20 Benefits of Portable Solar Generators

Solar power has stepped out of homes and big commercial establishments. Nowadays you can buy portable solar power generators for your next camping or RV trip. These generators come in different forms, but they are basically a unit with batteries that use solar power or electricity to produce and store energy.

Among the benefits of portable solar generators are unlimited supply of energy, quiet operation, low maintenance, ease of use and versatility. Portable solar generators can be used with all types of appliances and electronic devices as well.

Want more? Here are the top 20 advantages of portable solar generator.

1. Cost Efficient

Portable solar generator costs have gone down significantly, as has solar power prices in general. 100 watt generators cost $150-$200+, and even portable solar stations with higher wattage and built in components are available for under $500. And the most expensive of these portable units are still cheaper than residential solar systems, which cost thousands of dollars.

And when you’ve made your purchase the system is good to go. Set it up and let the sun (or your wall outlet) do the rest. Think of the purchase cost as an investment, and it’s going to pay for itself very quickly. Compared to gas powered units, solar generators offer more bang for your buck. There are a lot of good options available but we suggest the Jackery Explorer 300 as it offers great value.

2. Free Energy

Free energy, who doesn’t want that? If you go backpacking with your mobile gadgets, how are you going to recharge it without electrical power? That’s where solar generators come in. You literally use the sun to power your devices and appliances for free.

The benefits of free energy are even more pronounced if you want to live off the grid. If you live in your RV or spend a lot of time in it, you’ll be better off financially by using solar. It is cheaper in the long run and you can really get off the grid and go anywhere you want. As long as the sun is there, you’ve got power for all your essentials.

3. Lightweight

Portable solar power stations are easy to carry, great for hiking, camping and backpacking. Want to enjoy nature without giving up your laptop and mobile phone? Do you want a lightweight power solution to your RV needs? Portable solar systems can take of those needs.

While portable solar power is not as powerful as residential or commercial systems, they still provide enough power to meet the requirements of many campers. These systems also come with powerful batteries for long term use.

4. Easy and Safe to Use

Solar generators are as simple as it gets. Once you’ve set up the system in your RV, everything is done automatically. The generator absorbs energy from the sun or can be electrically charged, and power is stored in the battery. The charge controller ensures the voltage is correct, and the inverter converts the current to 120V AC, suitable for appliances and electronic devices.

Portable solar power stations like the BALDR 330W are also safe to use. Look for those with CE and UL certifications, indications they were built for meet the highest quality standards. Even if you have never used a solar power station before, the process is simple.

5. Convenient & Versatile

Solar power generators can be used in a virtually endless number of ways. Examples:

• Rural living
• RV living or weekend trips
• Camping
• Backpacking
• Hiking
• Power tools
• Electronic devices (mobile phones, tablets etc)
• Street lighting
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Beach house
• Agriculture
• Emergency power backup

Because solar generators are portable, you can take them with you anywhere. Put one in your vehicle and power up your gadgets. Take them with you when you go camping or boondocking, or use one to light up the place when doing construction work at night. The possibilities are limitless.

6. Eco-Friendly

Solar generators are environment friendly. You don’t have to worry about any carbon footprint when you use it, as you’re harnessing the power of the sun. Being green is not just a fad, it is necessary if we are to preserve the planet for future generations. By going with solar you will be doing your part.

7. Quiet and Clean Operation

Traditional energy sources are among the biggest sources of pollution in the world. Large, gas powered generators produce toxic fumes and generate noise pollution as well. Fossil fuels are also big culprits when it comes to pollution.

Solar generators are clean and run quietly. No fumes, no leaks, no exhaust, no noise. Once you’ve configured the system it runs quietly. You can go about your regular activities and not worry about the generator making noise or producing unpleasant odors.

8. Low Maintenance

Portable generators do not have moving parts, so no worries about something breaking off. All you need to do is clean the unit every once in a while and that’s it. These systems are built to last for years with minimal maintenance.

Portable solar power stations are built for outdoor use. They can handle different types of weather and are durable. With powerful lithium ion batteries you don’t have to replace them for years. Just keep recharging and you’ll have power.

In contrast, electrical power outlets are prone to damage. Faulty circuit breakers can lead to power outages. If the circuitry gets wet the electrical systems get fried. If there’s a powerful thunderstorm you’ll likely lose power.

9. Scalability

Portable solar generators can be scaled up or down according to your needs. The most common solar generators come with 120W of power, but you can easily get another to double the power. Want even more power? By sacrificing portability you can buy larger solar generators that should meet whatever power needs you may have.

At the other end are ultra lightweight portable solar 5W, 20W, 45W solar chargers. These are great for charging phones or light bulbs. They’re small enough to carry and you can make charges go faster too. The point is with solar, you have plenty of options to whichever direction you want to go.

10. Endless Applications

Do you want to go camping? Just bring a compact generator and you don’t have to leave your laptop, phone, LED light and radio behind.

Is your phone running low on battery? Do you want to use a coffee maker? Want to listen to some music? Maybe power up that microwave in your RV or boat? Solar power stations are plug and play so it’s a breeze to operate.

