Imagine driving an electric car that charges itself while it's parked. No charging station. No extension cord. Just sunshine.
That's one of the products being developed by GoSun.
This clean-energy startup has spent more than a decade creating products that run on solar power. Its inventions include portable ovens, refrigerators, water purifiers, and electric boats. Now it's taking things a step further.
GoSun wants to use solar technology to power everything from electric vehicles to tractors. And unlike many startups developing futuristic products, GoSun already has an established business. The company has generated more than $26 million in cumulative sales and served more than 180,000 customers across over 100 countries.
Its journey began with a surprisingly simple invention. In 2013, founder Patrick Sherwin developed a portable oven that uses sunlight to cook food without burning fuel.
Instead of relying on traditional solar panels to generate electricity, the oven uses a specially designed tube to capture and concentrate sunlight, producing enough heat to cook meals.
The product attracted attention from outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and consumers looking for alternatives to traditional cooking equipment.
GoSun subsequently expanded into solar-powered coolers, lighting, portable charging equipment, and other off-grid products. Today, it's applying that expertise to much larger opportunities.
One of its newest inventions is the GoSun EV Solar Charger. The device attaches to the roof of an electric vehicle. When the car is parked, its solar panels unfold to capture sunlight and generate electricity.
GoSun says the system can add up to 20 miles of driving range per day, depending on sunlight and other conditions. That might not sound like much. But consider someone who drives 10 or 15 miles to work each day.
Under favorable conditions, the system could potentially generate enough electricity to offset much of that daily driving. And because the charger is designed to work with a variety of electric vehicles, GoSun isn't dependent on a single automaker.
The company is also developing the Moonrider 27, a compact electric tractor designed for farms, campuses, and large properties.
Traditional tractors require diesel fuel and regular maintenance. GoSun's version uses an electric motor and can recharge through a conventional electrical connection or an optional solar canopy. The tractor offers 27 horsepower, four-wheel drive, and compatibility with common agricultural attachments.
Other products include the Gopher, a solar-assisted electric cargo tricycle, and a solar carport designed to generate electricity for vehicles and homes. Together, these products could dramatically expand GoSun's potential market. The company is moving beyond camping and outdoor recreation into transportation, agriculture, and energy infrastructure.
Importantly, GoSun already knows how to develop and sell physical products. It has launched 15 crowdfunded products and built a community of more than 5,000 investors. Its inventions have also received recognition through the CES Innovation Awards and Fast Company's World Changing Ideas program.
GoSun makes money primarily by selling its products directly to consumers. For example, its EV Solar Charger is currently advertised for $3,999, while its hybrid solar-electric Fusion oven sells for approximately $399.
The company also offers bundles, accessories, and other equipment, creating opportunities for repeat purchases as customers expand their solar-powered setups.