SUNRNR of Virginia, Inc.
("Sun Runner")
Operation, FAQs
A SUNRNR is Easy to Operate
A SUNRNR has a main on/off switch, an inverter on/off switch, solar panel and wind turbine/aux connector portals, either four standard US or two "universal" plug outlets depending on model, and a quick connect plug for expanding the system by linking with another SUNRNR main unit (any model) or the SUNPWR power module. The user's manual provided with each unit describes the plug-and-play simplicity of operating and recharging.
A SUNRNR provides electricity from the stored energy in a rechargeable battery. The battery may be charging while the unit is off or while in use. Keeping the unit fully charged will ensure maximum power is available when needed - day or night, cloudy or bright, windy or calm.
Think of a SUNRNR energy storage system like you do a financial “bank” - you can only withdraw electric energy that has been deposited and you can maintain a maximum balance by turning off the unit when not in use and recharging when possible. Charging while in use is equivalent to earning interest or getting cash back on your purchases (power consumption) and will stretch your dollar. Your account has defined minimum and maximum limits, but your source of income is indefinitely renewable.
A SUNRNR has a main on/off switch, an inverter on/off switch, solar panel and wind turbine/aux connector portals, either four standard US or two "universal" plug outlets depending on model, and a quick connect plug for expanding the system by linking with another SUNRNR main unit (any model) or the SUNPWR power module. The user's manual provided with each unit describes the plug-and-play simplicity of operating and recharging.
A SUNRNR provides electricity from the stored energy in a rechargeable battery. The battery may be charging while the unit is off or while in use. Keeping the unit fully charged will ensure maximum power is available when needed - day or night, cloudy or bright, windy or calm.
Think of a SUNRNR energy storage system like you do a financial “bank” - you can only withdraw electric energy that has been deposited and you can maintain a maximum balance by turning off the unit when not in use and recharging when possible. Charging while in use is equivalent to earning interest or getting cash back on your purchases (power consumption) and will stretch your dollar. Your account has defined minimum and maximum limits, but your source of income is indefinitely renewable.
Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs)
By far, the #1 FAQ:
General:
- As my solar backup emergency generator, how long a power outage will a fully-charged SUNRNR get me through?
- How is a SUNRNR different from the ever-increasing number of solar options available?
- Is there a warranty?
Grid-tie:
Usage and Operation:
- Must the unit be outside like is necessary with gas generators?
- System planning? Location, distance, tilt/mount?
- Is there any maintenance required?
- How far can my electrical devices be from the unit?
- AC? DC?
- What if I need a pure sine wave inverter?
- Can a SUNRNR run 220 V AC devices like are common outside the US?
Weather:
- What if it is cloudy or dark?
- How long in bright sunshine would it take to charge a fully-discharged SUNRNR?
- Can I use a SUNRNR in any weather?
Battery:
Survivability:
Purchasing and Shipping/Freight:
Can a SUNRNR run my house? and How long and what will it run?
These are complicated questions because they involve your usage requirements. Please visit the What Will A SUNRNR Run? page under Uses/Applications for various examples involving refrigerators, lights, etc (right-brain) or the Specifications and Energy Req Worksheet pages for a more technical, DIY approach (left-brain). Or visit the new page, Continuous Usage Table (aka "How many do I need?" table), for an estimate of what average load you could run consistently using one SUNRNR and two panels.
As my solar backup emergency generator, how long a power outage will a fully-charged SUNRNR get me through?
You can see examples and get a more definite answer by visiting the pages listed in the question above. Just like you can run out of gas, it is possible to run out of stored sunshine temporarily, so conservation and understanding consumption is key. As with any battery, its run time before recharging is dependent on its usage load. Being aware of what you want to run and how much power those items take will determine length of time. A SUNRNR's inverter will certainly power a refrigerator, but opening the door frequently will adversely affect days available (it also helps to disable frost-free feature). 2000 Whrs is the equivalent of a traditional 60 W light bulb turned on for 33 hours (unrealistic, but tangible example), so using low-wattage CFL or LED lighting and EnergyStar devices will increase the number of days without grid power a SUNRNR will support. And even if you deplete the stored energy, you would always have the real-time solar backup of over 200 W/hr to use while the sun is shining.
How is a SUNRNR different from the ever-increasing number of solar options available?
A few other products seem similar at first glance, but the difference is in the numbers and more thoroughly explained on Why SUNRNR?. SUNRNRs are not meant to compete with permanent residential grid-tie installations, megaWatt trailered systems, scary do-it-yourself kits, low-power inverter/battery units, or hand held, limited-capacity, real-time sunshine supplies. They are unique in that they were designed to house all the necessary components of an industrial-strength power system within a rugged, easy-to-operate, safety-minded, self-contained enclosure, yet remain portable. A SUNRNR is an excellent off grid, solar backup, or supplemental power supply.
