The Ark by Disconnected Energy is a personal energy generator designed to offer off-grid power to everyone, all you need is a place to site the included solar panels and the rest is plug and play, no need for electrical knowledge just follow the guide included and you'll have mains power generated by the sun all year round, specifically built for the UK climate.
This version of the Ark is a little different. Whilst it remains off-grid there are some aspects that will require professional installation. Here’s an example of a typical one bed 'tiny' house. It’s assumed that most things will be turned off at night, no electrical heating (disconnected energy are working on a diesel powered heating system which will be available soon) and the average power usage is 3 - 4kWh a day.
- Laptop/PC
- TV/LED projector
- Audio such as sound bar or stereo
- Internet router
- Capsule coffee machine/Kettle
- Toaster
- Small fridge freezer
- Lighting
- Phone and USB charging
- Gas/oil boiler/diesel heater (Power only)
- Microwave
- Air fryer
- Induction/halogen hob
- Slow cooker
- Rice cooker
- Fans
The solar array consists of 10 panels at 4.7kW and covering 20m².
The Ark living edition comes complete with everything you need to get started.
- The Ark plus additional battery pack
- 10x 470W solar panels
- 10x felt roof mounts with adhesive
- 30m of solar cabling plus connectors
- Basic low voltage lighting set which includes 16x spot lights, light switch and 40m of cabling
- Easy installation guide
- Quick start guide
- The full manual is a PDF download from this site
Professional installation required.
- Battery capacity: 14kWh
- Battery chemistry: LiFePO4 280Ah cells, nominal 48V system.
- Solar: 4.7kW (10x 470W panels)
- Solar dimensions: 20sqm
- Solar mount: Felt roof, ground mount and tile options
- Mains power output (kitchen): 6kW with peak handling of 12kW
- Mains power output (Living space): 3kW with peak handling of 6kW
- Low voltage: Heating, inside lights, outside lights, PIR lights
- Protection: Primary and secondary protection for battery over charge and over discharge. Heat mat to boost cold weather charging efficiency.
- Noise: Very low, all fans have been chosen with quiet in mind
- Intelligent, simple to use touch interface, Battery Optimiser Board (BOB)
- Mains charging: 16A charger available
- Furniture dimensions: 58cm x 76cm x 73cm
- Weight of the Ark: 115Kg
- Professional installation: Required
- Life expectancy: 10 years minimum, estimated 25+ years in reality
- The solar panels are chosen to run the Ark all year round so in the summer they will probably generate more energy than you can use which is why air con becomes a possibility.
- Running from your own power source means your house will be immune to power cuts giving you an extremely high-power uninterruptable power supply (UPS).
- The cost of connecting to the grid by a professional can be considerable for a pop-up style house. The Ark eliminates the need for that installation.
- Long spells of thick winter cloud cover may require some energy conservation on the users part.
- Gas or oil hot water/heating is assumed.