SunCase 3651 in Hurricane Helene response in North Carolina-Communications

The Footprint Project is an NGO that focuses on deploying clean energy after disasters. It deployed 40 SunCase 3651s amongst a variety of NUE products in North Carolina in the immediate response to Hurricane Helene. The following case study is based on interviews with North Carolina volunteers who had never heard of NUE or the SunCase before they volunteered to help Footprint. This case study focuses on communications deployments.

Scenario 1

In a disaster response role, their first primary use was for communications. Set up with donated glass panels to run Starlinks, lights, laptops, and charge mobile devices at community hubs. Communicating with family outside of affected areas is critical for those affected by a Hurricane because it starts the road to recovery mentally. Allowing individuals to charge phones and use Wifi is more important than it sounds.

Scenario 2

One Footprint volunteer that needed constant communications as they traveled through North Carolina ran a V3 Starlink out of their car for two weeks off of a SunCase 3651. The V3 Starlink is a very small load that dips down to 40W. With occasional PV charging when stopped, the unit never went below 80%.

SunCase 3651 Product in Brief.

A large “two-person carry” solar generator capable of running any 120V or 48V appliance. Rugged 3600W/ 5120Wh unit with a built-in inverter/charger capable of accepting up to 1700W/170V DC of PV input. Includes 1650W of built-in AC charging standard.

What stands out according to user feedback?

• The storage capacity makes the device dependable in critical situations like for individuals who need to run a CPAP AND oxygenator. You can run multiple devices for extended periods of time or even heavier loads that smaller power stations can’t handle.
• The SunCase 3651 is convenient. It’s easy to use and easy to store. It’s easy to hand to novices and non-technical individuals. The wheels and sturdy handles allow this heavy battery to be rolled around.
• The Screen is small and tough. While consumer models with fancier displays may look nice on the outside, they break completely if the screen is cracked. Big screens make for easy targets for moisture and rocks making them unsuitable for field use.
• The SunCase 3651 can charge quickly both from PV or generators which allows for further flexibility in the field.