WAZUP Fireworks deploys first solar powered fireworks stand this summer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
by Ellie Melero

Wichita, Kan. – WAZUP Fireworks has embraced renewable energy and will deploy its first ever fully solar powered fireworks stand this June, the first of its kind in Wichita.

            Michael Wawrzewski, a fireworks retailer and the owner of Bel Aire-based WAZUP Fireworks, has long been interested in solar energy and its many applications. He first realized the benefits of solar energy when developing a solar powered containerized clinic for his other business, Clinic In A Can. Since building that first solar powered clinic in 2015, Wawrzewski has endeavored to learn as much as he can about solar power, and now he is applying that knowledge and experience to WAZUP Fireworks.

“We’re very excited to debut our solar powered stand this year,” Wawrzewski said. “This stand is very unique. Lots of people have containerized fireworks stands, but nobody has really thought to outfit them with solar. Based on our research, these stands are certainly the first of their kind here in Wichita and probably even in the world.”

Ellie Melero / WAZUP Fireworks

The WAZUP Fireworks Stand has 10 solar panels and a battery, allowing the stand to run on solar power 24/7.

Wawrzewski entered the world of Wichita fireworks vendors in 2021 with WAZUP Fireworks’ first containerized fireworks stand. The stand, made from a 40ft shipping container, boasted more than 600sqft of fireworks storage space and a wide selection of fireworks for customers to choose from. This first stand relied on a backup generator to power its lights, air conditioner and point-of-sale system.

            This year, Wawrzewski decided to ditch the diesel generator and upgrade the fireworks stand to run entirely on solar power.

            The WAZUP Fireworks Stand has 10 solar panels and a battery, which is charged by the solar panels and provide the stand with power when the sun is not shining, allowing the stand to run on solar power 24/7. Additionally, Wawrzewski outfitted the WAZUP Fireworks Superstore in Bel Aire to run partially on solar power.

“We always try to live up to our motto and give our customers more bang for your buck, and switching to solar power is allowing us to save money on our electric bill and on gas for the generators,” Wawrzewski said. “Now, we can pass those savings on to our customers.”

            Adding the solar power system to the stand did not take away from any of the space inside. The stand can fit more than 300 fireworks products on its shelves, and Wawrzewski monitors the fireworks stock through a digital point-of-sale system, allowing him to restock the stand as soon as it gets low on any product.

The solar powered stand will be located at Riverlawn Christian Church from June 27 to July 4. The stands will be manned by the Riverlawn Youth Group, and a portion of profits will go to the Riverlawn Youth Missions Team.

Thanks to a new revision to Wichita’s fireworks ordinances, people will be able to shoot off aerial fireworks within Wichita city limits this year, but vendors in Wichita are still restricted to selling non-aerial fireworks. The WAZUP Fireworks Stand will carry a large variety of “safe and sane” fireworks, while WAZUP Fireworks’ full range of 1.4 gram consumer fireworks will be available at the WAZUP Fireworks Superstore in Bel Aire.

            The WAZUP Fireworks Superstore is located at 9745 E. 50th St. N. in Bel Aire. The Superstore will be larger than last year by 2,000 square feet and will host a greater selection of fireworks. It will be open June 27 to July 4 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.