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 connectors, either 110 V or 220 V AC plug outlets, and the quick connect plug and cable if you choose to expand the system with the new power module. The user's manual provided with each unit describes the simplicity of operating and recharging.
A SUNRNR provides electricity whether or not the panels or turbine are connected because it stores energy in a rechargeable battery. The battery may be charging while the unit is off or while in use to extend run time. 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 connectors, either 110 V or 220 V AC plug outlets, and the quick connect plug and cable if you choose to expand the system with the new power module. The user's manual provided with each unit describes the simplicity of operating and recharging.
A SUNRNR provides electricity whether or not the panels or turbine are connected because it stores energy in a rechargeable battery. The battery may be charging while the unit is off or while in use to extend run time. 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.
Most Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can a SUNRNR run my house? and How long and how much will it run?
As a 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?
Must the unit be outside like is necessary with gas generators?
How far can the unit be from the solar panels when connected?
How far can my electrical devices be from the unit?
If it is cloudy or dark, are there other ways to charge a SUNRNR?
AC? DC?
How long in bright sunshine would it take to charge a fully-discharged SUNRNR?
Can I use a SUNRNR in any weather?
Can a SUNRNR run 220 V AC devices like are common outside the US?
What is the expected rechargeable battery life?
Is there a warranty?
Do you have distributors or do I have to buy direct?
Can a SUNRNR run my house? and How long and how much will it run?
As a 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?
Must the unit be outside like is necessary with gas generators?
How far can the unit be from the solar panels when connected?
How far can my electrical devices be from the unit?
If it is cloudy or dark, are there other ways to charge a SUNRNR?
AC? DC?
How long in bright sunshine would it take to charge a fully-discharged SUNRNR?
Can I use a SUNRNR in any weather?
Can a SUNRNR run 220 V AC devices like are common outside the US?
What is the expected rechargeable battery life?
Is there a warranty?
Do you have distributors or do I have to buy direct?
Can a SUNRNR run my house? and How long and how much 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).
As a backup emergency generator, how long a power outage will a fully-charged SUNRNR get me through?
You can 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 though the grid might be down, you may have sun or wind adding watts as you use them.
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 or backup emergency power system installations, megaWatt trailered systems, scary do-it-yourself kits, 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 supplemental power supply to decrease your utility bill and should soon be available in a grid-tie model.
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!
How far can the unit be from the solar panels when connected?
The solar panel-to-unit charging cable is 30 ft long. We can sell you a longer one, but you may notice input amperage loss.
How far can my electrical devices be from the unit?
You may use extension cords, but as always, some power is lost with distance.
If it is cloudy or dark, are there other ways to charge a SUNRNR?
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 a conventional battery charger (maximum of 30 amps)(sold separately). We've also found a stationary bicycle and small microhydro unit that we promote (plug adapter required). See the Products/Pricing page for more details.
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.
How long in bright sunshine would it take to charge a fully-discharged SUNRNR?
The included panel charges at 130 W/hr and can be supplemented by one or two extra solar panels to double/triple the charge rate, therefore charging in under 12 hours. We recommend charging the battery when possible or while in use.
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.
Can a SUNRNR run 220 V AC devices like are common outside the US?
Yes, we produce a model with a 220 V AC/50 Hz inverter. Please visit the Specifications and Products/Pricing pages for details.
What is the expected rechargeable battery life?
The AGM battery manufacturer quotes a five-year life. It is replaceable by an authorized SUNRNR Service Center. Opening the unit voids the warranty and risks personal injury. 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. (Remember, we make a Li-Ion battery model which costs a lot more and weighs a lot less, but has a 20+ year lifetime!)
Is there a warranty?
A SUNRNR comes with a limited one year warranty which covers material defects and workmanship.
Do you have distributors or do I have to buy direct?
We are actively expanding our distributorship and dealership network and will update the website accordingly. Buying from a distributor instead of directly from us could be a benefit in reducing shipping and overall costs as the units are quite heavy and distributors will set their own prices. If interested in finding or becoming a distributor, please visit the Distributors page or register on our Home page to request information.
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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).
As a backup emergency generator, how long a power outage will a fully-charged SUNRNR get me through?
You can 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 though the grid might be down, you may have sun or wind adding watts as you use them.
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 or backup emergency power system installations, megaWatt trailered systems, scary do-it-yourself kits, 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 supplemental power supply to decrease your utility bill and should soon be available in a grid-tie model.
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!
How far can the unit be from the solar panels when connected?
The solar panel-to-unit charging cable is 30 ft long. We can sell you a longer one, but you may notice input amperage loss.
How far can my electrical devices be from the unit?
You may use extension cords, but as always, some power is lost with distance.
If it is cloudy or dark, are there other ways to charge a SUNRNR?
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 a conventional battery charger (maximum of 30 amps)(sold separately). We've also found a stationary bicycle and small microhydro unit that we promote (plug adapter required). See the Products/Pricing page for more details.
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.
How long in bright sunshine would it take to charge a fully-discharged SUNRNR?
The included panel charges at 130 W/hr and can be supplemented by one or two extra solar panels to double/triple the charge rate, therefore charging in under 12 hours. We recommend charging the battery when possible or while in use.
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.
Can a SUNRNR run 220 V AC devices like are common outside the US?
Yes, we produce a model with a 220 V AC/50 Hz inverter. Please visit the Specifications and Products/Pricing pages for details.
What is the expected rechargeable battery life?
The AGM battery manufacturer quotes a five-year life. It is replaceable by an authorized SUNRNR Service Center. Opening the unit voids the warranty and risks personal injury. 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. (Remember, we make a Li-Ion battery model which costs a lot more and weighs a lot less, but has a 20+ year lifetime!)
Is there a warranty?
A SUNRNR comes with a limited one year warranty which covers material defects and workmanship.
Do you have distributors or do I have to buy direct?
We are actively expanding our distributorship and dealership network and will update the website accordingly. Buying from a distributor instead of directly from us could be a benefit in reducing shipping and overall costs as the units are quite heavy and distributors will set their own prices. If interested in finding or becoming a distributor, please visit the Distributors page or register on our Home page to request information.
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