What are the pros and cons of a solar generator?
Whether you need to keep your lights on when the grid goes down or you want to charge your phone on a camping trip, solar generators are a great way to have extra energy on hand.
But how do portable solar power generators stack up compared to conventional gas-powered generators? We take a look at how solar generators work, weigh their pros and cons, and discuss if a solar generator is the right investment for you.
What is a solar generator?
Technically, a solar power generator is any system that runs on solar power. But what most people mean when they say ‘solar generator’ refers to a portable power station that uses solar panels, instead of fossil fuels, to provide electricity.
A portable solar generator uses solar panels to capture the sun’s energy and then stores that energy in a battery to be used later. Most solar generators are used for RV camping, boats, and as a backup power source in the case of a grid power outage.
How do solar generators work?
Solar generators have four major components:
The solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity that is then passed through the charge controller. The charge controller regulates the voltage of the electricity into the battery, where the solar energy is then stored for use later. Most solar generators sold today are lithium-ion batteries.
When you need to use the energy stored in the battery, the inverter converts the electricity into alternating current energy, or AC power, which is what most appliances and devices use.
Solar generators typically have USB ports, AC outlets, and 12-volt carports to allow you to charge multiple devices.
How much can you save with solar?
What are the pros and cons of solar generators?
| No fuel | Expensive upfront investment |
| Clean renewable energy | Slow recharging |
| Quiet and low-maintenance | Limited available power |
Free fuel from the sun
Traditional gas-powered generators require you to constantly purchase fuel. With a solar generator, there are no fuel costs. Simply set up your solar panel and enjoy the free sunshine!
Clean renewable energy
Solar generators rely entirely on clean, renewable energy. This means that not only do you not have to worry about the cost of fossil fuels to power your generator, you don’t have to worry about the environmental impact of using gasoline either.
Solar generators release no pollutants when they produce and store energy. You can rest easy knowing that your camping or boating trip is powered by clean energy.
Quiet and low maintenance
Another great thing about solar generators is that they are quiet. And unlike gas generators, solar generators don’t have any moving parts. This significantly reduces the amount of noise they produce while running.
Plus, no moving parts means the chances of solar generator parts breaking is low. This greatly reduces the amount of maintenance required for a solar generator as compared to a gas generator.
High upfront costs
Solar generators require a much higher initial investment than traditional gas generators. The average cost of a gas generator is around 1,000. Solar generators will usually cost about 2,000.
However, solar generators have much lower operating costs. So, you’ll spend less over the lifetime of a solar generator.
Slow recharging
Solar generator batteries can only be recharged when the sun is out. And even then, it takes time for the solar panels to charge the battery. A solar panel with a power output of 100 watts would take over 9 hours to charge most mid-sized solar generator batteries.
Generators that run on fossil fuels can be refueled at any time, so you can get more power right when you need it without having to worry about the weather conditions or the time of day.
Limited power supply
The size of the solar generator battery will limit how much the generator can power, as well. A solar generator probably won’t be able to power your entire home. However, it can charge phones and laptops and keep small appliances running for a short period of time.
Gas generators aren’t as limited in what they can power and for how long since they can be refilled at any time.
What are the best solar generators available?
One of the most important things to look for when buying a solar generator is the battery capacity (or how much energy the battery can hold) in order to know if the generator will meet your power needs. This is usually measured in watt-hours (Wh).
The higher the capacity, the longer the battery will last. For instance, a 1,000 Wh solar generator can power a 60-watt lightbulb for almost 17 hours!
Some of the best solar generators on the market include:
| Goal Zero Yeti 1500, 100-watt Solar Kit | 1,516 Wh | 1,199.95 | Buy now |
| Point Zero Titan | 2,000 Wh | 2,716.00 | Buy now |
| Jackery Explorer | 1,002 Wh | 999.99 | Buy now |
| Renogy Phoenix 300 Power Station | 337 Wh | 399.99 | Buy now |
Most solar powered generators have all-in-one designs, so the solar charger and inverter will be included in the battery pack. However, not all solar generators include solar panels. These generators will typically just come with the battery and inverter.
