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Solar Generators are the latest tech trend that’s currently buzzing. Now because I like you a lot and I know that you’ll be Googling for it. So, I have decided that I should give you an Introduction to Solar Generators. Let’s get started.

Introduction To Solar Generators

Now when you hear the word Solar and Generator, your mind will most likely conjure two very separate and for the most part, opposing images. A solar powered set up is clean, quiet and modern. A power generator is loud, noisy, messy and ancient. So what’s the connection between a solar set up and a power generator?

Well, I believe I can help you connect the dots. Now for you to run a traditional solar setup, you’ll need to install:

1. Solar panels outside
2. A solar charge controller (MPPT)
3. Big batteries (tubular, dry cell, NMC or lithium)
4. A power inverter

Now whilst these are the major components, they’re not all. You’ll need cables and connectors to connect all these units together. You’ll also need racks and rails to pin them to walls or help them stand, not to mention AC/DC breakers and what have you. These installations run into the millions of Naira, they’re expensive to setup and expensive to take down in the event that you want to move houses.

However with a power generator, you would have no such issues, because it’s usually plug and play. You put in petrol (gas) and lubricant (engine oil) and you’re all set. The power generator doesn’t need any fancy installation and it is portable too! Meaning that you don’t need any special setup to run a generator. All you need is a changeover switch connection which most homes already have by default and you’re all set.

So some smart people, smarter than you and I decided to combine the clean energy of a solar setup with the plug and play portability of a power generator. And just like that…we have what is now known as a Solar Generator.

Solar Generator

A solar generator is an all-in-one portable power station that integrates a battery, a charge controller, and an inverter to store energy from solar panels or the grid and safely power everyday household appliances.

So they took a charge controller, an inverter, a battery as well as other components, connectors and cables, and put all of them together into a portable box that you can carry around. Easy as you like.

In fact, having spoken to two Chinese manufacturers myself, there are whole factories in China that are dedicated to the production and shipping of these solar generators to Africa (Nigeria specifically)!

You buy one, you charge it till it is full, because they can charge off grid power (NEPA), and you simply use it when there’s no grid power or as you choose. You can also connect it to a panel outside and use it concurrently whilst it is charging.

Why Learning About Solar Generators Is Crucial

I believe this is the latest tech trend that will blow up because the power situation doesn’t seem like it’s going to be improving anytime soon.

So yes, solar generators are here and they are real. I’m very sure that you might have seen a fair few being advertised on your socials. Many people have rushed to buy them and they have been burned.

Now just like with your average smartphone, there are many variables to consider before running out to purchase a solar generator. A woman I know ran to get a 500W, 1kWh system from a prominent Nigerian brand for over 400k ($290). To add to this, she spent close to 50k on a wall installation and soon learned her lesson the hard way.

Not all solar generators are equal. The concept of overpricing very much exists here. People will gladly cheat you and you’ll buy an overpriced and underpowered all-in-one solar generator that cannot power your home for even 3 hours comfortably.

Solar Generators have a lot of advantages. They are clean, quiet and portable for the most part, unless you’re buying a 5kW/15kWh system. They can be charged off the grid or via solar and they’re more affordable than a traditional solar setup.

Specs You Must Learn

However, you need to know about charge speed for both AC and solar input, power ouput is very important as well. There are solar generators that can power your hot plates, blenders, fridges and even pressing irons and there are those that will struggle with bulbs, fans and a few chargers. Battery life (immediate and long-term) should also be of great concern to you I’m sure.

So for the next few posts, from a consumer’s perspective we’ll be deeply looking at these things one by one.

Even if you’re not interested in a solar generator, people around you might be. You could become their expert and save them from throwing their money away.

As usual, I’m all for contributions, corrections and what not. We’ll dive into the topic much more in the coming days. Cheers 🥂

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