Updated on January 5, 2024

·

Created on August 24, 2016

SolarTurtle Kiosk

Upcoming Update

A solar-powered charging station kiosk.

Developed By
  1. SolarTurtle
Tested By
  • Stellenbosch University
Content Partners
  1. Siemens | Stiftung

Author

Product Description

The SolarTurtle Kiosk is a micro-utility franchise solar battery charging station that fits into a locked container at night to prevent theft. The kiosk charges and rents out battery packs. The entrepreneur running the kiosk can sell electricity to institutions via a prepaid meter. The SolarTurtle Kiosk also offers other services such as prepaid airtime, ice and fridge space, internet facilities, as well as agricultural and water purification support.

Target SDGs

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 1: No Poverty

Market Suggested Retail Price

$35,619.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Community

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

The manufacturer is located in Cape Town, South Africa.

Competitive Landscape

Manufacturing/Building Method

This product is made to order by the manufacturer.

Intellectural Property Type

Trade Secret

User Provision Model

Still in prototype

Distributions to Date Status

4 installation done - 16kW deployed as of August 2017 email with representative

Power rating (W or kW)

4kW

Battery type

Solar battery charging station

Battery capacity (mAh)

With the 12 V battery, the 7 Ah system will provide 84 Wh, and the 40 Ah system will provide 480 Wh.

Grid compatibility (yes/no)

No

Description of mobility

Yes

Design Specifications

A solar battery charging station that fits into a 6 or 12 m shipping container, and produces 3 to 7 kW. The product can charge phones and laptops whilst offering an internet hotspot, and can (manually or automatically) securely fold its PV cells away from thieves.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Users must contact the manufacturer for system errors with the kiosk, however support is not provided for the battery packs as these can be easily fixed by the communities.

Replacement Components

The manufacturer claims little maintenance is required, however replacement parts are available from manufacturer.

Lifecycle

20 years

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The prototype product was targeted to charge three-hundred 12 V battery packs using the 3.6 kW system. Analysis of the 'book style' mounting of solar panels was conducted using the following three steps:

  1. Investigation of panel mount alternatives (including orientation solutions)
  2. Design and failure analysis of gates to mount panels
  3. Design and failure analysis of hinges.

Vetted Performance Status

Testing performed by Stellenbosch University analysed the 'book style' mounting of solar panels using the following three steps:

  1. Investigation of panel mount alternatives (including orientation solutions)
  2. Design and failure analysis of gates to mount panels
  3. Design and failure analysis of hinges
They concluded that a welded steel tube hinge arm could provide the support required.

Safety

As with any electrical system, safety precautions must be put in place to avoid electric shock.

Complementary Technical Systems

None

Academic Research and References

Van der Walt, R.J.; Van Niekerk, J.L.; Crewe-Brown, J.J.; Fairhurst, J., 2015, Design Considerations for SolarTurtle. Third Southern African Solar Energy Conference.

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Evaluation methods

Unknown

Other Information

Read and watch the Empowering People Award video to learn more

Leave a Reply

Explore similar solutions

Agriculture

February 3, 2024

Saja Kiosk

Read Solution

Implemented by

Saja

Agriculture

January 3, 2024

Azuri Duo Solar Home System

Read Solution

Implemented by

Azuri Technologies

Agriculture

December 31, 2023

Biolite Solar Home 620

Read Solution

Implemented by

BioLite

Agriculture

September 11, 2024

Compadre Coffee Roaster

Read Solution

Implemented by

Compadre

Agriculture

January 8, 2024

Lifeway Solar Poultry Incubator

Read Solution

Implemented by

Lifeway Solar

Agriculture

December 31, 2023

Devergy Solar Home System

Read Solution

Implemented by

Devergy

Agriculture

February 3, 2024

Parabolic Solar Cooker

Read Solution

Implemented by

Women Barefoot Solar Cooker Engineers Society

Agriculture

June 11, 2024

PlantVillage

Read Solution

Implemented by

David Hughes

Agriculture

January 4, 2024

Promethean Rapid Milk Chiller

Read Solution

Implemented by

Promethean

Agriculture

January 24, 2024

Qr6 Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Read Solution

Implemented by

VWT Power (QuietRevolution)

All Solutions

Contribute to E4C's Library of Breakthrough Sustainable Development Technology Solutions

Suggest A Solution

Get more information about Solutions Library and its features.

Learn More

Have thoughts on how we can improve?

Give Us Feedback

Join a global community of changemakers.

Become A Member