Solar generator: Everything you need to know

Solar generators are portable power stations responsible for the generation, storage and the distribution of energy for electrical appliances. The article summarizes and correspondingly explains in detail the working of the solar generator. Its uses at home or during power shortages and finally the importance of this technology are described. Finally explaining why is it such a value addition to your small scale business or to a road trip you have been planning for a long time now. Lets dive right in to the point.

What is a Solar Generator

Solar generators are essentially a framework and a compact system. It has solar panels, batteries, battery charger and an inverter integrated in a single compartment .

The generator like any other power supplies is responsible for the generation and supply of electric power for appliances. In addition it is also capable of storing a power backup to be used like a portable and a reusable power resource. 

These machines are operable almost anywhere on the planet with sufficient amount of sunlight, which makes them really innovative.

1.Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro

Solar generators like the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro(shown above) have 4 essential components. These are embedded and interfaced with one another to provide a sustainable backup power supply. The features that come with this model are listed below with a link where you can buy the product by just clicking on it.

Features

• It features a large lithium battery capacity of 1000W (2000W surge) with multiple outlets to power all kinds of devices such as smartphones, ipads , drones and cameras.
• A light(22lbs), portable and cost efficient source for all your power needs during camping or traveling.
• A smart LED display allows you to easily understand the functionality , and a visibility well suited to outdoors.
• Seamless safety and performance, with an AC inverter packed within the module alongside a battery system for the night and periods of no sunlight. Enjoy the uninterrupted performance with Jackery Explorer 1000.
• Dual 100W PD fast charge, for all your devices such as smartphone, pads, drones and cameras. With a capacity of 8 simultaneous charging ports, with 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C ports and 1 DC car port and 3 pure sine wave AC outlets.
• The standby is extensively long, with a very low discharge rate. Charge the battery with solar panels(bought separately) within 8hrs and forget about power shortages. One of the best companions for long camping travels and unprecedented power outages.

2. BLUETTI AC300 + 1*B300

The AC300+B300 combo of bluetti, is another fine option for all your power solutions. Although the price may be a little higher than jackery but these two devices combined can have an exceptional storage, supply and performance. For someone in need of a heavy duty complete backup 24/7 UPS backup solution there is no better device in the market.

Features

• 3000W AC pure sine inverter, with a 6000W surge.
• 2400W max solar input.
• 3072Wh capacity, expendable to upto 12,288Wh.
• 240V split phase bonding.
• Lithium iron phosphate battery with 3500+ life cycle at 80%.
• 7 Ways to Recharge (AC,Solar,Generator,Car,Lead-acid Battery,Dual AC,AC+Solar).
• 24/7 UPS home backup.
• 5400W fast dual charging(solar+AC).

1.Solar Panels:

Responsible for capturing the energy coming off of the sun in the form of packets of energy called photons. The panels have an absorbing surface to allow as much energy to be collected as possible. The photovoltaic cells within the system are then responsible for converting the clean solar energy to a usable electric supply.

2.Rechargeable battery:

One distinctive advantage of solar power generators is that they store the energy in rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries. This can be later on used as portable sources of clean energy making it one of the most sustainable energy supplies.

3.Solar Generator charge controller:

The controller works like a control mechanism and a regulatory system to manage the solar energy.

4.Inverter in a solar generator:

Converts the free energy of the sun that is available in raw form into an AC electric source that is essential for running almost any electric appliances you use everyday.

These generators are the modern day necessity of a road trip or camping at a hillside. Going for a stroll in a rainforest and visiting Alaska for watching the polar bears and the peaceful frozen lakes. 

Equip yourself with a portable and a completely self sustained power resource. Operate any other electric appliance that can allow you to exercise the work freedom you have been looking for. 

The solar energy generator comes with several AC outlets and charging ports to charge a variety of devices with different power ratings and capacities.

There are multiple options to buy the components separately from the market and assemble them together. Anything with these components can be classified as a solar generator.

We would recommend you to buy an all-in package in conclusion. Just plug and play without dealing with the technical stuff yourself.

How does a solar generator work

Solar generators such as the Ecoflow delta pro or the AC200 P of Bluetti are a phenomenal go to for all your portable, green and sustainable power requirements. 

A solar generator unlike others that produce energy using energy from the fossils stored in fuels such as petroleum, operates without an engine. Their are no moving parts such as motors and dynamos involved.

A solar power producing unit collects energy from the sun. It uses its absorbing plates linked with the PV(Photovoltaic cells) to convert energy from the sun to electric power. 

The DC power passes to the batteries using charge controllers acting as regulators for the electricity. The invertor finally converts energy stored in Lithium-ion batteries to AC supply, essential for electric appliances. The inverter integrated within the generator carries out this function.

Therefore these generators are ideal for power outages and blackouts. They provide access to your mobile devices at remote places. However solar generators are not the ideal candidate to use for large scale power requirements.

Are solar generators any good

Free energy

Is running your electric appliances and always having a clean backup in the backyard any good, is the question we need to ask ourselves. Running a solar generator is essentially free of cost. You don’t need to constantly top it up with expensive gasoline fuel. 

Environment friendly

Thousands of researches and millions of dollars are spent every year. In the hopes of bringing down the carbon-footprint. But guess what, in the case of solar power generators we already have a no carbon emission with and a zero carbon footprint. You can avoid successive environmental damages leading to greenhouse effects. 

Climate change is hitting really hard and responsible measures need to be taken in order to restore the natural habitats of animals and even human beings. Moving towards a clean source of energy can be the first step towards betterment.

Low maintenance

The reason for solar generators being quiet with no excessive noise of any kind is due to the reason that they do not consist of any moving part. Gas powered generators are likely to incur maintenance costs due to the wearable moving parts.

With no moving parts the possibility of breaking down and wearing of moving parts due to abrasion is almost nonexistent.  

Final thoughts

Solar-powered generators are an easy and reliable solution to the climate change problem that the world faces . In this fast paced industrial revolution the damages we impart on our surroundings and habitat can be enormous if left unattended.

Solar energy if utilized to its full extent can provide an everlasting energy reserve. A clean and portable source of energy for all our energy related problems and purposes.

Initially a solar project can incur some daunting costs. The ROI(Return on investment) is huge in terms of reliability and affordability with minimum running and Maintenance costs.

A solar generator is an environmental-friendly energy source with no pollution, noise, discrepancies and most importantly no reliance on costly fuels.