As SUNRNR
celebrates its 10-year anniversary providing high-quality, portable solar
generators throughout the United States and around the world, we talked to
their team about what has kept them in business all these years and their
exciting plans for the future. (See Part 1 of the story HERE.)
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| Scott and Jenny demonstrate a SUNRNR |
After nearly five
years of research, development, and field-testing, it was time to bring the
SUNRNR original portable solar generator to the public. For Phase 2 of the
project, Alan would need a team. In 2008, Jenny and Scott French joined SUNRNR.
With backgrounds in engineering (Jenny) and business (Scott), the duo began the
challenging process of marketing, selling, and distributing a brand-new product
from an industry still not well understood by the general public.
What about SUNRNR
inspired you to get involved?
Jenny: We
believed in the product and trusted Alan – he is a genius in the world of
power.
Explain the
manufacturing process:
Scott: The
learning curve was huge - we were a little naïve in the beginning. Jenny and I
spent much time getting a better understanding of the product and all its
applications and we participated in assembly while buying and documenting the
parts involved. I talk to every customer and/or their dealer and we have had
our ears to the ground as to further development of the product according to
what customers are looking for.
Why has the
SUNRNR been around for 10 years?
Jenny: We have
seen other products come and go over the last five years. Many entered, but few
are getting past "shake-out" or they are not in the same class as
SUNRNR. Our product is an investment - the best of class available and a level
above the competition in quality, reliability, design, and system
specifications. Scott: Simply put, the
SUNRNR is the best
watts per dollar product available.
Jenny: We also spend a lot of time on customer
support - many of our recent sales have been repeat customers adding on to
their systems. We’ve never had a customer return a SUNRNR. We would rather not make a sale than have an
unsatisfied or over-expectant customer.
How can SUNRNR
act as an “entry level solar system” for homeowners?
Scott: The SUNRNR
is a generation/storage/output system for electricity. It gathers solar (or
wind) energy and stores it to be used at any time – even at night. Because it
is small-scale and transportable, it is a convenient and affordable way to add
renewable energy to your home and begin reducing energy costs and reliance on
the grid. The versatility and expandability of the system make a SUNRNR an
excellent way for homeowners to get started without the expense of a major
installation.
What are some of
the unique uses SUNRNR customers have discovered?
Jenny: The majority use them to offset daily grid
usage while awaiting a backup power role, but people use them on farms, in
greenhouses, for well pumps, cabins, and on construction sites. We’ve had customers
from colleges, music festivals, camps and many, many more. James Madison
University Wind Center is currently using a small prototype as an electric bike
charging station.
Explain why
SUNRNR is called the “Cadillac of portable solar generators”
Scott: I think of
it more as the “pickup truck of solar generators.” It’s made for anybody. Yes,
high-line in quality and some might say cost, but Audi in construction, Tesla
in eco-friendliness, Subaru in durability, Jeep in capability, and Model T in
simplicity yet effectiveness.
What has been the
best part about being involved with SUNRNR?
Jenny: The people
we meet. They are diverse – capable, educated either in life or in school, and
sometimes wonderfully wacky. Always interesting.
What is in the
future for SUNRNR?
Jenny: Now that
SUNRNRs are proven, we are in our next phase - we understand more about the
market and will incorporate what we’ve learned. Certain related technologies
such as battery storage are changing quickly.
We also feel the product has great potential internationally and are
looking to increase sales in countries where residents could benefit from a
system like this. A useful yellow box in
every house, garage, pickup truck, or outbuilding!
Interview by Jenna Clarke
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