waaree

What is Solar Generator? Advantages and Disadvantages

Posted by Waaree Energies on 7th Jul 2022

What is Solar Generator? Advantages and Disadvantages

The need for solar-powered generators is gradually expanding due to the sustainable planning of infrastructure. Solar-powered all-in-one portable power stations are a step up from the traditional fuel-powered portable generators.

Solar generators are a better way to have additional energy on demand, whether you need to keep your lights on when the power runs out or you want to charge your phone in a remote place. Keep reading to know what a solar generator is, what a generator does, and its pros and cons.

What is a solar generator, and how does it work?

Solar generators are frequently rechargeable batteries that can be powered by a solar panel. The operation of a solar generator differs significantly from that of a standard fossil-fuel-powered generator. The mechanics and technical specifications are different.

The basic setup of a solar generator includes a rechargeable battery, an inverter, a solar charger, and poly or monocrystalline solar panels. The solar panels' energy is transferred to the rechargeable battery via the solar charger, and the DC electricity is converted to AC electricity by the inverter.

Solar generators consist of four main components:

  • Photovoltaic panels
  • A charge controller for solar panels
  • A solar battery that can be recharged
  • An inverter is a device that converts one voltage into another.

The solar panels convert sunlight into DC (Direct Current), which is then routed through the solar charge controller. The solar charge controller controls the voltage of the power going into the battery, which stores the solar energy for later use. Lithium-ion solar batteries are prominently used in the majority of solar generators today.

The inverter converts the electricity stored in the battery from DC to AC (Alternating Current) energy, or AC power, which is similar to most appliances and electronic devices.

USB ports, AC outlets, and 12-volt carports are the common features of solar generators, allowing users to charge several gadgets simultaneously.

What are the pros and cons of solar generators?

Using solar generators for houses and other industrial purposes, has its own merits and demerits. Let’s look at them below.

Advantages of using a portable solar generator

  • The sun provides free energy

Solar panels allow you to use a free and endless source of energy by utilizing the energy from the sun. However, it is not fully free because it necessitates an initial investment in solar power equipment. In addition, as compared to gasoline or diesel, solar power is more readily available in most tropical regions. As long as users are from sunny locations, they will never run out of solar energy.

Another cost advantage is that, unlike gasoline and diesel, solar energy is not subject to price swings. Your 'fuel' prices remain constant after you have the solar power equipment.

  • Renewable energy that is clean and sustainable

As per experts, solar energy technologies such as solar-powered generators are entirely powered by clean, renewable energy sources that are sustainable. They do not produce air pollution or greenhouse gases when operating. This means you don’t have to worry about the cost of fossil fuels to power the generator, as well as the environmental damage of using gasoline. A solar generator produces energy without emitting any pollutants.

  • Low-maintenance and quiet

Another advantage of solar generators, especially solar generators for houses, is that they are noise-free. Solar generators, unlike gas generators, have no moveable parts. This greatly reduces the amount of noise they make when running. Furthermore, because there are no moving parts, the risks of solar generators damaging parts due to vibrations are minimal. When compared to a gas generator, this significantly reduces the amount of maintenance necessary for a solar generator.

  • Several power sources

As previously said, many solar generators are all-in-one portable power stations, which means they can be charged from a variety of sources other than solar power. Aside from solar power, the most common power sources are conventional AC energy from a wall socket or the CIG port on a car.

  • Low operating costs

The best solar generator has lower operating expenses than a fuel-powered portable generator. There is no requirement to purchase gasoline because solar energy is free to collect and there is no need for oil to be replaced.

Because there are no moving parts, there is less chance of spare parts being damaged or needing to be replaced. Solar generators, despite having a higher initial investment, have lower running expenses than fuel-powered portable generators.

Disadvantages of solar generators

  • High start-up costs

Long-lasting solar generator battery banks are comparatively more expensive to buy than traditional gas generators. While owning a solar generator can be relatively low-cost, the additional costs required for installation and labor can be quite high.

  • Recharging slowly

The batteries in solar generators are only recharged in the bright sun, and charging the batteries from the solar panels takes a bit of time. Most mid-sized solar generator batteries take about 9 hours to charge from a solar panel with a power output of 100 watts.

  • Big power in a big size

Inverters and conventional generators are heavier than solar power generators designed for light use. When comparing the power of a solar generator to that of a traditional fuel-powered generator, the solar generator will be heavier.

In other words, the weight of the generator is proportional to the amount of power it can produce. A solar power generator is a more portable alternative for light use. However, inverter generators are the more lightweight option once you reach 1500 watts or above.

The need for energy in almost all sectors is rapidly increasing. To meet the power demand and be sustainable, the government and the citizens are turning towards solar power. Hence, solar-powered generators are an excellent choice for encouraging sustainable, environmentally-friendly living.

Waaree- Your one-stop shop for solar products

Shop your solar products at Waaree Store to turn your household, office space, and business eco-friendly. Waaree offers the best solar generators, solar modules, solar inverters, and much more at affordable rates, with quality in mind. Be a part of the solar revolution with us and save nature!