Harness the Power!
Build the Renewable Energy Set!

Go green with this vintage 1999 eLAB set! Explore sustainable energy with 713 pieces and one minifigure.

🏛 eLAB
Set #9681

eLAB Renewable Energy Set

The eLAB Renewable Energy Set is an innovative educational tool disguised as a LEGO set.

🏆 Best For: Educators, parents, and LEGO enthusiasts interested in STEM education. ⏱ 4.5 hr build 🧩 713 pcs
★★★★☆ 4.0

Fans appreciate the educational aspect of the set and its unique focus on renewable energy. Some criticize the limited building options and the basic design compared to modern sets.

MSRP
$99.95
Best Price
$149.95
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📝 Our Take

The eLAB Renewable Energy Set is an innovative educational tool disguised as a LEGO set. Released in 1999, this set aimed to teach children about renewable energy sources using the LEGO system. It includes components to build models demonstrating solar, wind, and other energy concepts.

This set is perfect for educators, parents who homeschool, and LEGO enthusiasts interested in STEM education. The building experience offers a hands-on approach to learning about energy, and the models serve as excellent visual aids for teaching complex concepts.

Skip this if you're primarily looking for display pieces or intricate building techniques. This set prioritizes functionality and educational value over complex aesthetics. Consider LEGO Technic sets for more advanced building experiences.

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🧱 Building Experience

🧩
713
Pieces
4.5h
Build Time
📊
Intermediate
Difficulty
Build Highlights:
  • Hands-on learning about renewable energy sources
  • Building models demonstrating solar and wind power
  • Exploring gear ratios and mechanical principles
  • Understanding energy conversion and storage

📈 Investment Analysis

→ Price stable
B
Investment Grade
⏳ Active
The eLAB Renewable Energy Set holds moderate investment potential. As an educational set from the late 90s, it appeals to collectors interested in unique and niche LEGO themes. Its relatively low production numbers and focus on a specific educational topic contribute to its rarity. However, its investment performance may not be as high as licensed themes or sets with exclusive minifigures. Investors should consider the set's condition and completeness, as missing components can significantly impact its value. While not a guaranteed high-return investment, it presents a unique opportunity for collectors seeking a piece of LEGO's educational history.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

Compare Similar Sets

Compared to modern LEGO Education sets, the eLAB Renewable Energy Set offers a more hands-on and mechanical approach to learning about renewable energy. While newer sets may include more advanced sensors and programming capabilities, this set provides a foundational understanding of energy principles. Collectors interested in vintage LEGO education may prefer this set, while those seeking more advanced functionality might consider newer LEGO Education offerings.

1 Minifigures Included

The set includes a single minifigure with a blue jacket, white legs, and black hair. This figure is not exclusive and can be found in other sets from the period.