Is there a warranty?
A SUNRNR comes with a limited one year warranty which covers material defects and workmanship.
What is meant by "grid-tie"?
The word "grid-tie" is often misused. One meaning has to do with feeding back to the grid when the panels are generating more than is being used. The other is related to a transfer or cut-off switch that would enable generator power to be fed to an existing electrical panel for export through existing wiring. Read on ...
Can I tie my SUNRNR into my grid?
This question has two answers based on the definition of "grid-tie" being used. SUNRNRs were designed as stand-alone systems to be used independently of the grid. However, we are in R&D regarding both grid-tie definitions since it's probably our #2 FAQ. Currently, we ask that you discuss your options with a certified electrician since it is EXTREMELY important that a master disconnect be used to ensure a unit's electricity would not backfeed and endanger the poor power utility lineman out there in an ice storm working to restore your power during an outage!! Some SUN240 owners have had a certified electrician rewire the electrical panel end of their water pump, adding a plug. This allows for manually disconnecting the water pump from the grid and manually plugging it into the SUN240. This document regarding the AIMS inverter used in SUN240s may also be of interest to your electrician.
Must the unit be outside as is necessary with gas generators?
No!!! Inside houses or vehicles is perfectly safe. (Minimal airflow is suggested for cooling.) And remember - a SUNRNR makes no noise!
System planning? Location, distance, tilt/mount?
Planning your system is recommended. The solar panel-to-unit charging cable is 30 ft long. If longer distance is required, a thicker cable is available at additional cost. We ship panels in "portable" configuration. They may stand alone while tilted to maximize sun exposure or are mountable according to code if desired.
Is there any maintenance required?
Besides ensuring the solar panels are clean and free of obstructions so that they make the most power, there is nothing to maintain - no oil changes, no checking battery cells, no refilling gas cans. However, to get the best life, we state that a unit needs to be turned off when not in use, charged when possible, and used on a fairly-regular basis (exercise the battery).
How far can my electrical devices be from the unit?
You may use extension cords, but as always, some power is lost with distance.
AC? DC?
The rechargeable battery in a SUNRNR accepts, recharges by, and can provide 12 V DC electricity. DC is then converted by an inverter to AC. Most of the electrical devices in the US you would choose to run will be AC and plug straight into the inverter just like into a wall socket at your home. A 12 V DC socket is available for powering various devices that use "cigarette lighter" plugs. A link cable is also available to power 12 V DC appliances like certain well pumps or refrigerators directly from the battery. This plug and cable are also used to link units together to expand the system. Units (any model) may be linked to share their collective stored energy. This also allows for more energy generation with additional solar panels.
What if I need a pure sine wave inverter?
Special orders? No problem, except to your checkbook (pure sine is pricey).
Can a SUNRNR run 220 V AC devices like are common outside the US?
Yes, we offer the SUN220 with a 220 V AC/50 Hz inverter. Please visit the Specifications and Products/Pricing pages for details. This model is not to be confused with the SUN240 which is similar in voltage, but produces electricity at 60Hz, an input power required by certain US equipment such as well pumps.
What if it is cloudy or dark?
Charging is possible through clouds or any light source, although at possibly a much lower rate. The unit may also be charged by other 12 V DC supplies such as a wind turbine or small microhydro water turbine unit (AUX plug accessory required) or from the grid with our conventional battery charger accessory. We also offer a stationary bicycle stand generator. See the Products/Pricing or Links/Resources pages for additional information.
How long in bright sunshine would it take to charge a fully-discharged SUNRNR?
The included solar panel charges at 135 W/hr and can be supplemented by an extra panel to double the charge rate, therefore charging in under 12 hours. We recommend charging the battery when possible or while in use. The AGM battery prefers to be charged at a rate about 10% of it's capacity, so if another brand of solar generator seems to charge faster, it really just has less to charge or is shortening the life of the battery. In some locations such as Northern US climates with less sunshine, a third solar panel may be added to the system. It would, however, be using the AUX portal bypassing the charge controller, so the owner oversees charging.
Can I use a SUNRNR in any weather?
The solar panel is weatherproof, but the SUNRNR itself should only be operated when it is protected from the elements and dry. Unlike gas generators, it is safe to use inside.
What is the expected rechargeable battery life?
The AGM battery manufacturer quotes a five-year life, but regular usage may increase that to seven years. It is replaceable by an authorized SUNRNR Service Center. Opening the unit voids the warranty and risks personal injury.
