The discrepancy between first and third-world energy supplies is incredible. Nearly 20% of the world’s population lives without access to common amenities that many of us take for granted. Panasonic has set out with a new line of solar storage products, under its eneloop collection, that aims to provide lasting energy from the sun.
While it will fill an obvious need in electricity-poor countries, it also might not be a bad idea for your own shed or garage. Solar powered batteries have come a long way in recent years and Panasonic plans on leveraging that technology around the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPB-8gr8ct4
Panasonic’s new eneloop solar storage system will initially have a 15W solar panel, a battery pack and two lights. The high-power panel can charge the nickel hydride battery in around five hours. Panasonic expects each battery to last around five years.
The LED lights come in two styles: a traditional 1.5W bulb and a 5W straight tube. Each bulb should last between five and 24 hours on single change depending on other environmental conditions in the area. Aside from being able to provide a power source for the lights, there is a 1A USB port on the battery as well.
Initially, the eneloop solar storage system will go on sale in Africa and Asia. Exact pricing has yet to be announced, or if it will even come to North America. In the meantime, we’d recommend grabbing this Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit if you’re interested in getting into renewable energy. Shop the entire line of Panasonic eneloop products here.
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Panasonic to Release ‘eneloop solar storage’ with LED Lighting
Osaka, Japan – Panasonic Corporation today announced that it has developed “eneloop solar storage,” a small-scale power storage system that provides LED lighting for areas without mains electricity. The product will be shipped to regions in Asia and Africa from November 2015.
The product is a compact power harvesting, storage, and lighting system. Electric power generated by solar cells during the day is stored in a nickel-metal hydride battery unit. This can then be used as a selectable night light and power source for charging small items of equipment, such as cellphones.
At present, 1.3 billion people worldwide*1 live in areas with no or intermittent mains electricity. This means that approximately 20% of the world’s population (one person in five)*1 lives without enjoying the advantages of electricity. In most non-electrified areas, people use kerosene lamps, rechargeable lanterns, diesel generators, etc., to provide lighting. However, these forms of lighting equipment have numerous drawbacks, including toxic exhaust, low levels of illumination, and high running costs. Cellphone networks are, however, widespread in these areas, despite the lack of an equipment-recharging infrastructure.
Panasonic is committed to the reliable supply of clean and safe light and power. This commitment led to the production of its “Solar Lantern” in 2013-a portable lantern that provides non-electrified areas with the light that people need. Now the company has added “eneloop solar storage” to its lineup of products. The product comes with a straight tube LED and a bulb-type LED, which deliver bright, high-quality light, and the unit can also be used as a high-capacity power source for charging multiple cellphones. The new product will be marketed not only through existing sales dealers but also via international organizations such as NPOs and NGOs that are helping people living in non-electrified areas to develop a better standard of living environment.
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