solar generator

[fexixav]

Why not use an inverter to charge your bike battery while you drive? My truck has a built in 450W inverter that I use with my ebike charger. I usually carry several batteries, and charge them while driving between riding destinations.

Inverters that plug into a cigarette lighter socket, like this one, are considerably cheaper than a solar generator:

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Amazon.com

If you want to charge while the vehicle is parked, then the solar generator would be an option.

Welcome to the forum and by all means, post pics of your rides! wedding videography Sunshine Coast

thank you so much for your suggestion

 

[Mikehemis]

Gas gens are great for power density, but they’re loud, smelly. I’ve had an OUPES solar generator kit (2400 model) for a while now, and it's an awesome no-maintenance solution for outages. Kept my fridge and freezer cold for a couple of days while I rationed solar input.

 

[fexixav]

I would consider doing all of the above.

Keep your gas generator. Invest in some decent solar as your backup to the backup plan. Thats essentially what I have done. I actually have two solar systems. A portable one with three folding 200w panels and a Bluetti AC200P. 2000w inverter, 2000wh LiFePO4 pack. That last part - the battery chemistry - is kind of a big deal. The Li-NMC cells we are used to talking about here on an ebike are good for the proverbial 500-800 charge cycles, subject to the usual BS about 80% charging extending this count, depth-of-discharge cautions, explosive risk and so on and so on. LiFePO4 on the other hand, is not a fire/explosion risk, is MUCH more tolerant of being left in a high state of charge for extended periods (i.e. charged and ready to go) and best of all, is good for about 3500 charge cycles if you do your part on the 80% charging (supposedly about 2000 cycles if you go to 100% - this according to Bluetti in their FB user group). Whats the catch? LiFePO4 is not as energy dense, so you need bigger batteries and that 'portable' sogen is about 65 lbs as a result.

I bought into this brand further and set up my DIY home system with it. An AC300 and three B300 packs for about 9kwh of power - I bought in on their introductory prices and saved a bundle. I bought used 200w solar panels (commercial building take-offs) for a fraction of the cost of new ones, and they perform very well.

The caveats about using solar to replenish in bad weather are entirely valid. I've personally had real good luck with mine both at the campsite and at home. One thing that can happen with my home locally is the storm can blow thru and trash the power grid. It takes the local utility a few days to fix things and that's after the storm... when the weather has cleared up and solar can top up, and since I used a generator sizing calculator to plan my system and have the equivalent of a full Tesla Powerwall in batteries, I can go for some time without having to throw away the contents of my fridge and garage freezer. Now, I don't have to go to lengths to find a gas station that has power to its pumps, and then do a cage match with all the other generator owners to see who gets to get in line.

Last time I had a power outage, I didn't even lose my internet. Switched to my phone for a wifi hotspot, used the solar and refilled over the next two days. If I had all my panels set up I could do it in one.

A solar generator could work for your situation, especially for running internet, TV, and a small fridge, and it has the advantage of being quiet and fume-free. However, runtime depends on battery capacity and sunlight, so cloudy days or high loads could be a problem. Fridge compressors have high startup surges, which some solar generators can’t handle. Your current 2200 W gas inverter generator is more reliable for heavy or continuous loads. A good approach is a hybrid: use a solar generator for light daytime loads and keep your gas generator as backup for larger or long-term power needs.

 

[Gordon71]

It's been nearly three years since I started this and only recently that I actually did something about it. Taking advantage of black friday deep discounts I purchased 1 Jackery 2000V2 unit and 1 Jackery 1000V2 along with a Jackery 200watt folding solar panel. They both have the newer battery and are supposed to be good for 4,000 charges. I like that they are light weight and I like the app that can be set so charging stops at 85% charge and when in use the unit shuts off when it reaches 15% charge. We actually had a power failure the day after I received the 2000watt unit and it was nice not to have to go outside and start my inverter generator and run extension cords into the house. That will still come in handy but will now be used to charge the solar units during longer power failures.
In the meantime I plan to charge them with solar and still use them some every week both to save a little money and because I think it would be best to make use of them rather than have them just sit around waiting for a power failure.
In the summer they will come in handy to power my electric chainsaw, string trimmer, and other tools beyond the reach of an extension cord.
I also plan to purchase a single Renogy 200watt N-type 24 volt solar panel, a 6' MC4 to DC8020 adaptor and a 4 wheel garden cart to rig up a portable charging station. I plan to hinge the panel to the cart and be able to set the angle for both summer and winter sun exposure and the Jackery unit can sit in the cart under the panel. I'll be able to then position the cart during the day for best exposure.