📦 Full Parts Inventory - 85 unique parts • 709 total pieces

String Cord Medium Thickness 100cm String Cord Mediu...
Part #: 14728c100 Black
Solar Cell / Panel Solar Cell / Panel
Part #: 22578c01 Green
Tyre 30 x 10.5 Offset Tread Tyre 30 x 10.5 Of...
Part #: 2346 Black
Tile 1 x 4 with Groove Tile 1 x 4 with G...
Part #: 2431 Green
Brick Special 1 x 2 with Pin Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 2458 Dark Gray
Brick Special 1 x 4 with Groove Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 2653 Black
Technic Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and Center Slots Technic Pin with ...
Part #: 2780 44× Black
Technic Wedge Belt Wheel Tire Technic Wedge Bel...
Part #: 2815 Black
Technic Beam 1 x 4 Thin with Stud Connector Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 2825 Light Gray
Technic Engine Crankshaft Center Technic Engine Cr...
Part #: 2854 Light Gray
Tyre 81.6 x 15 Motorcycle Tyre 81.6 x 15 Mo...
Part #: 2902 Black
Wheel 61.6 x 13.6 Motorcycle Wheel 61.6 x 13.6...
Part #: 2903 White
Technic Beam Triangle Thin [Type I] Technic Beam Tria...
Part #: 2905 Light Gray
Brick Special 2 x 2 with 2 Pins and Axle Hole Brick Special 2 x...
Part #: 30000 Dark Gray
Brick 2 x 4 Brick 2 x 4
Part #: 3001 Green
Brick 2 x 4 Brick 2 x 4
Part #: 3001 Red
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 Black
Plate 1 x 2 Plate 1 x 2
Part #: 3023 20× Black
Plate 4 x 4 Plate 4 x 4
Part #: 3031 Black
Tile 1 x 2 with Groove Tile 1 x 2 with G...
Part #: 3069b Red
Tile 1 x 2 with Groove Tile 1 x 2 with G...
Part #: 3069b Black
Hook, Plate 1 x 2 with Crane Hook Left Hook, Plate 1 x 2...
Part #: 3127 Light Gray
Plate Special 3 x 2 with Rounded End, Hole Plate Special 3 x...
Part #: 3176 Black
Technic Plate 2 x 6 [5 Holes] Technic Plate 2 x...
Part #: 32001 Black
Technic Pin 3/4 Technic Pin 3/4
Part #: 32002 26× Dark Gray
Technic Reel 3 x 2 Technic Reel 3 x 2
Part #: 32012 Blue
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #1 Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32013 Blue
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #6 - 90° Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32014 Blue
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #5 - 112.5° Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32015 Light Gray
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #3 - 157.5° Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32016 Blue
Technic Beam 1 x 5 Thin Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32017 Light Gray
Plate Special 1 x 2 with Door Rail Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 32028 Light Gray
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #2 - 180° Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32034 Light Gray
Technic Axle Connector with Axle Hole Technic Axle Conn...
Part #: 32039 Light Gray
Technic Axle 2 Notched Technic Axle 2 No...
Part #: 32062 12× Black
Technic Axle 5 Technic Axle 5
Part #: 32073 Black
Technic Bush 1/2 Smooth with Axle Hole Reduced Technic Bush 1/2 ...
Part #: 32123a 24× Light Gray
Technic Pin Double with Axle Hole Technic Pin Doubl...
Part #: 32138 Black
Wheel with Split Axle hole Wheel with Split ...
Part #: 3482 10× Yellow
Tyre Offset Tread 24 x 8 Tyre Offset Tread...
Part #: 3483 Black
Tyre 43 x 17 Tyre 43 x 17
Part #: 3634 Black
Technic Gear 8 Tooth Technic Gear 8 Tooth
Part #: 3647 Light Gray
Technic Gear 24 Tooth [New Style with Single Axle Hole] Technic Gear 24 T...
Part #: 3648b Light Gray
Technic Gear 40 Tooth Technic Gear 40 T...
Part #: 3649 Light Gray
Technic Gear 24 Tooth Crown with Reinforcements [New Style] Technic Gear 24 T...
Part #: 3650c Light Gray
Plate 1 x 6 Plate 1 x 6
Part #: 3666 Black
Technic Pin without Friction Ridges Lengthwise Technic Pin witho...
Part #: 3673 36× Light Gray
Technic Brick 1 x 2 [1 Pin Hole] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3700 Yellow
Technic Brick 1 x 2 [1 Pin Hole] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3700 16× Red
Technic Brick 1 x 4 [3 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3701 Red
Technic Brick 1 x 4 [3 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3701 Yellow
Technic Brick 1 x 8 [7 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3702 Yellow
Technic Brick 1 x 8 [7 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3702 14× Red
Technic Brick 1 x 16 [15 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3703 14× Red
Technic Brick 1 x 16 [15 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3703 Yellow
Technic Axle 4 Technic Axle 4
Part #: 3705 Black
Technic Axle 6 Technic Axle 6
Part #: 3706 Black
Technic Axle 8 Technic Axle 8
Part #: 3707 Black
Technic Axle 12 Technic Axle 12
Part #: 3708 Black
Technic Plate 2 x 4 [3 Holes] Technic Plate 2 x...
Part #: 3709 10× Black
Plate 1 x 4 Plate 1 x 4
Part #: 3710 16× Black
Plate 1 x 4 Plate 1 x 4
Part #: 3710 Green
Technic Link Technic Link
Part #: 3711a 72× Black
Technic Bush Technic Bush
Part #: 3713 60× Light Gray
Technic Steering Pulley Large Technic Steering ...
Part #: 3736 Light Gray
Technic Axle 10 Technic Axle 10
Part #: 3737 Black
Technic Plate 2 x 8 [7 Holes] Technic Plate 2 x...
Part #: 3738 Black
Technic Axle Pin without Friction Ridges Lengthwise Technic Axle Pin ...
Part #: 3749 32× Light Gray
Plate 2 x 10 Plate 2 x 10
Part #: 3832 Black
Baseplate 16 x 32 Baseplate 16 x 32
Part #: 3857 Light Gray
Technic Brick 1 x 6 [5 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3894 Yellow
Technic Brick 1 x 6 [5 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3894 Red
Technic Brick 1 x 12 [11 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3895 Red
Technic Brick 1 x 12 [11 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3895 Yellow
Seat / Chair 2 x 2 Seat / Chair 2 x 2
Part #: 4079 White
Tipper Bed 4 x 6, Open Studs Tipper Bed 4 x 6,...
Part #: 4080 Yellow
Tile 1 x 8 with Groove Tile 1 x 8 with G...
Part #: 4162 Black
Technic Wedge Belt Wheel [aka Pulley] Technic Wedge Bel...
Part #: 4185 Light Gray
Technic Pin 1/2 Technic Pin 1/2
Part #: 4274 12× Light Gray
Technic Axle 3 Technic Axle 3
Part #: 4519 Black
Wire with Brick 2 x 2 x 2/3 Pair, 20L Wire with Brick 2...
Part #: 5306bc020 Black
Wire with Brick 2 x 2 x 2/3 Pair, 36L Wire with Brick 2...
Part #: 5306bc036 Black
Brick Round 4 x 4 with 4 Side Pin Holes and Center Axle Hole Brick Round 4 x 4...
Part #: 6222 Dark Gray
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 6536 Light Gray
Technic Axle Connector Ridged [with x Hole x Orientation] Technic Axle Conn...
Part #: 6538b Light Gray
Technic Axle 1.5 with Perpendicular Axle Connector (Technic Pole Reverser Handle) Technic Axle 1.5 ...
Part #: 6553 Light Gray
Technic Pin Long with Friction Ridges Lengthwise, 2 Center Slots Technic Pin Long ...
Part #: 6558 10× Black
Technic Cam Technic Cam
Part #: 6575 Light Gray
Technic Axle 3 with Stud Technic Axle 3 wi...
Part #: 6587 Dark Gray
Technic Beam 1 x 3 Thin Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 6632 Light Gray
Rubber Band Medium (Square Cross Section) Thin Cut Rubber Band Mediu...
Part #: 70012 Black
Sail, Triangular, 15 x 22 with Blue Thin Stripes Print Sail, Triangular,...
Part #: 71308pr0001 White
Motor, 9V Mini [Old Style] Motor, 9V Mini [O...
Part #: 71427c01 Light Gray
Brick Special 2 x 6 x 2 Weight with Sealed Bottom and Dimples on Ends Brick Special 2 x...
Part #: 73090b Black
The set contains a large quantity of Technic pins and connectors, making it a valuable resource for builders working on mechanical models. The inclusion of Technic bricks in red and black offers a good base for building sturdy structures.

