Solar Generators
 

I've read most of the threads about backup generators, but for long-term use, I have concerns about running out of fuel, especially in a SHTF situation.

Been doing some looking at solar generators, and have narrowed it down to an EcoFlow Delta Pro, which appears to generate enough juice to power the fridge/freezer and a few other items, but know nothing about them.

Any thoughts? Guidance? They are a bit pricey, but not quite the bite of a whole-house generator.

Hesitant - but interested.

I have a 1000w Jackery. When camping in my trailer, I plug it into the solar panels on the roof to charge it. When camping in my van, I use external foldable panels to charge it. The Jackery is enough to power my microwave or air fryer for a very short time. I think it’ll power a full size fridge for a few hours. It’ll power my big portable camping fridge almost a couple of days.

Paging Redbeard…

Cheaper to put together your own system than store bought kit.
First step is sizing your system for your needs. Calculate your watt hours. Then panels. Controller. Batteries (fla vs lithium ion). Battery charger....


Gotta do a little research. It's pretty simple stuff.

Let me get through a cup of coffee first...

panels are the production part and the prices are droping

used panels are very cheap

the batterys are the higher costs along with the ac to dc converters

if you get used el car battery stay away from the ones that burn Tesla style

I was hoping to stay away from a large bank of batteries - fires are one concern; I also don't have adequate storage space. The idea is to run the designated appliances only during the day when there is power. Don't know if that is a workable option.

Not a workable option. No matter what, you need a small battery in the circuit with the solar panel and charge controller.

A whole house generator is usually 20-26 kW. It will power everything.

We sell 2 different styles and most of our sales are 3 designs:

Off Grid: 4000 Watt inverter with about 5kW of solar panels and a fully AutoStart gasoline generator. This setup (Called a Mi-Grid 500) will run anything that is 120VAC. You can have a mix of window, mini-split or camper air conditioners up to 15,000 BTU. The rest can be used for lighting, refrigerators, etc. The generator is there to run and charge things when the sun doesn't shine. More like storms and cloudy days, but some supplementing on high usage overnights. Batteries are a minimum of 10kWh, but up to 20kWh. LiFePo4 are the best batteries, but we have types of Lead-Acid that are good for 3000 cycles. System is about $15-20K

On-Grid: Either 8kW or 16kW typically with a 20kW NG/Propane whole house generator. This system will have 10kW to 20kW of solar panels and can run a 2000 to 4000 sq foot house in Gulf Coast Texas. The inverter is 240VAC, so it will run everything. I recommend switching to as much NG/Propane appliances as you can. Batteries start at ~20kWh and go up to 80kWh. System is about $45-80K.

I was looking at some a couple weeks ago.

Like you, I was attracted to the idea of using the sun to re-charge my generator vs. being tethered to traditional fuels sources.

It seems like the idea for most of these is for smaller needs like a fridge and some lights, etc. - and also for camping applications, I think these are fantastic!

I decided to hold off any purchase for now and see how these evolve over the next few years.

The portable generator I have now is a dual fuel (gas or propane) which provides some meaningful options for now, as far as I'm concerned. It's large enough to run fridge, AC, washer, lights, TV, DVD player, and even my dryer if need be.

I love the idea of a whole house but not there yet.

Thanks. The two options you provided are way pricier than I was expecting. Ouch! What would be the smallest setup with a battery? Again, we're not looking for whole house, but something that might power the fridge/freezer and coffepot - life's essentials.

Baz, which ones were you looking at? I suspect a small dual fuel would work, but we don't want to run into a situation where fuel is not available, and we don't want to store a lot of fuel or get a propane tank.

I appreciate the guidance!

I wasn't looking at any particular one more than another. Many of them actually seem the same as the others, to me.

I know there are differences but I'd have to do more digging to get a better feel and right now as I said they just don't seem like something I need, so I will wait.

Of course, the place to go for more info is You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=solar+generator

Here's one that looks informative, for example:
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JcJf6OP7bGU" title="Best Solar Generator for 2022 (The Ultimate Guide)" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Good luck with your search!

I would get the lithium batteries off ali-express. Solar panels, charge controller domestically.

You need to size your wattage usage to determine how big of system you need. Literally the sky is the limit on sizing. I have a controller on my hmmwv to float charge the batteries. Have a small 40 watt system for an electric fence. Seperate system for the camper.


For a fridge and small accessories. Would say 3kw hour system. Throw in avg sun hours. Prolly could get away with 2 -300 watt panels and battery bank depending on fla vs lithium ion.