How many of you have experienced a power outage? In some cities, it occurs often, and sometimes, power can be out for several days, or even, weeks before power is resumed. For people who require life-support electricity, this can be a very dangerous, and life-threatening situation. Many a CPAP user has found themselves without electricity making sleep almost impossible or even life-threatening.
Gas generators can solve your power needs, but if you don’t have or can’t get gas or propane, your generator will just sit there silent. That is why solar generators have become much more popular these days.
All you need is a solar generator, solar panel, cabling and you’re ready for when the power goes out. You also now have all the tools needed to camp off-grid and still have electrical power.
In this section, you will find simple solutions to your power needs. A simple solar generator and solar panel may be all you need to get you through a power outage.
Check out the Best OffGrid Accessories for This Year
But First Some Facts About PWM V.S. MPPT Controllers
There are two types of charge controllers used for Solar Charging of your batteries or Solar Generators, and these are Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controllers and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controllers. Both charge controllers have an average lifespan of about 15 years.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
PWM charge controllers are cheaper than MPPT controllers but are less efficient than MPPT controllers. PWM controllers regulate the flow of energy to the battery by reducing the current gradually, called “Pulse Width Modulation”. When batteries are full, PWM charge controllers continue to supply a tiny amount of power to keep batteries full. How this works is shown below:
- The switch is ON when the charger mode is in bulk charge mode
- The switch is “flicked” ON and OFF as needed (pulse width modulated) to hold the battery voltage at the absorption voltage
- The switch is OFF at the end of absorption while the battery voltage drops to the float voltage
- The switch is once again “flicked” ON and OFF as needed (pulse width modulated) to hold the battery voltage at the float voltage
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
Maximum Power Point Tracking controllers are more efficient at using the full power of your solar panels to charge your batteries. They limit the output of the solar panel to ensure batteries do not overcharge, while monitoring and adjusting input to regulate your solar system’s current. MPPT charge controllers are much more efficient at charging your batteries or Solar Generator than PWM controllers and is becoming the standard in the industry by popular demand.
MAXOAK Power Station 500Wh Bluetti AC50S Solar Generator
We feel solar generators are the wave of the future. With the constant improvements of battery storage, solar generators are starting to outpace the sale of gas and propane generators.
There are many solar generators on the market, and depending on how much power you need, a mid-range wattage generator may fit most of your power needs.
In our opinion, of the solar generators currently on the market, the Bluetti generators offer the best technology, price and size for most customers.
An excellent generator we suggest in the 500 watts/hour category is the MAXOAK Power Station 500Wh Bluetti AC50S Solar Generator.
The AC50s can charge small appliances (Max.300W) such as…
- Smartphones 36 Times
- Laptops(45W) 9 Times
- GoPro 80 Times
- Run CPAP Machines 8 hours for 5 Nights
- Drones, Mini Projectors, Mini Car Fridges, and other small appliances
It is a vital emergency Power Backup Battery for RVing, Outdoors Camping, Storms and Other Power Outage Situations.
Owners state that the AC50s is a “Durable Power Station” with multiple outlets & charging options; It’s easy to use and carry. Owners are happy that it is a true regulated 12-volt battery output. This means as the battery discharges, it will maintain a true 12-volt output even when the battery is running low. Many other solar generators have a hard time doing this, and as battery power discharges, the 12-volt output will start to degrade to a lower wattage output, and the lower voltage can damage the appliance you have plugged into the 12-volt port on your generator.
This is where the AC50s shines. This unit is the update to the AC50 unit that did not have a regulated 12-volt output. Now the AC50s does have regulated 12-volt output.
I should mention, I own the AC50s solar generator myself and I am very happy with it. It’s lightweight, efficient, solid, and very well made.
I sleep with a CPAP machine, and the AC50s will power my CPAP machine for 5 nights before needing a recharge. I love my AC50s solar generator because now I can go camping off-grid and still have the power to run my CPAP and electric food cooler, and even a DC electric blanket for those cool nights.
As of the writing, Bluetti customer reviews rate the AC50s Generator a 5.0 out of 5.0 with 6 reviews.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 Solar Generator
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 is equipped with a 240 watt-hour (16.8Ah, 14.4V) lithium-ion battery pack and can power/charge your phones, laptops, lights, fans, mini coolers with a pure sine wave inverter.
