In this digitalized and tech-driven era, we always need a backup or portable power source to keep our electronics in the always “ON” state. The need for portable power becomes significant on road trips or places where there is no proper source of electricity. Owing to that, portable solar power generators are becoming more popular not just due to their portable nature but also due to their environmental-friendly, less noisy, cost-friendly, and low maintenance aspects. 

If you are planning to purchase a portable solar power generator, then this guide is for you. Here you will learn about the working principle and applications of portable solar power generators and then the factors to consider when purchasing one of them. So, let’s get started. 

Working Principle of Portable Solar Power Generators

A portable solar power generator is an all-in-one backup energy source that integrates a large-capacity battery, inverter, display screen, battery management system, and multiple DC/AC ports to supply power to several appliances. 

The solar power generator charges the battery with solar panels, which are used to convert solar energy into electricity. Most solar power generators can also be charged with an AC outlet. Once the battery is charged, it can provide DC power through DC outlets. For AC output, it uses the built-in power inverter to convert DC energy into AC and then supply the AC power through AC outlets. Moreover, it continuously provides statistics about battery capacity and other details through the display screen.

Common Applications of Portable Solar Power Generators

Some of the common applications of a portable solar power generator include the following:

• Backup Power: It can serve as a backup or emergency solar-powered generator for home or commercial places to power appliances for hours if the main supply is unavailable.
• Outdoor Uses: It can serve as a main power supply for outdoor uses, such as camping, wood cutting, road trips, etc. 
• Power Wide Range of Appliances: Due to its large battery capacity, it can power a wide range of appliances, such as cookers, drilling tools, electronics, etc.

In short, there are plenty of applications for portable solar power generators, making them the rescuer in most power supply requirements.

Factors to Consider when Purchasing Portable Solar Power Generators

Compared to traditional gas generators, portable solar power generators are more environmentally friendly and highly cost-efficient. So, if you are convinced to have a portable solar power generator for your home or other purposes, then below are some of the key factors to consider while purchasing:

1. Rated Power

The power rating of a power generator reflects the type of appliances you can power. It must be higher than your overall power requirements. For example, if you just need a solar power generator for charging phones, laptops, and similar less power-consuming appliances, then a power generator with 300-400 watt hours (Wh) might be enough. However, if you want to power fridges or other high-power-consuming appliances, you might need a power generator with a 1400-1500 watt hours (Wh) rating. So, evaluate your power needs and then explore generators in that power range.

2. Battery

The battery is the main distinguishing element in solar and gas power generators. Therefore, you should have a close look at the main battery aspects as follows:

• Capacity

The storage capacity of the rechargeable battery tells how long you can keep the appliances powered and how many times you can charge your electronics. Based on your usage needs, you should pick a portable solar power generator whose battery capacity can fulfill your power needs without asking for frequent recharge.

• Lifecycle

The lifecycle is the indicator of the battery’s lifespan, which depicts the number of charges and discharges the battery can complete before starting to lose performance. The lifecycle of batteries is greatly impacted by the depth of discharge (DOD), which indicates how much battery energy you can use without compromising its lifespan. So, if you have a battery rated for 80% DOD with a 500 amp-hour capacity, it means you have 400 amp-hours of usable battery at 80% DOD. So, do consider the lifecycle rating of the battery depending on your usage demands.

• Charging Time

The charging time of a portable solar power generator should be fast so that it can capture the most solar power in a fast way and does not become dead in bad weather conditions. In this perspective, a battery with a full charging time of 5 hours or less seems best. So, do look at charging time while shortlisting the power generators.

3. Ports Number

Different portable solar power generators have different numbers of DC/AC ports. So, first, evaluate what number of appliances you want to connect with the generator, and then look for the power generator with a matching number of ports. 

4. Size

Since solar power generators include a battery, inverter, and similar other electronics, so their size is mostly not compact or lightweight. The size of the generator does not matter in indoor activities, but it matters while using them for outdoor purposes. Therefore, do consider the size of the power generator while purchasing. 

LIPOWER – The Leading Provider of Best-in-Class Portable Solar Power Stations

LIPOWER is a well-reputed professional manufacturer of portable power stations. With over 20 years of market experience, LIPOWER serves as a one-stop place to access a wide range of portable energy storage products. Below is a glimpse of a few top-notch LIPOWER portable solar power stations:

M3000L-3000W Power Station

M3000L is LIPOWER’s powerful 3000W power station with a battery capacity of 3200Wh. It is equipped with 3 AC outlets, 3 DC ports, 2 USB Type-C ports, 3 USB ports, and 1 QC3.0 quick charger port. It can power 99% of your appliances, including fridges, ice coolers, blenders, TV, laptops, phones, projectors, and other electronic tools.

M2200L-2200W Solar Power Station

M2200L is a 2200W fully-functional LIPOWER power station with a battery capacity of 2240Wh. It is equipped with 2 AC outlets, 3 DC ports, 2 USB Type-C ports, 3 USB ports, and 1 QC3.0 quick charger port. It also includes a superior safe protection system, including temperature protection, short circuit protection, overvoltage/overcurrent protection, etc. It can power a wide range of appliances, like phones, laptops, coffee makers, projectors, etc. 

M2200-2200W Solar Power Station

M2200 is another 2200W solar power station with a battery capacity of 2220Wh. It is also equipped with 2 AC outlets, 3 DC ports, 2 USB Type-C ports, 3 USB ports, and 1 QC3.0 quick charger port. Just like M2200L, it can also power a wide range of appliances.

Wrapping Up

If you don’t want to go through all the research and want a reliable portable solar power generator, then LIPOWER is here for you. Its wide range of powerful and reliable power stations can fulfill all your power needs with the utmost efficiency. So, explore the products of LIPOWER and pick the power generator that best fits your needs.

Portable solar power generators have emerged as handy and much-needed power generators to have an environmental-friendly and cost-effective power source. From outdoor activities to an in-house backup source, there are many use cases for solar power generators.