🛒 Where to Buy

💎 Notable Parts

Black Technic Link (72x) $3.60
Light Gray Technic Bush (60x) $2.40
Black Technic Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and Center Slots (44x) $2.20
Red Technic Brick 1 x 16 [15 Pin Holes] (14x) $2.80
Yellow Wheel with Split Axle hole (10x) $1.50
Est. BrickLink Part Value
$12.50

💡 MOC Potential

🌳 Detailed wind turbine farm with multiple turbines and a power grid.
🚗 A solar-powered car or vehicle that demonstrates energy conversion.
🤖 A robot that can be programmed to perform tasks using renewable energy.

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

What Reddit Says

No Reddit discussions found for this set.

What YouTubers Say

Based on 10 videos
3.0 /5
Mixed
0% positive
BlockTalk AI

Based on the provided limited YouTube data consisting of unrelated videos, there is no discernible sentiment or consensus specifically about the LEGO eLAB Renewable Energy Set (9681-1). The videos cover a wide range of topics from Godzilla animations to train rides, making it impossible to extract relevant opinions about the LEGO set in question.

Community Sentiment

Based on 10 YouTube reviews

Reddit

Not enough Reddit data

YouTube

3.0 /5
Mixed
0% positive
0
Positive
10
Mixed
0
Critical
BlockTalk AI Analysis

Based on the provided limited YouTube data consisting of unrelated videos, there is no discernible sentiment or consensus specifically about the LEGO eLAB Renewable Energy Set (9681-1). The videos cover a wide range of topics from Godzilla animations to train rides, making it impossible to extract relevant opinions about the LEGO set in question.

What the Community Says

5 YouTube reviews
BlockTalk AI Summary

Due to the lack of relevant LEGO eLAB Renewable Energy Set (9681-1) reviews in the provided data, it's impossible to provide a summary of key opinions from top reviewers. The videos analyzed are unrelated to the specific LEGO set.

Community Content: These reviews are from Reddit and YouTube users sharing their personal experiences. Opinions may vary.

Charts Inventory Statistics

85
Unique Parts
709
Total Pieces
1
Minifigures
Inventory Version: 1