What Is a Solar Generator?

 

Did you know that the global solar generator market size is expected to reach $907 million in value by 2030?

Solar generators are an excellent option if you need to keep your lights on in the event of a power outage or if you want to charge your phone while camping.

There are a lot of things to consider if you’re just getting started in the solar power industry. The choice between solar generators and full-fledged solar systems will come up when you compare various kinds of solar panels, batteries, and other components.

But, no worries. Keep on reading for our full breakdown of everything you need to know about solar generators and how they compare to solar systems.

What Is a Solar Generator?

You may utilize the power generated by a solar generator right away or store it for later use. Portable, lightweight solar generators are the most common kind of solar power system.

For best solar exposure, you can move them about and set them up as required. Think of them as a solar-powered, on-the-go power source.

Solar Generator vs Solar System: Understanding the Differences

Solar generators and solar systems use many of the same concepts, but there are a few important distinctions. Renewable energy from the sun converts into useful power that people may consume or store in a battery bank by solar systems. It’s the same way a generator does.

On the othe rhand, specialists designed solar systems to harness the sun’s energy. For example, you may use solar panels that you attach to your house, RV, or watercraft. It might also refer to portable panels that feed into a full-scale system.

In terms of solar technology, how do these two options weigh up, and which one is best for you? Here, we’ve analyzed the discrepancies in five critical areas.

Usage

When deciding between solar generators and solar systems, consider how you want to utilize the system. You can stow away portable solar generators and brought out as necessary.

As a result, if you require solar power in numerous portable applications, this is a terrific solution since you can transport your generator with you.

There is a more permanent nature to solar systems despite the fact that you can move around the panels themselves. At all times, you’ll be able to use them with your house, RV, or boat’s power supply.

When you require the system’s power, you won’t have to re-configure the system again. As a result, even when moving, the system continues to operate and generate more electricity with the same number of panels.

The Capacity of the Battery

Small batteries make solar generators portable, which might come in helpful if you need to bring electricity with you.

No matter how much energy a solar generator creates, you don’t have to use it immediately. In most circumstances, the generator’s built-in battery capacity is quite limited, and you can’t increase it. As a result, you are unable to store large amounts of power for usage at night.

This is not a problem with solar systems. You may extend your system by using additional batteries since they’re divided down into smaller parts. The only thing stopping you most of the time is a lack of funds.

You may increase the capacity of your solar system with battery banks to match your power requirements.

Up-Front Investment

Solar generators vs. regular solar systems may come down to a matter of money.

While solar generators may easily cost $1,000 or more, there are certain low-wattage ones that can be purchased for less than $500. To get you started, you may only need a couple of these items.

Even while traditional solar systems may provide more electricity, the components and installation expenses can easily reach hundreds of dollars.

Recharging Capabilities

Solar generators only recharge when they’re exposed to the sun, so you’ll have to remember to put them out there.

Additionally, the charging of the internal battery may take a long time depending on the size of the solar panels used. No electricity will be produced if the system is packed up and taken on the road.

Solar systems, on the other hand, benefit from being permanently installed. You put them up, and they do all the work for you, without you ever having to think about it. Your backup power should be ready whenever you need it as long as your system is functioning properly.

Maintenance

The primary purpose of solar panel inspections is to maintain them clean and to guarantee that there are no fractures or other concerns that might jeopardize their ability to perform.

However, solar system panels may need extra inspection and maintenance, particularly those that are permanently installed. Because of the continual exposure to the elements, rather than solar generators that can be stored or covered when not in use, this is the problem.

Portable solar panels are an exception to this rule, since they link to a complete system yet may be put up and taken down as required.

When it comes to maintenance, solar generators have the upper hand since they may be relocated as needed. Permanently installed systems need a trip up to the location where your panels will be permanently placed.

Picking the Best Solar Generator

When shopping for a solar generator, it’s critical to consider the battery capacity (or the amount of energy the battery can retain) in order to determine if the generator can match your power requirements. Watt-hours (Wh) is often used to quantify this.

The longer the battery lasts, the more capacity it has. With a 1,000 Wh solar generator, a 60-watt bulb can be powered for about 17 hours. You can also go for a solar generator with no panels like this product.

The Basics of Solar Generators: Explained

Solar generators and solar systems are both excellent options for generating clean, renewable energy directly from the sun. They vary significantly in many other ways as well, including how they are stored, how they are used, and how much they cost in terms of upkeep.

Hopefully, our guide has shed some light (pun intended) on what makes a solar generator tick, and how to pick the right one for your needs. And, you should check out our other explainers and guides in our energy section for more information on the topic.