There’s only 1 Best Portable Solar Generator
Crow Survivals buying guide for THE BEST OF THE BEST SOLAR GENERATORS
Let’s start off by saying we think every household should have a backup power supply for emergency situations whether portable or mounted. In these uncertain times its always better to be prepared. Electricity powers so many items in our high-tech culture, from lights and computers to air conditioners, refrigerators, and even many automobiles.
We still desire access to many of those electrical amenities when we go without electricity intentionally, such as on camping excursions. In an emergency, when the power goes out, we still require a reliable supply of electricity for critical devices. A solar generator is a non-polluting alternative to a gas or other fuel-powered generator.
Giving you the ability to charge anything from cellphones to battery operated household appliances. Depending on the size of the solar generator, you can use power tools like sawzall, drills and staple guns.
SOLAR GENERATOR BENEFITS
A solar generator functions similarly to a power bank. It collects energy from the sun using solar panels, which is then stored in a battery. This energy may then be utilized to power lights or small appliances such as a tiny refrigerator, or to charge portable electronics such as tablets and smartphones.
People have been using gasoline or other liquid fuel generators for years, but solar generators have a few advantages over normal generators.
Solar generators or as some like to call them Solar Power Stations are far more environmentally friendly than regular generators since they use the power of the sun rather than fossil fuels.
Solar generators are free to operate than standard generators since they do not require fuel of any kind.
If the electricity goes out, as it often does after an earthquake or storm, you may not have access to fuel, making a solar generator an excellent option.
Unlike gas-powered generators, which may be highly noisy, solar generators are absolutely silent. This is a big deal when camping, no fumes or noise. Most solar generators are compact and light.
They are better for camping and daily excursions. Solar generators are ideal for use on camping vacations when you wouldn’t want to carry a normal generator as well as the gasoline to operate it. Keeping the kids happy with charged phones and games can be worth the expense of solar power bank.
CONSIDERING SOLAR GENERATOR FEATURES
First and foremost is to think about how you will be using your solar generator? Will you be using it for camping trips, daily outings, emergency situations or even using it on construction sites. Knowing what you will need it for will be the deciding factor with which solar generator you will purchase.
We highly recommend considering your generator for all of the above because you never know when an emergency can happen. Here are the 5 most important features to consider.
Life of the battery
Since the need of battery operated automobiles and many other devices battery technology has come along way. There are three primary battery types available for consumer use. They are alkaline, nickel metal hydride (NIMH), and lithium ion.
Tesla for example uses a Lithium Ion battery in their automobiles. The size of your solar generator’s battery (bigger batteries can store more power) and the amount of electricity your gadgets demand determine how long your solar generator will power your electronics if at all.
You’ll need to know the generator’s watt-hours (Wh) as well as the wattage of the item you intend to operate. For example, if you have a 150Wh solar generator and a 100W appliance, the generator will only run for 1.5 hours before needing to be recharged.
Inverter
Although batteries store direct current (DC), most appliances operate on alternating current (AC) (AC). To make things easier, many solar generators have an inverter that converts DC to AC, but if your selected model does not, you will need to purchase a separate inverter.
The power ratio between generator and inverter should be around 1.5 to 1. If you have a 150-watt solar generator, for example, search for a 100-watt inverter.
“Some solar generators allow you to use either AC or DC electricity.” We highly recommend to only consider buying a power bank that has an Inverter. You do not want to get into a situation that you need your back up battery, but is doesn’t service your small appliances when the power goes out do to inclement weather or any other unforeseen interruption.
How much time to fully charge?
It is critical to understand how long it takes to charge your solar generator before it is ready to use. Charging time is difficult to average since it varies greatly depending on the size of the solar panels and the generator’s battery.
Examine the product specs of any models you’re thinking about buying. Check the charge time of your selected model and whether it can be charged using an AC power source. Its much faster to charge by AC power but of course in a dire situation or away from a AC source solar is your only choice and FREE.
Reliability
Solar chargers are more dependable than fuel operated generators, but not all types are made equal. A solar generator does not require routine maintenance because there is no motor. And, because solar panels have a lifespan of roughly 30 years, you won’t have to worry about them breaking down anytime soon.
Definitely choose a solar generator that has a metal or heavy-duty plastic housing. Some models with flimsy plastic casings may not withstand repeated use.
Portability
Because a solar generator lacks the fuel tank and moving elements of a traditional gas-powered generator, it is significantly smaller, lightweight, and portable. However, some high-output solar generators are extremely huge and would not be suited for a camping trip, for example.
Check the size and weight of any solar generators on your shortlist before purchasing if mobility is vital to you.
Important advice
Read the instructions to determine how much electricity your unit can provide. Don’t overburden it, or you’ll be dissatisfied and helpless in no time. Check the device label for the wattage output.
Prices of Solar Generators
A solar generator’s pricing is determined mostly by its wattage or watt-hours. Don’t forget to include the cost of solar panels if they aren’t already included. A sizeable power bank alone can be a few hundred dollars but a solar generator will cost considerably more depending on the quality of the solar panels themselves.
A power generator to keep your phone charged can be less than $100 but a solar generator for emergencies and camping can cost as much as $1,500- $2,800 to purchase.
