Go Sun’s Ingenious Ancient Methods for the 21st Century

(Gerry Furth-Sides, photos from GoSun) I have a GoSun solar grill because the novel idea of living off the grid is always appealing.  It turned out to be so much fun to use, especially when there are kids around because they learn the concept of solar power. And I had no idea of the full environmental benefits it brings to the planet.   

It also turns out that this is  actually the goal of the GoSun company.  GoSun creates innovative products that encourage enjoyment and also , resilience and independence  for their customers. GoSun company had a humble start but it grew quickly thanks to our community of committed customers and shareholders, who not only believe in our products, but also use them to bring people together.

This is not to take away any of the fun or satisfaction. For example, the GO SUN designer of solar-powered essential outdoor gear deliver both with their portable, convenient, and highly efficient solar-powered cooker: the GoSun Go. Priced at less than $100, it is capable of producing up to 6 superbly cooked regular hot dogs in just 10 minutes. The GoSun Go is also excellent for summer sausages and other picnic dishes.

New products include  GoSun Brew, an all-in-one coffee maker incorporating a heater, french press and 16oz travel mug.  Brew was available for $59 (retail price $99)

It is no coincidence that home use is key. Patrick Sherwin founded the company  in his small suburban garage in Cincinnati, Ohio,    After a long morning disassembling a solar water heating device,  founder and solar energy expert, , realized that the vacuum tubes sitting next to him might be able to reheat his lunch. When the food came out hot and roasted, it was an epiphany.  With his experience of living  extensively off the grid and working on solar energy projects around the world, he knew that he was on to something.

Since them GoSun has spent 1,000’s of in-kind hours in the development, research and partnerships to advance low-cost, widespread solar cooking and other solar solutions for developing countries and institutions serving sustainable development goals.  GoSun engineer creates solutions to create and meet real market demands with low-cost, durable and high-performance solar products.  

Even though GoSun is a small entrepreneurial business it has always worked with dozens of nonprofit organizations to provide discounted solar cookers and other solar products to those that need them most.

While volunteering with non-profits in Haiti and Latin America, Patrick experienced first-hand the vulnerability of energy poverty. Touched by the resilience and happiness of those living on just $2.00/day, he spent years facilitating technology, energy and social innovations in the developing world. These efforts, including many failures to introduce typical solar ovens, led to the realization that his solar hot dog cooker invention could be something more, serving a great need in emerging markets.

GoSun has provided funding to support the efforts of the California Fire Foundation, TheHouston Food Bank, Global Giving, and Operation BBQ Relief. We have made donations to The American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen to assist in Hurricane Florence relief efforts and to the California Community Wildfire Relief Fund. We provided 1,500 solar cookers to the American Red Cross to assist with relief efforts due to Typhoon Yutu.  We also donate money to Trees for the Future every year to help combat climate change. So far, we’ve helped plant over 50,000 trees.

Here are examples of GoSun Empowerment.  Around one billion people do not have access to electricity and over three billion people still cook on dangerous, polluting stoves that run on dirty fuels: wood, charcoal and petrochemical fires.  The World Health Organization estimates over four million premature deaths occur annually due to respiratory diseases directly related to smoke inhalation. 

GoSun has shipped products to over 70 countries throughout the world to all continents. We have donated over 1,000 units for the advancement of solar education. Plus, GoSun has provided over 2,500 units at substantial discount to NGO’s throughout the U.S and the World.