SolPad: Is this the game changing solar product?

September 22, 2016
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
SolPad's design uses a breakthrough unibody enclosure that houses solar power generation, energy storage and communication together as one fully integrated product.

A US-based start-up SunCulture Solar has come out of stealth mode and launched a potentially game-changing fully-integrated residential and off-grid solar system that really is ‘plug and play.’

‘SolPad’ combines multiple patented technologies into a single device, including breakthrough solid-state battery technology, an innovative inverter system and intelligent software to enable complete energy management of a residential home.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

A new PV Tech product review can be read here but a video link here or watch below is probably the best way to get to grips with what SunCulture Solar has achieved as there has simply never been a product like this to hit the market…not even close. 

Part of the reason why I say this is that on my brief summer vacation in San Francisco, ahead of Intersolar North America in July, I was invited to meet the people behind SunCulture Solar, such as Christopher Estes, CEO and Chief Product Architect. 

I found out that I was the only journalist that been invited to see and play with the portable SolPad product offering and have since struggled to fully explain to myself what these products mean to the solar industry and how many applications the portable SolPad has?

SolPad has two universal outlets that output grid-quality, pure sine wave AC power. It includes three fast-charging USB ports that provide unlimited smartphone charging when in direct sunlight.

Hence why I suggest watching the video first as there is a lot of technology, features and design elements unique to these products to get your head around first. To be honest I watched the video several times and although well aware of what it does remains amazing to behold. 

Like all good start-ups and things like the ‘valley of death’ which entailed bringing a great design into volume manufacturing with lots of money and burning through that money before getting established do spring to mind but as a fabless company that should be averted. 

SunCulture Solar has the potential to be a game changer, the technology is disruptive and the design of both products simply sublime. Hats of to Christopher and the impressive team and let us see what happens next. 

Read Next

February 10, 2026
Boviet Solar has affirmed its commitment to US solar PV manufacturing despite plans by its parent company to divest its ownership.
February 9, 2026
The US federal government has withdrawn its appeal against a US Court of International Trade (CIT) ruling to retroactively collect two years of tariffs on imported solar panels.
February 9, 2026
Solar manufacturer United Solar has launched a polysilicon manufacturing facility in Oman, adding 100,000 metric tons of annual production capacity.
February 6, 2026
Chinese solar PV manufacturer Aiko Solar will license a raft of solar cell technology patents from Singapore-based manufacturer Maxeon.
February 6, 2026
Lithuanian independent power producer (IPP) Green Genius has commenced operations of its 120.8MW solar project in Jekabpils region, Latvia.
February 6, 2026
The Australian government has launched a formal inquiry into the reuse and recycling of solar modules across the country.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
February 18, 2026
9am PST / 5pm GMT
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA