How to Find the Best Solar Powered Generator for Your Home
Have you thought about having a solar powered generator in your home? Maybe you’d like to reduce your carbon footprint. Maybe you’d like to bring one on your next camping trip. Maybe you’d like one as an emergency power backup.
Regardless of your reasoning, a solar powered generator offers many benefits. How do you find the best solar powered generator for you?
The Best Solar Powered Generator for Your Needs
Before you go looking into different generators, you’ll need to consider how you’ll use it.
Camping or on the Go
A solar powered generator will allow you to have all the modern conveniences you’re used to while roughing it. Most sites will allow generators so you can power lights, a small television, or radio. You can also charge batteries for flashlights or other portable devices. You might even be able to run a small portable freezer for your meals.
Backup power
There are several natural emergencies that can disrupt your power supply. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods can knock out your power for days. A solar powered generator at home can keep your refrigerator running, your water hot, and your electronics on.
Offset energy consumption
We live in a time where electronics are a big part of our lives. Powering up all these devices consumes a lot of energy. If you have a solar powered generator, you can offset the amount of energy you consume right in your own home.
Rechargeable Battery
Some generators come with a rechargeable battery. This means you don’t need any gasoline to power it up. This is a huge environmental benefit since it doesn’t give off any toxic fumes every time it turns on.
You also won’t need to buy a replacement battery. This cuts down on waste and makes the generator even more environmentally friendly.
One thing to keep in mind is that a rechargeable battery can take anywhere from 5-13 hours to charge. This depends on the weather situation as well as solar panel placement.
Generators that have a rechargeable battery:
- Goal Zero Yeti 400
- ROCKPALS 300W
- LED Display
LED displays have come a long way. They can tell you more than just the date and time. When it comes to a solar powered generator, it can be a useful tool to maximize your usage.
An LED display can be a very handy tool on a generator. Most of the time, an LED display will let you know how much energy you are using as the generator is on. A display may also tell you other useful information such as how much battery is remaining or if it needs to recharge.
If you’d like a generator with an LED display check out these brands and models:
- Goal Zero Yeti 400
- MAXOAK AC50 Power Station
- ROCKPALS 300W
Input/Output Calculator
Like an LED display, an input/output calculator is extremely helpful. Having one on your generator means you’ll be able to find the best position for the solar panels.
The calculator will tell you if a panel’s position is getting enough to charge the battery for use. This will allow you to charge your generator quicker and power more electronics longer.
- Goal Zero Yeti 400
High Capacity Power
You might be in the market for something that can tackle a lot of electronics. Some generators have a strong capacity that gives the maximum power. This means you can charge your phone 30+ times, your camera 80+ times, or your laptop 5+ times off of the battery.
This is something you’ll want to consider if you have a family with lots of mobile devices. It could also be useful if you’re camping with a large group or at a community tailgate.
If you have a lot of gadgets to power up, you might want to look at these generators:
- Goal Zero Yeti 400
- MAXOAK AC50 Power Station
- The ROCKPALS 300W
- SUAOKI 150Wh Camping Generator
- Peppermint Energy Forty2 Pro+
- AUDEW Chslycxc1440
Quick Recharge
Depending on your situation, you may need a generator to charge quickly. Maybe you’ll need to recharge a mobile device several times over a longer period of time. Some generators can charge in as little as three hours, making it ideal for using over and over during a power outage. Of course, this all depends on the current weather conditions.
- Peppermint Energy Forty2 Pro+
DC and AC Outputs
Not every electronic uses the same type of cord to charge. Why would you want a generator that can only handle half of your devices?
If you need to plug in USB devices as well as any electronics with an AC cord, you’ll want a generator that has both. You can charge anything from a TV to your laptop. This way, none of your electronics will be left without juice when you’re without power.
- MAXOAK AC50 Power Station
- ROCKPALS 300W
- SUAOKI 150Wh Camping Generator
- Peppermint Energy Forty2 Pro+
- AUDEW Chslycxc1440
Portability
You might need a lightweight generator for on the go. Some solar generator are small enough to carry around in your car for camping trips or roadside emergencies. With a portable generator, you won’t have to ditch your electronics while adventuring. You can keep a charge on your phone for photo memories or emergency phone calls.
If you need a generator that can tackle multiple locations, you might want to consider the convenience of:
- The Renogy Phoenix
- Jackery Portable Power Station
- SUAOKI 150Wh Camping Generator
What Makes the Best Generator?
The best solar powered generator all depends on what your needs are. You might need the ease of portability. You might be looking for something to power up the neighborhood. You might want gadgets to tell you what the generator is doing while on.
No matter what it is you want out of a generator, they all have four major benefits you’ll love:
- No noise
- No pollution
- Energy source is free
- Offset your energy consumption
For a more clean and energy-efficient lifestyle, check out our blog for more information.