A solar generator can have valuable benefits that can be useful in just about every emergency scenario and living situation. Before purchasing a solar generator, it is essential to understand the pros and cons of this helpful device.
Pros
Some positive benefits of a solar generator include the following:
- Some solar generators can automatically turn on, providing essential automatic backup power to your home during power outages.
- Solar generators use a renewable energy source, reducing your carbon footprint.
- Metal and rugged plastic materials make durable solar generators lasting 30 years or more.
- Solar generators are generally extremely quiet, making them perfect for indoor or outdoor use.
- Generators can be used in all weather conditions, provided the battery is fully charged.
- Depending on your location, some solar generators may qualify for a solar tax credit or incentive.
Cons
Like any appliance or power source, solar generators can also come with some limitations. Understanding a solar generator’s abilities and downsides can help you decide on your solar generator investment. Some downsides to a generator include:
- Solar generators can be costly compared to traditional fossil fuel generators, such as gas generators.
- Batteries within solar generators typically can take a long time to charge and only charge when the sun is fully shining. The average time to charge a generator in full sun is about nine hours.
- Although powerful, solar generators have a limited power supply. They cannot power an entire home but can run small appliances or charge mobile devices. See Can a Solar Generator Power a House?
However, it is essential to note that some downsides aren’t as bad as they seem. Although solar generators have a higher upfront cost than traditional gasoline generators, the overall price to operate the machine is much lower over its lifetime. Homeowners can save money on costly refueling expenses because a solar generator uses the sun’s rays to power the device.
While long charging times can be problematic for some solar powered generators, many solar generators can also be charged from a traditional power source like the larger power grid. Intermittent power may be enough to fully charge a solar generator’s battery, providing continuous power even in an emergency.
Would you like to learn more about solar powered generators? See Is a Solar Generator the Same Thing as a Solar Battery?
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