A solar generator's energy capacity (alongside its power rating) is the most important metric one should pay attention to when deciding on a solar generator to purchase.
Many people assume that all solar generators are made equal and can power any appliance as long as you have the sun available as an energy source.
This is certainly not the case.
Not all solar generators are designed to store the same amount of energy, just like all cars do not have the same size fuel tank.
The reason for this is simple. People have different requirements when it comes to powering their appliances.
Some only want to charge their laptops and phones, while others need a whole house emergency backup power supply.
Therefore, with the above in mind, BLUETTI has made it its mission to design solar generators with varying levels of storage capacity.
This way we are able to meet each and every one of our consumer's demands.
In this article we are going to talk about energy capacity, what it is and which of our solar generators have the most of it.
What Is Energy Capacity?
Energy capacity is generally defined by the unit of measurement watt hours (Wh) or kilowatt hours (kWh). Most solar generators are rated based on their energy capacity in Wh.
A Wh is simply a measure of electrical energy, which is equal to the power consumption of one watt for one hour.
So take your oven for example. This appliance is generally rated between 2000 - 5000 watts.
If you wanted to establish its electrical energy, you would multiply its power rating by the amount of time you use it for.
For example, 2000 watts x 2 hours = 4000 Wh.
1 kWh is simply 1000 Wh.
Therefore, by knowing what a solar generator's energy capacity is, you are able to calculate how long it can power certain appliances before running flat.
For example, let's say you have your eyes set on a 2000 Wh solar generator, like our AC200P or AC200 MAX.
You know that you have 2000 Wh of energy storage to play with. Now all you would need to do is make a list of the appliances you'd like to power, their wattage, and how long you'd like to run them for. In doing this, you'd have a pretty good idea on what and how long you could power certain appliances for.
Another cool trick is using the following formula:
Running time = Battery capacity × DoD × η ÷ Device rated power.
(DoD refers to Depth of Discharge, and η is local inverter efficiency.)
For AC200P, both DoD and η are 90%. If you run a 1,000W microwave oven with it, the running time will be: 2,000Wh × 90% × 90% ÷ 1,000W ≈ 1.6hrs
Which BLUETTI Solar Generator Has The Most Energy Capacity?
Now that you have a better understand on what energy capacity is we would like to take you through the BLUETTI solar generators that have the most of it.
We will only mention the top 3 BLUETTI solar generators with the highest energy capacity here:
- AC500
- AC300
- AC200 MAX
AC500
The AC500 is BLUETTI's newest modular system. This means as is, it has no energy capacity but rather allows external battery packs to be connected to it. In doing this, you can build up your energy storage system as you see fit.
- Max energy capacity: 18,432 Wh
- AC Outlets: 3 x 120V/20A Outlets1 x 120V/30A L14-301 x 120V/30A TT-301 x 120V/50A NEMA14-505,000W In Total
- Inverter Type: Pure Sine Wave
- Surge Power: 10,000W
- USB-C Port: 2 x 100W Max.
- USB-A Port: 2 x 5V/3A USB-A2 x 18W USB-A
- 12V* DC Outlets: 1 x 12V/30A (RV Outlet)1 x 24V/10A (Car Outlet)
- Wireless Charging Pad: 2 x 15W Max. (For Each)
AC300
The AC300 was BLUETTI's first modular solar generator, nearly identical to the AC500 except it has an inverter rating of 3000 W as opposed to 5000 W.
- Max energy capacity: 12,288 Wh
- AC Outlets: 6 x 120V/20A Outlets 1 x 120V/30A TT-30
- Inverter Type: Pure Sine Wave
- Surge Power: 6000W
- USB-C Port: 1 x 100W Max.
- USB-A Port: 2 x 5V/3A USB-A2 x 18W USB-A
- 12V* DC Outlets: 1 x 12V/30A (RV Outlet) 1 x 24V/10A (Car Outlet)
- Wireless Charging Pad: 2 x 15W Max. (For Each)
AC200 MAX
So standalone, the AC200 MAX is only rated at 2,048 Wh. However, unlike the AC200P it allows you to connect extra battery modules to it. Doing this will increase the overall capacity.
- Max energy capacity: 8,192 Wh
- AC Outlets: 4 x 120V/20A Outlets 1 x 120V/30A NEMA TT-30 2200W In Total
- Inverter Type: Pure Sine Wave
- Surge Power: 4800W
- USB-C Port: 1 x 100W Max.
- USB-A Port: 2 x 5V/3A USB-A 2 x 18W USB-A
- 12V DC Outlets: 1 x 12V/30A (RV Outlet) 1 x 12V/10A (Car Outlet) 2 x 12V/10A DC 5521 (5.5mm Outlet)
- Wireless Charging Pad: 2 x 15W Max. (For Each)
Final Thoughts
We hope this article shed some more light on energy capacity and what it actually means.
Finding a solar generator with the correct energy capacity is paramount to getting the most out of your appliances when you need them most.
As a quick recap, these BLUETTI solar generators have the most energy capacity:
- AC500: 18,432 Wh
- AC300: 12,288 Wh
- AC200 MAX: 8,192 Wh
