How to Connect a Portable Solar Generator to an Electrical Panel
A solar generator is a convenient and practical device that can act as an all-in-one solar power station. They give you the flexibility to run a fully off-grid solar power system, but they can also act as an additional source of solar electricity for those that still rely on the grid for the majority of their power needs.
If, for example, you relied heavily on the grid to supply power to your home, you would be left without power in the event of a blackout or partial grid failure. This is where a solar generator can really come in handy. When paired with one or more solar panels, a solar generator can act as a reliable source of power during emergencies and power outages.
The question many people ask is: how do I connect a portable solar generator to my home’s electrical panel? Whether you currently own a solar generator, or you are wondering if one would be a worthwhile investment, we are here to tell you how you would go about plugging a solar generator into your home’s electrical panel.
What is an Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel, which is sometimes known as a breaker panel, looks like a small metal box with a door. They are usually mounted directly to the wall in a low-traffic area of the house. Inside the electrical panel, you will find all of the breaker switches for your home.
These breaker switches are designed to shut off automatically when there is too much electrical current flowing through them. Within the panel, you will also find the main circuit breaker that controls power to the entire house.
When you draw power from the grid, power flows into your home through an outdoor electrical meter, which then routes power to your electrical panel. Since the electrical panel can be considered the main hub for electric power in your home, you might be wondering if you can connect a solar generator to the electrical panel to act as a backup in the event of a grid failure.
Can You Connect a Solar Generator to Your Electrical Panel?
While it is possible to connect a portable solar generator to an electrical panel, it is incredibly important that it is done correctly and safely. Failing to do so could result in damage to your solar generator, as well as your electrical panel.
To make the connection, you will need the appropriate tools and devices, like suitable power cords and transfer switches. Since solar generators already come equipped with a built-in charge controller and power inverter, you do not need to purchase these pieces of equipment separately to supply power to electronic devices and appliances.
Connecting a solar generator to your home’s electrical system is actually very easy if you are already running a grid-tied solar power system. In this case, you would already be using a grid-tied power inverter to feed your solar power into the grid, so you could simply connect your solar generator through that same power inverter.
If your solar power system is separate from your home’s electrical system, the process will be a little bit trickier.
Connection Options:
The easiest and safest way to connect your solar generator to your home is to use a generator transfer switch. These small devices are installed to the electrical panel and act as a go-between for your solar generator and electrical panel.
They are connected to all of the circuits in your electrical panel, which gives you the flexibility to only supply power to the circuits you would like to supply power to. These devices also have safety features that prevent the back-feed of electricity.
Essentially, transfer switches alternate the power supply between the grid and the power that is supplied by your solar or gasoline-powered generator. These switches make power management fairly easy to control, as you can shut off circuits you do not need to supply power to during emergency situations. For example, if you were facing a complete grid failure, you might just want to power your lights and refrigerator, rather than unnecessary electrical appliances, such as your air conditioning unit.
When it comes to connecting a portable solar generator to a standard electrical panel, there are three types of transfer switches to choose from:
- Automatic Transfer Switch – These “Smart” switches can automatically recognize a power outage and start drawing power from a connected solar generator. They also shut the solar generator off and switch back to utility power as soon as the grid is back up and running. While these transfer switches are the most efficient option, they are also the most expensive. If you experience regular power failures and need to keep your electricity running, they might be an appropriate option; however, you would also want to connect several solar generators to justify the expensive price tag of the transfer switch.
- Manual Transfer Sub-Panel Switch – This option is more affordable than an automatic switch, but they do need to be activated manually. If you are just looking for a way to supply power to your home during occasional power outages, they can be a decent option.
- Breaker Interlock Connector – These tend to be the most popular option, as they are the least expensive, as well as the most flexible. A breaker interlock connector allows you to choose which home appliances or electronics your solar generator will supply power to. They often feature a built-in amp meter, which helps prevent overloading.
Can You Supply Power to Your Home Without Going Through the Electrical Panel?
In most cases, people will just connect their electronic devices and appliances directly to their solar generators. One of the great things about solar generators is they feature a wide variety of power output ports, so you rarely have to worry that your solar generator will not be compatible with a certain device.
In fact, most solar generators will feature multiple USB charging ports, AC power outlets, 12V outlets, and even the more modern USB-C ports.
If you are wonder what type of solar generator you will need, or how many you should purchase, simply do a basic load wattage calculation for your electrical needs during a grid failure. From there, simply choose an appropriate solar generator and the necessary solar panels to keep it charged. Remember, you can always run multiple solar generators in parallel if a single solar generator cannot meet your power needs.
Choosing a Solar Generator
As mentioned previously, solar generators are incredibly useful pieces of solar equipment. Not only are they portable, they contain all of the equipment needed to supply solar power to your electronic devices.
If you are unsure where to start with solar generators, we highly recommend you take the time to read our Complete Solar Generator Buyer’s Guide, which explains everything you need to know about solar generators and features our top six picks for the best options on the market today.
If you do not think you need a full-sized solar generator, and you only need enough power to run a small series of emergency lights and charge a few portable electronics, you may also want to take a look at our collection of Jackery Portable Power Stations. These smaller units work well for most situations where you need access to small supply of portable power; however, they lack the power required to be a reliable source of power for larger electrical appliances.