Check out our list of the best portable solar panels that pair great with battery power stations.
What are the best uses for solar generators?
Solar generators are best used for charging devices and running small appliances. They’re a great source of backup power for a boating or RV camping trip because of their portability, plus they’re clean and don’t require you to keep lots of fuel on hand.
Solar generators can power some key appliances in your home in the event of an emergency. But no portable generator will be able to truly power your entire home off-grid.
Instead, you should consider installing a rooftop solar panel system paired with battery storage. Not only will this allow you to have backup power for most of your home in case of an emergency, it will help cut down your electricity bill all year long!
Use our solar calculator to get an estimate of how many solar panels you need to power your home and how much a home solar panel system costs in your area.
See how much solar panels will cost for your specific home
Key takeaways
- Solar generators are portable power stations that use solar energy, instead of fossil fuels, to create electricity.
- Solar generators consist of four main parts: the solar panels, the solar battery, the inverter, and the charge controller.
- Some key advantages of solar generators are that they don’t require fuel, they run on clean renewable energy, and they require very little maintenance.
- The biggest drawbacks to solar generators are that they require a big upfront investment, they recharge slowly, and there is a limited amount of power stored and available for you to use.
Catherine Lane
Written Content Manager
Catherine is the Written Content Manager at SolarReviews. She has been researching and writing about the residential solar industry for four years. Her work has appeared in Solar Today Magazine and Solar Builder Magazine, and has been cited by publications like Forbes and Bloomberg.
Back up your solar panel system with a diesel generator
Solar power has become extremely popular amongst Aussie households. It’s an efficient and effective way to generate electricity during the day and the investment is returned quickly.
However, what happens when the weather is against you and the sun is not shining? If solar panels are your main power source for your property, you will be left with no electricity till the sun is back.
There is an easy solution to this problem.
Back up your solar panel system with a standby diesel generator for the days when the sun isn’t shining. Gogopower has a range of diesel generators that can work together with your solar panel system as a backup source to develop a hybrid power generation system that will work in all weather.
The diesel generator and solar panel of a hybrid solution setup complement each other by switching between each other, countering the uncertain nature of weather. Many people are even investing in complete, off the grid hybrid system, enabling them to disconnect from the power grid and be self-sufficient.
All Gogopower diesel generators come with a 2 wire auto start connection and battery charger to ensure that when your solar power system is no longer reliable due to bad weather, the generator will instantly start and provide electricity to your home.
How does the hybrid solar system work?
Solar panels generate electricity all day, storing it in batteries, and then supplying that stored power to your connected home. However, when the weather turns bad and the solar panels are no longer creating energy, your household starts using the power that’s been stored in the battery, and the charge level gets lower and lower.
The 2 wire auto start controller, PLC920, is connected from the Gogopower diesel generator to the off-grid solar system control panel, external to the generator. The inverter, connected to the solar panels, will detect the drop in the stored battery charge and will disconnect the circuit between the batteries and the property and close the circuit between the generator and the property.
This process will work in reverse once the batteries are fully charged by the solar panels. The inverter will disconnect the circuit between the generator and the property and connect the circuit between the batteries and the property.
Which generators are suitable for solar panel systems?
All Gogopower diesel generators are suitable for a hybrid solar system installation. Which one depends on the size of your power output and application. Whether you use a Cummins, Kubota, or PowerLink engine, or even an OEM engine generator, your solar system will have a reliable and robust backup when the sun doesn’t shine.
Other accessories for your backup system
Depending on your solar setup, you might require an Automatic Transfer Switch – a useful accessory for any commercial or home backup system.
Contact Gogopower
We love helping our customers. If you have a question regarding backing up your solar panel system, then call us on 1300 957078 or email enquiry@gogopower.com.au.
