Emergency Power - Have you ever thought about a Solar Generator?

[revhtree Verified Admin]

I was searching around the net and came across this. This could be a great option for us as tank owners as well. Seems like it would be very expensive but this one particular model is $1,697.00.

What are your thoughts on these types of generators?

image

Are You Ready For Unexpected Power Outages?

If you have ever wanted to have an emergency "backup" system that supplies continuous electrical power, this will be the most important message you will ever read.

Here is why.

There is now a completely portable (and ultra-high efficient) solar power generator which produces up to 1800 watts of household electricity on demand when you need it most. News of this "solar backup generator" (it's the first "off-the-grid" breakthrough in 50 years) is spreading like wildfire all across the country!

Why?

The answer is easy. You see, this solar generator is extremely powerful and yet very simple to use. It produces continuous electricity and runs with absolutely no noise whatsoever. It emits no fumes. But the best part about the solar generator is that it...

Generates Free Electricity!

The unit then stores the power for your use when you need it. We all face natural disasters, with hurricanes, tornadoes, snow and ice storms cutting off electrical power to millions of Americans each year.

Then there are man-made disasters and outages. Blackouts and rolling brownouts are becoming common in many parts of the United States as our politicians herd us off into third-world status. And never forget the possibility of a terrorist attack directed at a few of our nation's power plants. Since the nation's power grids are all "connected," crippling one plant starts a cascading downward spiral of darkness.

 

[JMSKI333]

Price isn't too bad considering a Honda Gas generator costs about the same money.

 

[mrbee2828]

On the rare occasion that I lose power here in Virginia Beach, VA, it's during a hurricane.... cloudy and rainy and that thing would get destroyed. Great idea but not practical for myself I don't think.

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

Great concept, interested to see the estimated battery lifetime. I would assume, as with any battery, they go bad over time and would need to be replaced.

Good point mrbee2828, generally when I lose power it's during a major snow or ice storm.

 

[drtyjrzy]

I would have killed for something like that after sandy, I lost my whole tank, no power for a week and half then it came back on for a few hours and went back out for 3 more days!!!!

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Does it continually generate 1800watts, or just store a few hours of power? Judging by the panel size, I would say the latter.

 

[AZDesertRat]

I guarantee you thats not an 1800 watt solar panel. Its probably 40 watts maximum. The inverter may be capable of 1800 watts intermittent but the panel is nowhere near that.
UPG Solar Power Generator - 1800 Watts, 5 Outlets, Model# Ecotricity 1800S | Battery Backup Packages| Northern Tool + Equipment
Heartland America: Solar Home & RV Kit - 1800 Watts
1800 Watt Solar Generator Complete with (2) 100 AH Batteries - Solar Generator for Home, Office, Remote Cabins & More!
Solar Generator from Phono Solar | The Home Depot - Model 1800SG

 

[jelly]

good idea but what about a wind turbin?

 

[AZDesertRat]

The problem with any alternative power source is storing the power in DC storage batteries then converting it to 120v AC, its an expensive proposition no matter what you use. My sister in law had probably $10k invested in an off the grid system and that was just for a small cabin in Northern AZ that only saw occasional use. I have looked at solar power for my RV to make boondocking without running the Onan generator a reality but I don't have the space or the funds for everything it would take and thats only for a 25' toyhauler using all LED lighting and 12v appliances.

 

[hectorevalero]

Copied this from the website - This generator produces 2600 Surge Watts and 1,440 Running Watts.

Panel is pretty big at 48" - Two 24.38in. x 1.5in. x 21.25in.

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Copied this from the website - This generator produces 2600 Surge Watts and 1,440 Running Watts.

Panel is pretty big at 48" - Two 24.38in. x 1.5in. x 21.25in.

That panel is really insignificant, I remember hearing that each one of the squares within the panel produce a whopping 1.5watts. It all depend on how long the batteries last.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

What do you think would do the job?

 

[sven.fischre.de]

HI,

I was recently working in solar business.

You can calculate 0.80 - 1 USD/Watt peak of solar panel only. The inverter is about 200 USD, but the battery is the key. Running standard car batteries isn't possible, as the are made for 50 cycles only! So you have to got to Li-Ion technology, especially to LiFePO4 that handels about 1000 cycles. By all circumstances you will not be cheaper at about .50 - 1 USD/KWh cycle - without the costs of the solar panel.

Having 1 Watt solar panle is rated at perfect position, just 25 °C cell temperature with zero clouded wether of 1000 W/m². If you count the hours of perfect sun per day you can cut additional 50% to have the daily power about.

I love solar, but it has strong expectations that it usually can't deliver.

Sven