Solar Generator Buying Guide

Solar generators are active in various scenarios such as outdoor activities, camping and home emergencies, and they also have the advantages of being green and low-cost, making them a good selection for many families. This buying guide will help users understand the basic devices of solar generators and how to buy the best solar generator for them.

Factors to Consider

Solar generators are designed and configured based on the amount of electricity used. The following factors are worth considering before purchasing:

• Location of use and local climate: Affects power generation efficiency.
• Load power: Affects the selection of multiple components. Generally speaking, the total power for TV, lighting and cell phone charging should not exceed 300W.
• Output voltage: To match the panels and batteries. If only DC power is required, an inverter may not be necessary.
• Time needed to supply power: Used as a reference for choosing battery capacity.

Selection of Components

The selection of a solar generator requires comprehensive consideration of a multitude of factors, so as to choose the most suitable solar generator for the actual power needs and achieve self-sufficiency in electricity.

Solar Generator System

First, the power of the generator should be taken into consideration. The power selection of a solar generator needs to be based on the actual demand for electricity. Energy needs vary for different homes or businesses. One should think about the scenario in which the generator will be used and assess the power usage before making a purchase.

Generally speaking, the devices that need to be powered in short-term outdoor activities are mobile phones, cameras, drones, portable lighting tools, radios. A 200W solar generator can meet the power needs of the above devices, and can be fully charge in 6-8 hours in full sunlight. However, if you are going to camp for a long time, or considering the sudden power needs of your family, you can purchase a more powerful one, such as this 500W portable solar generator. It is worth noting that the power of the solar generator is not equal to the output power, but also consider the battery loss, inverter efficiency and other factors. The solar generators introduced above have two output modes of 110V and 200V, which can meet the needs of many kinds of electrical appliances.

Battery Capacity

There are two factors that can be considered in the selection of battery capacity. The first is the duration of sunshine and the second is the duration of system use. Generally speaking, a solar generator should not be sufficient for only one day, and it is recommended that it can store at least enough power for two days of use. The longer the sunshine duration, the smaller the battery capacity can be. In addition, the quality of the battery is also worth considering, lithium batteries are safer and last longer than lead-acid batteries, and can be more expensive.  In order to extend battery life, the solar charge controller is indispensable.

Solar Panels

Solar panels, also known as solar modules, are very important for solar powered generators because they determine the efficiency of charging. At the same time, the solar panel has various specifications. When choosing a solar panel, you should consider the environment of use and local climatic conditions. Generally speaking, polycrystalline solar panels are enough to meet the electricity demand in areas with good climatic conditions. If it is a sunny area with mild climate, you can consider choosing monocrystalline silicon panels. And in areas with poor weather conditions, you need to choose suitable high-efficiency panels to increase the power generation efficiency.

Inverter

The inverter is the core device that converts the DC power generated by the panels into AC power. The selection of the inverter needs to be matched to the DC voltage and power of the panels to ensure a high conversion efficiency and the ability to adapt to the voltage and frequency required for electricity consumption. Inverters can be categorized into off-grid inverters and grid-tied inverters according to their function. Comparing to grid-tied inverters that cannot be connected to batteries, off-grid inverters are more suitable for portable solar generators.

Tips for Choosing

In addition to the above factors, the stability of the charge controller, the conditions of the installation environment, and the budget for the purchase of solar generators are also factors to be considered. If you need to use it in outdoor activities or camping, you must also consider the size and portability of the generator, output compatibility and so on. At the same time, in order to ensure the safety and stability of the devices, it is highly recommended to choose a professional brand, and regular safety checks and maintenance.

If you are not sure how to buy the best generator, we recommend that you consult a professional or supplier. Powerhome.com is an online shop focusing on off-grid living, supplying products such as solar generators, panels and inverters. We are committed to providing you with the best products and professional after-sales service at the most competitive price. If you need any help, please feel free to ask us.