Solar generators are becoming increasingly popular because of their convenience and environmental friendliness. This device is designed to harness the energy of the sun and convert it into a usable power source for any electrical device in the home. However, like other devices, solar generators also have a limited life cycle.
The article below will talk about the factors that affect the quality of operation, life cycle, the time the solar generator operates, and answer the question How long does a solar generator last.
Average lifespan of a solar generator
The lifespan of a solar generator depends on many factors such as the quality of the parts, frequency of use, and equipment maintenance. Typically, a quality solar generator will have a lifespan of about 20 years, if you know the suitable way to care and maintain.
In addition, the lifespan of a solar generator also depends on the type of battery it uses. Most solar generators use lithium-ion batteries, which are famous for their durability and long life. It can be said that this is the type of battery most suitable for solar generators, which can last at least 10 years. The number of charging and discharging cycles also plays an important role in determining the lifetime of a solar generator.
Another factor that can prolong the lifespan of a solar generator is the quality of the solar panel. Solar panels are designed with materials that can withstand harsh weather such as hail, snow, and high temperatures. The durability of your solar panels will ensure that your solar generator will operate optimally over the long term, giving you maximum return on investment.
Maintenance and Care Tips to Extend Lifespan
Below are some notes on how to preserve and care for your solar generator to help maintain its efficiency and longevity for the longest time.
Proper Charging and Discharging
Circulating charging and using the battery in moderation helps maintain a healthy battery for a longer period of time. We need to avoid the situation where the battery is completely depleted.
To avoid costly battery replacements, you should replace the battery every six months. You should use a quarter of the battery’s capacity at a time and then recharge so the solar generator stays at 50-75%. This range ensures the solar generator does not run at too low a battery level or charge too low.
Storage Recommendations
The correct way to store the solar generator when not in use is to keep it in a dry area. Avoid moisture and corrosion on the generator.
Also, when not in use, make sure that the generator is completely turned off. Keeping it at 50% battery level will help prevent battery discharge. The temperature should be stable, not too hot or too cold, and it should be in a completely dry environment.
Covering the generator can help ensure a fairly clean state. It can prevent any debris or dust from accumulating in the ventilation system of the device.
Cleaning solar generator and solar panel
Regular cleaning is the simplest way to maintain the life and performance of the solar generator.
You should use a soft cloth such as a non-static microfiber cloth, this material helps to remove dust particles and small dirt. This type of cloth also needs chemicals or disinfectants to clean properly. With plain water, you can slightly dampen the cloth to remove debris.
During the cleaning process, you can also easily check the machine parts to solve problems of damage or performance degradation early.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a Solar Generator?
If you invest in a high-quality solar generator, it may take just over an hour to charge. In contrast, lower-quality generators may take several hours to charge.
You can invest in portable rechargeable batteries that will reduce time of charging. These batteries can also run simultaneously with your solar generator while it is charging. For example, you can consider Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000, which is a great choice with large capacity and fast charging capabilities.
If you live in an area prone to power outages or are simply afraid of sudden power outages, it’s a good idea to stock up on items like BLUETTI EB70S Portable Power Station, smart batteries can power multiple devices at once, ensuring continuous power in emergency situations.
How Long Will a Solar Generator Run Common Household Items?
Typically, a solar generator will provide electricity to household appliances for the following periods of time:
Water heater
Water heaters use a lot of energy to heat the tank, more energy than a refrigerator-freezer combo, a flat-screen TV, or even an air conditioning system. Regularly, a water heater will require 4,000 watts.
As for how long it takes to fully power your water heater, this depends on how many solar panels are attached to your generator — and what type of generator you have. For example, if you have a 1,000W solar generator with four solar panels, it could take 3 to 4 hours to fully power your water heater.
Large appliances
For large appliances like washing machines and refrigerators, the time it takes to fully charge also depends on the generator’s capacity and the number of solar panels. For instance, a refrigerator uses about 150-200 watts, a washing machine can use around 500-800 watts.
To be more specific, if you use a 1000W solar generator with four panels, you can fully charge a refrigerator in around 1-2 hours, and it can take 2-3 hours to fully charge a washing machine.
Small appliances
While refrigerator requires lower and steady power at 120W, a microwave requires more at 1300W. You can expect to use it continuously for about 1.5 hours for one charge.
A hair dryer use more power, at 1600W, and can be used for 1.1 hours. However, you rarely use it for a very long time at once.
Small appliances such as a coffee maker (1000W) or an electric frying pan (1200W) can operate for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Large electronic equipment
A 50 inch flat screen TV consumes power equivalent to a refrigerator. If you run it at an average level of 100W, your solar generator can run up to 15 hours.
Small electronic devices
Smartphones don’t need much power. On average, they just use about 5 watt. The amount of power is lower than the power needed to charge a light bulb, therefore, you can easily use a solar generator to charge for using a smartphone for up to 189 hours or more.
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