Can a home with solar panels use a generator?
One of the biggest misconceptions about solar panels is that they’ll keep your house running when utility power goes out. However, contrary to popular belief, solar panels actually can’t send electricity to your house when the grid is out.
Why? Well, it’s a safety thing. Grid-tied solar panels send electricity to utility lines, and if they aren’t shut off during a power outage, they would continue to send electricity, posing a threat to utility workers fixing the lines. That means, in order to prevent any harm, your solar panels go out when the grid does.
So if you want your lights to stay on when the rest of your neighborhood goes dark, you need a backup plan. The good news is, homes with solar panels can be connected to gas-powered generators, but how it works can be a bit tricky.
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Find out how much you can save monthly by installing solar
How do gas-powered generators work?
Before we get into how generators and solar work together, let’s go over some basics about whole-home backup generators. Often referred to as ‘standby generators’, these large generators are able to backup entire homes for extended periods of time. Some popular standby generator manufacturers include Generac, Kohler, and Cummins.
The generator’s automatic transfer switch, or ATS, is able to detect a power outage and then immediately switches your home’s power source from the grid to the generator. There are multiple types of whole-home generators that run on different types of fossil fuels, including natural gas, gasoline, diesel, and propane.
Do solar panels and generators work together?
Here’s the deal. even if you have a standby generator hooked up to your home, your solar panels aren’t going to turn on when the grid is down. Unfortunately, you cannot run your home with both solar power and generator power at the same time.
In other words, the generator and the solar panels cannot operate parallel to one another.
Like we said earlier, solar panels send feedback to the grid, creating a dangerous scenario for utility repair workers. Similarly, if the panels remained on, they would send feedback to the generator and thereby cause damage to the generator, the solar system, or both. Plus, the energy generators produce isn’t powerful enough to boot up most solar inverters anyway.
This doesn’t mean you can’t have a standby generator if you have solar, or that you can’t get solar if you already have a standby generator installed. There are many homes that have both solar panels and generators, especially when it comes to off-grid systems.
The panels and generator just need to be wired properly so that the two won’t interfere with one another. Your solar installer or a certified electrician will be able to help you figure out the best (and safest) way to do this.
Is a standby generator or solar battery system better for you?
Instead of buying a generator, you can install a solar battery to provide backup power to your home in the event of an outage. Whether a generator or a solar battery is best for you really depends on the reasons why you want to install a backup system in the first place.
A standby generator is best if you live somewhere that regularly experiences multi-day power outages and you want to be able to power your entire home, as generators offer more power than a solar battery can. Generators also tend to be cheaper than a solar battery storage system.
If you’re looking to have access to emergency backup power for a day or two that can power your most important loads (like your fridge, lights, and wall outlets to charge electronic devices), and you also want to reduce your day-to-day reliance on the utility, then a solar battery is a better choice.
Another benefit to solar batteries is that you can use them daily to maximize the amount of solar energy your home uses. Plus, a battery can keep your solar panels running when the grid is down. something a generator cannot do.
You can maximize your home’s resilience against power outages by installing both a solar battery and a standby generator. Much like with solar panels, a generator and battery cannot power your home at the same time. When the power goes out, the solar battery will power your home first until it is depleted. Then the generator will kick in.
Below, solar expert William White discusses pairing solar generators and batteries with solar systems.
Do you really even need backup power with your solar panels?
For most homeowners, installing backup power with your solar panels probably isn’t necessary. It costs thousands of dollars and most places in the U.S. have a fairly stable utility grid.
It’s a different story for those who do live somewhere with unreliable access to grid power. If your area experiences regular blackouts due to extreme weather events, or if you live in a more rural area, then backup power isn’t such a bad idea. You can choose either a standby generator or a solar battery, but which one is better really depends on how you want to use your backup source.
