If you are looking to learn more about the eco-friendly generator, All About Solar Powered Generator Tips And Tricks will provide you with valuable information.
Are There Solar Powered Generators?
Wondering if solar powered generators exist?
Yes, they do.
They are an alternative to fuel-driven generators. Solar powered generators utilize solar energy to generate and store power that is usable in homes, offices, schools, industries and commercial areas.
What is a Solar Power Generator?
It can be defined as a solar power system that mainly uses solar energy to generate power.
They made it up of several components including a solar panel, inverter, battery, grid, and energy.
Moreover, each plays an integral role in generating power.
The solar panels tap energy straight from the sun and supply power to the batteries which in turn store it. Check out Solar panels price here.
Whenever it requires power, the batteries supply it in loads while maintaining a constant supply.
Using solar powered generators is quite advantageous in comparison to the ones that make to use fuel or gas (standard generators).
This is because they can store power that they can utilize later even if the source of power is no longer present.
Also, standard generators cease to be relevant when not running.
Other advantages of using a solar generator include:
- It uses a renewable source of energy
- Cheaper to maintain in comparison to standard generators.
iii. Its users pay lesser electricity bills.
- Most solar power generators are totally noise free.
- It is safer compared to electricity.
- They do not emit harmful and toxic gases.
vii. Beneficial programs and government incentives may avail financial assistance during the initial stages
Disadvantages Of Solar Powered Generator
For perfect functioning, solar power generators need to be oversized so as to store more power than required or alternatively have a backup.
This is because solar energy may not be present or sufficient at all times.
In addition, they are considered quite expensive to acquire and set up.
You may also need to set aside quite some space in order to fully accommodate a solar powered generator.
How Much Is a Solar Generator?
The cost of this generator will depend on its power output (size). Solar generators can be classified into four main groups:
-
Back Pack Solar Generators
They weigh less than a pound so you can carry them easily around.
They come with a stand and mounting mechanism that enables users when adjusting to find the best angle for maximum sunlight exposure.
Back Pack solar generators produce a power of up to 20 watts and cost about $200.
2. Mini Generators
These generators are mainly used to power small appliances such as TVs, mobile phones, fans, microwaves, and some medical devices.
Mini generators can sustain a power load ranging from 150 to 500 watts.
They weigh between 20 – 80 pounds and cost about $350-$600.
3. Medium Solar Generators
They can be used to power most household appliances and oxygen generators in hospitals. In comparison to mini generators, they hold more power for longer periods of time.
They can generate power of up to 1200 watts and weigh about 100 pounds. One goes for $1200- $2000.
4.Commercial Solar Generator
They can effectively generate power for high current appliances.
Alternatively, the people utilize them to power smaller appliances for longer periods of time.
Their average weight is about 100 pounds. Commercial solar generators produce the power of up to 1500 watts and cost about $2000-$5000.
What Is a Solar Thermal Generator?
It is a power system that uses technology to utilize solar energy and convert it to thermal or electrical power.
The people utilize it mostly in residential units, industrial areas, and commercial sectors.
How does it work?
A Solar thermal generator is marked by parabolic mirrors (U- Shaped Mirrors) that focus sun rays onto a focal point is technically known as a receiver.
The focal point contains either water or a related fluid which is heated up to produce steam.
Pipes enable the steam to move from the focal point to turbines where it is converted to mechanical energy.
The turbines power a generator which produces electrical energy.
Parabolic mirrors require regular maintenance if they are to provide the best output.
They are installed with a tracking system that enables them to shift according to the sun’s position.
Best Solar Powered Generator
The effectiveness and performance of a generator are used to determine how good it is.
Below are among the best solar generators available in the market today:
-
Goal Zero Yeti 400 Solar Generator Kit w/Nomad 20
It is a portable solar generator that can be used to effectively charge small appliances such as mobile phones, laptops, power lights, and CPAP machines.
In fact, the generator can only accommodate 12 volts devices and is considered most safe to use while indoors or inside a car.
-
Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Silver/Black XX-Large
It is a power backup solution plan. This generator automatically comes on when the power goes off.
It can be used to power up devices such as phones, laptops, toaster, microwaves, and drones among other household appliances.
Moreover, the generator can support 10 of these at once.
It generates power of up to 1200 watts (continuous power) and can support 2.1A USB ports and 120W 12V ports.
The generator is eco-friendly, noise-free and requires zero maintenance.
-
5000 Watt 200AH Solar Generator
This generator is powerful with the ability to produce power loads of up to 5000watts. It comes with two panels and a storage battery of 200Ah.
It can be used as a power back up in residential units, for outdoor activities such as camping and in offices.
Normally due to its heavy weight, its components are shipped separately and then assembled on site.
The generator weighs about 135 pounds and an extra 17 pounds from its solar panels.
-
Renogy KIT-FIREFLY 20W
It is a portable solar generator specially designed for mobile phones.
