With 45% of all new generation capacity in the US in 2023 being solar, it’s safe to say that solar is experiencing explosive growth1. Even the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Dr Fatih Birol, feels optimistic about progress on climate change because of solar2. But what’s behind this surge in solar, and what does this mean for homeowners?
For many US homeowners, solar has become an increasingly attractive option. And for good reason. Not only is it more affordable than retail electricity in most of the country3, but there’s also growing policy support to encourage consumer adoption. But perhaps that’s not the full story.
A big part of the appeal of solar is the peace of mind that comes with having power, even during a blackout or extreme weather event4. Of course, it’s not as simple as that. Without a safe and reliable way to store or produce energy, you, too, may find yourself in the dark during a blackout. And that’s where solar generators and solar battery backups come in.
But that begs the question: solar generator (also known as portable power stations) or solar battery backup? How do you know which is the right one for you? And which is the best emergency power option? While it may seem like an overwhelming choice, it actually all comes down to a few factors that largely depend on your specific needs and circumstances.
Let’s explore solar generators
If you’ve decided to go the solar generator or portable power station route, there are a few things you need to know. Despite their name, solar generators don’t run on fossil fuels. Instead, these rely on solar panels to generate electricity, which the generator’s battery then stores for later. This makes them a renewable source of energy5. Solar generators are the ‘clean’ alternative to small portable gasoline-powered generators6. They’re portable and relatively easy to set up, making them a good option for outdoor activities like camping.
Solar generators work by converting energy from sunlight into electricity. To do this, they are packaged into a system, and they consist of four main components7.