🌞 Solar Generators: Are They Really Worth It? 🌞

[@locotest22]

Hi! Im new, i got a delta max 2 because our country went through an electricity crisis for three months. The device is very user friendly and covers 90% of my needs. I know i could have created a better and cheaper system but the simplicity of these machines are great as an intro to solar

[@TheOldJarhead]

First, good choice from what I know of those. Second, yes, it's a great way to start, and you can add a battery to that unit via the solar input for that extra 10% 😀

[@BigStipowski]

Yep.. Go through a hurricane without power for five days . And while you're watching Blue rays and playing Sega Genesis on your TV when your neighbors come by and ask.. When did you get power back?? Let alone having your fridge still work..

[@TheOldJarhead]

Awesome

[@elkscout1]

As much as I try to be neighborly, that's the one thing I think I'd worry about- others discovering I still had (a source for) electricity. How long would it be before somebody would be hitting me up to let them run an extension cord, or worse?, hang out at my house until the grid came back up.

[@TheOldJarhead]

I guess that can be a problem in larger communities

[@kbjerke]

Just discovered your channel and subscribed. Like yourself, I have no like (or use) for apps on a power station. I have (at present) three Jackery Explorer units and multiple small power banks. I began my adventure with solar panels on the roof and AGM batteries in the closet, but have upgraded to LiFePO4 batteries. They power the bedroom and pantry lights, and also power a 3000 watt inverter for emergency applications. Mostly I find myself using the portable Jackeries, for charging phones, radios, flashlights and many other USB appliances. I like to not keep all my eggs in one basket, so everything is spread out and diversified! I have 100 watt folding panels (2 sets) that I use when I need to recharge one or another of my banks in the back yard. No extension cords required for all my power tools!!! Thank you for the video!

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thanks for sharing your setup and welcome to the channel!

[@ronhawkins8604]

I won't lie, a big part of my power station and solar stuff is for fun. Started with my diy 1kwh and 100w harbor freight solar panels and pwm controller. Learned some and now I have two 2kwh power stations and 7 12v 100ah batteries plus a couple mppt controllers and 600 more watts of panels. It's kind of an addiction lol but I can power essentials for a couple days and only have to run one of my generators a few hours a day. Seems like a win for insurance. And now I've bought both my kids dual fuel generators and 1kwh power stations. Guess I'm a prepper lite.

[@TheOldJarhead]

There's nothing wrong with that! (I'm a Marine, being prepared is in my DNA) 😁😆

[@pasheatsi]

@ Fellow prepper lite here! I also gained a growing fascination with solar a few years ago when I started working from home. I wanted some backup for my PC, modern and router, so I wouldn’t have to go into the office If I experienced a power outage. I started with little Goal Zero Yeti 150., graduated to a Jackery Explorer 1000, and I recently got an Ecoflow Delta 2 Max plus extra Battery on Black Friday sale. Already had a transfer switch and just added 600 watts of solar. I also have a 2000 watt gas generator, so I’m feeling pretty prepared for power outages from the Ice storm coming our way on Friday. Ice storms get ugly here 😕

[@TheOldJarhead]

Prepping is a journey, first it's food then you've got a cabin in the woods and are running a YT channel teaching others how to do what you do.....oh wait 😁😂🤣

[@youtrades]

Solid video. Thanks!

[@TheOldJarhead]

You bet

[@r3d3y3z]

Under 50 cents for a watt hour, is damn good compared to few years ago

[@TheOldJarhead]

True!

[@viyusavery248]

But a gas generator without gas is just a empty storage container.. so by this logic a power station is a generator It also technically generates AC power 🤓

[@TheOldJarhead]

It doesn't generate AC power in the true definition of the word, rather it converts DC power to AC

[@TheOldJarhead]

Splitting hairs -- rotational energy is mechanical but we're getting well beyond the topic of whether or not power stations / solar generators are worth it ;)

[@TheOldJarhead]

I don't agree. Most are designed to be used after charged via 120v power, and solar is just a backup and often inadequate. As an overlander, I often use them without solar, and they are great with that.

[@apr194828]

solar is just a battery charger it generates nothing it stores dc energy in batteries to be used at a later time

[@TheOldJarhead]

Agreed

[@johnmal5975]

I bought my power stations and generator for grid down from hurricanes. I think in today's world it is wise to have both. They compliment each other very nicely. You got to have gas/propane to generate electricity from your generator. You got to have ample supply in a hurricane scenario because your not getting any fuel after a hurricane. Thats why I have both lack of sun use the generator to charge your solar. Those solar stations can extend your fuel tremendously. I did not have to use my generator after Milton and my power was out for a week. Best to have both. You can not always get gas and you will not have sunny days everyday.

