What To find in a Solar Generator
Here are some other tips to help guide your decision-making.

Solar panels: There are three common types of solar power panels ? monocrystalline panels, polycrystalline solar panels, and thin film, or amorphous crystal panels. Both offer different efficiency levels. Monocrystalline panels are most typical and slightly better than polycrystalline cells. Thin film panels certainly are a newer technology and so are light, flexible, durable, and much more affordable than the others, but about half as efficient as the other styles. Sometimes they?re included with the generator and sometimes they?re sold separately.

Battery Capacity and Power Rating: Solar generators operate on stored energy which means you?ll want to consider the battery?s capacity (the total amount of electricity stored). You?ll also wish to know the power rating (just how much power is delivered at a time). A battery with a higher capacity, but low power rating typically delivers less electricity for an extended period of time.

Battery Type: Lead-acid and lithium-ion will be the most typical options. Lead acid are used to power things like automobiles, while lithium-ion options are often used to run power tools. They?re increasingly used in solar-powered generators since they?re lightweight. While they tend to be expensive than lead-acid varieties, they typically have a longer lifespan which saves money on replacement batteries and keeps them out of landfills.

Charge Controllers: In order to regulate the current between the solar panels and the battery, the simplest controllers slice the power when maximum voltage is reached. This isn?t as efficient as models that use three- power point tracking (MPPT).

Inverter: Converting direct current (DC) from solar panels to alternating current (AC), inverters carry a watt rating showing the maximum output of power they are able to generate. Pure sine wave inverters tend to be more expensive, but more efficient. But they?re definitely not a cost-effective option in the event that you only plan on using the generator occasionally.

Weight: Will you be using your solar generator at home or on the run? For portability, look for units that are simpler to carry and maneuver, and that house parts in a sturdy box instead of as separate pieces.

Other features to consider: Note presence of multiple USB ports and AC outlets, replaceable batteries, and LED panels that help you monitor your system when it?s dark. Finally, consider units with warranties and made by companies with a good solar industry credentials.


Final Verdict
When deciding what solar powered generator is right for you personally, consider which forms of appliances, tools, and devices you have to charge and how often you?ll be with out a traditional power source. If you? solar generators re searching for something high powered that will help you weather a storm, choose a high-capacity beast like the Titan. If you want something portable for a camping trip, then the Jackery 500 might be your very best new travel buddy.