Basic
Solar generators up to around 200Wh cost between $100 and $200, usually without solar panels included.
Mid-range
Solar generators with capacities of up to 600Wh cost between $200 and $500. Some solar panels are included, but many are not.
Expensive
Solar generators with capacities of up to 1,250Wh and solar panels range in price from $500 to $2,000. There are more powerful Solar Generators 2000Wh with solar panels that charge within 2.5 hours that are at a cost of $6,200. This is more than what you may be able to buy for your home but keep in mind these are portable and still can run most things in your home.
Important advice
When charges expire, be prepared to hear the beeping or the alert sounds. Our first power generator, we spent 15 minutes trying to figure out what was chirping noise coming from the side of the unit. Yep most of you are smiling right now.
Check to see if the generator comes with solar panels. You don’t want to unpack your solar generator just to discover it’s missing a critical component.
Determine whether you want an expanded solar generator. Some manufacturers allow you to add more solar panels and batteries if you wish to charge faster or store more power. This could be a way for you to end up with a very power solar generator without all the upfront expense!
Its a great option but does have its limitations so read before you buy.
Most important, worth saying again, determine the wattage of the gadgets you intend to connect to your solar generator. You won’t be able to know if your chosen generator will power the devices for the duration you require without this information.
When charging your Solar Power Station, choose the most sunny area. It might be difficult if you live in a location where sunny days are scarce, but many solar panels can absorb electricity even on predominantly cloudy days.
Solar generator maintenance is easy. Solar panels should be cleaned using soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Solar power banks aren’t as powerful as gas generators, but they can be less expensive in the long run, quieter, and ideal for those with limited mechanical knowledge.
If you don’t work on your lawnmower then you may not have the ability to maintain your fuel generator.
Here are few frequently asked questions we have received through the last couple of years.
Q. Can I recharge the battery in my solar generator with regular home electricity?
A. While it’s incredible to be able to charge your generator outside and without any other source of electricity except the sun, it’s not always practicable. If the weather will not cooperate or you’re short on time, a power outlet may be more convenient. While not all models permit this, the majority do.
Some generators may even be charged using the 12V charging plug in your car. Charging by AC is much quicker too.
Q. How long do solar generators last?
A. Because solar generators are ideal for camping excursions and other outdoor activities, the majority of them are portable. This implies they’re composed of strong materials that won’t break if you throw them in your car’s trunk or if they get a few knocks and bumps. However, the most basic versions are not as robust as the more costly choices.
Whether you want to pay more for additional durability is determined by how frequently you’ll use your generator and how harsh you’re going to be on it. Only you know.
Q. Do solar generators come with adaptor cables?
A. While most solar generators come with a variety of ports for plugging in various appliances, you may discover that some gadgets require an adapter cable, or that you need an adapter to charge the generator from a 12V socket or ordinary AC power outlet. Some solar generators include all necessary adaptor cords, while others do not. If you know you’ll need a specific sort of adapter, make sure it’s provided so you don’t have to buy it separately.
Q. Can I charge a solar power station in my car?
A. This question is one of the reasons we think our opinion for the best solar power station is legit. To be the best you have to check all boxes when comes to ease of use and quality. There are three ways to charge anything, solar, AC electricity and DC to DC charging (i.e. cell phone power bank charging a cellphone). Being able to charge your device from an electrical outlet, solar panels and or from your DC receptacle in your car as you are driving gives us the best ways to stay charged.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
After several years of using Solar Generators we do have a manufacturers recommendation. There are several manufacturers that have great units and we do not want to be bias. Our use and research has taken many hours and we consider price, durability, manufacturer location, ease of use, AC/DC (inverter) use, reliability, range of products, warranty and last but not least user reviews.
Jackery Solar Generators and Power Stations is our recommendation. They have what it takes to be the best in the industry. The Jackery Explorer 1000 was the unit that we put through the test and is the best all around unit for the money. Jackery is a best seller on Amazon and if you are a review purchaser as we are then you will be happy to know there products have 1000’s of 5 star reviews.
1000’s of buyers can’t be wrong.
Its quite the Solar Power Generator. The only real issue we have with the Jackery Solar products is that the solar panels are not water proof. Their quality is second to none past that, period. Jackery is headquartered in the U.S.A. which we support as well.
Although we choose Jackery we wanted to give a shout out for Geneverse. Geneverse makes a fine solar generator also and they are a very close second. Eerily similar in design they could be the same company, except for the colors.
Either system will be a good choice but only one can be the best, in our humble opinion.
As you will find as you read our 100’s of publications we not only give you our expert opinions but we also take into account other opinions as well. Take for instance our friends at TheOutdoorGearReview on YouTube. Honest and precise reviews without question.
Like our website and channel TOGR is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers. Luke is a great American with millions of views on his YouTube channel. So we are not his only fans! And ladies his wife participates in his reviews as well. They are a great team.
If you are ready to buy or just want to see more info check out our shopping site for recommended product purchases. Shop crow survival.
Jackery’s models are better explained by the company itself and here is the link but when comparing manufacturers there is alot more to consider. We have done all the heavy lifting for you by giving you the manufacturers that are close in quality, and possibly you may very well consider just as good. We have no skin in the game on which one you may purchase.
