Solar generators are a great way to supplement or backup your power at home or on the go. They’re affordable, reliable and don’t pollute the environment.
Portable solar generator come in a range of sizes and capacities, so it’s important to know what type of power you need before buying one. The basic requirements for a solar generator are a battery that stores energy, a charge controller and an inverter.
The most common batteries for solar generators are lead-acid and lithium-ion. Both have their pros and cons, but a lithium-ion battery is more lightweight and durable than its lead-acid counterpart.
Some batteries also have a built-in battery management system (BMS) that monitors the voltage and current of the cells to prevent overcharge and overdischarge and ensures the batteries last as long as possible.
Unleash Your Off-Grid Adventure with a Portable Solar Generator
When calculating how much battery capacity you need, consider the total amount of watt-hours you’ll need for your power needs. For example, if you want to power two 60-watt light bulbs, you need 120 watt-hours of battery capacity.
Another consideration is the efficiency of the solar panel, as a higher-efficiency panel will allow you to recharge your generator faster and use less battery. Typically, a panel’s efficiency will be between 50 and 70%, depending on the weather conditions.
In addition to storing electricity, many solar generators can also power small appliances or tools, which makes them useful in a variety of situations. In a pinch, they can also provide an emergency back-up for larger appliances when the power goes out.