Do you worry about a power outage – and want a emergency backup solar generator for your home? Congratulations, you are in the right place. I can give you some helpful information – since I had the exact same question, “What size solar generator do I need?”.
However, before you go out and buy an expensive power station, let’s consider a few factors. Plus, let’s see how you can save some money too.
How Big of a Generator Do You Need?
First of all, let’s address the elephant in the room: how much power do you need? For instance, do you need a solar generator that can power your entire house, or just a few essential appliances?
Well, that depends on your priorities. Do you really need to power your 70-inch flat-screen TV during a power outage, or can you make do with a smaller screen? Do you really need to run your air conditioner, or can you just open a window? These are tough questions, but they are essential if you want to save some money.
Next, make a list of the appliances you absolutely need during a power outage, like your fridge, your phone charger and maybe your microwave if you can’t live without popcorn.
Then, figure out how much power each appliance uses in watts. You can find this information on the appliance itself or in the manual. Add up the wattage, and you’ll get a roundabout idea of how much power you need from a solar generator. Also, check out the table below to see some examples:
Appliance Power Consumption Chart:
| Appliance | Power Consumption (Watts) | Recommended Portable Power Station Size (Watt Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioner | 1000 – 1500 | 1500 – 2000 |
| Full Size Refrigerator | 600 – 800 | 1000 – 1500 |
| Portable Fridge | 30 – 60 | 100 – 200 |
| Microwave | 800-1500 | 800-1500 |
| Flat Screen TV | 120-250 | 120 – 250 |
| Hair Dryer | 1200 – 1875 | 2000 – 2500 |
| Coffee Maker | 800 – 1200 | 1000 – 1500 |
| Blender | 300 – 1000 | 500 – 1000 |
| Laptop Computer | 50 – 100 | 200 – 400 |
| Electric Cooktop | 1200 – 3000 | 3000 – 5000 |
| Space Heater | 1000 – 1500 | 1500 – 2000 |
| Fan | 50 – 100 | 200 – 400 |
| CPAP Machine | 30 – 60 | 100 – 200 |
| LED Lamp | 5 – 20 | 50 – 100 |
| Electric Drill | 500 – 1000 | 1000 – 2000 |
| Circular Saw | 1200 – 1800 | 2000 – 3000 |
Now, here’s where things get tricky. You need to make sure you get a solar generator that can handle the wattage you need, but you don’t want to overspend on a generator that is too powerful for your needs. That’s like buying a Ferrari to go grocery shopping. Sure, it’s cool, but it’s also a waste of money.
How to Save Money on a Portable Power Station:
So, how can you save money on a solar generator? Well, for starters, you can buy a used one. Yes, I know, used things are gross and germy, but they’re also cheaper. You can find used solar generators on websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, or you can check with your local solar installation companies to see if they have any used generators for sale.
Another way to save money is to buy a smaller generator than you think you need. This is where your list of essential appliances comes in handy. If you can live without your microwave for a few days, then you can probably get away with a smaller generator. That said, just make sure you’re not sacrificing safety for savings.
TIP: Keep in mind that you can always purchase a second generator later if you find out you need more power. That said, it’s typically cheaper to buy one larger unit than 2 smaller ones.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Buying a Solar Generator:
Now, let’s talk about some mistakes to avoid when buying a solar generator. First of all, don’t buy a generator without doing your research. There are a lot of options out there, and not all of them are created equal. Make sure you read reviews and compare prices before making a decision.
Another mistake to avoid is buying a generator with too little capacity. Sure, a small generator might cost less, but it won’t do you any good if it can’t power the appliances you need during an outage. Make sure you get a generator with enough capacity to handle your essential appliances.
Note: Don’t forget to consider the weather when buying a solar generator. If you live in an area with a lot of cloudy days, then a solar generator might not be the best choice for you.
One more thing to keep in mind when buying a solar generator is to make sure you have a way to charge it. Some generators can be charged using a wall outlet, while others require solar panels. If you don’t have access to reliable sunlight, or you don’t want to invest in solar panels, make sure you choose a generator that can be charged using traditional electricity.
In summary, buying a solar generator for emergency backup power at home is a smart move. However, it’s important to compare products and their power capacities before making a purchase. Don’t overspend on a generator that is too powerful for your needs, but also don’t sacrifice safety for savings.
