Unfortunately, power outages in the Philippines are usually unpredictable and can be frequent. To this end, a power backup solution, such as a generator, is handy and convenient. Notably, generators come in various types, including solar generators powered by the sun. Understandably, many people are still unfamiliar with how generators work, making them skeptical.
A solar generator would be a crucial and valuable investment. However, is it worth buying in the first place? Here is a comprehensive guide on solar generators to help you make an informed decision.
What is a Solar Generator?
A solar generator is a type of backup power solution. Interestingly, it comprises multiple devices that work together to generate, store, and supply energy. Overall, the main components of a solar generator include the following:
- Solar Panels
- Battery
- Charge Controller
- Inverter
While the basic design doesn’t change, solar generators come in varying shapes, sizes, and styles. Interestingly, some solar generators are small and versatile enough to be easily portable. Notably, solar generators provide power for various uses, including traveling, camping, working with power tools, or as a home backup power supply.
How Do Solar Generators Work?
Solar generators work by converting energy from the sun into electricity. Notably, each of the solar generator’s components plays a crucial role in the process, as described below:
· Solar Panels – Converting Sunlight into Electric Energy
Solar panels contain photovoltaic (PV) cells that absorb energy from sunlight and use it to generate Direct Current (DC) electrical charges. Wiring in the solar panels then captures the DC electrical charges and channels the electricity to the charge controller and battery.
Notably, solar panels come in different types and varying qualities. Overall, monocrystalline panels are the most efficient type, with the highest conversion rates and power capacity per square foot.
· Battery – Storing Energy
The DC electrical energy generated by solar panels is stored in the solar generator’s battery. Notably, solar generator batteries come in varying types and sizes, determining their energy storage capacities. Overall, while lithium-ion batteries are the most popular type, LiFePO4 batteries are better because of their larger storage capacities and longer lifespans.
· Charge Controller – Charging the Battery
Solar panels can generate too much electricity too quickly, potentially overloading the battery. To this end, a charge controller is necessary to regulate the electricity voltage flowing from the panels to the battery.
· Inverter – Converting Energy into Usable Electricity
The electric energy generated by solar panels and stored in the battery is direct current (DC). However, most appliances run on Alternating Current (AC) electricity. To this end, an inverter converts the DC electricity from the battery to AC power, making it usable.
Is It Worth Buying a Portable Solar Generator?
A solar generator is worth buying, especially here in the Philippines. Notably, a solar generator only needs sunshine to generate electricity, and the Philippines is a tropical country with lots of sunshine. To this end, a solar generator essentially guarantees you a reliable power supply. Overall, a reliable power supply is convenient, considering the many essential uses of electricity.
Additionally, the cost-efficiency of a solar generator also makes it worth buying. Overall, a solar generator is cost-efficient because it runs on free energy from the sun, unlike fuel-powered generators. As such, you can save a lot of money on fuel costs in the long term.
Pros & Cons of a Solar Generator
Overall, solar generators have many advantages and disadvantages. Here is a quick overview of their greatest pros and cons.
Pros
Solar generators offer many advantages, including the following:
· Clean Energy
The use of fossil fuels for energy production is one of the biggest drivers of pollution and climate change. However, energy from the sun is clean and renewable, making it eco-friendly. Moreover, solar generators don’t cause noise or air pollution, unlike traditional generators that make a lot of noise and produce toxic fumes.
· Portability
Smaller solar generator models are light and have compact designs, making them easy to carry around. To this end, you can use them in different locations for various purposes. For example, you can use your solar generator indoors during power blackouts or take it with you when going camping.
· Low Maintenance
Solar generators experience minimal wear and tear because they don’t have moving parts like motors. Moreover, they are easy to use and only require setting up the solar panels and plugging the appliance you want to use into the battery. To this end, solar generators require minimal maintenance.
Cons
However, solar generators also have a few shortcomings, including the following:
· Slow Charging
A solar generator can only power appliances when the battery is charged. Unfortunately, the battery charges slowly, ranging from two to eight hours or more, depending on the model and weather conditions. To this end, a solar generator is unreliable when you need instantaneous power.
