Solar generators are quickly gaining popularity as the ideal home backup power solution. Notably, they are eco-friendly and operate without generating the irritating noise or dangerous fumes associated with regular fuel-powered generators.
However, many homeowners unfamiliar with how solar generators work are usually skeptical of their abilities. To this end, many wonder whether a solar generator can power an entire household. Here is a comprehensive answer to the question, including a quick guide on choosing the right solar generator for your everyday household needs.
Can a Solar Generator Power a House?
Certainly, a solar generator can power the entire house. However, whether or not a particular model can power your house depends on how well its specifications match your power consumption needs.
Overall, a solar generator’s power storage capacity and output determine how long it can run and which appliances it can power. Notably, the generator includes a battery to store energy generated from the sun. Batteries come in varying sizes, and some are large enough to store and deliver enough energy to power all household appliances for hours. Generally, a solar generator with a 2,000Wh battery capacity, such as the BLUETTI AC200P + 2 * PV350 solar generator kit, would be sufficient to power the average household.
Besides power storage and output capacities, environmental factors can also influence a solar generator’s ability to power the whole house. Ideally, your location should have enough sunshine to power the solar generator and charge the battery. Fortunately, the best solar panels, such as the BLUETTI PV420 solar panel, can generate solar energy even during overcast days. Notably, solar panels come in different materials and quality, affecting their efficiency and rated power.
What Solar Generator Size Do You Need to Run a House?
A solar generator’s size determines how much energy it can generate, store, and deliver. Ideally, your solar generator should be large enough to meet your household’s electricity consumption needs.
The best way to determine the ideal solar generator size for your house is by calculating how much electricity your household uses. You can do this by tallying the total rated and running watts of the appliances you intend to power using the solar generator. Moreover, you should also factor in the period you intend to use the solar generator – whether temporarily during blackouts or continuously for off-grid living.
Here is a summary of the average running and starting watts of the most common appliances in Philippine households:
|
Appliance |
Rated (Running) Watts |
Starting Watts |
|
Light Bulb |
60 – 75 |
0 |
|
TV |
500 |
0 |
|
Laptop |
50 – 300 |
0 |
|
Refrigerator |
700 |
2,200 |
|
Fan |
200 |
350 |
|
Microwave |
600 – 1,000 |
0 |
|
Washing Machine |
1,200 |
2,300 |
|
Dryer |
5,400 |
7,000 |
|
Clothing Iron |
1,500 |
0 |
|
Vacuum Cleaner |
1,440 |
2,500 |
|
Coffee Maker |
1,000 |
0 |
|
Blender |
300 |
800 |
Notably, the average monthly electricity consumption rate in the Philippines is about 200kWh per household. To this end, most households use less than 10kWh of electricity per day.
How to Choose the Best Solar Generator for Your House
A solar generator is a convenient and even essential appliance, considering the numerous uses the electricity serves at home. It is also a valuable investment, considering the price ranges for the best solar generators. To this end, it is important to choose a solar generator that is reliable and durable.
Here is an overview of five crucial factors to consider when choosing the best solar generator:
· Battery Capacity
Battery capacity is the most important factor to consider when choosing a solar generator. Overall, it determines how much energy the battery can store, therefore determining which appliances you can run and for how long. Notably, battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh), whereby 1kWh equals 1,000Wh.
· Power Output
Power output refers to the amount of electricity discharged by the battery at any given moment. It is measured in watts (w) or kilowatts (kW). Ideally, your solar generator’s power output shouldn’t be less than the total running (rated) watts of the appliances you intend to power. Moreover, the generator’s surge rating should be higher than the appliance with the highest starting watts.
· Discharging Period
Discharging period refers to how long a solar generator can run, depending on your electricity consumption rate. To this end, running high-power appliances reduces the generator’s discharging period. You can use the following formula to calculate your solar generator’s discharging period:
Discharging Hours = (Battery Capacity X Usage Percentage) / Total Rated (Running) Power for Your Appliances
· Charging Speed
Charging speeds can vary considerably from one solar generator to another, ranging from two to eight hours or more. Moreover, some generators support multiple charging methods, including simultaneous AC and solar inputs.