Even though a battery or a generator doesn’t always make sense for a home, installing solar panels is a different story. In most parts of the country, installing solar panels has a substantial financial benefit for homeowners and lets you run your home on clean, renewable energy.
You can use our solar panel calculator to understand what kind of savings a solar system can provide you, and what installation solar companies are offering in your area.
Find out if installing battery storage is worth it where you live
Key takeaways
- Solar panels do not work during power outages, so homeowners need a backup power supply if they want to run their home without the utility.
- Gas generators are the most popular form of backup power and can be installed at a home that has solar panels.
- Even if you have a standby generator, your solar panels will remain off during a power outage.
- If you want your solar panels to stay on during a power outage, you need to install a solar battery, which adds considerable costs to a solar installation.
- You can install both a solar battery and a solar generator with your solar panels if you want to maximize the amount of backup power available to you.
Catherine Lane
Written Content Manager
Catherine is the Written Content Manager at SolarReviews. She has been researching and writing about the residential solar industry for four years. Her work has appeared in Solar Today Magazine and Solar Builder Magazine, and has been cited by publications like Forbes and Bloomberg.
Solar Generators: A Guide to Portable Solar Power
A solar generator is a portable power station that uses portable solar panels to charge a battery, and the stored electricity can be used to charge or operate other devices.
As climate change continues to impact our planet in the form of extreme weather, higher temperatures, rising sea levels, and more, we must look for sustainable solutions to more parts of our day-to-day life. This includes the move to using portable solar power generators to create and store renewable energy for all your backup power needs.
Not only do solar generators create reliable clean electricity from the sun, but they also reduce the emission of harmful greenhouse gasses associated with traditional portable generators. As a result, manufacturers are working hard to make solar backup generators better and more reliable than their fuel-powered counterparts. This mirrors the growth and popularity of home solar power systems as an alternative to powering your home with fossil fuels.
With this article, you will better understand what a solar generator is, why solar generators are worth an investment, how to shop for a portable solar generator that’s right for you, and why solar-powered generators should replace traditional gas-powered generators.
What Is A Solar Generator?
The term solar generator usually refers to the combination of portable solar panels, battery, battery charger, and inverter into a single device that allows you to capture, store, and distribute power from the sun.
Solar generators are popular for camping trips, boating, RV trips, and as emergency backup power.
Unlike a traditional generator, which is normally powered by gas, diesel, or propane and includes an engine, fuel tank, and alternator, a solar generator lacks any moving parts. They’re essentially comprised of four elements:
- Portable Solar Panels. Captures energy from the sun
- Rechargeable Battery. Stores the energy captured by solar panels
- Solar Charge Controller. Manages how much energy goes into the battery
- Solar Inverter. Converts the sun’s energy into usable electricity
Thus, a solar generator is basically a portable battery with some photovoltaic (PV) panels attached to collect sunlight.
A portable solar generator turns out to be a great power supply, whether you’re on the road, camping, or needing electricity during a power outage. Depending upon your situation, you might want a solar generator with a variety of outlets, especially in emergencies where you have multiple power-dependent devices and appliances.
Typically, solar generators have 12-volt sockets, AC outlets, and USB ports to allow you to charge different devices. The beauty of having several charging options with your portable generator is that you can get the power you need on your terms. For example, you can plug a smartphone directly into the USB port to charge, and then connect an extension cord to the AC outlet to power a set of string lights.
In most cases, you will have the option to buy components like solar battery storage and panels separately, though you can also buy them as a complete all-in-one kit. We recommend purchasing the accessories you need to generate and store enough electricity for your intended use.
How Do Solar Power Generators Work?
A solar battery generator works by creating electricity from sunlight and storing it in a battery for future use. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the process:
- Solar panels convert sunlight to DC electricity and pass it through the charge controller.
- The charge controller regulates the voltage of electricity before storage, ensuring the right amount of current goes to the battery.
- The battery stores all the solar energy for later use.
