Solar Generators - any members on site share experience and knowledge on what to purchase what run away from

[rodneyn]

Seems like they’re is a lot of advertisement on Solar generators. I have gas unit but my son believes we need solar generator. I ask fellow members to share thoughts on what is worthy of purchase.

 

[bmaverick]

Seems like they’re is a lot of advertisement on Solar generators. I have gas unit but my son believes we need solar generator. I ask fellow members to share thoughts on what is worthy of purchase.

Depending on your ideal use, they can be a help or just a fad.

Buying the Harbor-Freight Thunderbolt 100W solar power KIT, an inverter, a battery and small dolly cart, you can be just as portable and run so much too.

 

[ponytug]

Depending on your ideal use, they can be a help or just a fad.

Buying the Harbor-Freight Thunderbolt 100W solar power KIT, an inverter, a battery and small dolly cart, you can be just as portable and run so much too.

I'm with @bmaverick; it all depends on what issue you are trying to address.
A little power to charge cell phones and portable devices from after a thunderstorm? After the blizzard / hurricane hits? (You don't list where you are in your profile; it can help getting better answers...)
Something to take a charge from your generator and the sun so you don't need to listen to your generator as much?
Keeping your relatives happy?

It all depends...

All the best,

Peter

 

[MattB4]

Problem is that solar generators are not generators but battery power packs with an inverter plus a SCC (Solar charge controller). Thus rather limited in power since it takes a lot of batteries (even LiFePO4) to contain much power. Yes, you can hook up solar panels to them for battery recharge and some load carrying capability. Keep in mind that ratings for these are often based on the inverter and not how much total power they have. A 3000 watt inverter is only as good as the supply you give it. Loads drive supply needs.

If you really are interested in PV (solar) there is a lot to learn and probably a good place to start would be over at the solar DYI forum DIY Solar Power Forum.

 

[rodneyn]

Problem is that solar generators are not generators but battery power packs with an inverter plus a SCC (Solar charge controller). Thus rather limited in power since it takes a lot of batteries (even LiFePO4) to contain much power. Yes, you can hook up solar panels to them for battery recharge and some load carrying capability. Keep in mind that ratings for these are often based on the inverter and not how much total power they have. A 3000 watt inverter is only as good as the supply you give it. Loads drive supply needs.

If you really are interested in PV (solar) there is a lot to learn and probably a good place to start would be over at the solar DYI forum DIY Solar Power Forum.

Thanks for the link will visit Otto learn more. Never thought of building portable unit either. That might be more cost effective. Keep the ideas coming thanks again.

 

[Snobdds]

I just got one this summer to run my cabin. I have a blueddi 2000w model. It's fantastic, it runs everything in the cabin, seamlessly. It has all but replaced my Honda 2000w generator. I only use the Honda for tools now.

I have 400w of solar and it recharges every day.

I think it makes perfect sense to use a battery pack with solar to make, store, and use energy. It's nice to have a totally contained unit.

I highly recommend one.

 

[Spindifferent]

Very happy with my Jackery products: Jackery Best Solar Generator, Portable Power Station & Solar Panels

They do have occasional discounts on Amazon, Costco, big box hardware stores.

Add up your loads to determine the generator/backup system size needed...

 

[MattB4]

Over the years I have dabbled in solar power. Presently I have an off grid setup with grid as backup. 3300w of solar panels, 2-3000w, 120vAC AIO's (All in ones) and 24vDC 400ah of LiFePO4 storage. This provides most of my daily electrical needs. Happy to answer any questions on PV that someone might have.

I do find a lot of deceptive practices in the solar industry and also a lot of misinformation. There are many of these solar "generators" being marketed that play fast and loose with what they are and what they can do. For instance I have seen one on TV called the Patriot Power 2000X generator. What exactly is it? A whole lot of marketing hype

1-100w solar panel- At best if it develops for the standard 5 hours/day production it gives you 500wh. to recharge the battery. With no other loads it can do it in 3+ days. Need more solar or the grid to recharge in a realistic time frame.

1612wh battery - not knowing the voltage it is hard to figure amp-hour but a 100ah battery at 12vDC =1200wh 1.6kWh worth of power from the grid likely costs you about 25 cents.

2000w PSW 120vAC inverter. (Incidentally digging out the specs on their website is real difficult since they are deliberately obscuring stuff.)

All this for $3000. Ridiculous over priced components in an attractive package.

 

[etpm]

Stay away from Patriot Power stuff. My wife bought some stuff from them without asking me to check them out first. The stuff was way over priced and over hyped. I could go on and on but won't. They are charlatons and should be avoided.
Eric

 

[Oaktree]

Buying the Harbor-Freight Thunderbolt 100W solar power KIT, an inverter, a battery and small dolly cart, you can be just as portable and run so much too.

Are those any good? I bought a HF solar maintainer a few years back and it was useless. Voltage output was lower than the battery voltage.
100W doesn't seem like much. Might run a radio or charge a cellphone or something, but not likely much else.