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Environment

SOS in a Box rolls out the solar power when you really need it

June 07, 2012
SOS in a Box rolls out the solar power when you really need it
The SOS in a Box solar generator kit is designed with emergency and off-grid scenarios in mind
The SOS in a Box solar generator kit is designed with emergency and off-grid scenarios in mind
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Sun Flare Systems has also designed a Solar Mini Billboard for corporations to advertise their green credentials
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Sun Flare Systems has also designed a Solar Mini Billboard for corporations to advertise their green credentials
SOS in a Box can produce 800 and 1500 watts of electricity on demand and it is the first FAA and Airline Approved generator of its kind
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SOS in a Box can produce 800 and 1500 watts of electricity on demand and it is the first FAA and Airline Approved generator of its kind
The SOS in a Box solar generator kit is designed with emergency and off-grid scenarios in mind
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The SOS in a Box solar generator kit is designed with emergency and off-grid scenarios in mind
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Sun Flare Systems is a Canadian company that has developed a solar-powered backup generator. Designed to provide power in cases of outage and disaster, the patent-pending SOS in a Box kit is basically a small, portable power plant that includes a backup generator, flexible high-efficiency solar panels, and a charge controller. Sun Flare says its solar generation package is the first FAA and Airline Approved generator of its kind.

The system can run low-wattage LED A/C or D/C powered lights, cell phone chargers, radios and emergency equipment that can be plugged into the 12 volt power outlet. It is waterproof, features an external 110/120 Volt 60Hz A/C power outlet and a 12-volt car adapter. Each PV panel can be expected to produce up to 75 watts of electricity. The company has designed four different models with varying specifications and accessories: Marine R/V Line, Economy Line, Commercial Grade and Military Grade. The product is already available from Amazon UK and GearOutHere.

In the age of climate change and increasing recurrence of natural disasters, a powerful plug-and-play backup generator may indeed come in handy in emergencies. Besides, as the number of energy-hungry gadgets in our lives increases, being able to produce a considerable amount of power on the go is a welcome advancement.

Matthew Siegler, Sun Flare’s CEO and President, mentions a variety of applications for his solution, from relief efforts in Africa to first responder communication. “We have been given an opportunity to work with companies that provide vital equipment like wireless systems, first responder equipment and remote satellite communications,” he said. The company recently announced a working partnership with Last Mile Networks, a provider of emergency communications solutions.

Besides SOS in a Box, Sun Flare has also developed a Solar Mini Billboard conceived for corporate entities to advertise their own green credentials, and to generate electricity that can be fed into the grid.

Source: Sun Flare Systems via Dragon's Den

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EnvironmentDisastersEmergenciesBackupSolar PoweredGenerator
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Todd Dunning
As a pilot I can really appreciate this great idea. It makes getting stuck in the boonies a lot more survivable if you can at least keep a locater beacon and a phone charged.
The article is only ruined by "...In the age of climate change and increasing recurrence of natural disasters.." This is a serious device with science and engineering behind it, not an AGW Eco-feelgood marketing ploy.
abe
Todd, great comment.
kellory
As a hunter, I can see some nice applications as an off grid power source for cell phones, GPS units, camp lighting, weather radio, personal transceivers, and charging station for cordless tools for butchering game. However, "Batteries not included", means to get full use from this product, you will still need at least one ( 2 or 3 would be better) deep cycle or gel-cell 12vt battery to charge. Otherwise, it will only be useful for roughly 5 hours per day (peak charging time)
What does this unit weigh? and what do the different durability grades cost? What kind of warranty comes with this product? Is the charge controller fixed or programmable? Can it run multiple outputs (loads) or is it selective single output? As in, run a beacon, charge cellphone, and charge a laptop, or must you choose which one is most important?
I would make three additions to this kit. (1) Mounting hardware. suction cups with hooks for smooth surfaces, and (2) a telescoping frame to hold the panel at @ 45 degrees for best output. (3) a Mylar emergency blanket to be used as a mirror. At the right angle to reflect on the panel, it will effectively double it's output, when the skies are overcast, or the light is less than optimum.
markus
this power in a box idea is awsome the real question i have is how can i purchase one of these solar panel in a box
Matthew Siegler
Call us Directly at Sun Flare Systems Inc. 250-545-4007. We are selling direct and we are looking for distributors. http://www.sunflaresystems.com/shop-sun-flare-systems/sos-in-a-box/
Richard Corso
Like most solar powered systems it's expensive, inefficient and a waste of money. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to use this product - seek help immediately as this solar based system will only work for a short period of time and only be able to power a small radio receiver or little LED light. Most comments and so called reviews either do not understand how solar power systems work, a lazy and simply regurgitate the manufacturers product data or a paid by the supplier of this product to do the favourable reviews. The advertised power outputs are NEVER achieved and the charging capabilities are limited to a few hours a day and that's if you have direct access to unobstructed sunlight. These solar based systems are useless without some sort of battery that's charged from the solar panels/charge controller. Any suitable battery will add considerable weight to the overall system so reduces the portability of the system and you now have the problem of safely storing a large battery. For the record I have used and test several solar based charging systems and NONE have achieved anywhere near the advertised power ratings. Solar power systems are less efficient than the inefficient wind power systems which is say something! Save your money and buy a simple but more efficient hand cranking type system - then you will realise why the military use hand cranking systems and not the very overrated solar systems - I rest my case.