It’s not always an easy or a difficult task to find the right portable solar generator for a camper, RV, van or the likes. In fact, if you plan to build one on your own, it would be more of an endeavor than what you could think of.
However, a solar powered generator kit has altered the entire idea of taking up complicated tasks. It’s more like an all-in-one unit that doesn’t to cause trouble for anyone who knows how to follow instructions. You have to start by attaching solar panels with a battery and power sockets in a box followed by connecting a solar generator to transfer output to its desired place.
Here, the real deal is to pick the right solar generator kit that doesn’t only meet your power requirements but also stays portable and light on the pocket.
Components in a Solar Generator Kit
A solar generator kit involves all basic elements, namely solar panels, a charge controller, solar batteries and an inverter. It is called a solar generator bundle as it has everything that is needed to generate power. On the other hand, there is another unit having a battery, power sockets and a solar input- known as portable power station- that, when combined with solar panels, becomes a solar generator.
Choosing the Right Size of A Solar Generator Kit
There are three major things to consider: available space, number of solar panels and type of battery.
- Available Space: To begin with, you have to figure out how many rooms you want to light up with an off-grid power station. Don’t worry, they can easily accommodate any space since they are smaller than 12V battery systems. In fact, keeping them in a camper trailer or motorhome is a good idea. For tear-drop trailers and vans, you have to decide the size of battery and number of solar panels.
- Pick a Solar Battery: If your daily consumption is around 700Wh, then you have to get a bigger battery than 700Wh because it’s not a good idea to go from 100% power to 0% every time. It will affect battery’s useful life and storage capacity.
- Pick Solar Panels: First of all, find the required/output watts and then pick solar panels based on the rated output (which is usually 160W or 110W). If you get at least 70% numbers on the box, it’s a huge success because it will give good energy conversion. Adding 4 solar panels of 160W makes 640W in total that are enough to produce 2000Wh electricity in around 4 hours.
Conclusion:
Selection of a suitable solar generator kit is not as easy as it seems like. You need to have basic knowledge about each part along with its purpose so that it can be easier for you to pick something worth the spending.
