Factors to Consider when Purchasing a Portable Solar Generator

It is without a doubt that solar energy is the future. This is one of the reasons why the portable solar generator is the first thing that comes to mind when people consider a safe and greener alternative to the electricity being used at their home. As the name implies, a portable solar generator is a machine that has been designed to convert the energy from the sun into electric energy.

The solar generator is made of various components, such as the solar generator, solar panels, and the battery or batteries. This means that there are various factors that need to be considered when purchasing a portable solar generator. The following are some tips that should provide you with the information you need while purchasing a portable solar generator.

Know What You’re Looking For

Not all people are going to opt for a portable solar generator for the same reason. Before going out to purchase a portable solar generator you need to know what it is going to be used for. Are you going to use the portable solar generator for backup when the power goes out at home, or do you want one for a camping trip?

The answer will determine the type and size of portable solar generator you end up purchasing. Needless to say, you will need a larger solar generator is you are looking to use it as a backup for a power outage.

Don’t Expect It to Power Everything

It is important for you to be realistic about your expectations regarding the portable solar generator you are purchasing. Those who are going to get a portable solar generator should understand that it is not going to power each and every electric appliance in your home.

That being said, a portable solar generator is ideal for powering small devices and household appliances, and that too for a short period of time. If you want to power heavy appliances such as your refrigerator than going with a larger solar generator with a higher wattage could provide you with enough power to use your refrigerator for two days.

Educate Yourself

You need to know how the solar generator functions before purchasing a unit. The best way to gather information on how the solar generators work is by going online and doing some research on the solar generators and how they work. This will give you a better idea of what you need to be looking for once its time to shop for the solar generator. Apart from that, having knowledge of how it functions will ensure that you use it properly to maximize its efficiency and prolong its lifespan.

More often than not, people who are using portable solar generators end up damaging it simply because they didn’t take the time to find out how the solar generator functions and how it should be used. Educating yourself with the inner workings of a solar generator will ensure that you are not only able to make the right decision when it comes to choosing a portable solar generator, but you can prolong its lifespan by knowing how to use it more efficiently. You can go on sites such as https://poweredportablesolar.com/ to find out more about how portable solar generators work, the wattages, battery types and other information regarding solar generators.

Generator Capacity

One of the first factors that need to be considered is the output of the solar generator. You will want to find a solar generator that provides you with enough power to work with small appliances or light your home in case of a power outage, or to power small appliances while on a camping trip.

The electricity that a solar generator is able to generate will depend on three factors; the efficiency of the solar panels being used, the size of the solar panels and the size of the battery. While shopping for a solar generator you are sure to come across solar panels that are able to produce anywhere from 210 to 320 watts of electricity.

The smallest option when it comes to solar panels available in the market is a 45-watt panel which can charge small devices such as your phone. While the much larger 320-watt panel can easily maintain the systems in your RV.

Types of Solar Cells

When it comes to residential solar panels there are three different types of solar cells that are used in the panels. Monocrystalline panels are considered to be the most expensive at the moment and offer the best in terms of efficiency. This is because the panels use high purity silicone to create the solar cells that are used in the panels, making them more efficient and durable.

The second type is polycrystalline panels, which are easily identifiable because of their distinctive blue color. The polycrystalline panels are considered to be a more cost-effective option but are less efficient as compared to the monocrystalline solar panels.

Another option is the thin film panels that are lightweight and ideal for portable use. While the efficiency level of these panels is at just 20%, their ability to be installed on a curved surface makes them a more attractive option for many users who do not need much power. When purchasing a solar generator, it’s important to find out how many cells and busbars does the panel use and what type of cells are being used.

Scalable Design

It can be hard to foresee the amount of solar power you will need to generate in the future. This is why it is best to choose a solar generator model that is easily expandable. This means that you will be able to include additional solar panels and batteries as your need increases. Focusing on the expandability of the solar generator you purchase will make sure you get one that does not need to be replaced if you require more power in the future.

Lightweight and Compact Design

If you are looking for a solar generator that’s easy to move around then you need to consider that the efficiency and output of a solar generator depend on its batteries. This means you should not choose a solar generator with a higher output as it will have a larger battery, which will lead to limitations in terms of movability.