Aurea Technologies has introduced an upgraded version of their portable wind turbine, the Shine 2.0, offering a new solution for generating power anywhere there’s a breeze. Unlike solar panels, which can only produce electricity during daylight, the Shine 2.0 wind turbine can work day and night, provided wind speeds are at least 8 mph.
available for preorder via a Kickstarter campaign, the Shine 2.0 has been improved from the company’s first wind turbine model. It comes with several useful upgrades and is priced at $571 for full retail, though early backers can get a discount. This new version offers more efficient power generation and is designed for campers, travelers, and people who may face power outages.
The Shine 2.0 is designed to be compact and portable, making it easy to carry for people on the go. It folds up into a three-pound package that’s about the size of an elongated football—just slightly larger than a water bottle. This means you can fit it into a backpack without any trouble. The package includes the turbine and a three-foot-tall stand with stability cables, making setup straightforward.
The Shine 2.0 generates electricity in wind speeds between 8 and 28 mph. In ideal conditions, with strong winds, it can produce up to 50W of power, which is enough to fully charge a laptop in about two hours. However, in lower wind speedsaround the minimum 8 mph—the charging rate drops significantly, producing under 5W of power. In this scenario, it would take over 11 hours to fully charge a smartphone.
For better performance, users can upgrade the system by purchasing an optional six-foot mount, which positions the turbine higher where wind speeds are usually stronger. While power output will vary depending on weather conditions, the benefit of Shine 2.0 is that it can keep generating power even after the sun goes down, unlike solar panels.
One of the significant improvements on the Shine 2.0 is the switch from a Micro USB port to a more modern USB-C port. This allows for faster charging speeds, up to 75W, from the turbine’s internal 12,000mAh battery. Users can also purchase a Power Station Adapter, which lets them charge larger portable power stations, making the turbine useful for more demanding power needs.
Another major upgrade is a new mobile app that connects to the Shine 2.0 via Bluetooth. This app lets users monitor the turbine’s performance remotely, tracking wind speed, power generation, and charging time estimates. This is especially helpful for those using the turbine in outdoor locations, as it allows them to check on performance without being near the turbine.
As with many crowdfunded products, there’s some risk involved in purchasing the Shine 2.0 through Kickstarter. However, Aurea Technologies successfully delivered its first model using a similar approach, so the chances of delays are minimized, though not completely eliminated. The company has set an expected delivery date of April 2025 for the Shine 2.0, but delays are always a possibility.
For those who spend time in remote areas or experience frequent power outages, the Shine 2.0 could be a convenient and eco-friendly option for staying powered up.
