You’ve probably heard of solar panels, but what about solar generators?
If you’re imagining industrial-sized generators, think again. Solar generators for use at home or on the move are now a great option for anyone looking for reliable backup power or a portable power source.
But how do you go about finding the best solar generator for you? There is a lot to consider before making a purchase, and you need to know what specifications to look for.
We’ve got you covered. Whether you need a new backup generator for your home or are looking for the best portable solar generator for your next road trip, read on to discover our four top tips to get it right.
1. Assess Your Needs
The first thing to do when looking for a new solar generator is to figure out what you need from it.
Are you planning to use it at home for backup power or is it for camping trips? Will you be using it to light your shed or to keep it in your car in case of emergencies?
If you are planning on using it for travel purposes, you might want to narrow your search down and look for the best portable solar power generator. However, smaller portable generators won’t suit someone needing a larger and more powerful backup system.
Solar generators come in all shapes, sizes, and specifications, so plan ahead for which features you need.
2. Be Realistic
Make sure your expectations are realistic. Don’t expect a single solar generator to provide enough power to keep your house running for a week.
The reality is that most backup solar generators are designed to power smaller devices for short bursts at a time.
Similarly, portable generators will power your cell phone chargers and some lights or another similarly-sized appliance. If you need more power, buying multiple units or a generator with a more powerful battery is a potential solution.
3. Do Your Research
In order to make the right choice, you need to understand how it all works. The more you know about solar generators the better.
This means doing more than a quick Google search for “what is the best solar generator.” Do some in-depth research into wattages, amp-hours, and battery types.
Review websites and customer forums are the best places to get honest reviews.
This review of the Patriot Power Solar Generator is a great example of this, as it breaks down in detail the failings of this particular model and offers a suggestion of what you should choose instead.
4. Consider the Average Lifespan
As with any purchase, you will no doubt want to find the best solar generator for the money.
To do this, you will need to consider the lifespan of different models and brands before buying.
Generally, the lifespan of solar generators is measured in cycle numbers, or in other words, the number of times the battery is run down from 100% to 0% charge. The average lifespan is 500 cycles, which equates to between one and four years, depending on use.
Decide on your budget and how much you intend to use the generator to work out if you are happy with the price.
Finding the Best Solar Generator for You
From battery power to size, there’s a lot of different factors to consider. The range of choices can be overwhelming, but with this guide, you will be well-prepared to choose the best solar generator for you.
If you enjoyed this article be sure to check out our other useful guides today!
