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

Premium
January 30, 2026
In an interview with PV Tech Premium, two UNSW researchers emphasise the need for enhanced UV testing for TOPCon solar cells.
January 29, 2026
PV module defects are increasing as manufacturers struggle to achieve consistent quality through robust bill-of-material and process controls.
Premium
January 26, 2026
The removal of a tax rebate for Chinese PV exports is set to drive up module prices as overseas buyers rush to secure lower-priced products.
January 26, 2026
EliTe Solar has commissioned its 5GW PV manufacturing facility in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) in Egypt.
January 23, 2026
Suzhou Maxwell Technologies has secured a certified power conversion efficiency of 32.38% for a perovskite/silicon heterojunction (SHJ) tandem solar cell.
January 22, 2026
Indian rooftop solar provider Fujiyama Power has announced plans to commission its 1GW solar cell manufacturing plant in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
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