In developing and emerging countries, blackouts can severely disrupt the essential services of hospitals, schools, and public buildings. To address this issue, Lutz-Jesco has introduced the Solarhub, a solar control cabinet designed to enhance supply reliability. The Solarhub enables off-grid operation of disinfection systems, ensuring access to safe drinking water even during power outages.
While blackouts are infrequent in countries like Germany, they are a daily challenge in places such as Haiti and Venezuela, where fragile electrical grids lead to frequent power failures in critical facilities. Emergency generators, often diesel-powered, typically provide enough energy only for vital services, like keeping operating room lights on. To mitigate such situations, Lutz-Jesco has developed the Solarhub, a solar-powered control cabinet that provides electricity to pumps and disinfection systems independently of the main power grid, explained Heinz Lutz, CEO of Lutz Holding GmbH.
The Solarhub is particularly suited for use in hospitals, schools, and public buildings, where it ensures the continuous operation of disinfection systems that remove harmful germs and bacteria from water supplies. “With the Solarhub, we can guarantee the functionality of these health-critical systems during blackouts without relying on fossil fuels,” Lutz said.
Plug-and-Play Solar Solution
The Solarhub has been designed as a plug-and-play system, making solar energy usage simple and efficient. “Our control cabinet comes fully pre-configured with all components necessary for solar operation,” Lutz noted. This includes solar panels, a battery charge controller, an inverter, and the required cabling. The system’s components are perfectly calibrated, allowing users to rely on its functionality without needing technical expertise.
Available from spring 2025, the Solarhub will come in two models. The Solarhub 300 features a 110 Ah battery, a power output of 350 W, and two MC4 connectors for standard solar panels. The larger Solarhub 600 is equipped with a 165 Ah battery, a power output of 560 W, and three MC4 connectors. Both versions allow users to double their solar panel connections with an adapter, optimizing energy generation according to local sunlight conditions, desired charging times, and energy consumption needs.
Durability and Reliability with Gel Batteries
To ensure the Solarhub remains reliable even in challenging environments, Lutz-Jesco has equipped it with gel batteries. These batteries are impact- and vibration-resistant, leak-proof, and durable, even when installed at an angle or in damaged housings. They are also maintenance-free and can last up to four times longer than conventional batteries, reducing operating costs and on-site servicing. “This design ensures that the Solarhub remains a reliable and cost-effective solution, even in the demanding conditions often found in developing and emerging countries,” Lutz concluded.