· Limited Energy Storage Capacities
Solar generator batteries have limited energy storage capacities. Notably, most smaller models cannot store enough energy to power all appliances simultaneously. Moreover, small batteries discharge quickly, leaving you without power to operate your appliances.
How to Choose a Solar Generator
A solar generator costs a substantial amount. Moreover, it has many critical uses that impact your overall comfort and well-being. To this end, it is important to choose a reliable solar generator. Here is an overview of four important factors to consider when choosing the best solar generator:
· Your Power Needs
Solar generator batteries have limited energy storage capacities, limiting which appliances you can power and for how long. To this end, it is important to first calculate how much power you need. As such, check each appliance’s rated/running and starting watts and tally them to determine how much power you need. Ideally, you should only power essential appliances to reduce your power needs.
· Storage & Output Capacities
A solar generator battery’s storage capacity determines which appliances it can power and how long it can run. Notably, storage capacities can vary considerably by thousands of watt-hours. Interestingly, you can get a solar generator with a modular design to expand its storage capacity.
Additionally, the solar generator’s power output capacity should also be sufficient for your power needs. Ideally, it should be higher than your appliances’ total rated/running and starting watts.
· Charging Duration & Methods
Slow charging speeds is one of the main shortcomings of solar generators. Fortunately, some models support fast charging speeds, taking two or three hours to recharge. Additionally, a solar generator that supports multiple charging methods is also convenient.
· Outlets & Other Features
Solar generator batteries feature outlets where you can plug your appliances. Notably, outlets vary in type, determining which appliances you can power. Moreover, they also vary in number, determining how many appliances you can power simultaneously. Other important features to consider are smart touchscreens and mobile apps for monitoring and controlling the generator.
Top Solar Generators
Finding the best solar generator can be daunting, considering the many brands and models available. However, you can save yourself the hassle and go for these top two solar generators from BLUETTI:
· BLUETTI AC200P + 2*PV350 Solar Generator Kit
The BLUETTI AC200P + 2*PV350 solar generator kit is moderately powerful and conveniently user-friendly. Notably, it features a LiFePO4 battery, the best type available. The battery has a capacity of 2,000Wh, enough to power basic appliances for a few hours. Moreover, it is durable and can last for over 3,500 charging cycles.
Versatility is one of the best aspects of this solar generator. Most notably, it is lightweight and compact, making it easily portable. To this end, you can use it in the house or outdoors when traveling or camping. Moreover, it supports seven charging methods, including cars and AC outlets. What’s more, it supports dual AC-and-solar charging for fast charging speeds of up to 1,100W (2.3 to 2.8 hours).
Overall, this solar generator is easy to use. Notably, it features 17 outputs to power different appliances, including USB charging ports and wireless charging pads for your mobile devices.
· BLUETTI AC200MAX + 3*PV200 Solar Generator Kit
The BLUETTI AC200MAX + 3*PV200 solar generator kit is a more powerful alternative to the previous model. Moreover, it is just as versatile.
Notably, this solar generator’s LiFePO4 battery has a slightly larger storage capacity of 2,048Wh. Moreover, it has a modular design, enabling you to attach more batteries to expand its storage capacity. To this end, you can attach two B230 or B300 batteries to expand the storage capacity to 6,144Wh or 8,192Wh, respectively. Interestingly, the generator can power basic appliances for a day or longer when you expand the battery.
You can charge this solar generator in as few as 2-2.5 hours using the dual AC-and-solar charging option. Overall, the generator supports seven charging methods, including AC outlets, cars, and lead batteries. Moreover, you can power your appliances through 16 outputs, including USB ports and AC/DC outlets.
Final Thoughts
Overall, a portable solar generator is definitely worth buying. It can come in handy in many situations, including at home when power goes out, on road trips, or when camping. Moreover, it is cost-efficient and runs on free energy from the sun, also making it eco-friendly. Finally, the best solar generators can store enough energy to power your essential appliances for hours or days.
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