What to look for in a solar powered generator?

Not all solar powered generators are created equal. When deciding which solar generator is right for you, there are some things you should definitely consider.

Solar panels: Some generators come with them, others will have to be purchased separately so be mindful of this. There are three common types of solar panels — monocrystalline panels, polycrystalline solar cells, and thin film. Each vary in efficiency, monocrystalline panels being the most common and efficient. However, thin panels are the lightest and most affordable.

Weight: Are you planning on using your generator on the go? If so, weight is something to factor in – you don’t want to lug something heavy around the wilderness. Look for portability aspects, like a lighter weight and an easily accessible handle.

Battery capacity: Battery capacity indicates the total amount of electricity a solar generator can store. It’s good to also know their power rating (how much power they’ll deliver at a time). If they have a low power rating, but high batter capacity, they’ll likely deliver less electricity, but for a longer period. Always check the Watt (W) for a unit of power and Watt-hour (Wh) for the total amount of watts generated or consumed in an hour.

Battery type: Lead-acid and lithium-ion are the most common types. Lithium is lightweight and often used to power tools, whereas lead-acid batteries are better for powering things like automobiles. Lithium-ion batteries are a tad bit more expensive, but they also last longer.

Charge controller: Check for three-power point tracking (MPPT) as these are the most efficient charge controllers. This will help regulate the current between the solar panels and battery.

Inverter: These convert direct current (DC) from solar panels to alternating current (AC). They’re built into the solar generators. Pure sine wave inverter is the most efficient inverter but also the most expensive.