Solar generator: You’ve got the power!
If you want an emergency backup solution in case the power goes off at home or a handy source of energy for your next camping trip, a solar powered generator is a good option.
Why should you use a solar powered generator?
Many advantages are offered by solar powered generators:
They can use a renewable, free, and virtually inexhaustible source of energy: sunlight.
They do not produce carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that is extremely deadly to humans.
They are silent: their non-mechanical electrical generation means that no element is in motion when charging or using your device.
What is a solar powered generator?
Well, first, a solar powered generator isn’t really a generator, it’s more like a big portable battery. It turns the sunlight into electricity thank to solar panels that need to be exposed directly to the sun.
The main components of a solar generator:
The battery
Main component, the battery allows the storage of electricity. Most of them are lithium-ion battery.
Power inputs
A solar generator does not produce energy by itself, it needs a specific piece of equipment to capture an external source of energy:
Solar panels capture the sun light, note that some power generators are not delivered with panels which will have to be purchased separately.
AC (Alternating Current) ports to use the grid electricity as a source of energy.
DC (Direct Current) ports to use your car as a source of energy.
The inverter
Its function is to convert the direct current created by solar panels into alternating current, which is used by most of electrical devices and appliances.
The outputs
AC, DC, and USB outputs will allow the stored energy to power external electrical devices.
Which one do you need?
As always: assess your personal needs and your environment! What is your intended use for a solar generator? What do you want to power? A solar powered generator is good for backup energy when the power goes out, or for camping but you won’t be able to power your whole home with it. They are mainly made to power small devices such as lamps, radios or fans, but can also be used to power bigger devices and appliances depending on their capacity.
A few criteria to consider:
Capacity of the battery
The more power you need, the greater the capacity of the battery should be. It is measured in watts, which translates into watt-hours (amount of power available over an hour when the battery is fully charged).
To know the amount of energy you need, you have to select the devices that you will want to power with the generator. Estimate how many devices will be connected, for how long and calculate the total electrical consumption to determine your need.
For example: a 60Watt light bulb will require 60Watt x 1hour = 60 watt-hour
A golden rule is to overestimate your consumption in order to avoid any bad surprises.
Portability
Consider how much it weighs, how easy it is to carry it, and how where will you use it (will you have to move it around?). Batteries are usually kind of heavy, the larger the size and weight of a generator, the more powerful it will be.
Waterproof
Make sure that your solar generator and accessories are waterproof, to capture the sunlight you will most likely leave them outside.
Accessories
As said previously, many power generators are not sold with panels and other essential accessories which must be purchased separately. Make sure you get all the equipment you need like waterproof AC adapters or extension cables and think about the different connections that will be required to power each one of your devices.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE SOLAR POWERED GENERATORS TO CONSIDER
Jackery Solar Generator 240
This entry-level portable power station is equipped with a 240Wh lithium-ion battery pack, weighing only at 6.6 pounds. The solid handle makes it easy to carry around for outdoor adventures such as Tent Camping, Road Trip, Backyard Camping, etc.
Renogy Phoenix 337Wh Solar Generator
Boasting a 337Wh capacity, Renogy PHOENIX 300 Power Station is one of the smallest and lightest rechargeable AC power supplies in its class thanks to the high energy density battery cells and compact design. Multiple output ports allow you to power an extensive range of devices and appliances fast and safely at the push of a button.
Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station
The Goal Zero Yeti 400 is a convenient, all-in-one power station with a 396 watt-hour, 33Ah capacity, enough for charging a phone over 30 times, laptops 5 times, and even running small appliances for several hours. Its versatile array of powerful outputs (USB, AC and 12V) allows you to plug in 7 devices at once and its pure-sine wave inverter provides clean power, just like plugging into the wall at home.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000, Explorer 1000 and 2X SolarSaga 100W
The Solar Generator 1000 set features the a Explorer 1000, pairing with 2 SolarSaga 100 solar panels. It features 3 standard PURE SINE WAVE AC outlets, which will provide extra capacity to protect, and power more AC devices and appliances. Extra bonus for the built - unlike most other portable generators, this supports PASS-THROUGH CHARGING while its battery life is protected.
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