In addition, most small businesses and homeowners prefer the off-grid solar system instead of the on-grid one. As the name suggests, an off-grid solar system operates independently from the grid. The panels receive sunlight, which is generated and stored in the batteries. The solar energy is converted by the inverter, thus generating power for your house or business.
To stay powered, you need a solar home generator. A generator is a great way of having extra energy for a bad weather day or outdoor activities such as camping. Let's take a look at how solar home generators work.
What is a Solar Generator?
A solar generator stores energy tapped from the sun or the grid for emergency backup power or outdoor off-grid activities such as camping.
The solar generator combines portable solar panels, a battery, a battery charger, and an inverter into a single system that allows you to capture, store and distribute solar energy from the sun.
Solar generators are important for providing energy for outdoor activities such as camping, RV trips, and boating and as a backup emergency.
The solar generator is unlike traditional gas, propane, or diesel generators. It lacks moving parts and comprises four elements:
- Solar Panels – The primary tool for capturing the sunlight. Solar panels are the basis for the solar installation. It would be best if you had the panels to have the generator. The panels convert the sun's energy into electricity. Thus, the generator draws solar power through solar panels.
- A Rechargeable Battery- stores the solar energy captured by the panels. The generator draws the power tapped by the panels and stores it in a high-capacity battery. Solar batteries come in four categories: nickel-cadmium, lead-acid, lithium-ion, and flow batteries. High-capacity batteries can store excess energy for cloudy days or evenings when the panels cannot tap sunlight. You cannot reserve solar energy without batteries or a generator.
- Solar Charge Controller-It controls the amount of energy stored in the battery. It is an important part of solar installations. The charge controller is installed between the solar panel and the solar battery. It keeps the batteries from overcharging by controlling the amount and the charge rate of the batteries. In addition, the charge controllers help preserve the batteries' longevity and health. It shuts down the system if the stored power drops below 50 percent for safety.
- Solar Inverter- converts solar energy into electricity by converting the direct current (DC) output into alternating current (AC). The inverters are gateway drawing energy from the solar panels to the appliances. You will need an inverter for solar panels with more than five watts.
How Do Solar Generators Work?
The solar generators work concurrently with solar panels to tap the sun power and store it in the battery for later use. The stored energy is converted by an inverter from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). This way, it powers the electrical appliances in your home.
Reasons You Should Consider a Solar Backup Generator
1. Emergency Home Power
One of the reasons you should consider having a backup solar generator is to power your house in case of a blackout or if you live in an area that experiences bad weather if you use solar.
Until recently, fossil generators were the only options for power backup. However, things have changed now, we have solar generators.
2. You Can Use Solar Generator Indoors
The gas-consuming generators require a supply of fuel constantly and outdoor space for storage. Storing gasoline is not only dangerous but also daunting.
The gas generators pollute the environment by emitting gasses such as carbon monoxide. That's why you cannot keep them close to your house. Also, you cannot expose the generator to rain, yet it requires ventilation. Additionally, gas generators are noisy and emit toxic gasses that pollute the environment.
On the other hand, solar generators are silent and odorless, making them safe and convenient to use inside the house.
3. Good for the Environment
Solar energy is one of the most abundant renewable and clean energy sources. So, whenever you use solar energy, you lower the carbon footprint and help reverse climate change.
4. You Continue Enjoying Power
Even if there's a blackout, you can continue enjoying the power to run the appliances and security at home. With the right side of the generator, you can run large-size home appliances such as refrigerators, AC, and other essential home appliances in case of power outages or bad weather.
5. Save You Money in the Long Run
The initial cost of solar panels installation and purchasing the generator can be high. However, considering aspects such as sustainability, solar generators will save you money in the long run.
If the initial cost of solar panels and generator installation is high, you can start small with a few panels and generators and increase the capacity as you proceed.
6. Provide Sufficient Energy for the Whole House
With the proper combination of solar panels and a generator, you can save enough energy to supply the entire household and appliances. However, you can depend entirely on solar if you live in areas that receive sunlight all year round. You can alternate using solar power and electricity if you live in areas where you receive sunlight seasonally.
