The Survival Prep Store's Guide to Solar Generators: Why Everyone Should Have One
The Survival Prep Store's Guide to Solar Generators: Why Everyone Should Have One
A solar generator is a must-have for any homeowner. If the power goes out, you will be glad you have one! The Survival Prep Store has all of the information you need to choose the right solar generator for your needs. We'll tell you why solar generators are such an important part of any prepper's arsenal, and we'll help you choose the perfect one for your home.
Best Solar Generator 2023
Are you planning a camping trip or an outdoor adventure and looking for a reliable source of power? Consider investing in a portable power station, which can provide you with the necessary power to keep your devices charged and your appliances running.
Portable power stations come in various sizes and designs, but they all have one thing in common: they store energy that can be used to power devices and appliances. They typically use lithium-ion batteries, which are more efficient and lighter than lead-acid batteries.
One of the most popular brands of portable power stations is Jackery. Their premium model is the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro.
This model has a large capacity lithium-ion battery and multiple output ports, including AC outlets and DC and USB ports, which can power devices like laptops, smartphones, and even small appliances. This generator comes with a hefty price tag, so read on for more affordable options
When choosing a portable power station, you should consider the amount of power you need, the size of the solar generator, the charging time, and the number of AC ports and other output ports. If you're planning to use the power station for longer periods of time or to power larger appliances, you may want to choose a model with a larger battery capacity and more AC outlets. These models are especially helpful during weather emergencies or more malicious events such as EMP attacks.
Another advantage of portable power stations is that they can be charged in a variety of ways, including through wall outlets or using solar panels. This flexibility allows you to fully charge your portable power station before your camping trip or outdoor adventure, ensuring that you have enough power to last for the duration of your trip.
How to Choose the Best Generator When Buying Online
You can find hundreds of different brands and models of generators for sale online. With so many different brands and models to choose from, how do you know you are buying the right one.? Choosing the right generator for your particular application is very important. Making an informed decision in the first instance can save you lots of time and money in the long run. To ensure you buy the right model generator and to make your generator selection easier, work out the answers to these main factors set out below.
HOW WILL YOU USE THE GENERATOR?
Typically, applications fall into one of 3 categories:
Home back up(i.e. emergency power) These generators are designed to enable you to quickly and easily power essential home appliances.
Recreational use (Camper vans, camping, picnics, boating) Small Portable Inverter generators are quiet and easily portable, perfect for most recreational applications.
Industrial use(construction and rental) Designed with the construction worker in mind,
We have generators geared towards each of these applications. However, since each customer has unique needs, you should consider other factors while making a choice.
NOISE LEVEL
Picking a generator that is quiet is important for many reasons.
Where you want to run a generator may have noise restrictions that restrict impact generator usage, particularly at night.
Noisy generators are unsuitable for many applications, including camping, powering outdoor events, and camper van trips.
FUEL EFFICIENCY & RUN TIME
Before you select a generator, look for one that is fuel efficient and will run for a long time.
Inverter generators feature Eco Throttle controls. This feature automatically adjusts the engine speed to match the power needed by the appliance. This allows for maximum fuel efficiency.
Inverter generators are fuel efficient, they have some of the longest run times - especially with models with large fuel tanks
Many industrial models have large fuel tanks allowing you to run your generator for long periods of time without refilling.
POWER OUTPUT QUALITY
Voltage regulation controls the power output from the generator. Consistent power is extremely important as fluctuations in power can cause equipment to turn off or even break the appliance. This is a big issue if you are using modern sensitive electronics such as phones and laptops. AC Power is depicted using a sine wave. The smoother the curve, the more stable the power.
Any spikes in the curve are caused by a fluctuation in the power being created.
There are several different ways to regulate the voltage on a generator:
Brushless
Brushless generators are among the most common in the industry because of their inexpensive construction but have the least reliable voltage control. Brushless generators can't react to a changing load, either producing low power (a brownout) or high power. Fluctuations of this nature can cause equipment damage.
AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator)
Automatic Voltage Regulator, or AVR, designed to consistently control voltage. The AVR keeps the output voltage more constant, regardless of the load. This means no spikes or brownouts.
Inverter - they produce the cleanest power of all. These units are ideal for sensitive electronics, such as computers.
Inverter generators offer a number of other benefits, including less noise, lower weight, and greater fuel efficiency as compared to traditional models.
SIZE & EASE OF TRANSPORT
Consider how you will be moving and storing the generator. Do you need a generator model with ease of moving, ie a model with a wheel kit.