For those looking for a high-performance option at an affordable price, we highly recommend the MaxOak EB150 Bluetti 1,500wh Solar Generator.
It is actually one of the best-selling solar generators on the market. With a built-in LG 1,500wh lithium-ion battery and a fully integrated 1,000W power inverter, it is an ideal backup power unit for emergencies and power failures.
While you could use a transfer switch to connect the unit to your home’s electrical panel, thanks to its range of output ports, the EB150 can directly supply power to a wide variety of electrical devices. These include:
- 2 x Standard (wall-style) AC outports
- 4 x USB plug-ins
- 1 x USB-C plug-in
- 1 x 12V outlet
The built-in LED display screen and the lightweight design make this unit an incredibly useful solar generator.
Equipment for a Full-Scale Solar Power System
If you believe that a solar generator will not be capable of storing enough power to be a practical solution for your needs, you can always invest in a full-scale solar power system. With these systems, your solar equipment is wired directly to your home. Not only is this convenient, you are not constrained by the storage limitations of a generator. While you lose portability, they offer plenty of advantages for those looking to build a more permanent solar power system.
If you are in need of solar equipment, you will find everything you need by browsing the various departments of our solar store. Whether you are in the market for a complete solar kit, or you are just looking for a specific piece of equipment, we can help. We carry the best brands in the industry and offer their products at some of the best you will find anywhere.
Solar Power Inverters:
One of the most important pieces of equipment you will need is a solar power inverter. Since solar panels use sunlight to generate DC power, you need a power inverter to convert that power into AC power, so your electrical devices can actually use it.
For more information about solar power inverters, as well as a full list of the options we carry, take a look at our Full Collection of Solar Power Inverters.
We also encourage you to take a look at our Solar Panel Connectors Guide, which tells you everything you need to know about wiring your solar equipment together using MC4 connectors and solar cables.
Final Words
A solar generator is an incredibly useful piece of equipment. Whether you are looking to connect a solar generator directly to your home’s electrical panel, or you would just like to use one as a portable power station, we carry a wide variety of solar generators and solar generator kits that can meet your needs.
If you have any further questions about solar generators, or any other questions relating to solar power, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! We are always happy to help!
High Output Solar Generator, (3000W to 5000W Available), Portable Solar Battery Box w Inverter, USB, 12V Inputs/Outputs
This solar generator is all about packing the most power in the smallest footprint. Cutting Edge Power solar generators are designed to provide more inverter output and more battery capacity than any other solar generator available. Completely customizable with add-ons like wind turbine controls, charge controller upgrades and battery options, no other solar generator can match our performance specs for a generator of this size!
Here’s what makes it special:
- Use your own battery, or use ours!
- Maximum battery capacity – When equipped, this solar generator can be customized with up to 7,200Wh of battery capacity!
- Maximum inverter output – Up to 5,000W continuous output (10,000W surge output)
- Maximum solar charging input – Charge at up to 450W standard and up to 1,200W with full upgrades.
- Made in USA with serviceability in mind. Charge controllers, inverters and batteries are all mounted with hardware that’s easy to work on with standard hand tools. Nothing is permanently mounted with rivets, or closed up in a plastic case.
Being able to supply your own battery or use our battery makes this solar generator one of the best and least expensive options on the market. Featuring our new high performance solar charge controller, these solar generators can be used with virtually any 12V battery on earth. Installing your own batteries is super easy: Just connect the supplied 5/16” ring terminal wires to your battery’s posts. Cutting Edge Power solar generators are completely modular with connections to add more batteries in the future.
Future maintenance is easy with simple hand tools and off-the-shelf parts, unlike some solar generators that are worthless if one component fails.
Cutting Edge Power lithium battery packs are welded, assembled and tested in Houston, TX. Even better, our lithium batteries are factory-installed when purchased with a solar generator. Our lithium batteries provide about 450% lifetime and 100% run time over traditional lead acid batteries. Plus, they’re about half the size.
Specifications
Battery chemistry compatibility:
12V Cutting Edge Power lithium (3S)
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)
(A 12V automotive starting battery will function, but run times will not be ideal)
Solar charge controller technology:
PWM (MPPT upgrade available)
Maximum solar panel input open circuit voltage (VOC rating on your solar panel label):
55V DC (100V DC with MPPT upgrade)
Maximum solar panel input working voltage (VMP rating on your solar panel label):
40V DC (90V DC with MPPT upgrade)
Maximum solar panel input power:
(Let us know if you need more solar input capacity)
Solar charge controller power consumption at idle:
Inverter watts refers to the maximum continuous output.
Max surge output is 2 x the continuous rating.
