A solar generator is a large power bank/battery that is charged by gathering solar energy via solar panels. Solar generators are nearly silent and less expensive to use since solar energy is free. They are usually lighter weight and easier to transport than gas powered generators. They can also be used safely indoors.
Here are some questions to ask when deciding which solar generator to purchase:
- How many watts or watt-hours (Wh) of energy does it store? Will it charge/run what you need to charge/run during a power outage? The higher the wattage, the higher the price. The higher the wattage, the more devices and appliances you can plug in at the same time or the larger wattage a single appliance can be.
- How long does it take to recharge the generator?
- Does it stay charged when not in use?
- Can it charge by both solar and AC current? Can it charge through the 12V charger port in your car?
- How many hours does the charge last? This will depend on the watt-hours (Wh) of the generator and the wattage of the device you are operating or charging.
- Can you charge the generator and use it at the same time?
- What kind of storage battery is in it? Lithium or lead-acid deep marine? Lithium are more expensive but lighter weight.
- What does it weigh? Does it have handles or wheels? Can you pick it up or will you need a cart?
- Does it come with solar panels, cords, and AC adapter? When they come with the generator, it is considered a solar generator kit. Kits are usually less expensive than buying individual parts.
- Are the solar panels mono-crystalline, poly-crystalline, or thin-film? Mono-crystalline are the most efficient but also the most expensive.
- What is the size of the solar panels? A larger panel area will gather more energy and charge the generator more quickly.
- Will the panels charge on cloudy days?
- Are the solar panels and battery in the same unit? That combination will shorten the life of the battery due to heat. Built-in panels are often irreparable.
- Does it have a built-in inverter to convert DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current)? The energy is stored as DC but your electronics and appliances need AC power. If the generator doesn’t have an inverter, you will need to purchase one.
- What is the inverter rating? This number tells you the maximum number of watts that can be pulled at any given time.
- Does it have a durable casing?
- What kind of output ports does it have? AC? 12V? USB?
- Is it expandable? Can you add more panels or another generator?
For more information, see BestReviews and Generatormag.