Solar Stik™ Appliances
The Solar Stik™ Technical Team prides itself on developing relationships with our customers. By focusing on our clients needs, we can custom-tailor solutions that meet or exceed the requirements. It is our goal to provide the best renewable-technology consulting, service, & products along with a complete understanding of the system that is purchased.
We are currently establishing relationships with many domestic manufacturers and international vendors to bring you the best appliances that meet your specific requirements. By working with other companies, we can implement the best technologies available into your specific application and solve your power & usage problems.
THE “COLLISION”… THE POWER EFFICIENCY OF AN APPLIANCE & A LIMITED POWER SUPPLY
Increases in Efficiency
Consumers typically purchase appliances based on the “function” that it serves, without much thought for the amount of power it consumes as it performs the function.
Technology is evolving at a rapid rate. Electrical appliances of just 5 years ago consumed higher amounts of power than their “present-day” versions, while completing the same exact tasks.
For example, do you remember when a 100 Watt light bulb was purchased because of the amount of light that it produced at 100 Watts? With a shift toward LED and CFL lighting technologies today, you can produce the same amount of light (lumens) as the 100 Watt incandescent bulb, while consuming a mere fraction of the power.
This increase in efficiency can often be found in a wide range of appliances including lighting, refrigeration, electronics, and more.
The Benefits of a “Highly-Efficient” Appliance
As we consume less power, then our power source requirements can also change. Whether you are designing a portable DC electrical system (like found in a boat, RV, or as a home-power backup system) or simply shopping for home appliances (that operate on average house-hold electricity), it is prudent to seek out highly efficient products as they will provide you with following benefits:
1. Portable DC Systems (also called a “closed” circuit) - A smaller load (power demand) will give you additional options as to how you supply it with power.
2. Grid-Tied or Fuel-Generator supplied AC Systems - The less power that is consumed, the less expensive the appliances are to operate.
AC Appliances Operating from a DC Power Source
The proper selection of AC or DC appliances is an important factor. When operating appliances from either an AC or DC electrical source, it is most preferred to have the power source and the appliance working at the same Voltage. This will increase the overall “efficiency” of the system.
For example, a 12VDC electrical circuit that supports a refrigerator will use power more efficiently if the refrigerator also operates at 12VDC. It will be less efficient if a 120VAC powered refrigerator is connected to the 12VDC electrical circuit using an inverter. Also, if you are operating an AC appliance from a DC power supply, the inverter must be the correct TYPE and SIZE. Visit the Inverter School section to learn more about how inverters work and selecting the proper inverter.
Shopping for AC & DC Appliances
While many large retailers today sell both AC & DC appliances, did you know that there are many common household AC appliances that are commonly available in a DC version?
“SOLAR STIK™ COMPATIBLE”
(Anytime an appliance has a 12V DC Plug as shown above, it will work directly with the Solar Stik™ System.)
It will benefit the consumer to shop around when looking for appliances, as not all appliances consume equal power, even though they may perform the same function. There are several DC appliance-vendors listed on our Links & Resources page.
APPLIANCE SHOPPING HINT: Major retailers of DC appliances also include “Travel Centers” or “Truck Stops” found along interstate highways!
AC & DC Appliance Lists
A list of common AC & DC appliances which are commonly available over the internet and major retail outlets is available by clicking here. Their average power requirements are also listed. This list can be used to estimate the power consumption in an electrical system. Visit the Stik™ University section to learn more about appliance loads and consumption.
