Prototype Testing in Spain

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 15:35:11 GMT

3 min read

Launching a product isn't just about having great ideas; it's about making sure those ideas actually fly! But let's be real, endless meetings, discussions, and more meetings can feel like a never-ending maze. Trust me, been there, done that, got the 'wasted time' t-shirt.

Here's the hack: skip the talkathon, get the basics, and dive in yourself. That's the secret sauce to getting things moving.

So, we hustled and found our dream team: think batteries, quality solar panels, and an electronics whiz. And guess what? Fate smiled upon us and dropped the perfect engineer right around the corner in Park Royal. Talk about a game changer!

With our crew and gear all set, we embarked on the wild ride of designing our first bit of tech and after a whirlwind of months, voila! We had a prototype, it was finally showtime. Testing mode: activated.

In Search of some Sun

February in the UK, more rain than sun...

Waiting till April for decent weather? Nah, not going to happen. We needed real data, pronto.

So, where do a bunch of sun-chasers head for testing that’s close to the UK and cheap to get to? Spain, baby! Talk about a tough gig, right? But hey, fate waved its wand again, and behold, a good friend, Rasa from Lithuania, just bought a spot in Costa Brava with a roof terrace, Perfecto! Cue the thank you, gifts, and promises of future goodies for her space.

Now, imagine us hauling batteries and high tech gear through airports. Trust me, we looked like we were building some sci-fi gadget in our suitcases! We were half expecting a full interrogation, but smooth sailing and we got through customs no problem! Losing our gear would've been a major issue and delayed everything for months. But we made it, unpacked, and the stage was set for some serious tinkering and testing.

Torrevieja near Alicante

Getting the Data

Our rooftop lab was a hit, but we weren't settling for 'kinda-sorta' data. We wanted the real deal, no wishy-washy stuff. Clear, solid numbers were the name of the game.

Here's the setup: the method involved 2 different base units with different battery types for comparison, and 2 different solar panel sizes associated with each base setup for productivity comparisons. Both units had 4 battery packs each, and each battery pack needed to be tested individually throughout its charging duration. Armed with data sheets to fill out, we tested each battery pack on an hourly basis.

Brian and I couldn’t go anywhere, we were rooftop prisoners, taking it in turns to test through the system recording the data and making necessary observations, scribbling notes, and fine-tuning our setup.

Thank goodness for music and a few chilled beverages to jazz up our data collecting marathon. Amidst all the tinkering and drowning in figures, we managed a few icy dips in the pool and some seaside munchies, but mostly, it was all about that vital info hunt. Sunny Spain was living up to its reputation and kept those sunbeams coming.

Look out for our next blog to discover the results and what it meant~

Set up for testing

A Vision Takes Shape

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 13:59:16 GMT

3 min read

Welcome to SOLS Offgrid!

In this first of our blog posts, we're thrilled to take you behind the scenes, and shed light on our mission to help create more sustainable lifestyles in this world.

The journey begins with our founder, Marcus, a man with a diverse range of experiences in life. He is not your typical entrepreneur and has a variety of skill sets and qualifications, holding a degree in Marine Biology, an MSc in Coastal & Ocean Policy and is a qualified electrician. He was an avid guitar player back in the day, and in numerous bands, hitting the pinnacle of success when playing in battle of the bands at Plymouth University, claiming a close second to an about to skyrocket Muse! While these credentials might seem like an unusual combination, it's exactly this eclectic mix of life experiences that has shaped the vision for SOLS Offgrid.

From Diving to Sustainability

It was from around 2002 - 2009 that Marcus had a diving and wildlife excursions business in Panama, where he devoted seven years to guiding clients through the wonders of the underwater realm and uncharted islands. Panama's untamed and scenic landscapes helped fuel a passion for environmental preservation, and provided inspiration to consider practical ways to contribute meaningfully. In a world witnessing rapid population growth, untouched, offgrid locations of beauty are bound to attract the next generation of explorers, escapists, and thrill seekers, in search of the ultimate destination. These adventurers will undoubtedly come armed with an array of battery powered electronic devices and for an array of reasons. It's imperative that such journeys are enabled without leaving a lasting impact on these delicate ecosystems, and so too begs the question, how do you keep all these tech devices charged when you're off the grid for a meaningful amount of time? You can’t carry an unlimited supply of battery power, or can you?

Off-grid living is a way of life for many in Panama, and Marcus encountered a pressing need for solar lighting and power solutions. Seeing the practical challenges that people faced, and most importantly, the lack of effective solutions to meet these challenges, provided the context in which the seeds of SOLS Offgrid were sown. A real life response to these real world needs.

Diving in Boca Chica, Panama Pacific Coast

A Practical Insight into Solar Lighting

Arriving back in the UK, Marcus spent 2 years training and qualifying as an electrician before heading out on his own as a sole trader. It didn’t take long for him to build up a large client base around London, undertaking a diverse range of jobs from full rewires of houses and restaurants in central London, to garden installations and lighting. It quickly became evident that there was a demand for quality solar garden lighting, as it was frequently asked for by clients. This proved to be an invaluable insight into the world of solar garden lighting as he understood what people wanted and the common frustrations clients experienced with existing products. This too became a driving force behind SOLS Offgrid’s commitment to quality and innovation.

62e98b32

Prototype Testing in Spain

In Search of some Sun

Getting the Data

A Vision Takes Shape

From Diving to Sustainability

A Practical Insight into Solar Lighting