[@TheOldJarhead]

That's great and my way of thinking as well.

[@jdollar5852]

We have a farm so we always have 25 gallons of fuel on hand. I have one dual-fuel generator that I never plan to use with gasoline, so I also keep 120# of propane on hand, and a small Honda that sips power but only generates 1800 watts at max. Milton knocked us out for less than a day, but 3 days before that we were smack dab in the middle of the cone. It took me 30 minutes to get everything set up, but we basically lived like normal with the propane generator and power stations. We couldn't run the central AC, dry clothes, or run our water heater, but other than that we were good. We took a shower in the camper because it has propane hot water. I recharged the so-gens with solar but the power came back on before I needed them again.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Great example of using both.

[@SolarizeYourLife]

These power stations are great keeping security cameras systems and Internet routers going all the time, they all use 12v ... I use it as an ups...and use my house solar panels...the ability to put upto 96v solar is awesome...

[@TheOldJarhead]

That's something I hadn't thought of. Good idea

[@jefftatchio6091]

Utah Jeff …. I bought 2 power stations about 4 years ago for camping. They were a game changer for camping. I have watched the tech advance on these and the price is dropping like crazy. I am considering buying a larger one currently, and I know what I want. The UPS feature is a must ! The ability to fast charge a must. The warranty has to be a minimum of 5 years. Apps are nice, but not super important. The Lipo- 4 chemistry a must. Customer service in US a must, as you will have a future problem. Unfortunately Allpower would not be my first choice. The reviews on UTube vary dramatically?

[@TheOldJarhead]

It’s always good to see someone doing their research before taking the plunge on a big purchase.

[@jonathanc2757]

I have a couple power banks all PECRON and they serve my needs for brownouts, mostly keeping wifi up and if need be the Fridge for 2 days. I even built a 600watt solar array on a frame with wheels. I will be adding more solar and add more 200ah or 300ah batteries for reserve. Great channel for info, cheers!

[@TheOldJarhead]

Nice! and thanks!

[@junkerzn7312]

Usually lower power output from AC appliances is due to the power station's output voltage being 110VAC, or otherwise drooping, whereas your utility AC can be as high as 125VAC and won't droop much.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Output was 120v on the nose and final testing (in the video) showed 1100w out of the All Powers so I'm not sure what it was but suspect the heater

[@1GREATDANE]

SIMPLE MATH and Applied Engineering Economy Governs what Our Immediate Needs Demand = Another Good Video Jarhead 🎩 Semper Fi @ 🌴 💦 Indian Creek Ranch 🌵 ⛩ 🇺🇸

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thanks! Semper Fi!

[@GerbenWulff]

I've considered it, but decided to go for a hybrid solar setup instead. We have frequent blackouts. I have a small generator, and I don't like using it. It's expensive to run and noisy. I could use a foldable panel, but I'd have to move it around frequently to avoid shading. From about 9 o'clock I can get sunshine in my garden, first at the back of the house, then on the side, but even at those places, I'd have to move it a few times. The only place I can put up solar without trees or buildings shading it is on the roof. So if I get any kind of solar, that's going to be roof mounted. It's not easy for me to get up the roof, so I'd get a fixed mount. My roof gets sunshine from about 6 AM until 4 PM. I have a small cabin, but no internet there. It might be possible to get internet through a phone signal. If I can get that to work it might be nice to get a portable unit later. But it's a coconut plantation/food forest. There is no direct sunlight at ground level, so I'd charge it at home from my solar installation and bring it out there. I'm not sure how that would work best. I could charge it with AC, but it's probably more efficient to hook it up to my battery and pretend that it's solar. I'd have to restrict the current somehow though.

[@TheOldJarhead]

DC to DC chargers work great for those and if you hook up a LiFePo4 to the solar input the amperage is restricted by the charge controller :)

[@robertberry3394]

I am an old fart like you. Live in an apt. Not many options for outside stuff. Power station on a cart. Generator on a cart. 2 spare 100ap batteries. 1-1.5 hours to charge station. 5 gallons of gas last a month. Have smart charger for batteries. Good to go and not much lifting. For you na sayers you will get old someday. Great videos. Semper fi jarhead.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thanks and Semper Fi!