(1) Solar panel connector pair
(1) 12V/24V Pair input/output 5/16” post terminals for connecting external batteries, optional wall charger, or devices
3000W Pure Sine:
(2) Household 110/120VAC/1PH/60HZ 3-prong outlet
(1) 110/120VAC/1PH/60HZ Terminal Block (Hot/Neutral/Ground)
(1) 12V socket, 30A (360W max output)
(1) 12V/24V Pair input/output 5/16” post terminals for connecting external batteries or devices
USB-C/USB-A: See “Output Technology” section below
4000W Pure Sine:
(2) Household 110/120VAC/1PH/60HZ 3-prong outlet
(1) 110/120VAC/1PH/60HZ Terminal Block (Hot/Neutral/Ground)
(1) 12V socket, 30A (360W max output)
(1) 12V/24V Pair input/output 5/16” post terminals for connecting external batteries or devices
USB-C/USB-A: See “Output Technology” section below
5000W Pure Sine:
(2) Household 110/120VAC/1PH/60HZ 3-prong outlet
(1) 110/120VAC/1PH/60HZ Terminal Block (Hot/Neutral/Ground)
(1) 12V socket, 30A (360W max output)
(1) 12V/24V Pair input/output 5/16” post terminals for connecting external batteries or devices
USB-C/USB-A: See “Output Technology” section below
(1) USB-C PD (1) USB-A QC 3.0:
18W Max. Output Power (5V@3.4A, 9V@2A, 12V@1.5A)
- Supports DCP (BC1.2, Apple, Samsung)
- Supports Qualcomm Quick Charge Protocol QC2.0 and QC3.0
Supports Samsung Fast Charge Protocol AFC
Complete solar generator: 5 years
Solar charge controller: 5 years
Lithium Battery (If equipped): 5 years
Background
An introduction to solar generators and Cutting Edge Power:
Solar generators are an excellent investment for hurricane / natural disaster preparation, backup power for your home, camping, tailgating, medical devices, refrigerators, air conditioners, construction equipment and tools, CPAP machines and more. Future maintenance of Cutting Edge Power products is easy with simple hand tools and off-the-shelf parts, unlike some solar generators that are worthless if one component fails. Designed in America and professionally wired in Houston, TX so you can rest assured you’ll have the best performing solar generator available.
Featuring our new high performance solar charge controllers, these solar generators can be used with virtually any battery on earth. Installing your own batteries is super easy: Just connect the supplied 5/16” ring terminal wires to your battery’s posts.
Cutting Edge Power lithium battery packs are welded, assembled and tested in Houston, TX. Even better, our lithium batteries are factory-installed when purchased with a solar generator. Our lithium batteries provide about 450% lifetime and 100% run time over traditional lead acid batteries. Plus, they’re about half the size.
CEP300 Charge Controller
This solar generator features our CEP300 charge controller. The CEP300 is our most popular solar charge controller and features a high input 450W of solar capability as well as 55V maximum solar panel VOC. If you need more power input or a higher VOC, you may be interested in upgrading to our CEP440 MPPT solar charge controller.
The CEP300 features plenty of adjustable settings as well as a Large Back-lit LCD display which shows system status, solar input current, solar input voltage, battery voltage, and battery state of charge (%).
Remote Wi-Fi monitoring can be easily added with Cutting Edge Power’s Smart Tech Power Meter.
about our lithium batteries
SAFE. COMPATIBLE. POWERFUL.
Cutting Edge Power’s wind and solar lithium-ion battery modules are the best way to pack more power and run time into a smaller space. Leveraging the amazing performance of our lithium cells and the resulting smaller footprint, our battery modules provide up to 450% lifetime and 100% run time over traditional batteries!
The cells are imported from the most reputable cell manufacturers in the world that also supply Tesla and other high performance companies. Cells are arranged in plastic holders. These plastic holders are a custom in-house design and they’re made in our shop. The cells are then welded together using a special machine designed and built by Cutting Edge Power! The plastic holders are then assembled and mounted inside your solar generator. All of this is done in Houston, TX.
Each cell array is continuously monitored by redundant Battery Management Systems (BMS), not just one like most battery manufacturers. If one module were to go out, you would still have the remaining modules in operation. The multiple BMS systems protect all cells against overcharging, overdischarging, as well as overcurrent. They also equalize all the cell voltages and keep the pack running cool.
#2: COMPATIBLE.
PERFECT FOR SOLAR OR WIND TURBINE CHARGING.
Our lithium battery modules will be factory installed in any Cutting Edge Power solar generator when purchased together. Adding a lithium batteries to an existing Cutting Edge Power solar generator is as easy as ordering a pizza with our custom drop downs.
We call them modules, because our entire solar generator product line is modular. We understand sometimes you need testing before you know how many batteries you need. battery modules can easily be added later and it only takes about 5 minutes.
We don’t believe in proprietary connectors or special permanent installations. No other connection or additional assembly on your part is required! Terminals on our battery modules allow you to quickly and easily replace old batteries. You can even replace our batteries with a different type or manufacturer!
Why are they so small, what’s the catch?
Our battery cells were pioneered by the auto industry so they have a high energy density in order to keep cars lightweight and extend their range. This means a smaller battery pack can have up to 2x the run time as a standard SLA battery. Combining the small size and higher energy density, our batteries will maximize your run time in a compact solar generator!
DIYers love our lithium batteries for the small footprint, cool operating temperatures and high energy density!
Only our lithium batteries provide about 450% lifetime and 100% run time over traditional lead acid batteries. Plus, they can do this in about half the size!
Compared with traditional batteries, Cutting Edge Power lithium ion batteries have a higher run time, higher cycle lifetime, better power density and charge faster. They also weigh less than LiFePO4 and a single module can even provide a higher discharge rate than multiple SLA or LiFePO4 batteries! In wind and solar applications, our lithium batteries have proven to be superior against lead acid, NiCd, AND lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries.