- The inverter converts the stored energy from the battery to the AC power that most appliances and devices use.
Who Benefits From Using Solar Generators?
Solar generators don’t burn fuel to generate electricity, making them ideal for anyone looking to reduce reliance on gas-powered generators, combat blackouts and other power outages, and have a reliable backup power source option in case of emergencies.
You can use the energy stored in a solar generator during a power outage, to charge your devices when camping, and as source of energy on an RV or boating trip. Essentially, a solar-powered backup generator is ideal for a range of real-life situations, meaning it’s useful to have around for more than just emergencies.
People Who Want to Make Eco-Friendly Choices
Traditional generators run on fossil fuels that pollute the environment. If you’re conscious of the danger these fuels possess, then a solar backup generator is ideal for you.
People Bothered by the Sounds and Smells of Traditional Generators
Traditional generators are noisy and stinky because they’re combustion engines running on fossil fuels. Over time and even with proper maintenance, they can become noisier and smellier. If you’re looking for a generator that creates zero sounds and smells, a solar power generator will not let you down.
People Who Enjoy Spending Time Outdoors
You will find solar power generators are helpful if you enjoy being outside, yet still want to bring along a few modern perks. For example, during a camping or boating trip, solar batteries come in handy to ensure you have continuous power access. You could string up lights after sundown, charge your phones, run small kitchen appliances, and any number of conveniences you had to do without in the past.
Key Factors When Shopping for a Solar Generator
Solar generators come in different sizes and shapes, so picking one that will address your personal needs should be your priority. Choosing a solar generator can be challenging, especially when you are presented with different options, so we created this shopping list as a good starting point.
Since not all portable solar backup power generators are the same, people need to know what the generator can and cannot do. Knowing how you intend to use your generator should help guide you to the right solution.
Some of the top brands to compare include Jackery, Goal Zero Yeti, Bluetti, EcoFlow, Point Zero Energy, Renogy, and Tacklife. Each company makes its products unique, so a closer look at what each one offers can help you make a sound decision.
Your Energy Requirements
The amount of electricity you need should be your top consideration for determining the size of your solar powered generator. For example, if you plan to use it outdoors, you should calculate how much energy your devices and appliances use when comparing the storage capacity of potential solar generators.
How Much Electricity The Solar Generator Can Provide
The longer a generator can provide power, the better. (This is usually calculated in watt hours.) Considering you don’t always know when you will have an opportunity to recharge it, it is best to have one that can run efficiently for a long time. That way, it will be easier for you to go about your daily activities or complete what you were doing, knowing you have enough backup power.
How Long The Solar Generator Takes To Charge
In addition to comparing the battery capacity of a solar generator, you should also pay attention to how long it takes for the battery to achieve a full charge. Some even have the ability to quick charge from a home AC power outlet. This will help with planning how much time you’ll need to be without power in the event a recharge is necessary.
What Features and Benefits are Included
You can do a lot with a solar generator that has helpful features. For example, more USB ports and power outlets give you the freedom to charge multiple devices at once.
Weight is another essential consideration, especially if you plan to use your generator for outdoor activities. Batteries can be heavy, so you might want to look for a solar generator that has focused on keeping the weight down if you plan to move it around a lot.
What the Warranty Covers
We recommend examining any benefits you might enjoy from the product warranty. The larger and more reputable the company, the more perks you will likely receive to support your solar power generator. The top options include replacement parts for any necessary repairs, as well as a longer length of time your solar generator is covered by the warranty.
Comparing Portable Solar Generators with Traditional Gas-Powered Generators
The Pros of Solar Generators
Investing in a portable solar generator is a good way of reducing your environmental impact and enjoying numerous other benefits:
Portable
Generally lighter than traditional gas-powered generators, solar generators are ideal for outdoor events, camping, emergencies, and general on-the-go activities. Some of them are even equipped with a luggage-like pull handle to enhance portability.