[@budmartin3344]

So what is the AC Voltage feeding the heater when you using the Allpowers and when you use your house power? Are they both 120Vac? I do not see the AC Volt reding in the power meter. Since the heater is bascially an resistive load, so the lower the AC Voltage the lowe the Wattage you will get. I believe the Allpowers may be putting out less than 110Vac so lower it will show lower Wattage.

[@TheOldJarhead]

120v on the Allpowers (actually, to be fair it was 120.1v) and 119-122 on the house voltage). I was surprised but later in the video I did the test again and the Allpowers was putting out 1100w and and I decided it wasn't the power station that was doing it. Had to be the heater for some reason.

[@ewokjerky4508]

For mobility, they are worth it. If "inside" the house, build your own for the best value. I AM against buying OEM expansion batteries for mobile units as a LiTime 24v with XT60, used like solar input will work with most mobile units.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Agreed!

[@elkscout1]

nice video, but just as you mentioned, there's a lot of "yes, but...." claims in it. I'm not a statistician, but I'd bet most people drink coffee, especially those in off-grid setups, so their Mr. Coffees are going to suck up plenty of power. I'm guessing a Keurig would not use as much, especially if one turns it off after making a cup of coffee. I got what I thought was a pretty good deal on an Ecoflow delta 2, along with an auxiliary ecoflow battery, during the holidays thru Walmart. In this instance, I think the aux. battery was cheaper than buying a regular battery, as you suggested. I've noticed all the different brands are really proud of their portable/foldable solar panels, and their output is pretty limited. I intend to buy a second hand/surplus 400 watt, or larger, rigid panel to use. It seems like a no brainer, when they're going for less than $200. I even saw a 460 watt panel selling for $95. I also bought a different brand generator that is dual fuel, so I'm thinking I can either use it as you suggested to recharge the power station during a power outage and/or run something a little larger, like a refrigerator, or small heater, in addition to the power station running some things. My initial experience with Ecoflow's app was annoying, so I tend to agree with you that it's probably more hassle than a benefit, and with it being a Chinese brand, I was a little suspicious that their app might be wanting to track some of my usage/identity, since it wanted to have access to location, as well as alarms and notifications, etc. I'm trying to learn in order to build my own DIY off-grid solar system. Properly sizing the panels w/ the inverter, and battery(s) is a little challenging as a newbie. The power station made that, at least temporarily, a little easier, and I can use it as a lab to see how much Wh I'll eventually want/need. The freakin' govt. owned electric company that I have to use in Suburbia, U.S.A. limits the amount of solar panels/total wattage one can have for grid-tied units, as well as requiring either a license electrician or an EE to install it, plus the city permits, and then you have to shut it down whenever the grid has an outage. I get the safety reason, but it negates a main reason for having a solar system. I'm thinking of rewiring at least part of the house, dividing up the circuits between the grid-tie and an off-grid solar system. The off-grid would have it's own master panel with circuits feeding those devices/applicances I deem essential during an outage, such as lights, frig, and hot-water heater.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Great comment. On coffee, we use a Coleman drip camp coffee maker :) just put it on the propane stove and away you go :) We use one in our camper too. I stay away from grid tie stuff but one thing you can do is use a large enough inverter/charger and battery bank to run your house or parts of it, and use the grid as backup via the charger. Most will allow pass through/bypass usage and keep the batteries topped off, then when the grid drops the batteries take over -- it's basically the way my off grid setup works except for me, 'the grid' is my generator :)

[@jdollar5852]

