How a Solar Powered Generator Works
A solar powered generator uses the sun’s free energy to power devices and appliances. It is far less noisy and easier to maintain than traditional gas-powered emergency generators.
When choosing a solar generator, look at its usable capacity. Consider how much wattage (amount of electricity) you’ll be using and how long it takes to recharge when the generator isn’t in use.
Battery
The battery is a prominent feature of solar powered generators. It must be able to store enough energy to last for as long as the generator will be used. In addition, some devices need a quick burst of power when starting up. This is why it’s important to check the surge output power capacity of your solar generator before making a purchase. Bluetti’s AC200P, for example, can supply up to 4,800 watts of surge power for a short period.
The solar generator battery is a large rechargeable power station that stores the excess electricity produced by the solar panels when sunlight is available. The battery also has an inverter that converts the stored DC (direct current) electricity into AC (alternating current) electricity, which can be used to power electrical devices and appliances. A charge controller monitors the state of the battery and regulates the charging process to prevent overcharging or excessive discharge.
The battery is available in a variety of capacities, which are measured in watt-hours (Wh). The higher the Wh, the more power the battery can hold for an hour. For example, a 60-watt light bulb requires 60 watt-hours to stay lit for an hour. A solar generator with a capacity of 100 Wh can power this light for about 10 hours (assuming it won’t be recharged by the solar panel at night). Some solar generators use lead-acid batteries, while others use lithium-ion or saltwater batteries that have better performance and longer lifespans.
Inverter
The inverter on a solar power generator converts the direct current (DC) generated by your solar panels and stored in your battery into alternating current, which is what your appliances use. The inverter’s wattage determines how many devices you can plug into your solar generator at once. A small solar generator might have a 500W inverter, while medium and large units typically feature higher-wattage models.
You also want to make sure that your solar generator’s inverter can handle the total input wattage from outdoor security solar lights both the AC and DC power sources. A portable solar generator can only generate power for a portion of the day, and you don’t want to exceed its maximum output.
Some solar generators have a fixed capacity that can’t be expanded, while others, like the Yeti 1500X, allow you to add multiple batteries for more storage. This model also features an LCD display that shows the battery’s status and usage, as well as several charging ports to accommodate your electronics. While it’s heavier than other models, this midsize model earned positive reviews from users for its fast-charging capabilities and easy-to-read screen. It can reach 80-percent charge in four hours or less with optimum conditions, and it’s also fast to recharge from wall outlets. This makes it ideal for camping and tailgating. The battery is made from lithium-ion, which is more durable and safer to use than lead-acid batteries.
Panels
A solar generator works by absorbing, converting and storing solar energy. Its built-in solar panels, solar battery and inverter work together to provide power for your appliances. They’re ideal for providing backup power during emergencies, camping trips and outdoor activities.
Unlike traditional gas generators, solar powered generators don’t emit any harmful emissions or have moving parts that can cause noise and toxic fumes during operation. Their clean energy also helps reduce your carbon footprint and saves you money on fuel costs.
Solar generators work by utilizing photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. This DC electricity is then sent to a solar battery, where it’s stored until you need it. The inverter then converts the stored DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what most appliances use.
The solar generator’s capacity depends on the size of its batteries and solar panel vendors how much energy your devices require. For example, Jackery’s large solar generator can fully recharge a MacBook Pro 13 three and a half times or run a fan for 15 hours.
Since there are different wattage capacities and charging options for solar generators, you should choose the one that’s right for your needs. You’ll want to consider its battery size and type, if it has a solar panel, the inverter and chargers, as well as the time it takes for a full charge.
Chargers
The charger is where solar energy is converted to power that’s stored in the battery. This power is then transferred to the inverter, which converts the DC power into alternating current (AC) that can power electrical devices and appliances. The inverter may also include a battery management system that monitors the voltage of the batteries and prevents them from overcharging or discharging too quickly.
Many portable solar generators have two charging options: a standard wall AC outlet and a solar 12-volt input port that accepts XT-60 or MC4 connector cables. The Ecoflow Delta 2 offers the latter, which lets you use four of the company’s 100-watt solar panels to fill its 3,600-watt-hour battery in 4 hours under optimum conditions.
Unlike traditional generators, which produce a mix of clean and dirty energy, solar powered generators are entirely free from pollution and are safe to touch when they’re turned off or unplugged. They also require low maintenance and have fewer moving parts, making them more reliable than gas-powered generators. However, their high upfront costs can deter some consumers. To address this, some companies are producing affordable solar generators that cost no more than a few hundred dollars and can power a few basic gadgets for emergency preparedness or outdoor adventures. We evaluated several models of these portable solar generators to see which ones delivered the best value and performance.
