Anyone know about Solar Stik?

[GolfStream]

I have been crazy about trying to find a solution that would allow me to have my solar, wind and still keep the trailer in cool shade. I found this product, but for $5200, it feels just too darn much. Has anyone here engineered like something this before? In the end would it be cheaper to cough up the cash for the RV pac? Hhhhmmm.

Solar Stik Inc.

Given my proclivity for gadgets and finding the "perfect solution" I'm inclined to be enamored by technology (which brought me to airstream in the first place) more than hindered by price.

No matter what happens, I think i'll be running a pair of honda eu2000i's when there's a call for a/c. (which in Florida is most of the year).

What do you in a torrential downpour when the outside temperature is 90+ degrees? how do you accomodate for a/c in a solar/wind/genset world? Do you just pull the rig to the nearest KOA? I'd rather not if i didn;t have to.

Cheers,

[cooperhawk]

I can't imagine that it would power an AC, Probably just charge your batteries.

[lewster]

Javier,

The stated 5.8 amp output will barely keep your batteries topped off. I don't see you getting a lot of other use out of this rig.......just isn't enough juice coming out of it!

And in South FL in the summer in the rain.......there ain't no sunshine baby!!!!

Better go with a gen-set that can power your A/C. If you intend to keep it running a long time, go for the 3KW Honda or Yamaha.............possibly converted to LP fuel.

[Buttercup]

I'll tell you what - they can't be selling a lot of these - $5000 (give or take) for 100 watts! No way!
You could go to your local dealer and have a 120 watt panel with a charge controller installed for probably less than $500.

[2airishuman]

hi javier

looks like a nifty "packaged" product, the individual components are quality items.

the peak output they suggest is ~80 amp/hours per day, IF you have perfect conditions and reposition the panels 3-4 times/day...

that will replace a careful rv'ers family daily usage, and more realistic output might be 40-60 amp/hours per day.

but at 80 lbs just for the tripod (not counting the pelican case accesories) n panel pieces, set up isn't for light weights.

IF you want solar, why not do a nice roof top arrangement and agm batter bank, for 1/2 this price?

there are MANY threads on solar vs gensets and a few windy ones too, so go read a bit it's all there.

powering the a/c (with solar) would take a nearly impractical huge/heavy bank of batteries, and panels and a large inverter, all expensive stuff.

which is why a genset approach is STILL the shortest/cheapest/simplest route to ac nirvana while boondocking...

now a MINI version shaped like an umbrella, that we could hide under and power a lap top and blender? i'd be interested!

cheers
2air'

[ArtStream]

Hi GF, and welcome!

Out here in Quartzsite, AZ there is plenty of boondockers using solar!
Most use 2 100w solar panels and I have seen as many as 6 panels.

A simple stand made out of PVC pipe seems to be standard.
(Picture a picture frame stand) which is staked down.

The "Stick" while slick, would have to be staked down also.

You could get 2 100W panels and controller for way less than 5 grand. Around 2 grand, and get 2 Honda 2000's with the money U save.

Keep diggin it up

Michael

[GolfStream]

Thanks for the replies!

I'm constantly looking for ways to stay as green as possible and this seemed like an option. In south florida it's really helpful to keep the trailer in as much shade as possible so the idea of a tripod set up away from the trailer seems ideal for topping off the batteries. This particular unit can be fitted with a wind turbine also, so when the sun ain't shining, i could get power from the wind as well.

I think I'll end up increasing my carbon load on the planet by getting a pair of honda geneerators. Although i'd prefer to have one unit, i see the logic in running one unit to topp off the batteries and adding the second only when a/c is required. I just wish there was a propane a/c system. That would solve all issues.

Cheers,

[Stik Tech]

Good Afternoon, all!

Stumbling around the internet today and found this discussion interesting. We haven't really invested any effort into the RV market yet, but it seems that there are quite a few discussions going on about our system.

Just to clarify a few things regarding the Solar Stik™, the current system is designed to Military Specifications, hence, the cost. There are quite a few other routes that most recreational users could take and achieve the same performance parameters for their RV. If you have the real estate on the vehicle roof, a good carpet of solar panels is an excellent way to go, but like my parents who travel full time in their "Silver Bullet", finding a shade tree to park under is priceless.

In the future we will be introducing systems that are not Military Grade in construction, therefore more reasonably priced for the average consumer. The current Solar Stik™ is certainly not the cheapest, however, it is the best "stand-alone" system on the market today. We hope to have the new units available by late this year, so be on the lookout! That is when you will see us going after the Recreational markets.

Practical Sailor wrote an article that best explains the Solar Stik™ and it can be accessed on the website in the "press & videos" area.

Cheers!

[craftsman]

Nice system. Seems like two 100w panels would be better for RV's. Watched the video and it's very informative but that background is really distracting. It's nice that you can add a wind generator to the tripod (Air-X) but you'd have to add a tower high enough to be effective and then I don't know if the tripod would be stable enough.

[Stik Tech]

Thanx, Craftsman!

Yes, the more "panel power" the better!

Those videos are old... we should have new ones later this Spring. It seems like the last thing to ever get done around here is the updates to the website. The "Boss" puts most of the income back into R&D. I think that will change once the focus turns to the consumer markets later this year.

Regarding the Air-X, it is actually an Air-Breeze that operates in a low wind environment. Start-up speed is only 5MPH and at 25MPH the output reaches its max 200W. It works rather well for a small unit. We played with it for several months before selecting it based on several performance issues. The cool thing about it is the "tactical" nature of it. The entire system including the Air Breeze can be deployed and functioning in under 5 minutes, and still breaks down in a small enough package to get thrown into the back of the station-wagon

Take care!