· Inputs & Outlets
The number of outlets on your solar generator determine how many devices it can power simultaneously. Additionally, the types of outlets determine the types of devices it can power. Notably, common outlet types on most solar generators include AC, DC, USB-A, and USB-C. Moreover, some generators also feature wireless charging pads. Ideally, your solar generator should also have an additional input port for AC charging.
3 Best Solar Generators for Your House
Finding the best solar generator for your house can be daunting, considering the numerous options and their diverse features. Fortunately, you can avoid the hassle and consider the following top three solar generators equipped with everything you need for a reliable home power backup solution:
· BLUETTI AC200P + 2*PV350
The BLUETTI AC200P + 2*PV350 solar generator is cost-efficient and relatively powerful. Notably, it features a 2,000Wh LiFePO4 battery, powerful enough to run essential appliances for several hours. For example, it can power an air conditioner for up to four hours. Interestingly, the battery can last for over 3,500 charge cycles, making it durable for several years.
This solar generator also features 17 outputs to power multiple devices simultaneously. Notably, the outlets include six AC ports, five USB ports for mobile devices, and 12 DC outlets. Moreover, it also features two wireless charging pads.
You can use seven methods to recharge this solar generator’s battery. Moreover, it comes with a dual AC and solar adapter for fast charging.
· BLUETTI AC200MAX + 3*PV200
The BLUETTI AC200MAX + 3PV200 solar generator is a good alternative to the previous model if you need more power. Notably, its LiFePO4 battery is slightly larger, with a capacity of 2,048Wh. However, it features a modular design and is expendable to 6,144Wh with two B230 batteries or 8,192Wh with two B300 batteries. Overall, it can power essential appliances for the whole day when expanded.
Besides the powerful battery and modular design, this solar generator also features multiple outlets to power multiple appliances simultaneously. Notably, it has a 4,800W surge rating, sufficient to start most major appliances with high starting watts. Moreover, the battery recharges quickly and supports dual AC-and-solar charging at maximum speeds of 1,400W.
Interestingly, you can monitor and control this solar generator’s performance remotely via the BLUETTI app. Moreover, it features a smart Battery Management System to ensure that it always performs optimally. Overall, the solar generator can run efficiently for years and last over 3,500 charging cycles.
· BLUETTI EP500Pro Solar Power Station
The BLUETTI EP500Pro solar power station is incredibly powerful and conveniently versatile. Notably, it features a powerful LiFePO4 battery with a capacity of 5,100Wh, large enough to power essential appliances for a day or longer. Moreover, it features a 3,000W pure sine wave output and 15 outlets to run multiple appliances.
Interestingly, this solar generator has a compact design featuring four wheels to make it easily portable. To this end, you can easily set it up anywhere around the house or carry it with you for outdoor events such as road trips and camping. It is also easy to use and features a smart touchscreen and mobile app for remote control and monitoring.
Durability is a major aspect of this solar generator’s overall design. Notably, you can upgrade the firmware via the in-built internet connection to improve its performance over time. Moreover, the battery can last for over 3,500 charging cycles.
Is It Worth Buying a Solar Generator in the Philippines?
A solar generator is definitely worth buying. Here is an overview of the most notable benefits of owning a solar generator in the Philippines:
· Home Backup Power
Electricity is a necessity in most households. Unfortunately, outages and blackouts are frequent and unpredictable. To this end, a solar generator is beneficial because you can continue enjoying the convenience of electricity during power outages. Moreover, a solar generator can also support off-grid living, especially for people living in remote regions of the Philippines. Interestingly, a reliable solar generator always generates power as long as the sun shines.
· Eco-Friendly & User-Friendly
Solar generators generate power from sunlight, a renewable energy source. Moreover, unlike fuel-powered generators, they don’t emit toxic fumes or generate loud noises. To this end, they are an eco-friendly and user-friendly alternative to other home power backup generators.
· Easy Maintenance
The best solar generators can last for years with minimal maintenance. Moreover, they are cost-efficient because they utilize renewable energy, saving you thousands of pesos in the long term.
Final Thoughts
A solar generator can power your whole house for a few hours or days, depending on your electricity consumption rate. Moreover, solar generators can provide free, renewable energy for years. However, it is important to choose the best solar generator for reliable home power backup. As such, utilize the tips shared above or consider one of the top three recommended solar generators from BLUETTI.
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