Low Maintenance
Wear and tear due to moving parts in traditional emergency generators can lead to high maintenance costs. Solar generators have no moving parts and don’t rely on gas to generate electricity. This design helps lower the possibility of having to pay for repairs.
Clean Energy
Solar generators generate clean, renewable energy that doesn’t hurt the environment when running. Traditional generators run on fossil fuels which contribute to air pollution and climate change. As an added benefit, you can access solar energy freely instead of paying for pricey fossil fuels.
Easy Operation
Solar generators are easy to use as they don’t require fueling, oiling, starting, and maintaining. Just turn it on, connect your devices, and draw power from it.
The Cons of Solar Generators
There are a few disadvantages to using solar generators that you should consider before making a purchase:
Higher Upfront Cost
Solar generators typically require a higher initial investment than traditional generators. However, the costs of operating are lower than traditional options, so you’ll save money over time.
Lower Energy Storage
Solar generators aren’t ideal if your power demands are too high. For instance, during a power outage, your generator may not be sufficient to operate all devices and appliances in your house. In most cases, they are best for operating a few devices at a time, such as lighting, a television, or a refrigerator.
Slower Energy Generation
Compared to traditional gas-powered portable generators, solar generators are not the best option when you need instantaneous power. If your battery runs out of power, you have to wait for it to recharge to get power to your appliances and devices, which can vary depending on the weather conditions. With a traditional generator, you simply need to add more fuel to generate additional power.
The Pros of Traditional Generators
Generators powered by fossil fuels do have some advantages, including:
Portability
Traditional options are available in different sizes, and there are smaller sizes that you can bring with you when traveling. Just remember that you also have to carry gasoline, so they aren’t quite as portable as solar generators.
Familiar Technology
Having been on the market for years, traditional generators are more familiar to some people. However, that market dominance also means the technology hasn’t been dramatically improved because of the lack of competition.
Electricity On-Demand
Traditional generators produce electricity as soon as they receive fuel, while a solar generator must be recharged to provide electricity. Hence, gas-powered generators are more convenient when you need instant power.
The Cons of Traditional Generators
Despite their popularity over the years, traditional generators have their shortcomings. Here are some of the reasons why people are ditching them:
Fuel Costs
Traditional generators rely on costly fossil fuels to run, which increases their long-term costs over the initial purchase price. You may also have to pay more to access that fuel if you aren’t near a gas station or other fuel source.
Toxic Gases
Traditional generators are notorious polluters. Each gallon of gasoline contains about 20.35lbs of carbon dioxide, and the average camping generator emits around 1-2 lbs of carbon dioxide per hour, even when running at 1/4 of the max rated load.
In addition to carbon dioxide, gas-powered generators can also release other harmful gases into the atmosphere, including carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and sulfur oxides.
Noisy Operation
Because of all the moving parts that make up a traditional gas-powered generator, they produce a lot of noise when operating. This is especially true for smaller portable generators, which are designed to prioritize size and weight over noise prevention.
Ongoing Maintenance
You have to continuously pay to take care of your traditional generator if you want to keep it in good working order. That regular maintenance occurs because the generator uses moving parts to process fossil fuels into electricity, and those moving parts need to be cleaned, oiled, and replaced over time. In addition, the fuel can go bad if it sits unused for a long period of time. Those routine costs definitely impact the total price of owning a gas-powered generator in the long run.
Key Takeaways
Solar generators are growing in popularity, and with advances in solar technologies, people who like clean energy are increasingly picking them over gas-powered generators. Solar generators offer low maintenance, portability, clean energy, and sustainable living to combat climate change. The numerous benefits of owning a solar generator make it worth the investment.
Before you buy a solar-powered generator, make sure you analyze the key features of different brands to pick one that will address your power needs. Brands like Jackery, Goal Zero Yeti, and Bluetti make a wide range of different solar generators to match your needs.