A couple of thoughts mixed with some real world scenarios. Power stations/solar generators are wonderful tools for certain applications. I can't speak to this brand as I have never had one, but I do own three from 2 different companies, Bluetti and Anker. Aps. As long as the ap doesn't require registration, I'm okay with it. One thing I dislike is that many units, all 3 of mine, require the ap to change the charging speed. If you need to super charge it, you have to make that change in the ap as there is no way to do it on the unit. It's Bluetooth, so I can do it any time I am using the device. These are NOT "whole home backups." That's marketing, and I get it, but a 2k so-gen isn't going to run your entire house for 2 days, or even one day. If your fridge is more than 5 years old it will burn through 2k watts in a day by itself. They are great for running lights, your router, and a small TV or fan, but let's face it, with 17-1800 available watts you aren't running your many items for very long. I use one as a UPS on my router because every time our power blinks the router has to reset. The Bluetti solves this problem. Our power rarely goes out, but it does "blink" on occasion. The wireless chargers work, but mine are extremely slow. I can see a use for that, but I have never been in that situation. Proprietary expansion batteries are generally WAY overpriced, but they have some advantages. Mainly, they can be recharged while you are charging the unit, where my expansion options require a different charger. You can run fans if it is hot, but AC is tough. My 2k unit will run a small window unit for around 4 hours. If I rig up a couple of 12v lifepo4 "expansion" batteries in series, that goes up significantly, so I could theoretically keep our bedroom nice and cold all night if needed. With heat, these units are even more limited because heating elements are brutal on batteries. That 1500 watt space heater, on low, will barely keep a bedroom tolerable if it's the only source of heat and it will kill a 2k unit in 3 hours. What you can do is run an electric blanket. Larger inverters on small units tend to hurt efficiency because it takes more power to run and cool a large inverter. I bought my Anker specifically for my wife to use camping. It weighs around 27# so she can move it easily, and it has a 2k inverter. She can run a hot plate at 1800 watts to cook breakfast, recharge the unit in the car, and then have plenty of power to use an electric blanket all night. My larger unit weighs almost 60#, so lugging it around is an issue for her. I use my so-gens around the farm in various ways. I can run a power saw where I don't have electricity, or I can use it to recharge batteries when running Ryobi or other battery power tools. I carry a small one on the boat and use it to run a depth finder rather than killing my other batteries. The list of pros definitely outweighs the list of cons, but their advertising is deceptive at best. If you read one of these company's websites you would swear a 500 watt unit can power the neighborhood for a week. It's good to see people like you explaining the limitations of these products. You aren't saying they are "bad", just that they aren't perfect.

[@TheOldJarhead]

I really appreciate your detailed feedback! Your real-world scenarios add a lot of value to the discussion about power stations. It’s always helpful to hear from someone with hands-on experience!

[@junkerzn7312]

Well, a gasoline generator without gasoline isn't a generator either, I guess 🙂So... yah, power stations are generators, their fuel source is just a bit different.

[@TheOldJarhead]

by definition, a generator w/o gas is still a generator, but a power station is not.

[@junkerzn7312]

@@TheOldJarhead Heh. Sorry, I just gotta laugh a little. You aren't the first person to forget that fuel can be hard to come by in an emergency. Don't tie yourself into knots.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Huh? I think the confusion lies elsewhere, I have a completely off grid cabin with lpg generator for backup and 500 gallon tank. I'm confused why so many want to debate what a generator is but it's the internet after all. Meanwhile back to work! Thanks for watching.

[@david-ky7rt]

Great video. What about using a power station to cut the electrical bill down from these energy companies? Do you think it would be worth it getting one for that reason ??. He in Britain, we are getting ripped off, from these energy companies, charging what they like, then they bump the standing charge up, it's a total rip off here in the UK. Here in the UK, we are the most expensive in Europe for our energy and pay more than the U.S for our energy. ( Dave, UK )

[@TheOldJarhead]

Only if it can generate enough power from solar to last a long time. Say enough in the day to power a fridge for 24hrs, then it might. You'd be better off going the DIY solar route instead IMO

[@david-ky7rt]

@TheOldJarhead Here in the UK, we don't get much sun 😂 . It's not a good place to live. Get taxed to death. And out new government ( Labour ), will make it worse. Starner new PM, worst PM ever. I want em OUT.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Sounds like you belong here ;)

[@david-ky7rt]

@TheOldJarhead I would definitely move there if I could 👍

[@TheOldJarhead]

Well next best thing perhaps is sneaking off to the country side ;)

[@dennispeltier6142]

😊😊😊😊😊

[@TheOldJarhead]

😁😁😁

[@einyv]

I use my Delta 2 for my treadmill during on peak hours then charge it with my solar panels or during super off peak hours

[@TheOldJarhead]

Cool

[@BigStipowski]

So you spent hundreds to save pennies

[@einyv]

@BigStipowski I didn't buy it specifically for that. I bought it for backup for my refrigerator and other items in case I need it. But I'm using it for that now because I didn't feel like just having it sit and do nothing.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Even if that were the case, I see no issue with that as it's one way to learn about these units and have them handy in case they are needed.

[@einyv]

@@TheOldJarhead thanks, it was after buying the unit I became interested in solar and started consuming content from you, Will and other channels. I plan on making my own 24 or 48 v version one day as I purchase things over time, the battery, inverter, MPPT, etc.

[@MMOverlandAdventures]

Exactly Devil Dog.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Thanks! How's things?

[@MMOverlandAdventures]

Great! And yourself?

