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Solar power company Clarian Technologies has developed a new concept in residential solar power: the solar appliance. Just like a refrigerator or microwave, a homeowner can buy the Sunfish solar power system, plug it into any outdoor outlet and start feeding solar power into their home.
Whereas most solar power systems require a contractor to install the module and an electrician to connect it to the electric panel through an inverter (to convert the DC power generated to AC power), Clarian says a handy homeowner can install the Sunfish themselves in about an hour.
The other major bonus of such a plug-and-play-type system, is the cost. Let's face it, that's the main draw. The base model Sunfish will cost $799 with the largest running about $4,000, where a typical roof-mounted system costs a minimum of $10,000 and goes steeply up from there.
Of course, you get what you pay for. With the largest Sunfish, a homeowner could expect to generate about 150 kWh per month, compared to the 920 kWh of electricity that a typical homeowner uses per month. But for $4,000, that's still a nice dent in your energy usage and, consequently, your energy bill. What's best about this appliance is that it could make residential solar power accessible to a much wider range of homeowners.
The Sunfish will be Wi-Fi enabled so that homeowners can use energy management software like Google's PowerMeter to monitor their energy production and use. The Sunfish should be on the market by the middle of 2011 and will likely be sold through big retailers like Lowe's and Costco.
via NY Times
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Comments (12)
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written by Ron Winton, August 18, 2010
This thing, as it current is designed will never be approved by U.L. for use on an occupied dwelling in the U.L. And look at how the solar panels are connected ! talk about corrosion.
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written by profilalouminio, August 18, 2010
The main thing, although it is better to seek further info, is the great potential these systems give to the residential market.
I agree that "this appliance could make residential solar power accessible to a much wider range of homeowners" and i move a step forwards with underdeveloped or third world countries where access to electricity is not always available.
I agree that "this appliance could make residential solar power accessible to a much wider range of homeowners" and i move a step forwards with underdeveloped or third world countries where access to electricity is not always available.
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written by Jonathan Hunt, August 18, 2010
I love the idea and have dreamed of such an option that enables individuals and families to start small and make a small dent, but I fear that would violate the state electric code in Massachusetts.
Will a standard circuit breaker safely handle feeding power back into the electric panel?
Won't home owners need to apply for a grid interconnection and have the utility company install a bi-directional electric meter?
I'm really excited to see this option succeed as I can see a lot more people willing to spend $1-2K to generate some clean energy, but not willing to fork over $10-20K necessary for a typical residential solar installation.
Will a standard circuit breaker safely handle feeding power back into the electric panel?
Won't home owners need to apply for a grid interconnection and have the utility company install a bi-directional electric meter?
I'm really excited to see this option succeed as I can see a lot more people willing to spend $1-2K to generate some clean energy, but not willing to fork over $10-20K necessary for a typical residential solar installation.
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written by AJ Slater, August 19, 2010
140kWh per month at $0.12 per kWh = $16.80 per month.
$4,000 up front / $16.80 per month = 238 months = 19.8 years
$4,000 up front / $16.80 per month = 238 months = 19.8 years
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written by Serwaa1, August 19, 2010
This article is a little unclear where it refers to "the average electricity that a typical homeowner use". The original NYT article is very clear, 920 kWh is the power use for a typical household (of 4?). I would think 150 KWh should be adequate supply for an energy conserving individual living in a townhouse or small home. This person, say a young adult newly out of college, first time home home buyer, single or senior, might be less likely to pay for a custom solar installation.
Also $4000 is the purchase price for a first generation technology which will be initially released in 2010. We all know that as new technologies get replicated and large numbers of the new technology is produced, the price comes down sometimes very dramatically. If this would catch on, I could see it selling for far less that $4000.
Also $4000 is the purchase price for a first generation technology which will be initially released in 2010. We all know that as new technologies get replicated and large numbers of the new technology is produced, the price comes down sometimes very dramatically. If this would catch on, I could see it selling for far less that $4000.
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written by David, August 19, 2010
This is great for those of us who rent or move frequently. You can unplug the unit and take it with you to your next location. Until now, installing solar panels often didn't make sense when you know you will be moving in the near future (i.e. next 5-10 yrs.
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written by Jacob A, August 20, 2010
Dear American people.
Here in Denmark we don't need anything. We think we have all the electrical machines we need.
BUT: Our average is approximately 420 kWh pr month (households of 4, including teenagers)
WHY don't you start cutting down?
My own household (4 persons) uses 218 kWh pr month.
Is it Your Airconditioning swallowing all that energy, or what is happening?
Here in Denmark we don't need anything. We think we have all the electrical machines we need.
BUT: Our average is approximately 420 kWh pr month (households of 4, including teenagers)
WHY don't you start cutting down?
My own household (4 persons) uses 218 kWh pr month.
Is it Your Airconditioning swallowing all that energy, or what is happening?
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written by Todd Horst, August 23, 2010
Jacob ,
I used 487 last month. This is typical for me. I have a 2 year old and a wife in the household. Some of it is legacy products. My central air is probably 10 years old, but I didn't have it installed so i don't know for sure. My washer, dryer, and dishwasher aren't energy star so that doesn't help. I have an electric stove top and oven, and we make full meals from scratch 3-4 times a week. I am working to replace these as I get money.
The other thing is size. I have a 4 br/3 bath 3500 sq ft house with 2 car garage. Not that the garage door takes that much energy, but its about 50 years old, so it could be better.It needs new windows and doors and insulation.