Whether you want to rely exclusively on solar power, or just use it for a weekend camping trip, a solar generator can rise up to the task. From home, RV, on the road, work, play, communications, etc., you can depend on solar power.

11. Self Sustainable

Solar energy is the best example of renewable, self-sustainable energy. Your energy source is the sun, so you’ve got an endless, limitless supply at no cost. With solar power, you are no longer at the mercy of a power company,. You don’t have to worry about where to charge your devices. You don’t have to worry when the power is coming back.

Portable solar systems recharge with the sun’s energy. As long as the sun rises you’re assured of power. The current is stored in batteries so you have power during cloudy days.

12. Customizable Options Available

Solar power offers customization for different users. You can add lights for night time visibility or fans during the summer. Want more power? Connect it to solar panels and increase the system’s energy absorption. Do you want to use more appliances? Pair that solar station with another. Simply add up the total watts of all appliances you’ll use and get a matching solar generator.

At the other end of the spectrum are all in one solar generator kits. Everything you need to go solar is there, so no need to add anything. Whether you want a hands off approach or want to customize every level, there are options.

13. Backup Energy Source

Buying a portable solar power station doesn’t mean you have to give up electricity. You can just keep the generator available as backup power for your home. In case of a blackout, you can use the solar generator to run emergency devices.

The same thing can be done with your solar powered generator for RV. You can run a refrigerator, microwave, TV and other large appliances on electrical power. But you can keep a portable solar power system in case of an emergency. Or you can use both: run the big appliances on electricity and small devices on solar.

14. Reduces Need For Other Power Sources

This is tied in to the advantage above. When you switch to solar power you have the choice to go full solar or combine both. The whole point of renewable energy is to reduce – and eventually eliminate – our dependence on traditional power sources.

Those who live off the grid prove that you can really get by with little or no electricity. This doesn’t just mean goodbye to high power bills, but it also means doing your part to help the environment. As people who live off the grid will tell you, solar power also lets you live life on your own terms. You are no longer tied to the grid ad come and go anywhere.

15. Readily Available

Solar power generators of all shapes and sizes are available everywhere. Same thing with solar panels, inverters, battery charge controllers, add-ons etc. You can buy these online or power supply stores near you. More and more people are becoming knowledgeable about them so even a first timer should be able to find info for a suitable generator.

16. Lowers Electricity Bill

By simply using solar power you cut down on your electricity bill. You can for instance, use electricity for large appliances and solar power for smaller devices. When you do the math and check your next bill, you might be surprised how much you were able to save.

If you decide to go full solar power, you’ll need a large generator system, but that is the last payment you’ll make. From now on you get free energy from the sun. You don’t just lower your electricity bill, you completely get rid of it. Reduce your power bill or get rid of it altogether, either way your wallet wins.

17. Rapid Technological Innovation

Advancements in solar power technology continues to move at a rapid rate. These portable solar systems were not available years ago, and solar energy was limited in scope. Nowadays anyone can avail of solar power.

And things will only improve, as governments recognize the need for renewable energy. These portable solar stations will become more powerful, more portable and more affordable. Now is as good a time as any to invest in a portable solar power system because the return on investment is high.

For years, solar power was seen as nothing more than a lark, a pipe dream. But rapid changes in technology has proven that we can harness the sun’s energy. It is no wonder then that solar power usage in the US continues to increase, and we can expect more in the future.

18. Dependable All Year Round

One of the most common questions people ask about solar power is this. How can solar generators be effective when the sun sets? And how where will your power source be during winter? A widely held solar power myth is that solar energy is for the summer only, which is wrong.

The power doesn’t disappear when the sun sets. The generator stores energy in the battery so you can use it anytime. You then use the batteries to power up appliances and devices, and recharge them like a phone. You can also charge solar generators via wall outlet or USB too. Day or night, you’ve got power.

You don’t have to use up all the power your generator accumulates. They’ll be stored so when the sun goes down you can power your appliances. And solar energy works wit all appliances and devices so no need to worry about incompatibility. With an inverter, solar energy is converted into 120 volt AC so it’s just like electricity without the huge bill.

19. Affordable Energy Storage

Portable solar power systems are efficient at storage. Through the years, the cost of the batteries have become more affordable without giving up efficiency. Nowadays you can get a solar generator small enough to carry, but with plenty of power. Like other solar components, cost is going down as technologies improve and component prices get cheaper.

20. Space Saver

Last but not the least, these generators are portable. When people think of generators, the first thing that comes to mind are those huge, noisy units used to power homes during a power outage. With solar energy you don’t have to depend on those anymore.

These units are space savers, pure and simple. In boats and RVs where space is at a premium, you will want a compact but efficient power source, one that satisfies your requirements without consuming too much space. That is what you will get with today’s solar generators.

Conclusion

Portable solar generators are here to stay and with plentiful reasons. The benefits given above are only just the beginning. Solar technology is improving constantly, and you can expect even more helpful innovations in the future. So if you’re serious about living off the grid or want an unlimited power source when camping, solar is the way to go.