Generators are great for supplying power off the grid or when the power goes out. But with so many options out there, choosing the right one can be a challenge.
Before you opt for a traditional generator though, there are a few things about a smart alternative that you should know.
Keep reading to learn 7 reasons why a solar powered generator is a good investment.
1. No Fuel Costs
Whether a traditional generator runs on gas or propane, you’re looking at high fuel costs every time you run it.
Not only does your generator burn gas and propane, costing you cash while it runs, but you also need to factor in the costs of getting that fuel.
If you’re using your generator to power an RV, you’ll need to transport that fuel. In smaller campers where space is at a premium, bringing along enough gas or propane for a long trip can be a major inconvenience.
If you’re living off the grid, you may have to travel extreme distances just to get gas and propane to fuel your generator. This means more money spent on gas and other travel expenses.
With a solar generator, the only fuel you will ever need is the sun. No more worrying about carting around gas tanks or propane cylinders, or about running out.
2. No Regular Maintenance
Traditional generators require lots of regular maintenance to keep them running.
They need regular oil changes, even if they are sitting not being used. They need a new spark plug when the old one goes out.
You’ll need to keep oil, as well as spark plugs and other parts that commonly go out, on hand. If you don’t, you’ll have to get both when you need them, or else you’ll be forced to stop running your generator entirely.
Running a traditional generator without oil will bring your generator’s lifespan to a quick halt. You could even ruin your generator, rendering it useless and requiring you to spend a lot of money to replace it.
With no oil or spark plugs, solar powered generators don’t need hardly any regular maintenance in order to keep them running.
3. Fewer Moving Parts
Another benefit of choosing a solar generator is that there are fewer moving parts.
On a traditional generator, there are many different moving parts. And with more moving parts comes more chances that something will break.
Just like with gas and propane, if you live off the grid and something breaks, you may have to travel in order to get replacement parts. If you don’t know how to fix it yourself, you might also be looking at a costly repair.
If you rely on the generator to power your home or RV, when it goes out, you’ll be left in the dark. This could mean no hot water or electric until you are able to find replacement parts and fix it.
4. Silent Operation
Many traditional generators are very loud when they run. Even more expensive models still make a lot of noise.
If you’re trying to enjoy nature out in the backwoods, the last thing you want to do is have to listen to the loud drone of a generator all night. When you’re using a generator to power your RV at rest stops or campgrounds, a loud generator will wake the neighbors and likely lead to complaints.
But solar powered generators are nearly silent.
You can use a solar generator for home without worrying about keeping your family awake or bothering your neighbors. You can use it while camping and still enjoy the sounds of crickets or frogs all night long.
5. Eco-Friendly
If you’re mindful of your carbon footprint, a solar generator is an even better investment.
With no gas or oil, solar powered generators require no fossil fuels to run. This makes them an eco-friendly source of power for emergencies or for camping.
Fewer parts also mean a longer lifespan for your generator, which is another great eco-friendly choice.
6. You Don’t Always Need Sun
One common misconception about solar generators is that you need constant sunlight to keep them running. But that’s far from the truth.
To start, you don’t need a bright, cloudless day to power your generator. Even an overcast day, if it isn’t too cloudy, will provide power.
Powering your solar generator isn’t a continuous process that only starts when your generator is running. Instead, your solar generator collects power any time the sun is out. It then stores that power until you use your generator again.
This means that your generator can collect power on a sunny day, store it, and you’ll still be able to use your generator in the dark or on a rainy day. However, peak sunny hours will allow you to capture the most energy in the shortest amount of time.
7. It’s Emergency-Ready
Many homeowners or preppers choose to keep a generator on hand for emergencies. But unfortunately, traditional generators cannot simply be purchased and left to sit until needed.
You’ll need to either empty the gas out of it or else run it regularly to keep the gas from getting stale and damaging your generator. When you’re ready to run it, you’ll need to add oil and gas to get it up and running.
But with a solar generator, if it’s been left outside to charge in the sunlight, you can flip it on and run it right away. In an emergency when fuel, oil, and spare parts might not be available, it’s important to have a solar powered generator.
Choosing a Solar Powered Generator
Now that you know a few reasons why having a solar powered generator is a great investment, it’s time to find the right model for you and your needs.
Whether you’re shopping for a solar generator or still want a traditional gas or propane version, if you’ll be using it to camp, you need to find a quiet model.
Check out these 10 super quiet generators to find the right one for your next campout.