What does AGM mean?
An AGM (absorbed glass mat) is a deep-cycle battery with no charging memory, which allows for longer battery life and the ability to recharge at any state of discharge. More about AGMs here. (Remember, we make a Li-Ion battery model which costs a lot more and weighs a lot less, but has a 20+ year lifetime!)
Please comment on effects of solar flares and/or EMPs.
Again, product manufacturers, not current rocket scientists, but it looks like flares would degrade a PV panels efficiency by possibly 5% per event while the unit would not be effected (NOT connected to grid or in use). (See SKY-Feb2011 for interesting article on possibly-eminent flares and the effect on our grid.) For an EMP, hopefully the equipment was not in line of sight or was well-shielded since diodes and solid-state parts might be damaged. Please comment on our blog w/comments, corrections, etc.
Do you have distributors or do I have to buy direct?
Thinking about buying? We are actively expanding our distributorship and dealership network, updating the website accordingly. Buying from a dealer or distributor instead of directly from us could very well decrease your cost. A locator map with contact information is available on the Distributors page. Also, visit the SUNRNR Events page to see if we might be exhibiting at a tradeshow near you. If interested in becoming a distributor or dealer, please sign up/register on our Home page or Distributors/Dealers page to request information.
How can I calculate estimated shipping costs?
Please visit Shipping/Freight. As we expand into exporting, we are finding international shipping to cost roughly $500 per unit. That starts decreasing with more than 20 units shipped together.
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These are complicated questions because they involve your usage requirements. Please visit the What Will A SUNRNR Run? page under Uses/Applications for various examples involving refrigerators, lights, etc (right-brain) or the Specifications and Energy Req Worksheet pages for a more technical, DIY approach (left-brain). Or visit the new page, Continuous Usage Table (aka "How many do I need?" table), for an estimate of what average load you could run consistently using one SUNRNR and two panels.
As my solar backup emergency generator, how long a power outage will a fully-charged SUNRNR get me through?
You can see examples and get a more definite answer by visiting the pages listed in the question above. Just like you can run out of gas, it is possible to run out of stored sunshine temporarily, so conservation and understanding consumption is key. As with any battery, its run time before recharging is dependent on its usage load. Being aware of what you want to run and how much power those items take will determine length of time. A SUNRNR's inverter will certainly power a refrigerator, but opening the door frequently will adversely affect days available (it also helps to disable frost-free feature). 2000 Whrs is the equivalent of a traditional 60 W light bulb turned on for 33 hours (unrealistic, but tangible example), so using low-wattage CFL or LED lighting and EnergyStar devices will increase the number of days without grid power a SUNRNR will support. And even if you deplete the stored energy, you would always have the real-time solar backup of over 200 W/hr to use while the sun is shining.
How is a SUNRNR different from the ever-increasing number of solar options available?
A few other products seem similar at first glance, but the difference is in the numbers and more thoroughly explained on Why SUNRNR?. SUNRNRs are not meant to compete with permanent residential grid-tie installations, megaWatt trailered systems, scary do-it-yourself kits, low-power inverter/battery units, or hand held, limited-capacity, real-time sunshine supplies. They are unique in that they were designed to house all the necessary components of an industrial-strength power system within a rugged, easy-to-operate, safety-minded, self-contained enclosure, yet remain portable. A SUNRNR is an excellent off grid, solar backup, or supplemental power supply.
Is there a warranty?
A SUNRNR comes with a limited one year warranty which covers material defects and workmanship.
What is meant by "grid-tie"?
The word "grid-tie" is often misused. One meaning has to do with feeding back to the grid when the panels are generating more than is being used. The other is related to a transfer or cut-off switch that would enable generator power to be fed to an existing electrical panel for export through existing wiring. Read on ...
Can I tie my SUNRNR into my grid?
This question has two answers based on the definition of "grid-tie" being used. SUNRNRs were designed as stand-alone systems to be used independently of the grid. However, we are in R&D regarding both grid-tie definitions since it's probably our #2 FAQ. Currently, we ask that you discuss your options with a certified electrician since it is EXTREMELY important that a master disconnect be used to ensure a unit's electricity would not backfeed and endanger the poor power utility lineman out there in an ice storm working to restore your power during an outage!! Some SUN240 owners have had a certified electrician rewire the electrical panel end of their water pump, adding a plug. This allows for manually disconnecting the water pump from the grid and manually plugging it into the SUN240. This document regarding the AIMS inverter used in SUN240s may also be of interest to your electrician.
Must the unit be outside as is necessary with gas generators?
No!!! Inside houses or vehicles is perfectly safe. (Minimal airflow is suggested for cooling.) And remember - a SUNRNR makes no noise!
