Page 145 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2017

Hank Roberts is a retired Biloxi dentist with a passion for solar energy. Since his retirement, he has worked tirelessly to develop and manufacture solar power systems and products that have already made strides to revolutionize the industry.
The ultimate goal of Roberts’ business, 3rd Rock Energy, is to make solar power available and affordable for
all electricity consumers. After spending 30 years as a missionary to Third World countries, Roberts saw a need that simply wasn’t being met.
“The cost of electricity is so terribly high in these countries; it’s higher than ours,” he said. “That means people can have electricity for a few hours a day and are limited to how they can use it.”
From there, Roberts set out to find a solution.
In March of 2015, he received a patent for his
invention, which covers not only the device itself but the methodology that goes along with it. The electrical device for economic energy (EDEE) system used by 3rd Rock differs from other solar systems in that it delivers the same
amount of power using half the amount of panels and
batteries.
The EDEE system is comprised of a
variety of elements that
each play a vital role in the system’s effectiveness. Power from the solar panels is directed to deep cycle carbon
foam storage batteries, which in turn provide power to the inverter and from there to be available for use. As a result, the inverter is getting its power from the batteries, and not directly from the solar panels.
Because the EDEE solar generator is battery supported,
it will still provide electric power after storms and when the grid electricity is interrupted. This is one of the
major reasons for having the support of a battery system. 3rd Rock evaluates the power needs of each individual residence in the case of an emergency or power outage and supplies batteries that are sufficient to continue providing that power.
As in the case of solar energy use in Third World countries, solar power is ideal for locations that are completely off the power grid, such as a rural camp or residence. These solar panels provide energy without a noisy generator, fuel cost or air pollution. Even shaded areas or locations facing in the wrong direction are viable options for solar energy use with the help of specially designed mounts.
No matter the location or building orientation, 3rd
Rock can find a way to make solar power work in any environment by creating custom systems or using special mounts. These custom setups can help mitigate shady or low-sun areas. The solar power system still functions even
when the sun isn’t shining..
228.207.4584 • www.3rdrockenergy.com
FUN IN THE SUN. ORIGINAL FOUNDERS
Jim Wooten and Hank Roberts.
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July 2017 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 145