Patriot Power Generator Review: Worth Your Money?
Yes, we really loved the “patriotic” naming of this solar generator. But does it do justice to RVers and off-gridders out there? Let’s hear it from an electrical engineer.
I live in a fairly rural part of the country where power cuts and weather problems are not uncommon. From blackouts to floods, there are a million and one reasons why my home can randomly lose power for a few hours.
While I can survive without my TV for a few hours, I like the option of having a backup power generator in my home so I can power my fridge or freezer and a few other essential appliances until the power comes back on.
Always eco-conscious, I decided to try the Patriot Power Generator 1800 with solar power charging to see if it would work for my needs.
What Is The Patriot Power Generator?
The Patriot Power Generator 1800 is a solar power generator that is often used for power outages in the home. It comes with 2 charging options — solar panel charging and AC outlet charging (the outlets on the main power grid).
This product is a continuation from the Patriot 1500, which famously was recalled because it kept catching fire.
Now, I’ve not heard any stories about the 1800 catching fire, but I feel like it’s worth mentioning when considering which company to buy from.
Maybe speak to the customer service team if you’re nervous.
In terms of outputs, the Patriot 1800 has plenty to choose from. Outputs on this solar generator include:
Potentially, you could have a power supply for 8 different appliances running at once, assuming you don’t max out the 1800W output. However, I doubt you would ever need to plug that much in at once.
Despite being called the 1800, the battery capacity on this generator is actually 768Wh (watt hours) which is quite small for such a large generator, to be honest.
Speaking of large, the Patriot 1800 is pretty darn big.
It’s similar in size to a large desktop computer and weighs a whopping 40 lbs.
When you buy the Patriot Power Generator, you go get a bunch of free stuff included with it, which is nice.
Free items included with the Patriot 1800 are:
These free items help to make the steep price tag feel a little more bearable.
The Patriot is definitely aimed at people looking to make it through a freak lightning storm or other emergency situations, with books like “The Generator Survival Checklist” and “The Blackout Response Guide” all pushing that independence mindset. I’d say it would also be good for people who live in tiny houses.
How Fast Can You Charge The Patriot Power Generator?
This solar powered generator has 2 main methods of charging — AC outlet and solar panels.
Obviously the AC outlet charging is much faster, but if you’ve got the time to spare, I’d recommend charging with the solar panels to be kinder to the environment.
Get your hands on bifacials if you can for more efficient charging.
What Is The Patriot Power Generator’s Solar Input Potential?
The Patriot has a solar input potential of 240 watts.
This is quite a lot less than other rival solar generators that may have input potential of up to 500 or 100 watts for solar panels.
What Is The Patriot Power Generator’s Output Capability?
The Patriot 1800 has an output capability of 1800W, as the name suggests. This means you can plug in multiple appliances so long as their draw doesn’t exceed 1800W in total.
How Much Does The Patriot Power Generator Cost?
When sold through the official website, the Patriot Power Generator currently costs 2,497.00.
Patriot Power Generator Benefits
Eco-Friendly Solar Capabilities
As you’re aware, the Patriot 1800 comes with a solar panel kit included, so it’s easy to generate your home’s backup power without having to rely on the main power grid at all.
After a blackout is over and the electricity situation is back to normal in my home, I like to put my solar panels up in the garden and connect them to the Patriot 1800 inside the house (just in case of rain).
This way, I can generate my backup power in the most eco-friendly way possible. I’m not usually in a rush, so I can wait a couple days for it to fully charge via the sun.
It Holds Charge For 6-12 Months
Most solar generators and portable power stations will lose their charge at around the 6 month mark, but the Patriot can hold its charge for anywhere up to 12 months.
This makes it ideal if you just get power outages every so often — you only need to recharge the product on an annual basis to make sure that it’s still holding charge.
It Has 2,500 Battery Life Cycles
The Patriot 1800 supposedly has 2,500 life cycles according to the manufacturer, though that’s obviously quite hard to test out anytime soon.
In theory, this means that you could use this product every single day for almost 7 years before you would need a replacement.
It’s a nice feature, but I highly doubt anyone would ever use a generator that often unless they live totally off-the-grid.
Patriot Power Generator Shortfalls
I’m not going to lie — there are a lot of things that I don’t like about this product.
First of all, if you look up YouTube reviews for the Patriot 1800, you’ll find that basically all of them are on the 4Patriots YouTube channel. That’s never a good sign.
There are a few downsides to this product, here are some to consider:
It’s Very, Very Heavy
Amusingly, the manufacturer describes this product as “lightweight” despite the 1800 weighing a whopping 40 lbs!
Now if you’re just using this for backup power or off-the-grid power, the weight won’t matter much to you. However, if you’re taking this camping, you’ll be struggling to lug it around for sure.
It Can Be Noisy
If you live in a warmer part of the country, prepare for the wrath of the world’s loudest cooling fans.
Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration, but this power generator can get hot, and when it does, the cooling fans like to let you know they’re working by being annoyingly loud.
It’s Expensive For What It Is
This product clocks in at around 2,500, which is pretty expensive despite all the free items you get with it.
Now, I understand that most large power generators are expensive, but this thing only has a 768Wh (watt hours) battery capacity.
In the words of Shania Twain — that don’t impress me much!