[@TheOldJarhead]

Hanging in there and dying to get back to my cabin 😉

[@MMOverlandAdventures]

Well get then!;-)

[@TheOldJarhead]

Gotta heal a hand first

[@bobmonztr]

Imo up to 7kw maximum, the price vs building a EG4 3K, 10kw batt, 4000w pv almost comparable. My system cost $30k, if I built it with Buletti on sale $76k, low power needs, portable is great. A few items that can run off 2kw units, Rugbuddy under rug heater 60w 34 hrs, my 170w can add 15c to the trailer temps' solo, electric blanket 20+hrs, omni 350w heater only 5.5hr(do not buy the 500w amazon clone they overheat and melt), small ac units 450w 4hrs, small coffee makers 800w, Honeywell 170/250w heater is crap don't buy, the 60w Rugbuddy heats better. The rug heater is great for small spaces, cars, vans, sheds, battery boxes, chicken coops? yup waterproof and won't burn anything GFCI on the cord.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Haven't seen those rug heaters! What a great idea 💡

[@robert4027]

yip. a small one for camping purposes 💪💪. bigger one for home emergency NO WAY. they rediculas expensive... for home use. go diy ...much cheaper and bigger

[@TheOldJarhead]

DIY solar us definitely the way to go for hones

[@maurice7413]

A battery is as much a generator as a gas "generator." They both convert chemical energy to electrical energy.

[@TheOldJarhead]

A gas generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. A battery converts chemical energy to electrical energy and is not a generator.

[@maurice7413]

@@TheOldJarhead then your statement that adding solar panels makes a power station a generator is incorrect, no mechanical conversion involved.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Actually I said the solar panel itself might be called one or could be. Wikipedia does address this in this way: In electricity generation, a generator[1] is a device that converts motion-based power (potential and kinetic energy) or fuel-based power (chemical energy) into electric power for use in an external circuit. Sources of mechanical energy include steam turbines, gas turbines, water turbines, internal combustion engines, wind turbines and even hand cranks. The first electromagnetic generator, the Faraday disk, was invented in 1831 by British scientist Michael Faraday. Generators provide nearly all the power for electrical grids. In addition to electricity- and motion-based designs, photovoltaic and fuel cell powered generators use solar power and hydrogen-based fuels, respectively, to generate electrical output. So I suppose one can make the argue that a battery is a generator but I don't really agree. We define a battery as a means of story generated power. But heck, I could be wrong too 🤣😉

[@goodcitizen4587]

They are generators. Instead of gas, you add solar.

[@TheOldJarhead]

By definition a generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. These neither convert solar nor mechanical energy. A solar panel though, converts solar radiation into electricity so it's closer, the power station is just a means of storing energy and providing a means of using it. I realize, for some reason people are calling these generators but they don't generate electricity.

[@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk]

The old debate if it’s a power station or solar generator. The DJI 1000 is a power station. Pretty much everything else is a solar generator. But let’s be practical. You are stranded on an island for 2 years. You have to power a small fridge that contains lifesaving medication. A Wilde tribe is attacking your position. Having no options to fight back, you need to run. You only have two hands to carry stuff. Your supplies are a 2200i Honda generator and a single 5 gallon Jerry can of gas. Or a 2000 watt EcoFlow Solar Generator and a single 400 watt folding solar panel. You need to power that fridge for two years. What do you grab?

[@TheOldJarhead]

Great analogy. However, to be a generator you must generate power. It does not. The solar panel does.

[@TheOldJarhead]

Heck, technically, the solar panel isn't either: a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy

[@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk]

@@TheOldJarhead how about a turbine? Wind or steam? If you reserve the word generator only for energy conversion happening in a combustion chamber, then you’d miss all the other forms of energy generation.

[@TheOldJarhead]

A wind turbine is a generator, in fact quite clearly it is because it is converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, so is steam and hydro. Solar panels convert solar radiation into electrical energy and while not the definition of a 'generator' I won't argue if you want to call a solar panel a generator but the power station does not and can not generate electrical energy, it stores it and allows you to use is.

[@quinterofelixchidez]

Bifocal vs monofocal solar night solar is it possible swamcooler microwave dry gas nature gen vtoman air fryer opus

[@TheOldJarhead]

Not sure the question? Can it run those things? Sure, can it run them long? It's a matter of watts used vs watts available

[@patrickhall3878]

No they are not.. gas generators have much more power for use..like to charge my battery..😊

[@TheOldJarhead]

Agreed