How Long Can a Solar Electric Generator Run in an Outage?

A solar electric generator is able to efficiently run your appliances in the home whenever there is a power outage. There is no doubt in that. But the question in everyone’s mind right now is the length of time that the generator can do so. Power outages can take hours before electricity is restored. You want a system that can provide you with the comfort and convenience of power throughout the whole power outage, not just a portion of it. With that in mind, here is a practical guide to you on how solar electric generators work and the duration that they work during these kinds of situations.

Solar Generator Guide: How Long Does It Last?

Power Range

The length of time that a solar electric generator can last during a power outage is dependent on a number of factors, two of which can greatly affect it: the power input and the power output. The power input of a solar generator is dictated by the solar panels’ ability to convert solar energy to electrical energy. This, in turn, is stored on the batteries of a power station, which can be delivered to the appliances that you use. The power output is the generator’s ability to provide the power rating to your household. A higher power rating means that the solar power system will be able to supply a higher power output to run appliances that require high power to function.

Factors determining duration

The power input from the solar panel will tell you the length of time that the batteries will be at full capacity. When you have full batteries, you can now determine the amount of electricity that your appliance can use at home. The power output is the electricity that flows from the battery to your household. As long as both the solar power input and the power output can function efficiently, you will have a continuous electrical supply for your devices. When solar energy is limited, your batteries’ levels start to diminish as you continue to use your appliances. As more equipment is run using the power generator, you will also deplete the stored electricity more quickly. It is best to factor in the number of days that you want a steady supply of electricity when you buy a solar power system for your home.

Example

In the real world, you would need a minimum of a 2kWh to 3kWh solar generator to power your home's appliances. During a power outage, you have the option to minimize your usage to just the essential equipment, like the fridge, AC, basic lighting, and a few outlets for mobile charging. When you are going to buy a power generator system, you have to consider the number of solar panels to place on your property that will supply the electricity to your batteries. At the same time, you also have to consider the power station that you will use to manage the outgoing electricity to your home. As you expand your system, you gain more time in using electricity to power your appliances.

Conclusion

The solar electric generator provides a convenient option for you to still experience the comfort of your home during a power outage. To extend the length of time that you have electricity at home without the power grid, you have to consider getting enough solar panels that your home can accommodate. You also have to increase your solar power generator and expansion batteries to ensure that you have an ample amount for your house. This can give you days of continuous electrical supply to power your appliances, even with the ongoing situation of power outages.