A Solar Powered Generator Offers an Alternative to Gas Generators
A Solar Powered Generator Offers an Alternative to Gas Generators
A solar powered generator offers an alternative to gas-guzzling traditional emergency generators. They’re often much lighter and more compact, making them a great choice for camping, overlanding and other on-the-go activities.
A solar backup power station pairs a large-capacity rechargeable battery with portable solar panels, creating a versatile tool for emergencies and off-grid adventures. Keep reading to learn more about these energy-efficient power sources.
The components of a solar generator
Unlike traditional generators that run on fuel, solar generators utilize the sun to generate energy and store it in high-capacity batteries. They also integrate an uninterruptible power supply with surge protection and a line conditioner to provide AC power for appliances and devices. Many have USB ports and 12-volt carports to charge multiple devices simultaneously. With varying battery capacities, solar generators range from large models designed to keep critical appliances running during emergencies and off-grid living to lightweight options ideal for camping and tailgating.
When selecting a solar generator, pay attention to the watt-hour capacity and how long it takes for the battery to recharge after a full charge. The inverter is responsible for delivering power to your appliances, so it’s important to ensure the maximum watts your generator can produce are sufficient to meet your needs. The charger is another crucial component that determines how quickly the battery can be charged, and some models feature a mobile app that provides visibility into real-time generator performance.
If you plan to use your solar generator at home, make sure to add up the wattage of any appliances or light bulbs you plan to plug into your generator to determine the total watt-hour requirement. For example, if you want to power two 60-watt light bulbs and a laptop, the total wattage required is 240 watts. Multiply the watt-hour requirement by the number of hours you plan to run your appliances to calculate how much power your generator should have on hand.
For portable models that you can take on outdoor adventures, look for a small size and light weight. These solar generators are popular among outdoor led solar lights campers and RVers, but they’re also a great option for anyone who wants to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels or simply enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have backup power in the event of a power outage or other emergency.
The battery
The battery is the heart of any solar generator. It stores chemical energy in the form of electrochemical cells that convert sunlight into electricity. Most solar generators use lithium-ion or LiFePO4/LFP batteries, which are more advanced than the lead acid batteries that older generators used. These battery types have longer life spans, can withstand more charge and discharge cycles, and are safer to handle than lead acid batteries.
The amount of energy a solar generator can store is usually measured in watt-hours. A generator with a capacity of 1,000 watt-hours can run a small fan and portable refrigerator for 10 hours before its battery power runs out (assuming the panels are not working at full power during that time).
Some solar generators have expandable battery capacity, which is useful if you want to increase how much backup power you have. However, most solar generators are built with a fixed capacity that isn’t adjustable, so it’s important to consider your power needs when comparing models.
If you plan to use your solar generator in the outdoors, it’s a good idea to look for one that has built-in handles. This will make it easier to carry the generator when it’s full of electricity or when you need to recharge it. It’s also a good idea to choose a model that has USB ports, AC outlets and 12-volt DC carports so you can plug in various devices at once.
Solar generators are an excellent alternative to traditional gas-powered generators for outdoor use in locations prone to weather events like thunderstorms or high winds that can knock out power lines. They do not require fossil fuel, are nearly silent, recharge quickly and can be transported to other locations if necessary. They are a great choice for camping, tailgating and other recreational activities in addition to providing power for remote homes, cabins, RV/camper, tiny houses, or campsites.
The inverter
A solar generator pairs a large-capacity rechargeable power station (essentially a big battery) with portable solar panels to offer a more environmentally friendly, quieter alternative to gas generators. They’re commonly used to backup home electronics during a power outage, but they can also be handy for camping trips or DIY projects around the house.
Like other lithium-ion batteries, a solar generator’s battery will give out energy via direct current (DC). However, this isn’t useful for household appliances, which require alternating current (AC). To make the system usable, the DC power from the battery must be converted to AC. This is done by an inverter, which converts the electrical energy from the battery into a steady and regulated output that you can use to run appliances.
The inverter in a solar powered generator can be either built-in or separate, depending on the unit’s design. Integrated inverters are typically found in smaller units, while larger systems requiring many kilowatts of power might be equipped with large external inverters. The inverters themselves are based on semiconductor technology, using components like transistors and thyristors.
Most solar generators feature multiple ports for connecting devices and recharging the battery. The number of ports, as well as the capacity per port, varies between manufacturers. Smaller units often have two to four USB ports, while larger ones might have outdoor led solar light manufacturer up to eight or more. Those USB ports can include both standard 2.4V and 5V ports, as well as high-powered USB-C with power delivery (PD) ports that support fast charging of up to 100W.
How much wattage a solar generator can hold and power is the most important factor when selecting a unit. Consider how many lights, a fridge, and other equipment you want to run off the grid during an outing, then compare the capacity of different models. The best solar generators are capable of running these appliances for several hours on a full charge before the battery needs to be recharged.