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Direct Drive Appliances
Most appliances require alternating current (AC) power that is supplied by the grid. Direct drive appliances are powered by direct current produced by photovoltaic panels when the sun shines. Appliances are used during the day, while non-electric storage provides services at night.
Direct drive appliances are not as widely available as AC appliances, but the options are expanding as this method grows in popularity. The following products are available for purchase through us or other suppliers.
- Water pumps are the most developed market for direct drive. Because there are so many options, we generally do not keep water pumps in stock (with the exception of this multistage centrifugal booster pump). However, we can help you find the right pump for your water system through our consultation services. You can also learn about water system design and pump sourcing here.
- Refrigerators. As far as we know, LEL sells the only direct drive refrigerator currently available in the US. It is made by SunStar in Indiana.
- Insulated solar electric cookers. Handmade at Living Energy Farm, the Roxy Oven is the most versatile and easy to use solar cooker on the market. (We should know, we’ve tried them all.)
- Here’s a list of direct drive pumps, ventilation fans, and air conditioners available through other suppliers.
In addition to these appliances made for direct drive, many appliances made for 120VAC – including kitchen gadgets, tools, vacuum cleaners, ebike chargers and more- may be modified to be compatible with direct drive. Contact our consultation services to learn more about converting appliances you already have.
12V Battery Kits
With heavy loads running direct drive, a much smaller battery set is needed for appliances which require battery power. For lights, fans, phones, televisions, laptop computers, and other electronics we recommend one of our 12V DC battery kits. Our nickel iron battery kits can last 40 years or more if maintained properly. These kits will run any 12VDC appliance that uses a cigarette lighter plug. We build the boxes and wire our Iron Sun kits at Living Energy Farm. The batteries are made by ADS in Ukraine. Unfortunately we cannot ship these kits, so local pickup only.
We also stock 12VDC fans with durable brushless motors that are compatible with the Iron Sun kits.