Tips for Choosing the Right Solar Generators for Home
It would be best if you made the right choice when buying a backup generator for your home. Here are things to consider when purchasing solar generation.
1. The Capacity
The capacity of the batteries determines the amount of solar energy the refrigerator can preserve. If you intend to use the generator for a prolonged period, choose a generator with a battery capacity that will meet your energy needs.
2. Power Output
Another major thing to consider is the power output of the solar panels and the generator. Ensure the generator can meet your power needs. Check the power requirements of your entire home with all the appliances to decide on the right choice of a home generator. Knowing your electricity needs will help you in choosing the right solar generator.
3. Portability
Solar generators come in different sizes. If you need a generator for outdoor activities such as camping or backpacking, you should consider a small and lightweight generator. However, if it's for home use, you can consider a large-sized generator.
4. Durability
Solar generators are made from different materials. Some are durable, while others are not. Choose a generator that will serve you for a long time. Generators made from materials such as aluminum or steel are bound to last for a long time.
Additionally, some generators have in-built protection against dirt, spills, and dust, which helps prolong the generator's life.
5. The Pricing
The purpose of solar installation is to tap into free renewable energy sources. However, the initial installation costs are high. Solar generators have low maintenance cost compared to traditional generators. In the long run, it is the best choice to cut down or eliminate high electricity costs.
What is the Ideal Generator Size for a Home?
The size of the generator determines the amount of power it's capable of producing. Additionally, the size of the generator also depends on your lifestyle and the power usage in your household.
Other important factors to consider are the number of appliances you want to power, the length of time you will use the power, and the amount of power stored in the battery.
You need a large generator if you have a significantly larger household with several appliances. In a power outage, everything in the house will continue running normally.
A small-size generator can power a small-sized cabin or house, light energy-efficient bulbs, or power your fridge. Additionally, smaller solar generators are handy for charging phones and laptops in an emergency.
With the right set-up and the installation of a permanent solar system, the generators can fully power your entire household.
You can use a solar calculator to help you determine the amount of power your generator can produce against the amount you need.
Buying a Home Generator?
If you are considering buying a home solar generator, choose a reputable manufacturer, such as BLUETTI.
The generators have a high capacity suitable for home and outdoor use. The BLUETTI solar generator kits are an excellent option if you are looking to ditch the traditional generators and reduce your carbon footprint. The generators have enough capacity to power your household and outdoor activities such as camping or powering RVs
The BLUETTI Solar Generators kits are highly efficient, affordable, durable, and environmentally friendly.
Here’s the top home generator kit:
BLUETTI AC300 + B300 + Solar Panels Solar Generator Kit
The BLUETTI AC300 + 1*B300 + Solar Panels | Solar Generator Kit is the only solar generator kit you will ever need. It is made to last and serve you with high efficiency.
The AC300 is 100 percent modular and it supports up to 4×B300 / 3,072Wh battery modules with a groundbreaking capacity of up to 12,288 Wh. It can sufficiently power your household during power outages and emergencies. Also, it is perfect for outdoor activities such as camping. It is lightweight and easy to use. It is worth investing your money in BLUETTI AC300.
Features- 3,000 W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter with 6,000W Surge.
- 3,072 Wh Capacity with Expandable w/ up to 4 × B300 for 12,288Wh).
- 7 Recharge modes (AC/Solar/Car/Generator/Lead battery/Dual AC/AC + Solar).
- 2400 W Maximum Solar Input.
- 5400 W Fast Dual Charging with Solar + AC Adapter Simultaneously.
- Smart App Control and a Monitor.
- 24/7 UPS Home Backup
Final Thoughts
Solar energy is a great and efficient source of clean and renewable energy. With the right solar system installation, you can significantly cut down the cost of electricity. The solar-powered home generators are the best alternative to traditional gas generators as they are noisy and expensive. Solar generators are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, flexible, and reliable ways of storing energy for future use by homeowners and businesses.
The solar-powered generators are great investments as they bring you peace of mind in the event of unprecedented power loss or emergency. Also, you can potentially save yourself so much money in the long run by installing a solar system in your home.