For the same price, you can get other power generators with much bigger battery capacities, or you can just build your own DIY solar generator.
The thing is, for its price, this just doesn’t cut the mustard.
There Aren’t That Many AC Outlets
For a power generator of this size, there aren’t that many power outlets.
This is the kind of power generator you would want to use in an emergency situation, yet there are only 2 AC outlets, which seems very low.
Yes, you could plug in your fridge and maybe a TV or something, but that’s it.
Not really ideal if you electricity is out for extended periods of time.
There are better options with more AC outlets at this price range.
It Doesn’t Power Your Fridge For That Long
One of the main selling points of this power station is that it will power your fridge or freezer if the power goes out in your home. They go on and on and on about it. The people at Patriot are really into powering the hell outta fridges.
They claim that this generator can power your fridge for 16.3 hours, but in practice it’s much less than that.
For the size of the average US fridge or freezer, you’d be lucky to get 6-10 hours at best!
If you power other items and appliances at the same time, that will drop even lower.
CONS SUMMARY
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Other People’s Thoughts
This solar generator has inspired a lot of other interesting reviews online from both customers and people within the off-the-grid world.
Here are some snippets from other people’s reviews of the Patriot Power Generator 1800:
When you see the name “Patriot 1800” you may think that it comes with a large 1,800wh battery. It does not. The battery is Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo4) which is a very good thing, but it is definitely not 1,800wh. It’s not even half of that. The battery is only 690wh.
Ben, Reviewer at Powered Portable Solar
At 86, I find it a bit heavy. couldn’t lift it out of the shipping box. I think that can be remedied by getting someone to build a little platform of wheels.
Yvonne Jones, Patriot Power User
4Patriots claims that the system can be fully charged and discharged 2,500 times, which makes for an impressive long, lasting system. If you are in an environment where you can easily charge and recharge the battery continuously, wear and tear would not be a concern with this device in the short term
So proud to own this generator even though I haven’t told anyone. All my neighbors can scratch their heads when an unfortunate event comes our way!
Pat Edwards, Patriot Power User
Things To Consider Before Buying A Portable Solar Generator
While I bought the Patriot Power Generator 1800 primarily for blackouts, you might also use one for camping trips and off-the-grid living.
Whatever you’re using it for, here are some things to consider before buying any of the solar powered generators on the market:
Battery Capacity
The capacity of the battery is one of the main things you should look at before anything else. If you’re taking solar generators out to just power your phone and tablet for a couple days on a camping trip, then you don’t need a huge capacity.
However, if you live off the power grid or you’re trying to get a solid solar generator in case of a power outage, then you need something with enough juice to run large appliances like a fridge or a freezer.
Solar Charging Speed
When it comes to your power generator, solar charging is a great option if you want to be kinder to the environment.
However, you need to check how quickly your generator can charge.
For instance, most places in the US only get ideal solar panel sunlight for around 5-6 hours per day, and that’s assuming it’s not a cloudy day.
For solar power generators that take 12 hours to charge via solar panel, you’ll be lucky to charge them fully over 2 days.
Portability
While a lot of solar generators describe themselves as “portable,” a lot of them really aren’t.
Yes, technically 40-pound solar generators are portable because they don’t need to be attached to anything, but they’re incredibly heavy and difficult to lug around.
For heavier solar generators, you can probably take them to a campsite in your car and move them a short distance to your tent, but that’s about it.
Let’s just say you ain’t gonna be hiking up mountains or running away from a natural disaster with the heavier generators.
FAQ
Does the Patriot power generator come with a car charger?
No, the Patriot power generator does not come with a car charger input, though it does have a DC car charger-style output. It cannot be charged by a car, but it can power devices that you use with a car charger.
Can a solar generator power a house?
No, a solar generator cannot power an entire house, but a big enough one can power essentials like your fridge or freezer to stop your food from spoiling during a power cut.
How long do generator batteries last?
Most generator batteries last for around 3 years if you take care of them properly. However, the lifespan of a power generator depends on the company that made it, the capacity, the type of battery, and numerous other factors.
Can you jump start a generator battery?
Yes, it is possible to jump start a generator battery using the same jumper cables you would use to jump start a car battery. However, it may depend on the type or brand of the power generator.
The Patriot Power Generator: Should You Buy It?
The Patriot Power Generator 1800 might have its place in some households, but not mine.
For me, I prefer the Jackery Explorer 500 for both camping trips and backup household power.
If you need more power, there is also the Jackery Explorer 1000.
One of the reasons why I prefer the Jackery 500 is because it weighs just 13 lbs — 3 times less than the Patriot.
Granted, it doesn’t have as much battery capacity, but if you just need backup power for a few basic devices, it’s more than big enough and doesn’t weigh a ton.
I’m always clumsily stumbling around with generators during a blackout, but the Jackery 500 comes with features that make it very convenient during a power outage, in emergency situations, or while out camping, such as a built-in carry handle, backlit display screen, and a built-in low-power LED flashlight that’s perfect if the lights go out.
We Recommend
THE JACKERY EXPLORER 500
In the same scenario, the Patriot weighs a ton, is hard to move around, and has no built-in flashlight feature. Boo.
If you’re looking for a lightweight solar generator with a ton of features that are great in an emergency, or even just during camping trips, go for the Jackery Explorer 500.
