SolarContainer: A foldable mini power plant

Ready in two hours to start producing electricity

Ready in two hours to start producing electricity

Looking like a shipping container at first, this foldable mini power plant that features a solar array can generate up to 50kW of power, guaranteeing a grid-independent electricity supply. It is developed by the German firm Multicon that specializes in mobile off-grid solutions since 2010. It consists of a turnkey solar system, including an energy management system and a battery, all fitting inside a 20-foot container. When on site, a crew of 4 people pulls out the panel frames and within two hours the solar modules are ready for use, while the container keeps them safe from hazards like sandstorms, storms and vandalism.

Each container has a capacity of up to 84 kWp and stores up to 100 kWh of solar power, however multiple containers can be interconnected in order to cover greater power needs. The containers are equipped with high-power and durable solar modules from the company Aleo Solar, which have an efficiency value of up to than 18.3%. This is due to the special cell connectors (LHS = light harvesting string), the anti-reflection coated front glass and a highly transparent EVA film that enables more light to reach the cells.

Each new SolarContainer takes about a month to be constructed, and it can then be easily transported on a four-wheel truck. The company promotes it as ideal for hospitals or refugee camps, and has already run projects in African villages. The German armed forces have also purchased such mobile solar containers to replace their diesel generators.

Additionally, the timing is great for Multicon, as EU has recently decided to support Africa’s renewable energy development and SolarContainer seems perfectly suited for the task. The company was also awarded the prestigious Energy Globe Award 2016 (in a field of over 2,000 competitors) at the UN Climate Conference in Marrakech last November.