This affects energy usage and unit run time. The motor, and elimination of the associated gearbox, is one of three crucial elements of the SolarBee machine where energy consumption was greatly reduced, enabling the machine to very efficiently operate 24/7 on a minimal amount of energy – which translates to requiring less on-board PV panel capacity and less battery capacity. We found that the gearbox was consuming one half of the energy output of the motor. Eliminating the gearbox cut a huge energy demand out of the system, and at the same time eliminated one of the shortest-life components from the machine.

SolarBees are designed to run 24/7, not just during ideal conditions, but also during periods of time when solar energy is very marginal. Ample excess capacity built into the SolarBee system, coupled with sophisticated operating algorithms, ensures extended operation even in the worst of conditions. By our calculations the inefficiencies of traditional mixing equipment would require more than an 8X increase in solar panel capacity, electrical wire size, and battery capacity in order to provide the same level of reliable operation. SolarBee’s motor is proprietary, weighs 100 lbs, is engineered to be extremely efficient and has an expected life of 25 years with a warranty of 10 years.