Backup generators are handy tools you can use to power everything from smartphones to those high-wattage appliances in a pinch. These stopgap energy solutions can be helpful in countries where power blackouts have become a norm because of climate change and the resultant harsh weather conditions.
But what if you live in an apartment cluster? Can you use a backup generator there? Yes. You are allowed to use a generator as long as it doesn’t violate the peace of your landlord and neighbors.
Solar power generators are the ideal choice for apartment residents looking for a stable yet noise-free backup power source. These lightweight generators may look like suitcases but are very effective and safe to use in an apartment.
This 2024 buying guide will discuss everything you need to know about apartment generators and also provide some of the best generator recommendations to save you time and effort. Let’s get started.
Do Apartments Have Power Generators? Should I Buy One?
Yes. Many apartment clusters have backup power generators. These are big standby generators and turn on automatically to keep lights, elevators, and other essential services working during an outage. But, in most cases, these generators are not attached to individual apartments.
It means if the power goes out, you may not be able to use your home lights, appliances, and tools. This could be really annoying and lead to food spoilage if you reside somewhere with frequent outages. That is the reason more and more people are buying generators for their apartments. But before you rush to buy one, knowing which kind of generators are allowed in apartments is crucial.
Although most people typically use gas-powered generators for backup power, these are unlikely to be ideal for apartments. They are loud, emit fumes, and may pose safety hazards if not installed and used properly. In addition, many apartments have restrictions on the use of gas-powered generators because of safety concerns, noise complaints, and urban regulations.
So, what can be an alternative solution? Battery-powered solar generators are the most recommended power source for apartments. They are the absolute winner since they are quieter, more eco-friendly, and relatively cost-effective.
These compact apartment generators require minimal maintenance and operate off-grid, so you won’t have to take any permissions to get it installed. These generators can be conveniently charged with solar power. All you need is a small sun-facing area like a balcony to generate the necessary solar panel energy.
What Kind of Generator Is Suitable for Apartments?
Although most people typically use gas-powered generators for backup power, these are unlikely to be ideal for apartments. They are loud, emit fumes, and may pose safety hazards if not installed and used properly. In addition, many apartments have restrictions on the use of gas-powered generators because of safety concerns, noise complaints, and urban regulations.
So, what can be an alternative solution? Battery-powered solar generators are the most recommended power source for apartments. They are the absolute winner since they are quieter, more eco-friendly, and relatively cost-effective.
These compact apartment generators require minimal maintenance and operate off-grid, so you won’t have to take any permissions to get it installed. These generators can be conveniently charged with solar power. All you need is a small sun-facing area like a balcony to generate the necessary solar panel energy.
How to Select A Solar Power Generator for Your Apartment?
Selecting a reliable solar power generator for your apartment is not a piece of cake. Rather, You will need to consider a number of aspects mindfully.
Your Energy Needs
The average one or two-bedroom apartments consume between 10 kWh to 30 kWh of energy per day. But the exact figure may vary depending on the apartment size and age, the number of appliances, and the way people live.
So, calculating the average energy consumption is crucial since it will help you determine the size of the generator your apartment needs. You can simply do it by finding an average of your monthly bills, preferably over a year. BLUETTI solar generators come in a variety of sizes that can cater to your unique energy needs.
Charging Options
Most solar generators get their fuel from solar panels, but there are models available that provide alternative options for charging. For instance, BLUETTI solar generators offer seven ways to recharge, including an AC power outlet, a lead-acid battery, and a car charger. Such solar generators are more adaptable for miscellaneous scenarios.
Battery Life
The duration of time an apartment solar generator’s battery can last hinges on its capacity and the wattage requirement of appliances you use. To figure out how long your solar generator can power your apartment, divide the capacity by the watts of the appliances or devices you want to operate.
Recharge Time
Recharge time is the amount of time a solar generator takes to charge after it has been depleted fully. A shorter recharge time means your solar generator’s battery will be replenished quickly. BLUETTI solar generators are equipped with advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS) and can be charged up to 95% in less than 2 hours.
