Is Solar Powered Radio Better Over Solar Generators?

When you are so far out in the woods or in deep rural areas where there are no network towers and power grids around the area, cellphones and other communication devices won't work. If you are particularly concerned about having communications around you like the news, weather, and the like, then the best solution you can surmise is using a solar power radio receiver. This type of technology has a variety of integrated PV panels, but they may not efficiently charge your portable radios due to the small size of the solar panels.

In addition to the embedded PV panels, you may also utilize the aid of portable generators to power up your portable radio transmitters/receivers. Of course, this could also be convenient to power your other devices. For today, I will discuss solar powered radio in detail and provide you with an alternative that could efficiently power up your radios. So without further ado, let’s begin.

What Is a Solar Powered Radio?

A solar powered radio is equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, but instead of plugging the device into a wall plug, it has a PV (photovoltaic panels) or solar panels that harness energy from the sun. Although some might think of them as obsolete, this is not exactly the case because they are still highly essential and vital, especially in parts of the world where network signals are hard to come by.

Below is a detailed description of solar power radio and why sticking to the more traditional acquiring is beneficial or disadvantageous—

How Does it Work?

As discussed, solar powered radio is equipped with Li-on rechargeable batteries that are charged through PV (photovoltaic panels) or solar panels. Like any solar panel, the apparatus harnesses energy from direct sunlight and converts them to usable energy, which is from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current). They store power in the equipped batteries of the radio that powers the equipment. Generally, they no longer need to be charged into a wall plug, but there are varieties that work both ways.

How Many Watts Does a Solar Powered Radio Use?

In general, a radio that is powered by solar energy requires approximately 0.5 watts to a maximum of 5 watts. It means the amount of energy it consumes for a specific period. For example, if a solar powered radio operates continuously for an hour, it is using about 5 watts hour of energy from the batteries. And if it’s about 2 hours, then you multiply 5 by 2 and you get 10 watt hours of energy consumption.

Pros and Cons

Before moving on, we have to talk about the advantages of the solar powered radio—

• First and foremost, it is energy efficient because you are using solar power.
• It is environment-friendly because you are not using disposable batteries.
• Solar powered radios are usually small and very portable.

Now, the disadvantages of a solar powered radio are as follows—

• Its solar panels are typically small that won’t be as effective when harnessing solar energy.
• The great disadvantage of solar powered energy is its dependence on sunlight. What this means is that this radio won’t be as effective as well during nighttime and when it is cloudy.

What is Solar Generator for Radio?

A solar generator for radio is basically separate equipment from your radio. They are portable and excellent for off-grid camping. Unfortunately, not all solar generators in the market are equal in regard to quality and sturdiness. To be sure of the performance and convenience of the solar generator, our best recommendation for the job is the Anker 767 Solar Generator.

This brand of solar generator is extremely portable and lightweight that makes your journey as comfortable as possible. Aside from powering up your portable radio receiver, it is perfect for your other electronics as well due to its 12 ports. In addition, it boasts a 1000W solar energy input and fast charging (GaNPrime) that puts you back on track whenever it is needed.

How Does it Work?

Similar to the panels of a solar-powered radio, a solar generator also has a PV panel that harnesses the energy coming from the sun. And then, it converts them to usable energy that powers up electronics and other devices like your cellphone or laptop. But what makes a solar generator powerful is that it is bigger, more efficient, and more capable.

Pros and Cons

There are a few things to take note of regarding the advantages and disadvantages of solar generators for radio: 

Pros:

Increased Power Output: Solar generators typically have larger solar panels and battery capacities, providing more power to run radios and other devices for longer durations.

Versatility: Solar generators can power various electronic devices, including radios, as they usually come with multiple outlets and charging options.

Backup Power: Solar generators can serve as backup power sources during emergencies or power outages, ensuring continuous access to radio communication.

Cons:

Cost: Solar generators are generally more expensive compared to solar-powered radios due to their larger capacity and additional features.

Charging Time: Solar generators may take longer to charge compared to solar-powered radios, as they need to accumulate enough solar energy to power larger batteries and support multiple devices.

Conclusion: Which to Choose?

The question of which one you’ll choose between a radio-powered solar generator and a solar powered generator depends on your specific preference. If you are only planning to use the portable radio, then it is more practical to turn to a regular solar powered generator over solar generators. But if you have several electronics that need charging once every often, then a solar generator is more appropriate for that matter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Powered Radio

The following questions that many people have about a solar powered radio—

What Size of Solar Generator is Needed to Power a Radio?

A small and portable solar generator is sufficient to bring a radio to life for extensive hours or even days since the energy consumption is not high. For example, having a solar generator like the Anker 767 Solar Generator is especially for long trips because it has a capacity of 2048Wh, which will power a 5-watt radio for more than 300 hours.

What to Consider When Choosing a Solar-Powered Radio?

When choosing a solar-powered radio, consider the following factors:

• Solar panel efficiency and size to ensure optimal charging.
• Battery capacity for extended usage when sunlight is limited.
• Radio features like AM/FM, weather alerts, and digital tuning.
• Durability and weather resistance for outdoor use.
• Audio quality and speaker performance.
• User-friendly interface and controls.
• Price and warranty for value and peace of mind.

What is the History of Solar Powered Radio?

Solar panels have been around for over 75 years now. Thus, it is not surprising that innovators in those fields started to take advantage of the technology like Calvin Fuller, Daryl Chapin, and Gerald Pearson who invented the first prototypes of solar powered radio on April 25, 1954.