforderungen
Every project has its associated risks. However, we have made efforts to mitigate foreseeable risks and are confident we'll be able to deliver your SunRaiden in a reasonable time. We have already sufficiently arranged production with an established manufacturing partner. We have also arranged logistics for delivery. We just need your help to fund costs for our initial production run.
One risk is that there may be unanticipated disruptions in our current supply chain when production is set to start. A variety of components from different suppliers are used to make the SunRaiden. If one of our suppliers can not fulfill our order as expected, we plan to seek out another supplier. Fortunately we plan to manufacture each SunRaiden in China where there is a wide selection of suppliers for our required components.
Another possibility is that our campaign is highly successful and we face the challenge of fulfilling a large amount of orders on time. To offset such a challenge we plan on hiring additional temporary staff to assist with order fulfillment.
Your trust is important to us. We are willing to go to great lengths to ensure we keep your trust. If need be, we will expose our product to other contract manufacturers to remain committed to producing your SunRaidens in a timely manner - even if doing so increases the risk of SunRaiden copycats being made.
Overall, we see every SunRaiden as an essential tool that can help people across the globe gain access to electricity. If our Kickstarter campaign is successful we will be compelled to spare no effort to get the SunRaiden made for you and others in need of power.
Please review our FAQ section for any questions you may have, or if they're not answered, feel free to send us a message through kickstarter or to info@sunraiden.com, we will be happy to help you.
Näheres zur Rechenschaftspflicht auf KickstarterFAQs
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We use a 50W and a 100W solar module in the video. The 50W one is shown on the beach whereas the 100W is shown on the rooftop and used for charging the car battery.
100W Solar Module:
Maximum Power (Pmax): 100W
Voltage at Pmax (Vmp): 18 V
Current at Pmax (Imp): 5.55A
Open-circuit Voltage (Voc): 21.6 V
Short-Circuit Current (Isc): 6.11A
Power Tolerance: +/- 3%
Weight: 7kg
Size: 1196 x 541 x 30 mm
Cells: 36 pcs, 125 x 125 mm mono-crystalline silicon
Max. System Operating Voltage: 1000V50W Solar Module:
Maximum power (Pmax): 50W
Voltage at Pmax: 18V
Current at Pmax: 2.78A
Open-circuit voltage: 21.6V
Short circuit current: 3.1 AThe lead acid battery is 12V 65Ah.
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At this moment, the maximum total wattage of solar panels that can be connected to the SunRaiden is 250W. This is due to its controller being a 12V 20A one.
However, if we can reach a modest stretch goal of 200 backers we can increase the maximum wattage to 500W by offering SunRaidens with a 24V 20A controller.
To get a good estimate of the maximum wattage of solar modules that can be applied, you can multiply the voltage by the amps listed for the controller. In this case we list a 12V 20A solar charge controller for the SunRaiden so the maximum wattage is about12V x 20A = 240W
However, due to many inquiries, we've looked into providing a reliable 12V/24V 20A controller option that will allow a maximum wattage of 500W to be used with the SunRaiden - at no extra cost to backers.
24V x 20A = 480W
One will however have to connect two 12V batteries in series to get 24V.
At the very least we're hoping to reach our initial goal to give us a better chance of obtaining more private investment that will allow us to produce a wider range of SunRaidens.
Also, it is very important that users first refer to the specifications of a solar module to see if it is compatible with any equipment prior to connection. Not all solar modules are made the same. Users should consult an electrician or other professional for assistance.
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Yes! Do not worry about irreparable damage from accidentally connecting the SunRaiden to a battery with reverse polarity.
In other words if you accidentally connect the positive SunRaiden battery clip to the negative terminal of a battery and vice versa, your SunRaiden will not be permanently damaged. Just reconnect it in the correct way and it will function properly.
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We used a high power industrial type fan to provide a clearer picture of the SunRaiden's power. The fan had the following specs:
Voltage: 220V/380V
Watts: 230W
Frequency: 50Hz
Diameter: 650 mmHowever, it's more common for people to use a more modest standing fan with roughly the following specs:
Watts: 55W
Frequency: 50Hz
Voltage: 220V
Diameter: 400 mm -
We are willing to support cost-effective and transparent charities with a focus on improving people's lives through renewable energy. Currently we're planning to donate equipment and a portion of profits to the non-profit Fundasolar - an organization providing solar electrical systems and lights to people in poverty.
Fundasolar emphasizes cost effectiveness and transparency to the highest degree. It works directly with community leaders to find the people most in need of electricity within poor areas. Plus, at fundasolar.org every solar project has its own webpage with video evidence of its progress and financial information. Fundasolar members are not compensated and 100% of public donations go directly to helping the energy poor.