Recommended BLUETTI Solar Generators for Apartment
Now that you know a battery-powered solar generator is a reliable energy option for your apartment, you may feel the rush to buy one. But unfortunately, the market is full of unauthentic products. So, we have curated some top recommendations for the best solar generators for closed spaces like apartments.
BLUETTI EP900 + B500 All-in-One Solar Power Generator
Harness and store the solar energy for use on demand with the BLUETTI EP900 + B500 solar generator. It’s a reliable system that will keep all your essential appliances working.
It is a perfect solution whether you want to avoid high energy costs during peak hours or simply want a backup in the event of blackouts. Additionally, you can sell any surplus electricity back to the electricity grid. This way, it will make your energy consumption not only efficient but also cost-effective.
The EP900 + 2*B500 has an astonishing capacity of 9,920 Wh. With its rated power of up to 9,000W, it can run all your 120V or 240V appliances without a hitch. These things make it suitable for high-wattage gadgets and appliances such as power tools in residential and small business scenarios.
What if your energy needs evolve over time? No Worries. The EP900 + B500 is a 100% modular and adaptable solar system. You can combine two EP900 units in parallel to reach a whopping capacity of 19,840 Wh.
The EP900 + B500 employs the safest LiFePO4 battery technology. BLUETTI also offers an unmatched warranty of 10 years for this solar backup. It shows their confidence in its performance.
BLUETTI EP500 Pro Movable Solar Power Generator
The BLUETTI EP500 Pro has an enormous 5,100 Wh battery pack and a pure sine wave AC inverter with a 3,000W rated power. In addition, it has 15 versatile outlets. That implies with the EP500 Pro by your side, you can power everything from computers to air conditioners and space heaters.
Like all BLUETTI solar generators, the EP500 Pro has a sleek, minimal design that will remind you of the Tesla Powerwall. The only thing that makes the EP500 Pro distinct from Powerwall is that it is not designed to be mounted on the wall. It has four smooth-rolling transport wheels so you can easily take it wherever you want.
You can now control your EP500 Pro with the BLUETTI remote app from afar. That means you no longer have to walk to your solar generator to find out how much power is left in your batteries or inverter. It also includes a built-in dual-core microcomputer and can be easily upgraded through the Internet. In other words, the EP500 Pro is always getting better.
The EP500 Pro can be paired with 1,200 MPPT solar input - this will quickly charge your unit or keep your devices running without draining the onboard battery.
BLUETTI AC200MAX Expandable Solar Power Generator
The BLUETTI AC200MAX is an expandable solar generator with 2,048 Wh LiFePO4 battery cells and a powerful 2,200W pure sine wave inverter. It is a mobile power center at the apartment or on the go.
Want a unit that is both strong and flexible? The AC200MAX has got you covered! It has two expansion ports where you can attach either two BLUETTI B230 (2,048 Wh per pack) or B300 battery modules (3,072 Wh per pack). These modules can increase the total capacity of your AC200MAX unit to an amazing 8,192 Wh.
The AC200MAX can accept up to 900W of solar input and 500W from the adapter. You can even charge it simultaneously using both solar panels and a wall outlet - this will give you a stunning charging rate of 1400W, and your battery-powered generator will be fully charged within two hours.
With the 16 outlets on the AC200MAX, you can run all of your devices at the same time without getting hot. And for RV fans in particular, the AC200 MAX has a 30A NEMA TT-30 plug and a 12V 30A super powerful DC outlet that are built in.
Related articles: Solar Energy for Apartments and Renters: Solutions and Tips
How to Choose the Best Generator for an Apartment？
Final Word
A solar generator is an extraordinary choice for an apartment because it is quiet, doesn’t hurt the environment, and is efficient. Unlike gas and diesel power generators, it does not require any special maintenance. It provides energy independence and security in the event of outages. In fact, some models, like the BLUETTI EP900 + B500, are powerful enough to keep your home appliances running for days without much upkeep.
Don’t let power outages disturb your routine. Investing in a good solar generator will keep you prepared for unexpected situations, be they grid failures or rainy season outages. So, what are you waiting for? Go to the BLUETTI website and discover how their portable solar generator for apartments can transform your living, either during peak hours or unanticipated grid failures.
