With the rise of eco-conscious traveling, at a time when climate change is ravaging the planet, you may be looking for greener solutions for your next outdoor adventure. That's where the solar generator comes in -- powering your time away while being kind to the environment.
And it's not just about going off on vacation, in your RV or hiking mountain trails with a backpack carrying everything you need, but also about a backup for your home in the event of storms or anything else causing power outages. You can build a DIY solar generator to keep you going during these times or buy a readymade one that will keep you powered up when the lights go out. In this article, we’ll take a look at the options.
Building a DIY Solar Generator
As the name suggests, a solar generator gets its power from the sun, via solar cells that turn the rays into electricity that's then stored in a battery for use. No fossil fuels are used, so it's a completely green energy solution for your home or when you go camping. And with relatively few parts, you don't have to be an expert to build one yourself.
These are the components of a DIY solar generator:
- Solar Panels: They will capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. The higher each panel's wattage, the fewer you will need. You can order them online or purchase at a specialty store.
- Battery: To store the power generated by the solar panels for use when you need it.
- Inverter: A device that will convert DC power to AC, so you can use the electricity for most devices and equipment.
- Charge Controller: This will stop the DIY solar generator from overcharging; it also regulates the flow of electricity.
Instructions to Construct a DIY Solar Generator
Putting the various elements of a DIY solar together is simple and you should be able to do it quickly.
- Step 1: Set up the solar panels in an optimal place outdoors so that they receive the maximum amount of light.
- Step 2: Connect the charge controller to the solar panels.
- Step 3: Connect the battery to the charge controller.
- Step 4: Attach the inverter to the battery.
- Step 5: Test the connections to ensure all are working properly.
The Benefits of a DIY Solar Generator
One of the beauties of having your own DIY solar generator is that once you've paid for the battery, solar panels and other components, there's no other financial outlay and no running costs. So after the initial purchase, it's essentially free electricity, for your home backups or camping.
We've mentioned that this is environmentally friendly power, so it gives you peace of mind that you're using electricity that's not harming the planet.
If anything goes wrong with your DIY solar generator set-up, you can easily identify the problem by testing each component and repairing or replacing them if necessary. That means no complex repairs or calling in an expensive professional to do them.
You'll also get a great sense of accomplishment when you build your own DIY solar generator, having used your skills to generate electricity for you and your family and at no cost to the environment.
Buying a Complete Solar Generator
On the other hand, if you'd prefer not to give it a go making your own DIY solar generator, you can buy one that's ready to go. Products like the BLUETTI AC500 & B300S System let you charge to 3000W using solar power and you'll get an 80 percent charge in just 50 minutes. It’s the perfect choice for home backups and off-grid living.
You'll also get outlets for multiple devices, fixtures and equipment, such as lights, a refrigerator, TV, cell phones and many others. At a time when storms are becoming more intense, due to the growing effects of climate change, and are knocking out power in many areas for days at a time, a solar generator is becoming increasingly vital.
Store-bought solar generators are a one-stop solution to your power needs and there's nothing to put together as they're designed to be plug-and-play. They're also rugged and resistant to all types of challenging weather -- from deluges of rain to sub-zero temperatures, and also sizzling days -- so you'll never have to worry about their operation.
What If There's No Sun for Charging?
One of the first questions that spring to mind when talking about solar generators is a lack of sunshine to power them. Most of us do not live in climates that are sunny all year round, and many people like to go camping in the autumn and winter months, when there's little. Your home may be in a location that gets little direct sunlight during the year, so how do you run a solar generator?
The answer is that solar generators still work in the absence of sunlight, albeit not as efficiently. On overcast days, you can expect the solar panels to keep on converting light to electricity, and even when it's raining. To give them a boost on days like that, you may want to choose a unit that also has an AC power option, letting you plug it into the home supply to keep the generator charged in the event of a blackout. Then you’ll have peak performance at all times.
FAQs
What Will a 1000 Watt Solar Generator Run?
You can expect that a 1000 Watt solar generator, whether DIY or store-bought, will run multiple items in your home or camping environment. You'll be able to operate 60 Watt LED lights for up to 17 hours, for instance; as well as a laptop, for around 12 hours; and a coffee maker and more.
Can a Solar Generator Run a House?
A solar generator will easily be able to run the various appliances and equipment in your home. Look for models that have slightly higher output, of around 2000W, to keep you going for longer in the event of a power cut.
How Much Solar Power Can You Generate?
The solar panels connected to your generator will produce around 2 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day, giving you ample power for your home and also saving you lots of money in bills.
