Nowadays, using a solar-powered generator is one of the common ways to have a source of electricity at home when there’s a power outage. Unlike other generators that run on gasoline or diesel, it converts clean and renewable energy from the sun into electrical power. Utilizing it is a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, saving on energy bills, and gaining access to electricity should the main power grid fail for one reason or another.
Its price and the power it produces have always been the biggest considerations of property owners when purchasing a home solar-powered generator. However, there are other factors to take into account during the selection process. Keep reading to find out what they are.
1. The Generator’s Capacity
This is one of the most important aspects to look into when searching for a solar-powered generator. Solar generators vary in charging capacity, power capacity, storage capacity, surge power capacity, inverter rating, weight, and dimensions, among other characteristics.
The capacity specifications of a solar generator will determine which of your home appliances you’ll be able to operate with it and how long they can stay connected to it. They also influence the rate at which it harnesses power from the sun and stores it for later use.
You can reach out to a solar powered generator provider in your area if you’d like to know the exact power capacity you should look for according to what your home requires. With the right amount of capacity, your generator is guaranteed to always meet your home’s electrical needs whenever you have to use it.
2. Your Property’s Electricity Needs
Every home uses a certain amount of energy every day. Hence, you need to figure out how much power your appliances tend to consume and go for a solar generator that’s capable of powering essential equipment in your home in an efficient manner.
Not all solar generators are appropriate for the appliances in your home as some may not be designed for the purpose you want to use them. See to it that you know which equipment your generator can accommodate as well as the number of devices that can be connected to it all at once. You can start by listing those appliances that have to be kept running when there’s a power outage or emergency situation in order for you and your family to stay comfortable and safe in your home.
It’s important to note that the working duration of a solar-powered generator differs based on its usage, specifications, and conditions. It’s advisable to purchase a solar generator whose capacity is more than enough to power your most important home appliances so it can store more power on less sunny days. The extra capacity will also work for you on days you need to power more appliances than you’d initially planned.
3. The Generator’s Upfront And Maintenance Costs
The upfront cost of a solar-powered generator can be quite expensive compared to other alternative means of generating backup power for your home. The amount you’ll spend would depend on the equipment’s power specifications, your energy needs, and the location and size of your home. The higher the specifications, the higher the price. A typical gas generator costs around USD$1,000, whereas a solar generator’s average cost is about USD$2,000.
However, solar-powered generators have a much lower maintenance cost than other types. Most of their parts can work for a lifetime with little to no maintenance—for instance, the panels and charge controller are generally maintenance-free.
No matter the type of home appliance you’ll operate using your solar generator, you can expect to save money in the long run given that energy from the sun is free. You’ll also avoid the dangers associated with fuel generators, such as carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Location And Sunlight Exposure
The amount of sunlight available in your location will determine the amount of power your solar generator will produce. Factors such as buildings, tree lines, and weather conditions will affect the amount of solar energy your generator can harness.
Charging times would vary depending on the weather and sun exposure. Your solar technician will assess the best placement for the solar panels by going through all the potential obstacles, natural and artificial alike, to sun exposure in your location.
Conclusion
There are more factors to consider than price and power when looking to acquire a home solar-powered generator as a backup in the event of a power outage. So before you make any purchasing decisions, think about what’s been discussed in this article in order to find the best generator for your unique circumstances.