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Solar Generator Vs Traditional Generator

May 21, 2022

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There are times when you need a backup power source for camping trips, off-grid homes, worksites, farms, or in situations where the electrical grid fails for a prolonged time.

Your decision gets torn between choosing a Solar Generator or a traditional generator for a power option. Which is better for powering up your electrical devices that may be necessary for survival?

In the history of solar energy, solar technology innovation has been developing spontaneously. Year after year, it’s gradually taking over and becoming the safest and cleanest power source. Also, in recent years, the significant price drop has made solar generators the go-to choice of most users.

 

Let’s break these energy sources down and see how they compare.

Solar generator vs fuel generator


Below is a chart comparing the general features of the Acevolt campower 700 portable power station with a standard gas generator.


What is a solar generator?




Every system that runs off solar power is technically a solar-powered generator. But in more real terms, a solar generator is a portable power station that draws energy from the sun through solar panels.

This energy is now saved in portable power station batteries – usually, most solar generators use lithium-ion batteries. However, the latest Portable power stations such as the Acevolt campower portable power stations use the LiFePO4 battery technology, which is safer, less costly, and has a better lifecycle. The solar generators have USB ports, 4 DC outlets, 2 AC outlets, a carport, and a wireless charging pad for charging multiple devices.

How does a solar generator work?


For a solar generator to operate fully, it needs to comprise some components, including:

  • Inverter

  • Solar panels

  • Charger controller

  • Batteries


By integrating these systems to work as a unit, it becomes able to convert sunlight into electricity. The unit then sends it to the charge regulator that pumps usable electrical current into batteries until they are fully charged.

Although the solar panels provide direct current electricity, the inverter takes it and converts the current to an alternating one. This is necessary since the devices and appliances in your home run on alternating current electricity.

What is a traditional generator?


The traditional generator is an energy source, sometimes referred to as a gas or fuel generator. This type is powered by fuel to convert kinetic energy through motion into electrical energy.

 

The process of the gas generator is similar to the system of a vehicle. But instead of moving the wheels of a car, it turns the rotor into the alternator. Using an engine and an alternator creates mechanical energy from the chemical energy of the gasoline and converts it to electrical energy.

How does a gas generator work?




Usually, the components of the gas generator include:

  • Engine

  • Alternator

  • Voltage regulator

  • Fuel system

  • Lubrication System

  • Cooling and exhaust system

  • Battery charger

  • Control panel


When fuel and air are injected into the combustion chamber, the piston compresses the mix for the spark plug to ignite the fuel. For the generator to generate electric current, the crankshaft spins the rotor in an electromagnetic field past.

The rotor is coils in copper wire that spins within the stationary magnets. While the copper moves past the magnets, it induces an electric charge in the wire. It’s a complex system that involves lots of moving parts.

Even from the components, it’s already apparent that gas-powered generators have more moving parts than solar inverter generators. The multiple mechanisms paired with the constant movement are why gas generators require ongoing maintenance.

Solar Generator Vs Fuel Generator


For further comparison of the solar vs gas generator, we put up scenarios where generators are needed and the best one for the job.


Scenario 1 – Backup power for emergency


Situations of a winter blizzard or a big hurricane are not ones where we always anticipate. But you always have to ensure that you have a backup source to run your electrical devices necessary for survival when the powers go off. Backup power can be essential to provide power during outages that won’t stop you from using your heaters or some lights in the house.

Power outages like this may not give you enough time to make enough plans. Your choice of power source here would be one that is easy to set up and store. Predicts of the exact time when the grid is back to full function may not be accurate enough. You would also want something that can work for as long as possible.

The gas generator doesn’t rely on sunlight and would thrive in these situations. It’s small-sized, requires less effort to set up, and your usage depends on how much gas you have. All you need is to get a few jerry cans of fuel for the outage, set up the generator a short distance from your home, and run an extension cord.

The gas generator provides instant power to run most of the necessary things in your home. When the storm is done, and the grid is back up, let your generator cool down, drain the excess gas, and put it back in storage. However, aside from the regular maintenances you have to do, gas generators are suitable for emergency scenarios.

 

Scenario 2 – Camping trips




One of the best decisions you can make for your summer camping trip is to go along with a portable power station. Even if you may not necessarily use your electrical devices in the tents, it’s nice to have light at night and charged cameras while camping.

Although you may find several models on the internet claiming to be the best solar generator, Acevolt campower portable power is our latest solar generator your best bet for camping trips

The aim of going camping is for a serene experience in the woods, and you would prefer a power source with less noise. Some camping sites insist on no gas generator to avoid negative environmental impacts.

The obvious best choice between the solar and gas generator for camping trips is the solar generator. Setting up the solar generator would require more work than the gas generator. Once you put it together and place the solar panels towards the sun, you can relax and focus on enjoying the fresh breeze.

What size of generator is good enough?


After selecting the type of generator, sorting out the size of generator that will supply enough power depends on the job you want it for. The solar and gas generators have different features and ways of evaluation. However, some facts you need to look out for are their Wattage, Amperage, and extra features.

Acevolt 700 portable power station is an excellent choice to power your tents on camping trips. It comes with 700 watts, multiple ports, short charging times, 24 months warranty.

Conclusion


When choosing a generator, one crucial question to ask is: How are generators powered? Two common types are solar and gas generator.

Although placing the solar vs generator would not change the fact that they both do the same thing. However, these energy sources work in different designs. Asides from the solar generator being more financially sensible, it’s cleaner, eco-friendly, and easier to use.