Portable Solar Power Generator

A solar power unit can keep you cozy in an emergency.

Even a small portable solar power generator can keep you from feeling helpless when power outages occur. Because we rely so much on computers and mobile devices for communication, appliances to keep food from spoiling, and television to keep us entertained, when the electric goes out, we're at a loss even if it's only temporary.

Portable Solar Power Generator

One way to combat the occasional power outage is to purchase a generator that will power your home until all electrical power is restored. But since large generators can be expensive, alternatives like portable solar power generators are available. Whether you're interested in using solar energy as an alternate energy source, or you just want to experiment with solar panels to see how much energy you can store, a portable solar power generator may be just what you need the next time the power goes out in your home.

Uses of Portable Solar Power Generators

There are many uses for solar power generators around the home. With a small generator, you will be able to power your laptop, recharge mobile devices, plug in small lamps, and run small appliances such as toaster ovens, microwaves, or portable radios and televisions. The number of devices you can run at one time will depend on the size of the generator and the number of outlets it has.




Most small portable generators are able to generate the type of electricity found in your home (110-120 volts AC) and standard car battery (12 volts DC). They can also handle appliances between 200-300 watts. Some units have a surge capacity of 500 watts. Many solar power generators have at least a 21-hour battery life as well.

Before you purchase any portable solar power generator, make sure you find out how many watts it can handle at one time as different units will be able to handle more or less.

How Solar Power Generators Work

Using one of these generators is very easy. All you have to do is place the solar panel that comes with the generator in the sun. The solar panels transfer energy to the generator's inverter which allows you to use it for all of your home power needs. All wires and cables for the generator may or may not be included, so be sure to find out what is included before purchasing the unit.

The best part is that you will be able to use the generator as its charging. If you need to move the unit around, you can either wait until it's fully charged, or move the solar panel to another sunny area in your home.

When you purchase a portable solar power generator, you will be able to choose from different size solar panels. While the unit will only hold a specific amount of energy, by using different sized solar panels, you will be able to capture more energy in a shorter amount of time.

If you need to charge the generator, but sunlight is not available, you can use your car battery; or an AC wall outlet if you want to charge the generator right before a planned power outage.

Additional Equipment and Accessories

If you purchase a portable solar power generator kit, you will not need to purchase any additional wiring, cable, or solar panels. While some kits include accessories such as utility lights, battery jumper cables, carrying cases, and air compressors, others are very basic and include the generator, wiring, and one solar panel.

You can find solar power generators online or home improvement stores. Websites to check out include:

http://www.solar4power.com/solar-power-devices.html

http://www.baproducts.com/enrpak.htm

Amazon.com ~ look under power generators. They also carry solar panels

Homedepot.com ~ the site mostly carries traditional power generators, but it can give you a good idea of the different sizes and uses for home generators Many traditional home generators now combine solar power as an alternative for energy gathering.

A conventional generator can become, with the addition of a photovoltaic panel, a portable solar power generator that continues to collect energy from the sun even while you're using it.

Cost of Solar Power Generators

Depending on the type of solar power generator you want to invest in, the cost can vary. Typically, you can expect to spend between $75.00 and $2,000. While basic generators are smaller and include fewer accessories, if you want to invest in a solar power generator that includes more amenities, you should expect to pay more.

Being prepared when a power outage occurs can help make those lonely, dark hours go by much faster. Even though you won't be able to do everything you normally would, you'll have the essentials and stay cozy.

If you want more than the essentials, maybe a portable solar power system is for you. Adding a solar water heater along with a portable solar power generator ensures a supply of hot water in a power outage. Of course you can supply your whole household with power from the sun with a residential solar power system if the cost doesn't scare you.