Portable Solar came to Herbst with a grant from the US government to make solar energy more attainable for everyone. Under the current system, only a fraction of the population can afford a full roof-top solar installation which involves homeownership, labor costs, and maintenance. While it's great for our planet each time someone is able to cut down on their power usage, the average citizen of mid-range to low income would benefit from solar energy cost savings even more. Here lies the crux of the solar equity problem. How can we eliminate installation barriers to make the sun accessible for all?
"The new technology could potentially generate savings of 30-40% in residential electric costs." - SBIR.gov
The average solar installation costs between $18-20k and it can take up to 15 years for a homeowner to break even on installation costs. This is certainly out of reach for most American households, even though all would benefit from the use of solar energy.
Though rooftop installations are certainly out of the way, they are not possible for renters, people on the ground floor of apartment buildings, or houses shaded by trees. Herbst built a customizable solution that can be placed anywhere on the ground to soak up the most optimal sun with a quick, lower cost solution.
Using the Level modular system anyone can find a sunny spot in their area, fill up the ballast tank with water to keep the panel from blowing away, and set it up at the angle that matches their solar zone. Hook multiple panels together for maximum power. When you move, simply drain the water and take the panel with you.
