It can be cooked as red as a lobster if you don’t take the necessary measures since it is hot in the summer and the sun doesn’t remain in the sky for very long in the winter. However, whether you love it or loathe it, the sun is one of the finest sources of pure, renewable energy we have at our disposal. And because of improvements in solar panel technology, it is now easy, practical, and effective to capture and reserve energy for the finest solar generators, especially if you are off the grid. However, not every solar generator is made equally. Few brands like Bluetti have mastered the art and act of delivering the best Solar Generator anyone has ever seen.
What’s new about Solar Generators?
Due to recent advances in lithium battery technology, charging all of those devices is now much simpler, safer, and quieter than it formerly was. Users no longer use loud, unpleasant diesel generators to maintain the lighting in their RV or their mobile workplace. Since their debut to the market some years ago, solar-powered generators, or portable power stations as they are commonly known, have decreased in both price and weight while improving their charging capacity.
If you’re not familiar with them, think of them as a larger version of the power bank you probably already bring to charge your phone while you’re on the road, but these usually have built-in inverters and standard 120-volt outlets so you can easily charge a computer, use a CPAP, or plug in an electric cooler or portable washing machine without any hassle.
Here are some things to think about before buying a solar powered generator to assist you choose the best solution for you.
Your Needs for Electricity
You must first determine precisely what you need to power when off the grid or during a power outage before you can start comparing portable power stations. Much less energy is used to recharge your phone and camera than is used to run appliances or power a camper. Make a note of everything you want to use and try to estimate the power drain of each item if you enjoy numbers. The number of times you’ll be able to charge different devices is often estimated by firms and listed in the specs part of a power station manufacturer’s website.
Efficient Capacity
The capacity of a solar generator is the most crucial factor to take into account. Higher capacity costs more, but in general, you should look at generators with a minimum of about 40 amp-hours, or 500 watt-hours. We advise looking for a solar-powered generator with a capacity of at least 100 amp-hours and pairing it with 200 watts of solar panels if you need to power your home during a blackout. In order to fast recharge any solar-powered generator, it is advisable to get one with a larger solar panel and more capacity than you anticipate using. Typically, generators do not come with solar panels, so plan ahead for this additional cost.
Size and Weight
Since lithium-ion batteries are lighter and smaller than conventional deep-cycle batteries, most solar generators are portable and lightweight. However, even with this, the majority still weigh more than 10 pounds, and if you want a lot of capacity, they become quite hefty. It could be worthwhile to choose a generator with a lower charge capacity if you have a tiny car or camper, are limited on space, or just don’t want to carry a very hefty generator around.
The best options we can recommend are as follows:
1. Bluetti AC200P Portable Power Station
For its size, the Bluetti AC200P power station has a lot of power. You receive a total of 17 output ports in a well-rounded package to power your devices, including the two incredibly practical wireless charging pads. This power station has a 2000W power capacity, which means it can operate practically any device, including my fridge, microwave, toaster, and in an emergency, even a room heater. The AC200P has no issue starting up power equipment and machinery with AC motors thanks to the surge power of 4800 watts.
You may have an unbelievable battery life of more than 3,500 charge cycles with the new lithium-iron technology. This implies that even with frequent usage, you won’t need to consider purchasing one for the ensuing ten years. Due to its many positive attributes, this is without a doubt the best solar generator to purchase in 2022.
2. Bluetti EP500 5100Wh/2000W Power Station
Every once in a while, you come across a product that is so superior to the competition that all the other firms begin removing their team leaders and revising their R&D plans. The Terminator of this list is the EP500 from Bluetti. Designed to resemble a Peterbilt truck, this solar-powered generator produces 2000 watts of AC electricity, with a peak surge output of 4800 watts. Thus, even the largest appliances may be started by the Power Station without a hitch.
As if that weren’t enough, the EP500 is constructed around a 5100Wh lithium-iron battery that, in the event of an unplanned outage, can power your entire house for a day or two. This brand offers the most recent features, including the smart touchscreen, wireless charging docks, and app remote control, just like its smaller and more well-known cousin, the AC200P. This enormous solar generator is hardly portable, even when it is on wheels.
3. Bluetti EB240 Portable Power Station
If portability is what you desire, here is the best option for you. This monster generator is a good choice if you’re searching for a high-capacity power source with a quick solar charge time. The EB240 has an integrated MPPT (maximum power point tracker) that aids in streamlining the energy transfer between the solar panels and the generator and enables it to be fully charged using solar panels in less than 10 hours. Even so, this takes into consideration the ideal solar charging circumstances. With regard to power capacity, it’s really impressive.
The generator features a safety shutdown when the input voltage is too high, which contributes to the unit’s capacity to handle a larger input voltage (500 watts) than comparable devices. The EB240 features four USB outlets, one USB-C connector, a vehicle outlet, two AC outlets, and can be charged using solar power, a conventional wall outlet at home, or in a car. Long road trips or using a refrigerator at home during power outages are perfect uses for a machine with this much electricity. Since the included charger is the same as for Bluetti’s 1,500-watt-hour unit and takes approximately 12.5 hours to fully charge using a wall charger, we advise solar charging for this device.
Conclusion
Depending on its capacity, a solar generator can provide power to almost anything that needs it to operate. These generators can charge power equipment in the workplace, computers for remote work, and personal items like bluetooth headphones and speakers.
In the event of a power outage, a solar generator with a higher power capacity can even run home appliances. Additionally, since these are solar-compatible, you can recharge them without using electricity. The Bluetti brand is the one you chose for dependability.
