Solar Backup Generators

Solar Backup Generators

Solar power stations, also known as solar generators, are a portable, user-friendly battery backup. A solar generator is not inherently powered by solar, but has multiple options for charging the lithium battery. However, what makes it unique over other battery packs is its ability to be charged by solar panels, with its unique charging port.

Parts of a Solar Generator

A solar generator is made up of a lithium or lithium-ion phosphate battery bank, charge controller, inverter, and various plug-in ports. Different outlets are offered: AC ports, USB ports, and DC out.

In addition to having several outlets, a solar generator has multiple ways to get supply power. Common options are charging it from your wall outlet, charging it with a car charger, and also with solar power.

How to Power a Solar Generator with Solar Energy

Some solar generators have portable solar panels that you can set up temporarily to charge your battery bank and take down in between charges. Using multiple solar panels to charge a solar generator allows fast charging and the most efficient recharge time. However, each solar panel is often expensive, so you can opt to only purchase one or two and charge the portable power station more slowly, using less solar input. If you don’t have high power requirements, this is a great, cost-effective way of getting solar backup power.

Solar generators can also be charged with most rooftop solar panels. It’s essential to first check specifications and hookups to make sure that everything works together well and that not too much power will be flowing to your generator. It takes most solar generators just a few hours to fully charge when panels are receiving direct sunlight.

What size solar generator do you need?

To determine your backup power needs, first you’ll need to take stock of what electrical devices you want to power and for how long. A portable power station is a great source of electricity in emergencies, especially since it can be powered via solar input and does not rely on power grids, but it cannot handle the standard power draw that most homes use in a typical day. So first, calculate the power draw that any necessary, larger appliances require – like medical equipment and refrigerators – and compare that with the power capacity of the generator.

After that, various devices such as laptops, lighting, and appliances can be added to the equation. Finally, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that there may be cloudy days where a full charge will take longer, and that it’s wise to have the total capacity of the battery charged before nightfall so that way you’ll have power throughout the night without concern.