System planning? Location, distance, tilt/mount?
Planning your system is recommended. The solar panel-to-unit charging cable is 30 ft long. If longer distance is required, a thicker cable is available at additional cost. We ship panels in "portable" configuration. They may stand alone while tilted to maximize sun exposure or are mountable according to code if desired.
Is there any maintenance required?
Besides ensuring the solar panels are clean and free of obstructions so that they make the most power, there is nothing to maintain - no oil changes, no checking battery cells, no refilling gas cans. However, to get the best life, we state that a unit needs to be turned off when not in use, charged when possible, and used on a fairly-regular basis (exercise the battery).
How far can my electrical devices be from the unit?
You may use extension cords, but as always, some power is lost with distance.
AC? DC?
The rechargeable battery in a SUNRNR accepts, recharges by, and can provide 12 V DC electricity. DC is then converted by an inverter to AC. Most of the electrical devices in the US you would choose to run will be AC and plug straight into the inverter just like into a wall socket at your home. A 12 V DC socket is available for powering various devices that use "cigarette lighter" plugs. A link cable is also available to power 12 V DC appliances like certain well pumps or refrigerators directly from the battery. This plug and cable are also used to link units together to expand the system. Units (any model) may be linked to share their collective stored energy. This also allows for more energy generation with additional solar panels.
What if I need a pure sine wave inverter?
Special orders? No problem, except to your checkbook (pure sine is pricey).
Can a SUNRNR run 220 V AC devices like are common outside the US?
Yes, we offer the SUN220 with a 220 V AC/50 Hz inverter. Please visit the Specifications and Products/Pricing pages for details. This model is not to be confused with the SUN240 which is similar in voltage, but produces electricity at 60Hz, an input power required by certain US equipment such as well pumps.
What if it is cloudy or dark?
Charging is possible through clouds or any light source, although at possibly a much lower rate. The unit may also be charged by other 12 V DC supplies such as a wind turbine or small microhydro water turbine unit (AUX plug accessory required) or from the grid with our conventional battery charger accessory. We also offer a stationary bicycle stand generator. See the Products/Pricing or Links/Resources pages for additional information.
How long in bright sunshine would it take to charge a fully-discharged SUNRNR?
The included solar panel charges at 135 W/hr and can be supplemented by an extra panel to double the charge rate, therefore charging in under 12 hours. We recommend charging the battery when possible or while in use. The AGM battery prefers to be charged at a rate about 10% of it's capacity, so if another brand of solar generator seems to charge faster, it really just has less to charge or is shortening the life of the battery. In some locations such as Northern US climates with less sunshine, a third solar panel may be added to the system. It would, however, be using the AUX portal bypassing the charge controller, so the owner oversees charging.
Can I use a SUNRNR in any weather?
The solar panel is weatherproof, but the SUNRNR itself should only be operated when it is protected from the elements and dry. Unlike gas generators, it is safe to use inside.
What is the expected rechargeable battery life?
The AGM battery manufacturer quotes a five-year life, but regular usage may increase that to seven years. It is replaceable by an authorized SUNRNR Service Center. Opening the unit voids the warranty and risks personal injury.
What does AGM mean?
An AGM (absorbed glass mat) is a deep-cycle battery with no charging memory, which allows for longer battery life and the ability to recharge at any state of discharge. More about AGMs here. (Remember, we make a Li-Ion battery model which costs a lot more and weighs a lot less, but has a 20+ year lifetime!)
Please comment on effects of solar flares and/or EMPs.
Again, product manufacturers, not current rocket scientists, but it looks like flares would degrade a PV panels efficiency by possibly 5% per event while the unit would not be effected (NOT connected to grid or in use). (See SKY-Feb2011 for interesting article on possibly-eminent flares and the effect on our grid.) For an EMP, hopefully the equipment was not in line of sight or was well-shielded since diodes and solid-state parts might be damaged. Please comment on our blog w/comments, corrections, etc.
Do you have distributors or do I have to buy direct?
Thinking about buying? We are actively expanding our distributorship and dealership network, updating the website accordingly. Buying from a dealer or distributor instead of directly from us could very well decrease your cost. A locator map with contact information is available on the Distributors page. Also, visit the SUNRNR Events page to see if we might be exhibiting at a tradeshow near you. If interested in becoming a distributor or dealer, please sign up/register on our Home page or Distributors/Dealers page to request information.
How can I calculate estimated shipping costs?
Please visit Shipping/Freight. As we expand into exporting, we are finding international shipping to cost roughly $500 per unit. That starts decreasing with more than 20 units shipped together.
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