Portable Solar Power Generator

Go Everywhere, Portable Solar Power

Portable Solar Power Generator tips to get the best solar generator for your needs. From gadget chargers to portable solar generators that can operate computers and household electronics.

Power anything from a cell phone to an entire house with a portable solar generator.

The size and cost of a solar generator will be directly affected by the amount of watts required to keep your essential electronics functioning.

Solar powered generators come in a huge variety of sizes and capabilities and, of course, prices.

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.

Solar powered generators answer the call when no power grid is established in your area or the power grid fails.

Uses of a Portable Solar Power Generator

The key factor in choosing a solar generator is the

How Much Power?

Determine how many watts your solar powered generator will need to handle by checking for watt consumption on the devices you intend to power.

watt output the unit is capable of generating. The number of watts that a generator is capable of producing has a direct impact on the cost of the system as well as the size and overall portability.

Portable solar power generators range in size from a few inches to 20 feet. They are up to any task in the wilderness that you can throw at them... as long as you have adequate watt production.

As the need for wattage increases so does the price of your solar generator.

Small generators will be able to power your laptop, recharge mobile devices, plug in lamps, and run small appliances such as toaster ovens, microwaves, or portable radios and televisions.

More importantly, critical medical equipment can continue to function in the event of a power interruption. The number of devices you can run at one time will depend on the watt capacity of the generator and the number of outlets it has.

Most small to medium 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 200-800 watts. Many solar power generators have at least a 21-hour battery life as well.

Select a model that can accomplish the task you require of it.

Determine how many watts of power you need (the devices you intend to power should state on them how many watts they need) This will be the factor that most affects the price of the portable solar generator.

Here's a video of a mid sized portable solar power generator that can power a refirgerator.

Before purchasing a portable solar power generator, make sure you know how many watts it can handle at one time, over an extended period (not the surge capacity). The amount varies between units as does the size of the unit, the number of watts it can output and the cost. More power = more money.

How a Portable Solar Power Generator Works

You can expect your portable solar powered generator to function as well as a gas or diesel model but without the noise, smell, maintenance and refueling.

To use a solar generator simply place the solar panel that comes with the generator in a sunny location. The solar panels collect the sunlight and convert it into useable energy. That energy is then transferred to the generators inverter which allows you to use it for all of your home power needs.

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 (depending upon it's size) but by using bigger solar panels, you will be able to capture more energy (recharge) 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.

Check whether all wires and cables are included with your portable solar power unit before purchasing.

Portable Solar Power Generator - Tons of Power

A company called Mobile Solar Power sells the most powerful solar powered generator we've found. The self contained units are pricey (ranging from $10,000 to $50,000) but the all inclusive design has the solar panels mounted on a cargo trailer (the size of the trailer depends upon the size of the system), the lead acid batteries are stowed inside the trailer and the inverter and controller are included in the price.

Maybe more than you need for your camera or laptop but for remote building sites these units can be rolled on site, used for the entire building project then put to work powering the household, shop or garage. More about these at portable solar power system

Additional Equipment and Accessories

If you purchase a portable solar power generator kit, you should 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.

Cost of Solar Power Generators

Depending on the type of solar power generator you want to invest in, the cost varies greatly. From about $30.00 for a small recharger for your camera, GPS, cell phone or music device all the way up to almost $50,000 for a portable system that'll power a house in the wilderness.

Typically, you can expect to spend between $750.00 and $2,000 for a small generator.

While basic generators are smaller and include fewer accessories, if you want to invest in a solar power generator that powers more than a cell phone and includes more amenities, expect to pay more.

Although the initial expense of a solar powered generator is higher than a fossil fuel driven type, the solar model will last as much as 4 times longer without the additional costs of fuel, maintenance and repair.

A portable solar power system is powerful enough to provide more than just the basics and the combination of a solar water heater and a portable solar power generator ensures a supply of hot water and power without need of an infrastructure.