The Role of Solar Generators for Backup Power During Missouri’s Storm Seaso
When stormy weather arrives each year in Missouri, it can pack quite a punch. That means it isn’t unusual for homes here to experience a power outage or two each year. Going without power for any significant period can be expensive and even hazardous. However, not every homeowner wants to deal with a gas-powered backup generator. Even portable models have limitations and can be dangerous to operate. The good news is that there’s a cost-effective and safe alternative: a solar generator. Here’s what they are and how they can be a flexible source of backup power for your home.
What Is a Solar Generator?
When some people hear the term “solar generator,” they may envision a system of limited use. However, a solar generator refers to a system that pairs solar panels with a portable battery storage unit. The primary difference is that solar generators are less expensive to operate and involve lower risk.
With a solar generator, there’s no risk of carbon monoxide, and virtually no risk of fire. You can even keep a solar generator’s battery unit inside your home. That’s a considerable advantage at night, as you can keep devices powered without having to leave doors or windows open. There are even models you can wire straight into your home’s electrical system. In that configuration, they function as an automatic backup power source. The bottom line is that when it comes to emergency power, solar generators are an excellent choice.
Choosing the Right Solar Generator
Solar generators come in various sizes to suit any power need. You can purchase a small, portable model capable of powering phones, radios, and small appliances. Or, you can choose a system that some or all of your home can rely on during a grid failure. When selecting a system, follow the procedure below.
Calculate Critical Power Needs
The first step in your purchase process is to determine the amount of backup power you require. Start by identifying the devices and appliances you want to be operable during a power outage. They may include a refrigerator, lighting, personal devices such as smartphones, and other essential items. Then you’ll need to calculate how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) those items consume daily. To do that, find the wattage of each device and multiply it by the number of hours you’ll use it daily. If you divide the result by 1,000, you’ll get its daily power consumption in kWh.
Choose the Proper Battery Size
Using your power needs calculation, you can select a residential generator battery with sufficient storage capacity to meet your needs. You’ll want a battery capable of meeting your power needs for at least 18 hours between charges. That will help ensure you don’t run short of electricity during overcast periods or at night. If you wish, you can select a battery that meets your power needs for up to 72 hours for additional protection.
Choose the Right Companion Solar Panels
Once you have determined the battery size you require, you will need solar panels to keep it charged. To choose the right panels, you must add up the wattage of the devices you expect to use simultaneously. That will tell you the minimum wattage of the solar panels you need. However, you should add at least 25% to the value so your panels can charge your batteries and power devices simultaneously.
Select a System With an Adequate Inverter
Finally, ensure that your solar generator has a power inverter capable of meeting your peak wattage needs. A power inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity provided by your solar panels and battery to alternating current (AC). Since all your household devices rely on AC power, your solar generator would be useless without its inverter. You need an inverter that can comfortably supply the peak wattage you calculated in the previous step.
You should also take note of the type of power output any potential inverter supplies. Cheaper options typically output electricity with a modified sine wave. That’s fine for rugged electronics, but it may damage sensitive things like computers and audio equipment. For those, you’ll want an inverter that outputs power with a pure sine wave.
Your Local Solar Generator Experts
Since opening more than a decade ago, Solera Energy has become the leading provider of solar generators for storms in Missouri. And that’s no boast. We’ve provided solar power systems to more homes in the state than all our competitors combined. We also sell Arkansas storm backup solutions for homeowners to our south.
Additionally, we are a Better Business Bureau-accredited business with an A+ rating, reflecting our commitment to excellence. Feel free to read some of our customer reviews for an idea of what to expect from us. And if you’re interested in a solar generator to provide backup power to your Missouri home, call Solera Energy today!
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