If you want to store even more backup solar power than even the best solar generator can provide, you should consider solar battery storage that connects to your home solar panel system. While your home solar panels can definitely charge your portable solar generator so you have on-the-go power whenever you need it, solar generators are not designed to act as a home standby generator for your entire home.
If you’re shopping for backup power options, the experts at Palmetto can help you understand the long-term solutions that are right for your electricity needs and system requirements. Get started today with a Free Solar Savings Estimate, and then speak with one of our solar professionals on how you can always have the energy you need when you need it most.
Introduction
Climate change is a major topic of discussion across the globe at the moment. This is especially due to the current rising fuel across the globe. Burning of fossil fuels usually produces greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket around the Earth’s atmosphere, this traps the sun’s heat and leads to raising temperatures. Nitrogen oxide (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), and particulate matter are all byproducts of dirty energy sources, such as the use of diesel generators. Diesel generators have been a top producer of greenhouse gases, and consequently a polluter of our environment. With the rapidly increasing threat of climate change due to the excessive release of greenhouse gases, many nations are turning to clean energy alternatives to do away with traditional fossil fuels.
Figure 1 Solar Panels Installed on a Rooftop
Solar energy is a reliable renewable energy source that doesn’t produce CO2 emissions or other greenhouse gases, and therefore an effective alternative to fossil fuels sources. This makes solar energy an appealing and one of the most interesting systems for producing energy for homeowners, business owners, and industries. Solar energy systems are now more affordable, efficient, affordable, and resilient than ever before. Solar energy makes it possible to replace dirty energy sources with clean resources.
Solar Energy System
Solar energy technologies usually convert sunlight into electrical energy either by utilizing photovoltaic (PV) panels or via mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. The energy can then be used to generate electricity or be stored in batteries or thermal storage. Here are the different constituents of a solar energy system and how it works.
Figure 2 Solar Energy System
Solar Panels
Solar panels are the most critical components of a solar energy system. Their work is to produce clean energy for your home or business. Solar panels are usually made up of solar cells made of silicon, which are then wired together to make solar modules. Monocrystalline solar panels are the most common solar panels installed today, but some people do choose polycrystalline panels for their homes.
Solar Inverter
Solar inverters are devices used to convert the power produced by solar panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Home devices usually use alternating current, and this makes it important to convert power from DC to AC. Also, there are power optimizers installed in each panel in order to optimize the DC output of each PV module. After optimization, the power is directed to the string inverter for conversion to AC power.
Storage
Batteries are used to store energy generated by solar panels for use in a home or a business building. Batteries are usually used in case the solar energy system is not connected to the grid. Battery technology is rapidly developing into a more feasible option for those who intend to produce their energy free from the grid. The choice and value of including batteries in your solar energy system depend on a range of factors, such as your power usage needs as well as feed-in tariff rate.
Diesel Generator
A diesel generator usually works by converting chemical energy present in diesel fuel to mechanical energy by utilizing a diesel engine. As the engine runs, the chemical energy from the diesel fuel is converted to mechanical energy, in the form of a rotating shaft. As the generator engine rotates, its alternator’s main rotor spins as the power is transmitted via a mechanical coupling. This creates electrical energy in form of voltage at the alternator terminals. The energy is usually produced via a magnetic field from the main motor.
A major drawback of diesel generators is their production of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, and other toxic exhausts released into the environment. This makes diesel generators unsuitable as far as environmental sustainability is concerned. To combat climate change, homeowners and businesses need to move away from the use of diesel generators and embrace clean energy resources, such as solar energy. Also, diesel generators can be very noisy, and they are therefore often placed away from work areas.
