Climate change affects our lives through extreme weather, higher temperatures, and even natural disasters. These uncertain environmental factors often have the most direct impact on our lives, which is power outages. With the need for backup power and environmental protection, the portable solar generator is the sustainable solution of choice.
So what is a solar generator? How does a solar generator work? Is a solar generator worth it? And what size solar generator do you need? Why should solar generators replace traditional gas generators?
"Solar generator" is a term that can technically be used to describe any photovoltaic (PV) power system that collects and distributes solar energy. And by solar generator here, we mean a portable battery storage system. It usually refers to the combination of portable solar panels, battery, battery charger, and inverter into a multifunctional device that allows you to capture, store and distribute energy from the sun. Most solar generators can provide emergency backup power to your home during an outage and double coverage for off-grid activities such as RV travel, camping, boating, and more.
Typically, solar generators have 12-volt outlets, AC outlets, and USB ports to power different appliances and devices. The benefit of using a portable power station with multiple charging options is that you can get the power you need on your terms. Most solar generators use lithium-ion batteries, which are lighter and smaller than traditional deep-cycle batteries, so most solar generators are lightweight and relatively portable. Of course, most still weigh more than 10 pounds, and if you need a lot of capacity, they get heavy quickly.
Goenerge solar generator consists of four main components: portable solar panels, rechargeable battery, charge controller, and inverter. Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity, passing through a charge controller. The charge controller regulates the voltage of power entering the battery and then stores the solar energy for later use.
l Solar Panels: Also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar panels work by converting sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity and passing through a charge controller.
l Charge Controller: Solar panels generate electrical energy for the charge controller (or regulator). Because solar energy is generated at highly variable rates throughout the day, the charge controller adjusts and regulates the electricity to be stored efficiently without overcharging the battery. (Modern solar generators typically use one of two charge-controller technologies: maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and pulse width modulation (PWM). MPPT charge controllers are a more efficient technology, but if you need only small amounts of backup power, you can still make do with a PWM regulator.)
l Battery: The built-in lithium-ion battery can efficiently store the DC power collected by the solar panel and regulated by the charge controller.
l Inverter: An inverter system converts the energy stored in the battery into alternating current (AC) for most appliances and devices. Stand-alone solar generators typically invert when power is distributed to your electrical devices through multiple onboard outlets, plug-ins, or ports.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average US home used approximately 10,715 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of power per year in 2020. Broken down into daily consumption, that's just under 30 kWh per day. The average home solar battery capacity is just 10 kWh, while portable solar generators tend to be smaller. Air conditioning and heating systems are the largest electricity consumers in a typical home, as are microwaves and toasters. In addition to these high-power devices, some large-capacity portable generators can power homes for short periods. The solar generator would be an emergency backup power during a power outage. However, no portable generator can provide off-grid power for your entire home.
Solar generators do not burn fuel to generate electricity, making them ideal for anyone looking to reduce reliance on gas-powered generators and combat blackouts and other power outages. They have a reliable backup power source option in case of emergencies. You can use the energy stored in a solar generator during a power outage, to charge your devices while camping, and as energy for your RV or boating trips. Essentially, a solar generator is more suitable for a variety of real-life situations than a traditional fuel generator, which means it can be used not only for more than just emergencies.
l High Upfront Costs: Solar generators typically require more initial investment than conventional generators. However, operating costs are lower than traditional options, so you'll save money over time.
l Limited Energy Storage: The size of the portable power station also limits the amount of power the generator can supply. A solar generator may not be able to power your entire home. However, it can power some critical devices in an emergency.
l Slow Recharging: Solar generators are not the best choice when you need instant power compared to traditional gas-powered generators. If your portable power station is dead, you must wait for it to charge before it can power your appliances and devices.
Solar generators are becoming increasingly popular with the advancement of solar energy technology and lithium-ion battery technology in recent years and the popularization of environmental protection and sustainable development. Solar generators are one of the best ways to ensure you have power when needed, whether you live off-grid or get hit by a tornado. People living in disaster-prone areas often own a solar generator to maintain power in an emergency.
The Ultimate Guide to Portable Power Stations: How to Choose, Use, and Maintain Your Portable Power Supply
How To Charge Portable Power Stations?
Are portable power stations reliable for camping?
