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Solar Generator Pros & Cons
Solar generators are taking over the portable power world and for good reason. Being fuel-less, lightweight, low maintenance, and environmentally friendly, many people are turning to solar generators to power their camping trips, RV’s, homes, and off-grid lifestyles.
While there are many advantages of owning portable solar generators, they do have their limitations.
What is a solar generator?
A solar generator is a system of producing electricity that relies on solar panels to capture the sun’s energy to store it in rechargeable batteries. The energy from the panels is passed through the charger and into the battery where it’s converted to AC (Alternating Current) power and ready to use with your devices.
Pros of solar generators
Solar generators have many advantages that make them a very appealing choice for meeting your energy needs.
Free Energy
Who doesn’t love free stuff? Instead of using costly fossil fuels, you’re harnessing the unlimited and zero-cost power of the sun to charge and run your devices. As gasoline and diesel prices continue to rise, a lifetime supply of free solar energy (after the initial generator cost of course) becomes even more appealing.
Low Maintenance
Your generator breaking down would be annoying (and possibly dangerous) at any time. Fuel generators are composed of many moving parts and use interconnected complex systems to generate energy. There is a serious risk of breaking down without continual and, often costly, maintenance.
Solar generators have no moving parts, almost never break down, and require little to no ongoing maintenance. This is very important as it makes solar generators more affordable in the long run and doesn’t require frequent trips for servicing (which in an emergency might not be possible). Solar battery generators give you peace of mind to know that they’ll start every time, provided it’s been properly charged.
SEE MORE - Solar Generators Vs Fuel Generators.
Quiet Operation
Another advantage is that solar generators are incredibly quiet and nearly noiseless. Without an engine or moving parts, noise is significantly reduced. The only noise you might hear is from the inverter, making solar the perfect choice for outdoor activities or heavily populated areas.
Multiple Power Sources
Most high-quality solar battery powered generators (such as the EcoFlow Delta 1300 or Point Zero Energy Generators such as the Titan) are really all-in-one power stations that can be charged by multiple sources. Besides solar, battery powered generators can be charged by AC wall and car plugs if faster charging is required or weather is bad.
Environmentally Friendly
Conventional fossil fuel generators emit substantial amounts of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Solar is one of the most environmentally friendly products available and uses renewable resources for power. They release zero emissions and pollutants while charging or running.
Lightweight & Portable
Many models of solar-powered generators are very lightweight as they replace the heaviest part of a fuel generator (the engine) with a lighter weight battery. The lighter weight means they’re much easier to pick up, transport, and store.
Whether camping, in an RV, or on a hike, you can take your portable solar generator with you anywhere you need it. Briefcase-style generators are among the lightest and easiest models to transport.
Long Term Affordability
While solar battery generators may be a bit more pricey than their fuel counterparts, they lack the repair and maintenance costs that accompany fuel generators. This, along with never needing expensive fuel on hand to run it, makes the long term costs of solar generators very low.
Emergency Proof
In times of crisis, fuel is often one of the first things to become unavailable or in short supply. Without a steady and consistent supply of fuel, your gasoline and diesel generators are useless.
A solar generator will never be subject to the availability of fossil fuels or pricing fluctuations. You’ll never be without power due to a crisis or emergency.
Can Be Used Anywhere
Gasoline & diesel-powered generators cannot legally be used in many public spaces, due to substantial noise levels and the release of harmful carbon monoxide fumes. No one wants their park or their day interrupted by noise and smoke.
Expandable Capacity
Some battery generators have expanded capacity, meaning that if your energy needs increase, you might not have to go out and buy another model.
Cons of solar generators
While solar generators have a number of advantages, they are not without their limitations and drawbacks.
Temperature Sensitivity
A bit ironically, solar power stations are more temperature-sensitive than fuel generators. If you’re in an extremely hot climate, you’ll need to move the power station to a cooler area while keeping the panels in the sun. A Battery Management System (BMS) is a great feature on certain models that control the temperature of the power station.
Higher Upfront Costs
The technology that goes into making a solar-powered generator is more expensive than conventional fuel generators. You’ll also get less power per dollar, as the power capacity of solar is smaller.
Slower Recharging
One of the biggest complaints about solar power is slow charging, meaning you’ll have to plan in advance and power your generators beforehand, or else you won’t always have power when you need it. A fuel generator just needs to be filled with gasoline or diesel and away you go!
Limited Power Supply
Solar power can only be stored using a battery, however, the holding capacity of batteries still can’t hold quite enough to power heavy consumption items. This can be remedied somewhat by expanding the capacity of certain power station models, but for now a fuel generator is still needed for powering an entire house or heavy energy-hungry equipment.
Weather Dependant
One of the more obvious downsides of solar power is its dependability on the sunshine to recharge. The sun’s rays are not constant, nor do they work at night. Solar generators do not perform as well in areas with fewer days of sunshine. However, the good news is that solar power stations allow charging from other power sources if the sun won’t come out to play.
Big Power Requires Big Size
Most solar generators are lightweight as they are meant for smaller energy loads. However, generators start getting very big and heavy when you need a larger energy supply. This takes away one of the biggest advantages of solar power - portability.
So, What’s The Verdict On Solar Battery Generators?
Solar advantage’s largely come in the form of portability, environmental friendliness, zero maintenance, and fuel costs. However, this comes at the expense of handling large power requirements and charging restricted to sun exposure.
Whether the advantages of solar generators outweigh the disadvantages depends entirely on what you need to power and for how long. A solar and battery generator is an amazing and useful tool for powering your needs for camping and off-grid living supplies, off-roading, home appliances, or other outdoor activities. With a little bit of planning and charging in advance, a portable solar generator can take care of most of your everyday energy needs.
Unsure of your power requirements or what else to look for in a portable solar generator? Check out How To Choose The Right Portable Generator For You.
If you need more help choosing your perfect generator or looking for other great camping, off-grid and outdoor supplies, check out our list of top solar generators or give us a call today.
Here at Wild Oak Trail, we’re here to help with any questions or concerns.
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