How many pieces are in the eLAB Renewable Energy Set?

eLAB Renewable Energy Set contains 721 pieces.

What age is the eLAB Renewable Energy Set recommended for?

This set is recommended for ages 9+.

When was the eLAB Renewable Energy Set released?

eLAB Renewable Energy Set was released in 1999.

🏛 eLAB

Set #9681

eLAB Renewable Energy Set

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

Before you buy

Who it's for: Ages 9+ · Intermediate build Educators, parents, and LEGO enthusiasts interested in STEM education.
Build: 721 pieces · about 4.5 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $99.95 list price · 13.9¢ per piece
Availability: Likely retired

★★★★☆ 4.0 AI-generated review score, not a customer rating

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.

$99.95

Best Price

$149.95

📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

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.

✨ New

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How does this set compare to modern LEGO Education sets? What are the best ways to incorporate this set into a STEM curriculum? How rare are complete and functional versions of this set? What are some common modifications or improvements that builders make to the models?

🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

721

Pieces

⏱

4.5h

Estimated Build Time

📊

Intermediate

Difficulty

👤

Ages

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

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

→ Price stable

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

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

📖 About This Set

The eLAB Renewable Energy Set expands upon the energy themes presented in the Energy Work Power Starter Set, inviting students to explore the possibilities of sustainable energy from sun, wind, and water. Solar energy can be captured by the LEGO Solar Cell and used to power a model Ferris wheel or car. Alternatively, create a windmill or watermill and witness wind or water power in action!

There are 721 elements, including one solar cell, one motor, two sorting trays, and building instructions for seven models.

3 Wheel Vehicle 9V Baseplate Electric Electric Motor Fairground Lego Technic Multibuild Solar Panel Sorting Tray Storage Water Wheel Windmill

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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 Minifigure Included

Blue Jacket, White Legs, Black Hair

4 parts

C+

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.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 721
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 85 unique parts, 709 pieces
Minifigures: 1

LEGO counts 721 pieces. This inventory comes from a separate parts catalog and lists 713, including the 4 parts inside the minifigures; the two do not always count the same elements, so their totals differ. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

String Cord Mediu...

Part #: 14728c100 1× Black

Solar Cell / Panel

Part #: 22578c01 1× Green

Tyre 30 x 10.5 Of...

Part #: 2346 4× Black

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 4× Green

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 2458 8× Dark Gray

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 2653 4× Black

Technic Pin with ...

Part #: 2780 44× Black

Technic Wedge Bel...

Part #: 2815 2× Black

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 2825 2× Light Gray

Technic Engine Cr...

Part #: 2854 2× Light Gray

Tyre 81.6 x 15 Mo...

Part #: 2902 4× Black

Wheel 61.6 x 13.6...

Part #: 2903 4× White

Technic Beam Tria...

Part #: 2905 4× Light Gray

Brick Special 2 x...

Part #: 30000 2× Dark Gray

Brick 2 x 4

Part #: 3001 4× Red

Brick 2 x 4

Part #: 3001 2× Green

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 4× Black

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 20× Black

Plate 4 x 4

Part #: 3031 2× Black

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 5× Black

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 5× Red

Hook, Plate 1 x 2...

Part #: 3127 1× Light Gray

Plate Special 3 x...

Part #: 3176 1× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 32001 6× Black

Technic Pin 3/4

Part #: 32002 26× Dark Gray

Technic Reel 3 x 2

Part #: 32012 1× Blue

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32013 6× Blue

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32014 5× Blue

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32015 4× Light Gray

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32016 4× Blue

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 32017 5× Light Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 32028 4× Light Gray

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32034 4× Light Gray

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 32039 6× Light Gray

Technic Axle 2 No...

Part #: 32062 12× Black

Technic Axle 5

Part #: 32073 6× Black

Technic Bush 1/2 ...

Part #: 32123a 24× Light Gray

Technic Pin Doubl...

Part #: 32138 4× Black

Wheel with Split ...

Part #: 3482 10× Yellow

Tyre Offset Tread...

Part #: 3483 2× Black

Tyre 43 x 17

Part #: 3634 2× Black

Technic Gear 8 Tooth

Part #: 3647 2× Light Gray

Technic Gear 24 T...

Part #: 3648b 6× Light Gray

Technic Gear 40 T...

Part #: 3649 3× Light Gray

Technic Gear 24 T...

Part #: 3650c 1× Light Gray

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 6× Black

Technic Pin witho...

Part #: 3673 36× Light Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3700 4× Yellow

Part #: 3701 4× Yellow

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3702 2× Yellow

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3702 14× Red

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3703 2× Yellow

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3703 14× Red

Technic Axle 4

Part #: 3705 6× Black

Technic Axle 6

Part #: 3706 6× Black

Technic Axle 8

Part #: 3707 7× Black

Technic Axle 12

Part #: 3708 6× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3709 10× Black

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 16× Black

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 2× Green

Technic Link

Part #: 3711a 72× Black

Technic Bush

Part #: 3713 60× Light Gray

Technic Steering ...

Part #: 3736 1× Light Gray

Technic Axle 10

Part #: 3737 6× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3738 4× Black

Technic Axle Pin ...

Part #: 3749 32× Light Gray

Plate 2 x 10

Part #: 3832 2× Black

Baseplate 16 x 32

Part #: 3857 1× Light Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3894 2× Yellow

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3894 4× Red

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3895 4× Yellow

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3895 4× Red

Seat / Chair 2 x 2

Part #: 4079 4× White

Tipper Bed 4 x 6,...

Part #: 4080 4× Yellow

Tile 1 x 8 with G...

Part #: 4162 4× Black

Technic Wedge Bel...

Part #: 4185 2× Light Gray

Technic Pin 1/2 w...

Part #: 4274 12× Light Gray

Technic Axle 3

Part #: 4519 6× Black

Wire with Brick 2...

Part #: 5306bc020 1× Black

Wire with Brick 2...

Part #: 5306bc036 1× Black

Brick Round 4 x 4...

Part #: 6222 2× Dark Gray

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 6536 6× Light Gray

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 6538b 6× Light Gray

Technic Axle 1.5 ...

Part #: 6553 6× Light Gray

Technic Pin Long ...

Part #: 6558 10× Black

Technic Cam

Part #: 6575 2× Light Gray

Technic Axle 3 wi...

Part #: 6587 6× Dark Gray

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 6632 6× Light Gray

Rubber Band Mediu...

Part #: 70012 5× Black

Sail, Triangular,...

Part #: 71308pr0001 4× White

Motor, 9V Mini [O...

Part #: 71427c01 1× Light Gray

Brick Special 2 x...

Part #: 73090b 1× 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

BrickLink

✓ In Stock

Compare on eBay →

$135.00

eBay

✓ In Stock

$149.95 →

💎 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 9 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.

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Community Sentiment

Based on 9 YouTube reviews

Not enough Reddit data

YouTube

3.0 /5

Mixed

0% positive

Positive

Mixed

Critical

BlockTalk AI Analysis

What the Community Says

4 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.