The SunRaiden's developer, Michael Sewanaku, co-founded Fundasolar after seeing the need for energy in Africa and becoming unsatisfied with the poor transparency and effectiveness of other organizations. He does not receive any income or loans from Fundasolar and will not receive any forms of compensation in the future. Donations to Fundasolar are not used to purchase SunRaiden products. SunRaiden products are donated free of charge to Fundasolar.
Ultimately, we're open to supporting any renewable energy focused charities our backers suggest. Please contact us with your suggestions on worthwhile charitable organizations.
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The SunRaiden case is made of anodized aluminum.
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The SunRaiden uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM).
Though we could develop the SunRaiden with either one, we have chosen PWM for numerous reasons, including:
- Climate
We expect the SunRaiden to be used primarily in warm and hot climates as most of the places with severe electricity shortages are under those conditions. When solar panels are used in warm or hot climates, their voltage at maximum power decreases, and the highest power point functions at a voltage that is nearer to the voltage of a 12V battery. There is no extra voltage to be transferred to the battery making it pretty much unnecessary to use a MPPT controller and eliminating the added benefits of using MPPT.- Size of System used with SunRaiden
The harvesting efficiency of PWM controllers is roughly constant regardless of the size, whereas MPPT controllers are less efficient in lower sized power systems.
We expect the SunRaiden to be used with a 250W or lower system. In Africa, where we've donated and continue to test our product , even a 100W system is extremely beneficial. It helps people meet current needs for lighting, charging phones and cooling with a fan.
- Cost
MPPT's cost more than PWM's, however the added benefits can be considered non-existent when considering the power applications that the SunRaiden will likely be used for.Ultimately, we are open to modifying the SunRaiden in ways that suit backers the best. Feel free to provide us with suggestions and requests. We want you to get the best SunRaiden possible.
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Based on the initial price alone, from what we've gathered the answer is...Yes! The SunRaiden is a better deal.
Plus, as the SunRaiden qualifies as solar electric equipment, 30% of its cost can be claimed as a tax credit!
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/Get-Credit-for-Making-Your-Home-Energy-Efficient
When comparing the SunRaiden to other products it is important to look at all the features.
The SunRaiden is a pure sine wave inverter-charger with DC-DC capabilites, allowing you to easily connect it to a solar panel to charge batteries and run LEDs with greater efficiency.
On the other hand, the pure sine wave inverters we found at 500W on Ebay and Amazon are more expensive with less capabilities and features. They don't include a charge controller, so they can't easily be connected to a solar panel to charge a battery, or they don't have battery clips and DC outlets for higher efficiency. Also beware of ebay sellers claiming they're selling pure sine wave inverters when they're actually selling modified sine wave ones.
Feel free to visit the following link to compare the SunRaiden to other products and their prices:
Ebay: $146.99 for 500W pure sine wave inverter without both solar and battery input terminals and DC outlets
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-250W-300W-500W-600W-Solar-Power-Inverter-Grid-Tie-Inverter-USA-Free-Shipping-/261097616153…Amazon - $149.90 for a 400W Pure sine Inverter only, without controller and DC outputs:
http://www.amazon.com/Wagan-EL2601-Elite-400W-Inverter/dp/B007Y4BL1C/ref=pd_sim_263_1… -
In short, the simple answer to this questions is Yes! And here's a video of the SunRaiden in action to confirm our answer:
In the video a layman's experiment is conducted to show how the SunRaiden can be used to power a device while seamlessly having a solar panel charge the battery connected system.
During the video, a SunRaiden Solar Inverter Charger is used to run a 230W Fan under two separate conditions:
(1) With the SunRaiden connected to a small 12V 7.2Ah/20 hr Battery
(2) With the SunRaiden connected to a small 12V 7.2Ah/20hr Battery PLUS a 100W Solar Panel on a sunny day
Under the (2) condition the Fan runs more than 2.5 times longer, proving that the SunRaiden can provide power while seamlessly receiving energy from the solar panel. If the SunRaiden couldn't be used to 'give and receive' power smoothly, then the Fan would likely stop after roughly the same time under both conditions.
Also, the entire video is actually more than 1 hour in length and was done in a single take. Parts of it were purposely sped up to make the video under 15 minutes long.
Overall, we're working hard to make the SunRaiden easy to use and understand. Our aim is to portray information in a way that people without a technical background can comprehend.
We encourage backers to send us any questions or concerns they may have at any time.
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Finanzierungszeitraum
- (49 Tage)