The Jackery Explorer 240 has a built-in MPPT controller that can give maximum recharge efficiency when using a solar panel to recharge the unit. The Jackery can be recharged using house electricity, solar panels, and the Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel (sold separately). You can also recharge it using your auto or RV 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter.
- Large Capacity with small size
- 200 wattage output
- 240Wh(16.8Ah) lithium battery
- PURE SINE WAVE AC outlet
- 12V carport and 2* USB ports
This is a smaller unit than the AC50s and only has 240 Watt/Hour power capabilities, just enough for camping or short power outages in your home or office.
Owners state that even though the 240 is small, they can power their small ice coolers overnight. Many use it for a campervan power solution and have been very happy with the 240. Others have voiced it is a great little power bank and fits their needs for a safe, quick power supply. Great for camping and emergency power needs. Highly recommended by many owners.
As of the writing, Amazon customer reviews rate this Generator a 4.8 out of 5.0 with 5320 reviews.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000 was founded in California in 2012 and specializes in providing outdoor green power solutions for outdoor explorers. This Jackery portable power station has a 1000W wattage output and has 3 standard PURE SINE WAVE AC outlets, which can provide power to multiple AC appliances simultaneously.
The Generator comes with 2 USB-C and 1 Quick Charge 3.0 port that can charge all your small digital devices like tablets and phones easily.
With no extra setup, the Explorer can power your mini space heaters, cooling fans, mini-fridges, portable ovens and small coffee makers.
When used outdoors or camping, it can easily power blenders, pellet smokers, small household ice shavers, and TVs. It can also be used as a home backup power system for emergency appliances such as refrigerators, CPAP/Bi-PAP machines, computers, radios, and phones if and when suffer a power loss.
The Jackery has an MPPT technology which provides faster solar recharge rates and can be quickly recharged within 8 hours by connecting two SolarSaga 100W solar panels together, or two regular solar panels with the included adapter cable. If connecting only a single panel, the approximate recharging time is 17 hours. It is also possible to recharge from AC outlets and 12v vehicle accessory ports. Time for full recharging is approximately 7 hours from an AC outlet, or 14 hours from 12v car ports.
Owners are very happy with their Jackery 1000 and state it is a QUALITY Portable Power Station! It’s a must have for power outages and many feel it is one of the best units on the market.
As of the writing, Amazon customer reviews rate this Generator a 4.9 out of 5.0 with 2131 reviews.
MAXOAK BLUETTI EB150 1500Wh Solar Generator
The MAXOAK BLUETTI EB150 1500Wh Solar Generator is a 1500Wh/1000W(Max.), long-lasting Lithium Solar Power Station
They designed this generator for High-power devices such as Blenders, Drills, Hair Dryers (Max.1000W).
This has 2 AC Outlets (Standard AC110V US Plug) suited for most household appliance under 1000W Such as TVs, mini Refrigerators Household Dryers, CPAPs, and Drones. It has 1 DC12V for Car Powered Devices like Car Fridges, Car Vacuums Cleaners, and 1 PD Type-C (Max 45W) for USB-C Devices Such as Laptops, MacBook/MacBook Pro & PD USB-C Phones. It also has 4 5V3A (Max) USB for phones, Tablets, Cameras, Fans, lights, etc,
There are two different charging controllers used to charge a Solar Generator. These are:
- PWM: Pulse-Width Modulation
- MPPT: Maximum Power Point Tracking.
With a PWM controller, the current is drawn out of the panel at just above the battery voltage, whereas With an MPPT controller the current is drawn out of the panel at the panel “maximum power voltage” (think of an MPPT controller as being a “smart DC-DC converter”)
The Bluetti comes with the MPPT controller and is a more efficient charging method than the PWM and can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications. Many Full-Time campers use this generator to run their motorhomes, or live-in campers and sing the praises of how efficient and wonderful this generator is.
Owners consider this a powerful and serious generator great for many uses. Many believe it is the best solar generator for the money and built solid.
As of the writing, Amazon customer reviews rate this Generator a 4.8 out of 5.0 with 302 reviews.
BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC200P 2000W 2000Wh Solar Generator
The BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC200P 2000W 2000Wh Solar Generator is great for the home or camping enthusiast, but where it can shine is for those who have an off-grid dwelling or live in their RV or Camping vehicles.
The Power Station AC200P is a Power Monster. You can charge most of the larger appliances such as,
- Large Standing Fridges
- Window Air Conditioner
- Hair dryers, Microwave Ovens
- Coffee Maker (Max 2000W)
- CPAP Machines
- Heaters, Electric tools
- Huge Capacity:2000Wh
Specifications:
- AC inverter load: 2000W (Pure sine-wave), Surge 4800W, Charge 90% device
- Safer 2000Wh LiFePO4 battery cell and 3500+ long cycle life
- 700W/35-150V@12A(Max.) wide solar array charging
- Fast Dual AC charger(800W,3-3.5hrs) / PV+ AC (1100W Max.,2.5-3Hrs) recharging simultaneously
- Customized DC12V/25A RV port for Van-life/DIY’er
- Recharge from AC wall outlet/ Solar panel/Vehicle/Lead-acid battery/Generator
- Charge 17 devices simultaneously
With its large 2000Wh of Energy Storage, the AC200P gives you the confidence in any emergency, or unexpected power outages. Many will use this generator for off the grid living and the lifestyle of small van or camper living.
Owners of this solar generator state, The AC200P is a versatile turnkey solution for power backup at home and power delivery for camping vans. On your first power outage, you will find the AC200P does not disappoint!! Finally, a product that has the specs/features that are most useful and at a great price!
As of the writing, Bluetti customer reviews rate this Generator 5.0 out of 5.0 with 16 reviews.
HQST 100 Watt 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
The HQST 100 Watt 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel is made from a Monocrystalline silicon structure rather than a polycrystalline structure.
The major difference between the two technologies is the type of silicon solar cell they use. Monocrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from a single crystal of silicon, while polycrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from many silicon fragments melted together.
Monocrystalline solar panels are thought of as a premium solar product. The major advantages of Monocrystalline panels are higher efficiencies and sleeker aesthetics, meaning you can have smaller solar sized panels with the same output of larger Polycrystalline panels.
Owners are thrilled with its performance and quality materials. I own two of these panels and am very pleased with the quality of the workmanship of these panels. I highly recommend them without pause.
As of the writing, Amazon customer reviews rate this Solar 4.7 out of 5.0 with 185 reviews.
Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel
The Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel is a portable folding solar panel set that works great with the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 160, 240, and 500 power stations (sold separately).
The SolarSaga is a foldable design with a TPE rubber handle and weighs only 3.3lbs. This makes it convenient to carry wherever you go. The SolarSaga panel’s rear kickstand adjusts to angle the panel for more efficient orientation towards the sun so sunlight hits your panels for optimum solar charging capabilities the day.
Owner’s state they like the small size of this panel and how efficiently it charges their solar generators. Owners feel it is well made and enjoy the ease of use and portability. Easy, efficient, and affordable.
As of the writing, Amazon customer reviews rate these Solar Panels a 4.7 out of 5.0 with 1173 reviews.
BLUETTI AC50S 500Wh Portable Power Station with Solar Panel
Just like the AC50s stand-alone solar generator, this combo package system can charge small appliances (Max.300W) such as…
- Smartphones 36 Times
- Laptops(45W) 9 Times
- GoPro 80 Times
- Run CPAP Machine 5 Nights
- Drone, Mini Projector, Mini Car Fridge, and other appliances
It is a vital emergency Power Backup system for RV Outdoors, Camping, or Hurricane and Other Power Outage Situations.
This package comes with the AC50s Generator, Folding Solar panels, and cabling for solar panel hookup, landline charging, and cigarette lighter charging.
Owners state the AC50s is a “Durable Power Station with multiple outlets & charging options; Easy to use and carry. Nice Design.” Owners are happy that it is a true regulated 12-volt battery. This means as the battery discharges, it will maintain a true 12-volt output during battery discharging. Many other solar generators have a hard time doing this and as the charge of the batteries lower, so does the 12-volt output that may damage 12-volt appliances of accessories that need a constant true 12-volt feed.
As of the writing, Bluetti customer reviews rate this Generator Combo Set a 5.0 out of 5.0 with 6 reviews.