Nikola Gemeš
Nikola uses his background in electrical engineering to break down complex sustainability topics for GreenCitizen’s readers. He is a firm believer in environmental conservation, which he practices daily through recycling and home-grown food. He enjoys hiking, engaging in white-water sports, and collecting knives.
28 Комментарии и мнения владельцев on “ Patriot Power Generator Review: Worth Your Money? ”
Would you consider doing a report on the Anker767 generator
Your post is so informative! I’ve never seen anything like it before. You’re a really creative writer and your articles are always interesting to read, even if they might be about the same topics over again (like Patriot Power Generators). Keep up with all those great posts you write
There’s no need to mince words… this thing is hot trash. At 2500 it should have at least double the battery capacity.
I have the 4Pat 1800 generator and two 4Pat 100W solar panels. Question: Would the 4Pat solar panels work on the Jackery solar generators/inverters?
I have a Patriot 1500 generator I bought about 4 years ago, I didn’t know there was a recall on them. I use this when we have power outages. At first I was happy as it stayed charged and took care of the need I use it most for and that is to keep the filters and air bubblier in my aquarium going. The last two times I used it I didn’t get the full 8 hours, not even close. I always make sure it is charged and ready to go for the day the power is going to be shut off. This time I pulled out the Solar panel to give it a try. The Aquarium only takes 52 W and the floor fan takes 110 W so I felt sure it would take care of both for the time the power would be. I was wrong. It did fine for the first 4 hours then started beeping. I was guessing the beeping means it was overloading or running out of power. So I unplug everything and let it rest for 1/2 hour. Started it up again and it lasted a whole 25 minutes before beeping again. I checked all the connections making sure everything was snug and in the correct position and it started beeping again. What a huge waste of money. Glad I bought a hybrid Gas/Propane generator, that is probably a better choice and was a hell of a lot less expensive at 800.00. Next outage I will unbox it and try it instead,
Cheryl I would suggest that you try the new generator before the power outage Just to make sure it’s ready to go Oil in the engine and get to know it. It’s easier to do that with the lights on than the lights off and no power. Good luck
I have purchased a patriot 1800 solar power generator and it was sitting there without using for about 6 months until I had power outages (few times) this month (August 2021)….I have to tell you that I am soooo glad I was able to put it to work immediately because I had some work that came in from a client and was due that day….and I was able to get the job without interruption and I am very happy about it. I was going to order another one fir my daughter’s house but they are all sold out. Start to looking into other options ….
Thank you so much for sharing your story. If you’re looking for alternate options, you could check our guide on Best Solar Generators of 2021. Guide link: https://greencitizen.com/best-solar-generator/
I saw a post you made about using salt to generate electricity and I wanted to contact you to see if you could send me a link on that subject.
We are looking for a solar unit with enough power to operate two three or maybe even four appliances such as a refrigerator freezer, water cooler, and laptop computer. What would you think would be the best value for money? Thanks
Well stated this so called “generator” isn’t that at all. like you say its simple look on appliance for wattage and divide that into battery capacity. I think the battery in this thing is 12 volts about 13.2 fully charged., at 12 volts it is 50% charged. You would be better off buying a deep cycle RV battery as big as you want to pack around and buy a Harbor Fright 1000 watt inverter and save 2200 … This product is way over rated by the seller.
I know for a fact that you can buy a 3000 watt inverter for less then 300.00. Just go to your local large TRUCK STOP. if course it is 12 volt. But what most people don’t understand. Your batteries are just like your cars gas tank. The more gas you can cary. The longer you can drive. Same with inverters. batteries = longer run time. That’s the reason most homes that are off grid are 24 or 48 volts Read and learn! That’s the trick.
I bought a Patriot 1800 generator in 2020. I recommend it for appliances like cell phones, radios, one person fans, air conditioners if air circulation is good enough without needing to cool the air, lap top computers, solar powered flashlights, crock pots and other appliances that use small amounts of electricity. For major appliances like full size refrigerators, freezers, microwaves and space heaters a more powerful solar generator is needed to run those appliances for more than a short time. I also bought a Patriot Power Sidekick which is good for minor appliances and the Sidekick has a bright flashlight which is very good for camping. I don’t recommend a gas or diesel generator unless there is a battery the electricity can be stored in. Fuel might be hard to find in a disaster or will be expensive.
Based on my experience a generator can be a dangerous thing if you don’t know what you’re doing with it. Here are some safety tips before starting the engine of the generator reviews and during the engine start-up tips that are useful for you.
Very an interesting concept. I never heard of using salt to generate green energy. It seems that we only hear about these wonderful inventions, but never see them on a large scale. Hope it takes off, and more states approve it.
Thank you for your reviews, you make a big difference for the consumer that may not be sure if they should purchase a product or not. Money does not grow on trees and these days it is hard to find companies that provide quality products and stand behind their warranty or even have a warranty. Thank you again for the information.
I would not exactly call this a generator. It is actually an inverter there is a big difference. Additionally you say the battery is 640 wh at which means 640 watt hours that’s 640 watts for one hour. Check your appliance ratings if your appliance is rated at 320 watts that Would work out to 2 hours of continuous service. Most homes use more than 2000 watt hours during evening hours. Solar panel although rated at 250 watts will not likely produce that much wattage except under perfect conditions usually only found in a lab, typical solar panel produces about 60% of their rated capacity during daylight hours which works out to longer recharge times.