EASE OF STARTING
Is being able to start a generator an issue, if so look towards models that have a key start option, as turning akey is alot easier than having to pull start a generator
DURABILITY AND QUALITY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP
Quality and reliability are critical when selecting a generator. Consider:
Is it well put together? Do the components look well made? Look inside the generator, if possible, and compare between manufacturers. You will see substantial differences between a cheap generator and a premium model generator.
What are the materials made of? Are they high quality?
Is the manufacturer well known? What is their reputation?
Remember: If you buy cheap, you will buy twice.
How do Solar Generators Work?
Solar generators work by converting sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. This electricity passes through the charge controller, which keeps the voltage from going too high or low. The solar panel connects to the battery bank, which stores the energy from the solar panel. When you need power, the solar generator converts the DC electricity from the battery bank into AC electricity that can be used to power your appliances.
An average home will need about 6,000 watts of solar to go completely “off grid”. However, if you want to backup a refrigerator and maybe a freezer, and power a few lights, then 1,500 watts might be sufficient to handle that, depending on the quality of inverter, and if you have enough solar panels and batteries.
What are the Advantages of Solar Generators?
According to EcoWatch, Arizona is one of the most attractive states for solar generators. Solar incentives in Arizona are among the best in the nation, offering generous rebates and tax credits that can help homeowners and businesses to save money on their energy bills. The state also has a net metering program that allows customers to sell excess electricity generated by their solar system back to the utility company. With these incentives, Arizona is an ideal state for those looking to invest in solar power.
Solar generators offer a number of advantages over gas-powered generators. First of all, solar generators are much more environmentally friendly. They also don't produce any noise, so you can use them without disturbing your neighbors. Additionally, solar generators are much more affordable than gas-powered generators.
Solar generators have a lot of advantages:
-They are quiet and non-polluting.
-They can be used to power any type of appliance, from small appliances like televisions and microwaves to large appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners.
-They are a renewable energy source, so you can use them to power your home even if there is a power outage.
-They are perfect for emergencies and natural disasters.
- solar generators are the perfect backup power solution for any homeowner
Power outages can leave a home without power for lighting, cooking, refrigeration and pumping water. Portable generators can be bought to provide substitute power. However, the generator must be properly sized to start the appliances and equipment you want to run.
How To Calculate What Size Generator I Need?
The most common question that everyone looking to buy a generator asks is:
'What size generator do I need..?"
We have put together useful and much needed information that you can use to size the correct generator needed so you don’t waste your time and money.
You have to work the amount of watts that the tools / appliances you’ll be running use, and remember that with some appliances or tools the number wattage that is listed on the appliance is not an exact representation of the amount that it takes to run it.
For instance, a 900w microwave simply means that’s how much power the microwave itself puts out. The key point to remember is that a appliance will always require more power to run than the amount of power it puts out.
You need to figure exactly how much wattage your appliances require, so read on!
Calculate Starting Wattage for Appliances
Another factor you will need to calculate is the starting wattage. What this means is that some appliances, such as those that contain an electric motor, require more watts to start up than to actually run. These include refrigerators, air conditioners, power tools, air compressors, bore pumps to name a few. To calculate the starting watt requirement, with most appliances it is generally 2 to 3 times more than the running watt requirement.
List of Appliances That Can Run on a Generator
Make a list of all the appliances / tools you wish to run at the one time, and once you have compiled an accurate list of what you will be operating, you can calculate the maximum power requirements.
(For 120-volt, plug-in appliances)
Examples of Appliances That Can Run on a Generator
So for example, if you’re planning to run a bar fridge (180W) with toaster (500W), TV (200W) and a portable fan (40W) at the same time, you’re looking at 920W.
Then work out which of these appliances has the highest starting power, and add that amount to the total.
So if the bar fridge has the highest starting power of 600W, the total is 920 + 600 = 1520W.
If your list does not include any devices that use electric motors, simply add the power (running) requirements of all the items on your list to obtain the maximum power needed.
With this total calculated , you would need a generator with at least 1520 watts of continuous power to run these appliances all together.
But we always advise people to get a generator with slightly more than you need, as you don’t want to risk overloading it… Selecting a generator that doesnt have a continiuous output of this total means you won’t be able to start or run your required appliances when you need them most.
Also, most generators can sustain only 80% of their maximum power for the long haul. So if you continuously push your generator to over 80% of its maximum power, you will shorten its life and risk damaging the appliances connected to it.
While you don’t want to go too big, make sure you get something slightly more powerful than you need.
First, find the wattage of the appliance(s) you want to run by checking the nameplate.
