Space Saver Solar Stik Gives Boats Extra Juice
Hey, sailor, got a light? In Brian Bosley’s case, he needed a light and power to take his small boat around the world. But as anyone who has a boat knows, space is at a premium on vessels. So Bosley, an inventor with a background in aviation, along with some fellow sailors, made solar power portable.
The Solar Stik was born in Key West during the winter of 1997-98 out of necessity. Three small boats, including Bosley’s, were in need of a power generating system that could supply enough energy for fridges, long-range communications and lights. The original design used a free-standing system and after several thousands of voyaging miles testing the system, the original inventors, who put the first units together late at night, were surprised at how well their make-shift on-the-go solar system worked.
A tripod was added on and more tests were done. Eventually the design developed as more components were added. The solar panel lifting arms have three attachment points that act as a lateral stabilizing mechanism, preventing damage during rough seas or high winds. Once the system mount is secured, it can be left outside indefinitely. It takes just minutes to set up and the system can be easily disassembled for transport and to power down when storms arrive.
The military has already taken notice of the usefulness of the Solar Stik in certain regions where power may be off-the-grid and some local governments have purchased the units as part of their emergency response plans. Prices for the units start at $150 for marine systems and go up to $350 for its most high-tech units.
Via Solar Stik, First Coast News