I purchased the 1800 along with free goodies last year. Here in Texas, the real crunch came yesterday with snow, single digit temperatures, and no power for 18 hours in an all electric neighborhood (with more power blackouts and weather on the way). At this point I would consider my 2500 purchase 100% worthless. It will not keep you alive. You can charge your phone or turn on a light. You CANNOT run any major appliance or heat source for any meaningful period of time. And, as Texas is learning….solar is no good without sunshine. I would be much better prepared and well served to have spent less than 1000 on a fuel powered generator.
But if your looking for portability this is the one to get! I’m pretty sure I’ll be making a purchase for the 120 panel very soon. Having fun tinkering with the free energy source.
This thing would not run a typical refrigerator for two hours. Save money. For not a whole lot more money, you could get a Freedom 3024 and 8 golf cart battery which could run your whole house for 8 hours drawing 500 watts an hour. This thing to run 500 watts for about an hour and 10 minutes
Thanks for reviewing the Patriot generators. We have been looking to buy one recently.
Thank you so much for the info and review
Hi: I tried the DC outlet on my Patriot Solar Generator but it doesn’t work. I was trying to inflate some tires with the 12 V inflator. I plugged it into the patriot generator and it didn’t work. Then I plugged it into the inflator into my trucks DC plug and it worked fine. So the patriot solar generator DC plug doesn’t work. Please advise thank you
Thank you for the helpful information on the Patriot Solar powered generator. As living in an area increasing affected by hurricanes am looking for a generator.
Powering Your Morning Brew: Can a Solar Generator Keep Your Coffee Maker Running?
Coffee is an essential part of the morning routine for millions, if not billions, of people worldwide. You need that energising caffeine boost to shake off those remnants of sleep and start the day on the right foot.
Getting your morning cup of java is a relatively straightforward process in a traditional home. However, in camping, motorhomes, campervans, or off-grid homes, those small processes have a habit of becoming much more complex. Even the occasional power outage can spell disaster and prevent you from getting that much-needed morning boost.
Coffee makers only operate for a short period but consume a relatively large amount of power while your coffee brews. Using a solar generator to make your morning cup is possible, but there are a few things to remember.
Can a Solar Generator Power a Coffee Maker?
Many solar generators have enough power to operate a coffee maker efficiently. A solar generator like the RIVER 2 Pro Solar Generator has a storage capacity of 768Wh with a power output capacity of up to 1600W with X-Boost mode. That’s more than enough power to run most standard coffee makers.
That said, it’s important to note that coffee makers come in all shapes and sizes, which means a wide range of power consumption requirements. A solar generator that can run a single-serve drip coffee maker might not be capable of running a commercial-sized espresso machine.
There are many ways to use a solar generator to power a coffee maker, from keeping it on your counter at home as a backup energy supply and keeping it charged with AC electricity, to bringing it with you on camping trips and setting up the portable solar panel when you need power on the go.
However, you may run into issues with the most portable and cheaper solar generators, especially with the maximum AC output. Keep in mind that appliances often need more surge power to start up than they need to run. You’ll have to monitor your energy consumption and your run times closely.
Also, using solar energy to power a coffee maker requires solar panels. Portable power stations don’t come with solar panels as standard, but solar generators do. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and abundant but requires more time to recharge the generator than when plugged into a household (AC) wall outlet.
How Much Power Does a Coffee Maker Use?
Coffee makers often consume a surprisingly large amount of power. A small drip coffee maker (4-5 cups) will use between 500 and 900 watts, while something larger will usually require output somewhere between 750 and 1200 watts.
Coffee makers that use capsules, such as Nespresso or Keurig, consume 900 to 1500 watts, while automatic espresso machines use between 1000 and 1500 watts.
Those numbers are surprisingly large, but they’re also slightly misleading. Appliance wattage, measured in watt-hours, indicates the energy consumed in one hour. Not all appliances — including coffee makers — need to run for such an extended period.
For example, a 50-inch plasma TV will consume 150 to 200 watts per hour, meaning it has a lower overall wattage rating than almost any coffee maker. However, unless you are catering to hundreds of people, you’re almost certainly not going to run a coffee maker at peak capacity for an hour.
Also, keep in mind that coffee makers operate differently. An espresso machine requires a short sharp burst of electricity but also has a very short run time. On the other hand, drip coffee machines use a surge of electricity to produce the coffee but maybe only around 60W an hour to keep it warm.
Understanding the Power Requirements of Coffee Makers
Understanding your coffee maker’s power requirements will let you estimate what size solar generator you need.
Suppose your small drip coffee machine takes five minutes to brew a pot. Working at 750 watts per hour, it will only use 62.5 watts of energy (750Wh / 12 = 62.5). Now, say you wanted to keep that coffee warm for an hour and a half, and the continuous power to maintain the temperature required 60W. You would use an additional 90 watts for a total wattage cost of 152.5 watts.
The 750W is the coffee maker’s rated capacity, or the most energy it will use. It means you’ll need a solar generator with an overall capacity exceeding 152.5W and an output capacity of over 750W.