Motor-driven appliances may be listed in horsepower which must be converted to watts. Motors require four times as much power to start as they do to run. If the running wattage of a motor is 400, then the starting wattage will be 1,600. The following table gives some starting and running wattage for electrical motors:
Now determine how many appliances you want to run at the same time and add or total the wattage. The size of the generator you use must be such that it will start and run the necessary appliances. If you get a generator that is too small to run refrigerators and freezers, they will try to start, but the voltage will drop and their motors will overheat and burn out. If you cannot find the wattage, an estimate can be made from the following table:
Table 2
Typical Equipment Wattages
Essential home equipment
Typical wattage
Refrigerator Freezer Furnace blower
400-800 600-1,000 400-600
Optional home equipment
Typical wattage
Electric skillet Electric stove Washing machine Water pump Water heater Electric fan Central air conditioner
The average home uses about 30 kilowatts of power per day. This means that you would need a solar generator that can produce at least 30 kilowatts of power. However, solar generators are not 100% efficient, so you would actually need a solar generator that can produce more than 30 kilowatts of power.
-Coffee maker: 900 watts
-Television: 120 watts
-Laptop: 60 watts
-Refrigerator: 400 watts
-Window air conditioner: 1000 watts
-Central air conditioner: 5000 watts
Use the chart below to determine the usage requirements for a portable generator
What is the Best Solar Generator for Home Use?
The best solar generator for home use is the one that best fits your needs. There are a lot of solar generators on the market, so it is important to do your research and find the one that is right for you.
The Survival Prep Store has all of the information you need to choose the right solar generator for your needs.
Of course we recommend our Generator and Solar Panel Bundle that features a generator with large panels. Portable and tough, this generator is perfect for backup power at home or on the go. With high power/energy, you can keep your electrical devices going for longer. The solar panel adds an extra boost of power to keep you going when you need it most.
We also have the Elios Solar Backpack Bundle —the perfect way to stay connected on the go! The durable 840D nylon construction ensures your belongings are safe and sound, while the padded laptop and tablet pockets keep your devices protected. Plus, with reversible zippers and custom pulls, it's easy to access whatever you need. And when things get a bit wet, the stow-away rain cover comes in handy. Best of all, the adjustable sternum strap provides extra comfort and stability when you're on the move. Scroll down to see our full collection.
How to Calculate Wattage and Solar Panel Rating: A Solved Example
If you're looking to set up a solar generator system, you'll need to know how many watts your appliances use. In this article, we'll show you how to calculate wattage and solar panel rating using an easy example. Let's get started!
First, let's calculate the total watts usage for our appliances. We have four lights each using 15 watts, and one fan using 60 watts. If we use these appliances for four hours every day, that comes out to:
Total wattage = (15 x 4) + 60 = 240 watts
Now that we know how many watts our appliances use, we can calculate the solar panel rating needed to power them. For this example, we'll assume that our solar generator will have an efficiency of 50%. This means that for every watt of solar panel rating, we'll generate 0.50 watts of power.
To calculate the solar panel rating needed to power our appliances, we simply divide the total wattage by the solar generator efficiency:
Solar panel rating = 240 / 0.50 = 480 watts
So there you have it! With this simple method, you can easily calculate the wattage and solar panel rating needed to power your appliances. Give it a try for your own home and see how much of a solar generator you'll need.
Do solar generators work in the winter?
Solar generators will work in the winter, as long as there is daylight. The amount of solar power you need to go completely off grid will depend on how much power you use. An average home will need about six thousand watts of solar to go completely off grid. If you want to backup a refrigerator and maybe a freezer, and power a few lights, then one thousand five hundred watts might be sufficient to handle that, depending on the quality of inverter, and if you have enough solar panels and batteries.
How Much Does a Solar Generator Cost?
The cost of solar generators has come down significantly in recent years. You can now purchase a solar generator for under $500. The Survival Prep Store offers a wide variety of solar generators at different price points, so you can find one that fits your budget.
Why Everyone Should Have a Solar
Solar generators are an important part of any prepper's arsenal because they provide power in the event of a power outage. They can also be used to power your home in the event of an EMP attack, solar flares, or other disasters.
Solar generators are a great way to keep your home powered in the event of a power outage. They are also an excellent way to be prepared for an EMP attack. The Survival Prep Store has a wide variety of solar generators to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. We have solar generators that are small and portable, as well as solar generators that can power your entire home.
If you're looking for a solar generator, The Survival Prep Store is the place to go. We have a wide selection of solar generators at competitive prices, and we offer free shipping on orders over $199.00. So don't wait - order your solar generator today!
