September 5, 2005—Sandpiper Technologies, Inc., calls this a first: “This is the first time any company has rented a modern, methanol-powered fuel cell so clients can evaluate portable fuel cells or solve a critical but temporary power problem without purchasing a system,” says CEO John Christensen.
He also comments that fuel cell prices have plummeted 70% from three years ago, “making this technology cost-effective.” Weekly rentals cost from $99 to $149 depending on the total number of contracted weeks, plus power used.
STI’s new Rent-to-Own Program allows the first-time user to try the fuel cell for at least two weeks with a 100% rental credit towards immediate purchase. STI’s standard rent credit of 50% applies toward later purchases.
Unlike traditional battery “charge-use-recharge” cycles that require the battery be disconnected during the recharge cycle, the fuel cell acts as an “intelligent” battery charger that can remain connected and won’t overpower the electronics. Power-critical users, says Christensen, will appreciate the nonstop power for days, weeks, months because a unique feature maintains power during fuel cassette changes, so that users never have to power down their electronics.
The STI Fuel Cell Remote Power System is a self-contained, portable 50 watt 12 Volt methanol-fueled Remote Power System. The system weighs 28 pounds in a weatherproof case and each 5.0 liter fuel container weighs 10 pounds.
For more information, visit the Sandpiper Web site.