Solar generators vary enormously in storage capacity and maximum power output. The smallest may have an output capacity of 500W, while the largest can output many thousands of watts.
The essential point to consider is the maximum AC output of the solar generator. The output capacity refers to the maximum energy the generator can supply at once.
A small, portable generator, such as the River 2 Solar Generator, has a 256Wh capacity but a surge output capacity of 600W. That’s enough to power a machine that makes two cups of coffee.
If you’re using a larger solar generator, like the DELTA Pro solar generator, which has an output of 3600W rated capacity with a surge output of 4500W with X-Boost, you won’t have to worry about brewing coffee. A coffee machine will hardly put a dent in its storage and output.
How to Connect Your Coffee Maker to a Solar Generator
You can connect coffee makers to a solar generator like any other appliance — simply plug the AC plug from the coffee machine into one of the AC outlets, and you’re ready to go.
Solar generators include multiple output options, including AC, DC, USB-C, and USB-A. Coffee makers will typically use the AC outlet on the generator, although you may find portable electric coffee makers that use USB or 12/24V DC charging. The best option is to check the specs of your solar generator and coffee machine to ensure compatibility.
Once you’ve exhausted the generator’s capacity, it’s a case of setting up the solar panels and waiting for it to recharge. Solar charging can take anywhere from one hour for the smallest generators to over six hours for the largest portable power stations.
How long a solar generator takes to fully recharge using strictly solar charging depends on the number and rated power capacity of the solar panels and environmental factors like available sunlight.
If you’re using the solar generator at home and have it on your kitchen counter, you may also need to consider solar panel placement. You’ll need to set up the portable solar panels to recharge the battery when it runs low, somewhere with direct sun or outside.
Of course, you always have the option to keep it charged with AC electricity — as long as you’re not making coffee in a power outage.
How Long Can You Power a Coffee Maker Using a Portable Solar Generator?
Most portable solar generators can power some coffee makers, but it depends on the generator’s output capacity and the power requirements of the coffee maker. Smaller portable generators may struggle with the maximum AC output required to start and run a coffee maker.
When it comes to how long a generator could power a coffee machine, the answer could be a couple of hours for the smallest to all day for the largest. It depends on how much electricity your coffee machine consumes — and how many cups of coffee you make.
Using a Solar Generator to Power Other Appliances
Depending on the power output capacity of the solar generator, it can provide electricity for your whole home — even during an extended blackout.
The best way to determine what size generator you need is to add up the power requirements of the essential appliances you want to operate.
Determining Your Wattage Requirements
Before using a generator, you will want to determine how much power you need.
- Identify the wattage requirements of your appliances. Survey the starting and running wattage requirements of the appliances and devices you plan to plug into the generator. You can usually find the wattage requirements labelled on the appliance, but we’ve also compiled the starting and running watts of typical household appliances in the table below.
- Convert volts/amps to watts. If your appliance’s power requirements are in volts or amps, you can calculate an appliance’s running watts with this equation:
Volts (V) x Amps (A) = Watts (W)
- Count the running watts of your appliances. Add up the running watts of the appliances you plan to use — does the total exceed the running watts listed on your generator? If so, you should consider buying a generator with more output capacity.
- Factor in starting watt requirements. Identify the appliance with the highest starting wattage. Add that appliance’s starting wattage to the running wattage total.
- Calculate the sum. That final number is the total starting watts you need from your generator. As discussed above, to avoid overloading your generator, do not exceed its starting watts rating.
Starting and Running Watts of Typical Household Appliances
| Appliance | Rated (Running) Watts | Starting Watts |
| Dishwasher | 1300 | 1800 |
| Washing Machine | 1200 | 2300 |
| Refrigerator/Freezer | 700 | 2200 |
| Light Bulb | 60-75 | 0 |
| Microwave | 600-1000 | 0 |
| TV | 500 | 0 |
| Toaster | 900 | 0 |
| Vacuum | 1440 | 2500 |
| Coffee Maker | 1000 | 0 |
| Blender | 300 | 800 |
| Clothing Iron | 1500 | 0 |
| Dryer | 5400 | 7000 |
| Toaster Oven | 1200 | 0 |
| Curling Iron | 1500 | 0 |
| Space Heater | 2000 | 0 |
| Laptop | 50-300 | 0 |
| 20” Box Fan | 200 | 350 |
Additional Tips and Recommendations
When combining a coffee maker with a solar generator, ensure the generator has a higher wattage than your coffee machine with a sufficient maximum AC output to get it started. Without these two, your fancy espresso machine won’t even turn on — let alone make your morning mochaccino.
Conclusion
Most solar generators can run consumer coffee makers without any issues. However, to avoid missing out on your morning cup of coffee, it’s worth doing the research into your solar generator’s rated capacity and maximum AC output to ensure it can live up to your coffee maker’s power requirements.
Solar generators are the best way for consumers to access clean and renewable energy. For a reliable solar generator that you can take camping or on the road, consider the RIVER 2 portable solar generators from EcoFlow. They’re the perfect backup power source to ensure you can have your coffee anywhere, even on top of a mountain.
EcoFlow is a portable power and renewable energy solutions company. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow has provided peace-of-mind power to customers in over 85 markets through its DELTA and RIVER product lines of portable power stations and eco-friendly accessories.