The generator is ideal when traveling, camping or in emergencies.
You can charge it by solar, car power or AC power. Also, the generator operates on a simple plug and play the system and can charge any type of phone that allows for a USB.
When fully charged, it can provide up to 175Wh of energy.
By far it is the smallest entry in Goal Zero’s production of portable solar generators.
Nevertheless, its small size should not be despised as it can power up to 5 devices at a go.
Furthermore, their users can choose from various powering options including an AC outlet, a 12V output, and two USB ports.
The generator weighs 12 pounds and delivers up to 150Wh of energy.
Portable Solar Powered Generator
They are light enough to be carried around in a backpack.
These generators can be used to power low current devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops small speakers, microwaves, blenders and sandwich makers among others.
Solar Powered Generator for Camping
A while back people who chose to go out camping and still remain reachable would ensure they packed close to petrol stations or places they could easily charge their devices.
Not anymore, as long as you are equipped with a solar powered generator, you are good to go.
You can go anywhere with sunshine, enjoy yourself to the fullest and charge your devices in the evening after the solar generator’s battery has accumulated enough charge.
Solar-powered generators come in handy when lighting up a campsite, charging phones & laptops and powering up small music systems. Not only are they portable but also very efficient.
Standby Solar Generator
True to its name, it can be used as a backup in case of a blackout. It automatically starts running seconds after the power is out. Standby solar generators are fully automated with sensors to detect the presence and absence of power supply.
They generate and store up energy that becomes useful when needed.
How to Build a Solar Generator
You do not necessarily need a technician to help you build a solar generator; here is an easy to follow through and practical guide on how you can do it yourself.
You will need:
- Tools- a pair of wire cutters and Velcro.
- Equipment – Solar panels, cycle battery, power inverter, charge controller, wires, and case.
Solar Panels
They absorb solar energy using a collection of cells and convert it to electrical energy.
The voltage of a solar panel will set the standard on what to purchase for all the other equipment.
The equipment has to be able to handle the amount of power the solar panels will generate.
Charge Controller
It controls the amount of power that goes from the solar panel to the battery. If the latter receives too much power at unacceptable speeds it may explode.
Deep Cycle Battery
It is a specially designed battery that can be charged and discharged as many times as possible, within its lifetime.
Batteries containing Lead, acid or gel are considered most suitable.
Power inverter
It is responsible for converting Direct current (DC) into Alternating Current (AC) and then sending it to the circuit.
Power invertors also suppress noise and save energy.
Wires
They are used for connecting the various types of equipment and tools together.
You should also acquire wire connectors to ensure safety when putting together the wires.
Case (Optional)
A case keeps the generator in place and protects you and anyone else around you in case of any exposed wires.
You may not need a case if the solar generator is being set up at a place rarely accessed by humans or is properly enclosed.
Once you have ensured you have everything you need, it is wise to lay them out on a flat surface to make it easier when working.
Here is a step by step procedure of how to build a solar power generator.
Step 1: Connect your battery to the inverter ensuring the positive wire is connected to the positive pole and the negatives to each other.
Step 2: Connect the charge controller to the solar panel and lifecycle battery. The negative pole should be connected to the wire before the positive.
Step 3: Find a good spot for your solar panel. A place with maximum sun exposure away from any shadows should do it. Be mindful of the movement of the sun throughout the day by placing it in a most convenient place.
Step 4: Ensure at least a charge of 50 % before connecting your equipment to the inverter.
And there you have your generator, enjoy the benefits of using solar power.
Whole House Solar Generator
Solar power generators can either be used as an ‘off the grid’ power plan or backup. To power up a whole house, a considerable amount of power is required.
The more appliances in use the more power is required.
If planning to acquire one, it is advisable to consult a professional who can gauge all your power needs and advise you on the best type of generator to purchase.
Solar Generator Amazon
There are quite a number of solar generators available for sale on Amazon.
All depending on your power needs and budget, you can choose from the following available items: Portable solar power generators, backup solar generators for home use, commercial solar generator systems and solar generators equipment.
Solar Generators for Sale
Apart from Amazon, you can also purchase solar generators from online shops such as Alibaba and eBay.
Alternatively, you can purchase them from private retailers and manufacturers online. Click here to check out Solar panels price.
In case you do not feel confident enough to carry out transactions online, there is always the retailer option. You can physically pay a visit to local shops around you and shop for one.
If you are a little low on cash, you can look for second-hand solar generators up for sale. However, before buying one it is good to have a technician check it out and confirm if everything is in working order.
Conclusion
To sum up, solar generators are a clean source of power and a great alternative to electricity & fuel-driven generators.
If looking for a safe, air pollution free and flexible source of power, they are the real deal!
Nonetheless, you should also be prepared to part with quite some amount of money to acquire one.
The good news is it will be all worth it in the long run.