What is a solar generator?

Solar generators are portable battery storage systems powered by solar panels. Unlike solar-plus-storage systems, solar generators are not designed to back up major appliances in the event of an outage. You can compare solar generators by assessing the watts and watt-hours of the systems, as well as their battery chemistries.

How does a solar generator work?

Put simply, a solar generator is an integrated portable power source appliance that receives power from solar panels, an AC outlet, or a DC power source such as a car battery and stores that power in an onboard battery bank. Once charged, you plug electronics and appliances into the outlets on the solar generator to use the stored power.

What is a portable solar generator?

Portable panels give you the ability to charge your solar generator when you need to and then pack it up for storage when you’re on the go. These are often used for camping needs or for short-term use if there’s a power outage and you need to charge your batteries up.

Are solar panels a generator?

Solar panels can’t act as generators on their own – the electricity they generate needs to be stored somewhere. So, solar generators typically consist of two main products: solar panels and a battery storage system. When you place your solar panels out in the sun, they generate direct current (DC) electricity.

How powerful is a solar generator?

Solar generators are not as powerful as their gas/diesel powered cousins. There are many gas generators that produce 5,000 watts to 10,000 watts and more of power. In contrast, the most powerful solar generators peak at 2,000-3,000 watts. This limits how much power you can draw at the same time from the power station.

Do you need a solar generator?

Most solar ready-made generators have enough power to power the average home and cater to your needs. However, if you need to power your entire home or get more power than usual, you’d need to invest in a couple of solar generators to achieve this.