Are Solar Power Generators Worth It?

October 25, 2024 | Nate Cord

As the world focuses more and more on sustainability, solar power generators have emerged as a popular solution for clean, green renewable energy.

However, while they’re becoming more prevalent, many people are still unfamiliar with the benefits that come along with them, and due to their reliance on sunlight, many question: are solar power generators worth it?

In this blog, we will take a closer look at how exactly solar generators work and the various advantages that they offer, to help you decide if a solar generator is the right choice for your needs.

First things first…

What Is a Solar Power Generator​ and How Does It Work?

In simple terms, a solar power generator is a device that uses energy from the sun to generate and store electricity. Unlike normal generators that run on petrol or diesel fuel, solar generators instead use the sun’s energy.

This type of generator comes in a wide variety of sizes and capacities to suit different needs, whether that be to power your home necessities during a power outage or charging your electronics on a camping trip.

As mentioned, a solar power generator works by capturing sunlight, converting it into electrical energy, and storing that energy for later use.

This process starts with the solar panels, which are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells that are designed to capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.

This DC electricity is then passed through to the charge controller, which regulates the amount of charge going to the batteries, without overloading. After passing through this component, the DC electricity is stored in the generator’s batteries until you need it (often lithium-ion or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries). These types of batteries are durable and can hold a substantial amount of charge.

When you need to use the stored power, the batteries then release it through an inverter to convert the stored DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity that can power electrical devices.

When the battery runs low, it can be recharged by reconnecting the solar panels, using AC power from a wall outlet, or even with a car charger.

The beauty of solar generators lies in their ability to produce clean and renewable energy without the use of fossil fuels (as long as the sun keeps its hat on, of course).

So, Are Solar Power Generators Worth It?

Whether a solar power generator is worth it will of course depend on a number of factors such as things like your lifestyle, budget and environmental standpoint.

Here are 4 reasons why solar powers are a worthy investment for most people…

1. Positive Environmental Impact

First and foremost, solar generators are a more environmentally friendly option than their traditional counterparts as they generate electricity without producing any emissions of pollutants.

This makes them a great choice for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint while still using reliable energy.

If sustainability is important to you, a solar generator offers a much cleaner energy solution.

This brings us nicely onto advantage number 2…

2. No Noise Pollution

Another reason why solar power generators are a great idea is that they run quietly and virtually silently, compared to traditional models that tend to be quite loud due to exhaust noise and mechanical parts.

Solar generators generate electricity quietly because they rely on the sun instead of noisy engines for power, making them perfect for use in residential, commercial, and industrial environments where quiet operation is required, such as schools or hospitals.

3. Cost Effectiveness

While solar power generators are sometimes more expensive than traditional petrol generators, once the initial payment is made, operating costs are minimal because the sun is of course free, and there’s no need for fuel.

Also, most modern solar generators use lithium-ion or lithium iron phosphate batteries, which have long lifespans and require minimal maintenance, other than occasional cleaning of exposed surfaces.

4. Portability & Capacity

Solar generators are often more portable and lighter than traditional generators, especially the smaller models. This makes them super convenient for outdoor activities or easy transport between different locations, such as on a camping trip.

Another advantage of this type of generator is that many models allow you to add extra solar panels or battery packs to increase capacity, giving you some flexibility to meet your power needs.

Browse our range of portable power station accessories, including solar panels, here.

So, in conclusion, a solar power generator can therefore be very much worth it if you feel it’s important to prioritise clean, renewable energy, and if you’re looking for quiet, low-maintenance, portable power for activities.

They’re also a great idea if you want an emergency backup power source at home for essential devices, especially in areas prone to power outages, and if you’re interested in reducing ongoing fuel costs.

That said, if you need a high-power, continuous energy source for large equipment or extended power outages, a petrol or diesel generator might be more practical unless you’re prepared to invest in a high-capacity solar generator system with additional solar panels.

Looking For a Quality Solar Power Generator?

At Generators Direct, we offer a range of solar power generators for your needs, for example:

Anker SOLIX F2000 A1780211 Power House 767 Portable Power Station

The Anker SOLIX F2000 (also known as the PowerHouse 767) is a portable power station, which is technically different from a traditional generator as it’s a battery-powered system designed to store and provide electrical power, rather than generating it through combustion like a conventional fuel-based generator.

It uses LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries for longer life and increased safety, and includes a variety of output options, such as AC outlets, USB-C ports, USB-A ports, and DC car ports, making it versatile for powering or charging various devices.

When paired with solar panels, this generator acts as a solar generator since it can capture and store solar energy.

Anker SOLIX F3800 Portable Power Station

This is another popular solar model from Anker, a great choice for those looking for a robust and flexible solar power generator with options for home integration and substantial power capacity.

It offers a significant energy storage capacity of 3,840 watt-hours (Wh) and has a versatile range of outputs, including both 120V and 240V options, making it suitable for running various appliances, charging electric vehicles, and even powering small homes or RVs.

All of our products are manufactured, tested and certified to industry standards, and come with a price promise – you won’t find prices cheaper anywhere on the web, but if you do, we’ll match them. In addition to this, all orders come with free mainland UK shipping and after sales support from our experts.

If you require additional advice or have a question for our team, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us using this form or via phone at +441639849847.