Power Generation
Choosing Power Generators
Harvesting power from the environment requires choosing a technology that will give the operator the best return for their investment. It is literally a game of averages.
Primary Solar Power - the “Constant”
Daylight is prevalent throughout most of the earth’s surface. Solar Panels operate best when exposed to direct sunlight, but will produce power even in cloudy or low-light conditions, making it a guaranteed daily power source even in the most remote, austere regions where other power sources may be difficult to support or prone to failure.
Solar Power gear should always be the first option when selecting equipment. Whether the system is for personal use, or part of a larger system that incorporates multiple generation technologies, Solar should be the PRIMARY method for power generation. Supplemental (SECONDARY) Power Generation equipment can be added in accordance with other resources that are available to the operator.
Supplemental Wind Power - if Available
There is a geographical component that should be considered when choosing wind as a supplemental power source. For example, if there is no wind, then a wind generator will produce NO power at all. Wind power is an excellent SUPPLEMENT to solar power, except in certain circumstances where wind speed is constant and will (on average) produce more power than solar on a daily basis. Wind is typically more prevalent in higher altitudes, on shorelines, or on open plains.
Supplemental Water Power - if Available
Micro-Hydro power generation is a great resource, and can be an extremely reliable source of renewable energy, but it requires operation in close proximity to running rivers or streams. One relatively small water turbine will produce power non-stop, as long as running water is available, no matter what the weather.
Supplemental Fuel Sources - if Available
For operators with close proximity to supply sources where Petroleum, Methanol, or other Hydro-Carbon based fuels are easily acquired, then Fuel Cells and other fuel-driven generators can be utilized based on the resources available to the operator.
Which Type of “Solar Generator” is Best?
There are three factors that affect a solar panel’s ability to generate power:
1. Direct sunlight
2. Cool operating temperatures (good air circulation around the panels)
3. MPPT charge controls
A Solar Stik™ provides all three of these factors to its solar array, allowing the solar panels to operate at their maximum capability. Additionally, the system is designed for long duration deployments, and to withstand harsh elements with ease.
A Flexi Panel Pak compensates for the inefficiency of a flat-panel system by ‘over-compensating’ with additional PV panel capability. The form factor allows the Flexi-Panel Systems to be much more portable than a Solar Stik™, however, flexible panels also have a shorter “usable life” (3-5 years).
Any type of Solar Stik™ System should provide the operator with “usable power” based on the operation requirement.
“I’ve never seen anything like it… what is it again?”
“This is the coolest thing I have ever seen…”
- Most Heard responses at Trade Shows
“Its a bit overbuilt… don’t you think?”
- Major D. Morris U.S.M.C.
Evolving Designs
Over the years, the Solar Stik™ design has evolved from a single ‘Marine 100’ model sold in 2004 into a variety of products ranging from simple Consumer-grade Solar Generators to Military-grade Hybrid ‘Solar & Wind’ Power Systems.
Maximum Daily Sun Exposure
All Solar Stiks™ have two axes of rotation that allow for maximum solar panel power production. The panels can be rotated on both horizontal and vertical axes. Three daily panel adjustments (aiming the panels at the sun) will yield a tremendous solar power gain over a static position.
The Lite & Nano models are pure “Solar Generators”, and the Solar Stik™ Breeze is the world’s only portable hybrid solar and wind power generator. The tactical design of the Breeze wind generator is the only one of its kind… providing the operator with a superior solution for harnessing energy from the wind in a portable solution.
Versatile
Solar Stiks™ are cost-effective power solutions for nearly any application ranging from Recreational to Tactical. They can be used as a stand-alone power sources, or tailored to a particular application using genuine Solar Stik™ Accessories.
Lightweight, Portable, and User-Friendly
A hallmark of all Solar Stik™ designs is their form-factor. All Solar Stiks™ are compact, lightweight, and allow for easy transport and setup. Assembly requires no tools or special knowledge and and every removable component is leashed to prevent loss. The “Plug & Play” nature of the system means there are no extensive connection process or difficult operational procedures to follow. Deployment can usually be performed by one person in less than 10 minutes.
All Solar Stiks™ store and transport in either one or two Pelican™ Cases.
Rugged
There is no “planned obsolescence” in any Solar Stik™ design, and the construction is primarily T6061 Aluminum (aircraft-grade) and stainless steel. The system can be used in the harshest of environments, and deployed for an hour, week, or year without regard for the weather.
Expandable
All Solar Stiks™ are “Expandable”. Stiks™ can be upgraded with larger panels, the addition of a wind generator, or daisy-chained to additional Solar Stiks™.
The Solar Stiks™ are made in the U.S.A., Field-Serviceable, require little maintenance, 5 year limited warranty on materials and workmanship, and 25 year power output warranty.
Which Type of Solar Stik™ Generator is Best? The graph below illustrates the primary differences between them:
