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How to Choose the Right Solar Generator
Written by the 4Patriots Editorial Team
Last Updated on August 17, 2023
In this article:
When Do You Need a Solar Generator? | How to Choose a Solar Generator? | Different Types of Generators (Pros and Cons) | Picking the Right Solar Generator, What's Right for You? | Conclusion
When storms knock out power: Countless households are affected every year.
These unwelcome blackouts aren't limited to any specific region. They can strike anywhere across the nation. The power grid is aging. The local government has limited resources. So it's hard to fix this.
And the aftermath leads to downed power lines. That disrupts the power supply but also poses potential hazards. These outages aren't just a minor inconvenience for many. They can disrupt daily life.
So how can one prepare for such unpredictable circumstances?
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When Do You Need a Solar Generator?
1. Food Spoiling in Fridges
A power outage can mean your refrigerator stops working. Perishable food items may spoil. As a result, you could lose hundreds of dollars in groceries. Spoiling food can lead to both financial strain and potential health risks.
2. Losing Access to Outside Information
Losing power means no TV or internet. And during a storm you need to stay updated about weather conditions. You don't want to be left in the dark literally and figuratively.
3. Lights Out
Power outages equate to no lights in the home, so moving around safely becomes a challenge. This can lead to potential injuries. Especially if there are children or elderly members in the household.
4. Loss of Essential Equipment
Many households rely on electrically powered medical equipment like air machines at night. A power outage means the machine is off. That can disrupt sleep. Or even lead to a potential health risk for those dependent on them.
5. When You Don’t Have Gas
Having a gas generator is the right choice for people who don’t mind the noise or running it outside. But if you use it, you have to store all the gas you need. And if you need it for days and days… it may mean lots and lots of gas stored on site. But a solar generator recharges quietly whenever you have soon, so you never have to use gas with it. Ever.
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How to Choose a Solar Generator
1. Number of Outlets
Consider how many devices you'd need to power simultaneously. A generator with multiple outlets ensures you can keep essential devices running.
2. Size of Display
A clear and large display allows for easy monitoring of the generator's performance, which means you can manage power efficiently.
3. Total Power Capacity
Look at the generator's total power output and check if it offers expansion capabilities. A higher capacity means you can run more devices, and expansion options mean future-proofing your investment.
4. Recharging Time
Investigate how long the generator takes to recharge and if there are modifications, like adding more solar panels, which can reduce this time. Faster recharge times mean less downtime during prolonged outages.
5. Peak Power Output
This indicates the maximum power the generator can provide at any given moment. A higher peak power ensures it can handle devices with large startup surges.
6. Size/Weight
Depending on your needs, you might require a more portable option or a heftier, stationary one. Consider where you'll store or move the generator.
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Different Types of Generators (Pros and Cons)
1. Portable Solar Generators
PRO
- Eco-friendly
- silent operation
- portable
- no fuel needed.
CON
- Limited power capacity
- can be expensive initially
2. Portable Gas Generators
PRO
- High power output
- relatively affordable
- widely available
CON
- Requires fuel storage (expensive and dangerous)
- Awful racket
- Dangerous gases
- Can only be used outside
- Limited ability to run at night
3. Whole-Home Install Solar Systems
PRO
- Can power entire home
- Quiet
- Out of sight
- eco-friendly
- can feed excess power back to the grid
CON
- Expensive installation
- Must schedule with company to install and maintain
- Hard to maintain or replace roof or panels
- requires space for panels
- dependent on sunny weather
4. Whole-Home Install Gas Backup Generators
PRO
- Can power an entire home
- automatic activation during outages
- high power output
CON
- Expensive installation
- Must schedule with company to install and maintain
- Requires fuel source
- regular maintenance
- produces emissions
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Picking the Right Solar Generator, What's Right for You?
Solar generators are not one-size-fits-all. The best choice depends on your specific needs. For those who need portability, a smaller solar generator might suffice for basic needs. But if you need more power for essential devices, you might need to invest in a larger unit. There are also other options, such as additional solar panels or an expansion pack.
However, if you need to power your entire home, a whole-home install might be more appropriate. This may require scheduling time with an installation company. Or getting a quote for a long project.
It's essential to think about your needs before making a decision. Remember, having power when you need it in a crisis can mean the being in control when everyone is counting on you.
Conclusion
Storm-related power outages are unpredictable. But with the right preparation, they don't have to be devastating. Solar generators store power for when you need it... and recharge their own power whenever you have sun. By making the right choice, you can ensure that you're never left in the dark.