Comments on: Plug & Play Solar Power Systems Growing In Use In US, Thanks To SolarPod

By: JonathanRCole

JonathanRCole — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 20:41:00 +0000

You cannot accurately determine the cost of solar using the cost of installation per peak watt. This is a mistake people make at their peril. The important cost is the total cost of electricity, which includes costs of maintenance, repair, replacements over the life of the system. The problem I see with Solar Pod is that although it understands the benefits to be gained by integrating all components in a semi pre-fab way, it is also important to choose the right components that match electrical capacity and give the best bang for the buck (lowest cost of electricity) by using the highest quality components with lowest lifetime costs. This also means choosing the best manufacturers with the best warranties and service and batteries with the longest life per kWh stored. These types of components have a higher initial cost but result in much lower cost of electricity over the life of the system. Sometimes cheap upfront costs result in expensive total costs when operating costs are a part of the calculation. If you have a solar panel that has a 25 year warranty (assuming the company is still in business for that period) but you have to replace the inverter every 7-10 years and the batteries and charge controller and the batteries every 5 years or so , it ends up being cheaper to buy more expensive better quality components at the outset. Learn more about solar at http://lightontheearth.blogspot.com/

By: Mandee

Mandee — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 10:52:00 +0000

You’re absolutely right! I got one from https://www.altestore.com/store/Solar-Panels/c541/ and it has really helped, and I’m thinking about upgrading.

By: Bob_Wallace

Bob_Wallace — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 04:56:00 +0000

If you want a portable system it would be fairly easy to rig one up. A panel and battery. Don’t bother with a charge controller, just a backpath eliminating diode. Don’t oversize the panel for the size of the battery.
A small inverter would let you get to 120 vac.

By: Peter

Peter — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 04:27:00 +0000

I wonder if there is a true plug & play solar system that is self contained and portable. I would like to see a big cooler box containing the batteries and all the necessary inverters, extension wires, etc and a hinged lid where you can align to the sun’s position. These can be docked in series if more power is needed or used alone if you just heed to power small appliances. In the event of a diaster, you can bring this box and set it up to power your emergency communications devices like laptops and phones or set up in a series to provide electrical power for emergency medical uses.

By: Mouli SolarPod

Mouli SolarPod — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 02:54:00 +0000

Please send me an email. I am not sure if I can give his contacts here but am sure if you send an email to me, I can give it to you. These homes are exquisitely designed for comfort and living with a theme “Less is More” quoting the architect. The architects are truly transformed living and energy use. Please check “Edge Home” and “Essential House” in the internet.

By: Bob Monie

Bob Monie — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 01:42:00 +0000

Can you tell us more about the tiny rust-colored house that uses the plug and play system and won the architecture award? Where is it and who designed it? How many square feet and what is the cost? Such designs could transform cities and suburbs into far more sustainable and affordable dwellings.

Bob Monie, New Orleans, LA

By: Mouli SolarPod

Mouli SolarPod — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 10:39:00 +0000

Thanks Kyle. Your words of encouragement resonates very well.

We have invested more on product development than on website development. We hope to create the SolarPod movement through this “Smart and simple” approach.

We will make our website better, user friendly and FUN so all peoples can enjoy the Sun. Thanks man for your great advise that shows you care. And thanks for being a solar enthusiast. Best.

By: Kyle Field

Kyle Field — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 02:54:00 +0000

Here in California, USA, I installed my first 5 panels via a local solar installer and paid 3.35/w installed after rebates in October 2011. I installed the next 7 panels basically myself, with a local installer helping with the final install for $1.37/watt in July 2013. When comparing options with local installers in 2013, they were still quoting $4+/watt which I was not satisfied with…which drove me to purchase and install myself. These look like a reasonably priced alternative to folks who want to move forward with solar by themselves without having to engage a higher priced installer (plus engineering, electrical, etc).

If I were financially invested in the success of solar pods, I would be hiring a marketing manager (or replacing the existing one) as it looks like they have a great product but need to bring their website, videos, sizing calculator, etc up to current standards. Just my 2 cents

By: Zachary Shahan

Zachary Shahan — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 00:29:00 +0000

For SolarPod or US as a whole?
If you’re referring to US as a whole, perhaps you’re thinking about Germany’s solar power prices.

By: Ivor O'Connor

Ivor O'Connor — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 15:50:00 +0000

I’m having a bit of trouble understanding these prices. They look more like 2008 pricing even though they say 2013…