So yea, not sure what size your house is, I can definitely do better, but if you have any tips your welcome to post them. We don't watch excessive tv (~2 hours a day) and only have 1-26in tv. Honestly at this point without funding (and cutting out ac...which I'm not gonna do) I cant think of any way to cut my usage.
I used 487 last month. This is typical for me. I have a 2 year old and a wife in the household. Some of it is legacy products. My central air is probably 10 years old, but I didn't have it installed so i don't know for sure. My washer, dryer, and dishwasher aren't energy star so that doesn't help. I have an electric stove top and oven, and we make full meals from scratch 3-4 times a week. I am working to replace these as I get money.
The other thing is size. I have a 4 br/3 bath 3500 sq ft house with 2 car garage. Not that the garage door takes that much energy, but its about 50 years old, so it could be better.It needs new windows and doors and insulation.
So yea, not sure what size your house is, I can definitely do better, but if you have any tips your welcome to post them. We don't watch excessive tv (~2 hours a day) and only have 1-26in tv. Honestly at this point without funding (and cutting out ac...which I'm not gonna do) I cant think of any way to cut my usage.
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written by Jacob A, August 23, 2010
Dear Tod
I am always glad to hear from someone who wants to cut down. First of all You are probably right about the size. My house is only 1400 sq feet + 600 sq feet heated basement and 1½ garage.
I made a list: All no-cost-ideas were made first.
Well first thing you could do would be to insulate anything that needs insulation. It pays back pretty fast. At least with OUR energy-prices.
Next thing is to make sure that no machine is using power when You don't use it. (standby):
Buy a plug that turns off all related equipment when you turn off computer or TV.
Make a timer turn off internet-routers and other stuff in the night.
Best thing in our house: Solar-heating of the hotwater.
-This makes it possible to completely switch off the heating system in summertime.
Next thing: fill up Your laundry-machine! -and use low-heat "washingpowder" only uses hot temperatures against hot bacterias. (cutted more than 90 kWh a month for me).
Turn off things You don't need:
Lights burning outside.
Tumble-drier: Put the laundry outside: It smells better and is not damaged.
Heating in the garage
Its probably not heating, but dry indoor climate You need. -a "demoisturizer" is cheaper than heat)
MOST IMPORTANT: Never correct (or point fingers at) your family if they spend energy. -Make solutions that are convenient and almost automatical. Energy should not be something You quarrel about.
If you have other ideas or questions: Write to jacobantvorskov(at)hotmail.com (I may not see it here =
I am always glad to hear from someone who wants to cut down. First of all You are probably right about the size. My house is only 1400 sq feet + 600 sq feet heated basement and 1½ garage.
I made a list: All no-cost-ideas were made first.
Well first thing you could do would be to insulate anything that needs insulation. It pays back pretty fast. At least with OUR energy-prices.
Next thing is to make sure that no machine is using power when You don't use it. (standby):
Buy a plug that turns off all related equipment when you turn off computer or TV.
Make a timer turn off internet-routers and other stuff in the night.
Best thing in our house: Solar-heating of the hotwater.
-This makes it possible to completely switch off the heating system in summertime.
Next thing: fill up Your laundry-machine! -and use low-heat "washingpowder" only uses hot temperatures against hot bacterias. (cutted more than 90 kWh a month for me).
Turn off things You don't need:
Lights burning outside.
Tumble-drier: Put the laundry outside: It smells better and is not damaged.
Heating in the garage
Its probably not heating, but dry indoor climate You need. -a "demoisturizer" is cheaper than heat) MOST IMPORTANT: Never correct (or point fingers at) your family if they spend energy. -Make solutions that are convenient and almost automatical. Energy should not be something You quarrel about.
If you have other ideas or questions: Write to jacobantvorskov(at)hotmail.com (I may not see it here =
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written by Jacob A, August 23, 2010
Dear Todd
By the way: You are already doing pretty well!
You are almost on a european level! And your house is bigger! So You could soon be an ambassador for the idea. This Cause needs good ambassadors! When I go to parties I brings gifts like "Sunnan" the solar-cell-lamps from IKEA or radios, torches etc driven by crank (? turning handle?).
-it makes people think and a lot of people are amazed that new technologies actually ARE a possibility.
Kind regards
Jacob
By the way: You are already doing pretty well!
You are almost on a european level! And your house is bigger! So You could soon be an ambassador for the idea. This Cause needs good ambassadors! When I go to parties I brings gifts like "Sunnan" the solar-cell-lamps from IKEA or radios, torches etc driven by crank (? turning handle?).
-it makes people think and a lot of people are amazed that new technologies actually ARE a possibility.
Kind regards
Jacob
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written by John, September 12, 2010
Yea, the answer we always hear from the tree huggers is to conserve. While I believe in not wasting, I don't agree that conserving energy is the answer. Why? Because capitalism works best when unhindered. And conservation hinders it. If free markets and DEMAND for a product get producers to provide, then prices should fall. The problem is that energy is usually obtained through a monopoly. If we ever get to SOLAR, do you think a solar panel manufacturer wants to make more or fewer panels? Does he sell more solar panels to the guy using 220 Kw a month or the guy using 900?? This is why Europeans don't always understand the US.
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The financial incentive is not the $240/year for your bill, but the larger government rebates and tax incentives.