Comparison Between Solar Power and Diesel Power
Solar Power
Diesel Power
Produces greenhouse gas emissions
Saves money in the long-term
Expensive due to recurrent purchase of diesel
Expensive maintenance due to many parts being worn out with time
Solar panels have a life span of 20 to 25 years
Diesel generators have moving parts that are susceptible to wear and tear
Solar power can be stored
Diesel power cannot be stored
Why Choose Solar Power System
There are many benefits that come with installing solar power systems in your home or business. Here are reasons why you should choose solar power system:
Sustainability
Renewable energy resources like solar energy are more sustainable when compared to fossil fuels, such as diesel and petrol. Fossil fuels usually have an expiry date because there’s a limited amount of fuel available underground. After a specific number of years, most oil reserves are depleted. For solar energy, the sunlight is not at risk of immediate exhaustion and the sun will probably run for some billion years according to scientific research.
Environmental Protection
Solar generator has less impact on the environment when compared to diesel generators. Diesel generators usually use diesel fuel which releases greenhouse gases into our environment. On the other hand, solar energy is directly opposite of diesel generators because it doesn’t release any emissions. Also, solar power doesn’t create noise pollution like diesel generators. This makes solar panels ideal for power generation in residential areas.
Noise-Free
While most of the diesel generators usually produce a lot of noise when in operation, solar panels do not produce noise. Solar panels operate quietly and have no moving parts inside them. They can be installed in residential as well as business areas without causing any noise disturbance, unlike diesel generators.
Saves Money
When you have a solar power system, it generates electricity to meet your energy needs. This will eventually reduce your energy bills. Even though there is an upfront cost of the system, the system will pay itself off with time because you’re not paying any electrical bills. Also, besides reducing your energy bills, there is a possibility to earn from your solar power system in case you’re connected to the grid and exporting surplus power there. If you generate more electricity than your home or business requires, you can export the extra power and earn from it.
Low Maintenance Costs
Generally, solar energy systems don’t demand a lot of maintenance. They only need to be kept clean so that they can produce power at an optimum level. You can comfortably clean them yourself or rely on professional cleaning services at a small fee. Since there are no moving parts in solar panels like in diesel generators, solar panels are not at risk of wear and tear. The inverter and batteries are the only components of the solar energy system that requires to be changed after 5 to 10 years of use. Basically, after covering the initial cost of your solar power system, you should expect very little spending as far as maintenance is concerned.
Can Be Stored Directly in the Portable Power Station
Solar energy can be stored in portable power stations and batteries unlike the power generated by diesel generators. This makes it possible to install solar panels on top of cars and other movable objects. You can easily go for vacations in remote areas and even reserves without access to grid electricity and still access 24-hour solar energy through portable power stations.
Versatile Installation
The simplicity of solar panels installation implies that they can be installed almost everywhere, and this helps you take advantage of both horizontal and vertical spaces that have no specific use. Additionally, the modularity and flexibility of solar energy systems make it possible to install small-scale solar projects with the possibility of expanding the system later if need be. Solar energy system also provides the possibility to generate and supply the electricity in remote locations. In remote regions, the cost of installing electrical distribution lines is usually very high but solar power systems make it possible to have affordable electricity for the residents.
Increased Home Value
Solar panels are usually taken to be home upgrades, just like a renovated kitchen or a well-furnished basement. Installing a solar energy system improves your home’s value. Research shows that homes with PV panels can sell for more than homes without PV. Homeowners usually pay a premium for solar homes.
Select BougeRV Solar Panel Kits
BougeRV has quality solar panels to meet your energy needs. BougeRV’s solar panel kits usually feature the latest technology, and they are flexible, durable, and light. The solar panel kits can easily be installed with adhesive and are form-fitting, which makes them suitable for multiple surfaces. Alternatively, since the panels are so light and bendable, they can easily be rolled up and stored for portable use. Portable solar panel kits usually provide power at any given time, and at any location. This means you can carry the solar panel kits wherever you go and don’t have to worry about anything to do with the power connection.
The BougeRV solar panel kits will reduce your electricity bill and allow you to become energy-independent. You will be in a position to manage your electricity bills with a solar energy system installed at your home or business. This means you don’t have to depend on the government anymore for electricity connection.