What Size Solar Generator Do I Need? (Power Station Tips)

If you're looking to power your devices while on the go, a portable solar generator could be the solution you need. These compact and efficient power stations provide reliable energy wherever you are. In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you how to determine the best unit for your specific energy needs. From practical advice on usage capacity and wattage estimates to reviewing the different types of solar panels available, you'll gain a better understanding of everything you need to know about choosing the right generator for you. let's start!

How to Choose the Right Size for Power Stations

When choosing the right size for your power plant, you must consider two key factors: continuous power and peak power.

Continuous Power

Continuous power is the amount of electricity a power station can provide over an extended period of time. If you plan to power multiple devices at the same time, you'll need a power station with a larger capacity than you can use with a single device. Then consider the sum of the wattages of all your devices to determine how much total continuous power you need from your portable power station.

Peak Power

Peak power is the maximum amount of electricity a power station can provide for a short period of time. This is important because some appliances require 3-10 times more power when they are first started than when they are running, for example a refrigerator requires about 10 times as much power to start up as it does at steady output. In order to ensure that your device has enough wattage when it is first turned on, you must purchase the peak power that can meet the peak power requirements of your device when it starts up.

How Many Watts Do I Need in a Solar Generator's Power Station?

When choosing a solar generator, one of the most important questions is "How many watts do I need?". To answer this question, you need to calculate the total wattage of all the appliances that will be powered by your solar generator.

• Get total hours for all devices

The first step is to obtain the total power hours required. This can be done by multiplying the hours required by each device by its wattage. For example, if you have two electric fans that each require 4 hours of power, then you can multiply the hours by 2 fans (4 x 2 = 8).

• Get the total wattage of all devices

The second step is to calculate the total wattage of the device you will be charging. The wattage of each electrical appliance is generally marked on the product parameters, and you can check it directly. If unfortunately that doesn't work, you can also look at the amperage measurement and multiply that number by the item's voltage to get its wattage.

• Calculate total watt-hours for all devices

If you want to power two 50 watt fans for two hours each. Then, you need to find the total watt-hours you need:

To calculate the total hours: multiply the 2 hours of electrical energy by the 2 electric fans. (2 x 2) = 4

Multiply them to calculate the total watt hours. (4 x 50) = 200

Then, divide your answer by 0.85 to calculate a constant rate of 85% power consumption while the device is charging:

200 Wh / 0.85 = 235 Wh

This means you'll need a power station that can deliver at least about 235 watt hours to meet your goal of being able to power two 50 watt fans for 2 hours each.

Finally, when choosing a solar generator, make sure it has enough starting wattage and peak power limits to handle all your appliances.

Different Sizes of Anker Power Station

As a global pioneer in charging technology, our power stations stand out. We offer a diverse range, from the compact, portable 535 Powerhouse to the colossal 767 Powerhouse. Now, let's explore the capabilities of various power station models in sequence!

Anker 535 Powerhouse (512Wh | 500W)

The Anker 535 Powerhouse is an excellent choice for those who need a small, reliable power source on the go. This is a small solar generator with a capacity of 512Wh. If you only need to power some necessary equipment outdoors, such as lights, mobile phones, etc., then don't miss this portable mini product. It's small, but has all the ports you need to charge your devices and appliances. It comes with 4 AC ports, 3 USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and a car outlet.

Anker 555 Powerhouse (1024Wh | 1000W)

If you need more power and capacity, the Anker 555 Powerhouse is another great option. This 1024Wh solar generator has a 12 port power supply. Ideal for large outdoor events, it can provide energy for larger appliances such as coffee makers and hair dryers. Rather than a typical 2-year lifespan, the Anker 555 Portable Power Station boasts a reliable 10-year daily usage design. Furthermore, it provides an exceptional 5-year comprehensive warranty, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Anker Powerhouse 767 (2400W | 4096Wh)

Anker 767 Powerhouse comes with a distinctive RV port, four AC outlets supporting up to 2400W, three USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a pair of car sockets, enabling simultaneous device charging. Consequently, it's ideal for lengthy camping excursions or RV journeys.

Summing Up

Purchasing a solar generator is an investment that can pay off in the short and long term. Even with so many potential size and power options, we can make a decision based on our individual needs. We hope this guide has given you a useful overview of what to consider when choosing the right size solar generator for your unique situation. Remember, whether you're looking for a small version to power a few appliances, or you're considering using solar power to power your entire home, be sure to do the math to choose the right product.

FAQs

Can You Charge Any Device with a Power Station?

It is possible to use a power station to charge electronic devices in most cases, as long as it is compatible with the power station's output options. Almost all computers and mobile phones can be charged using power stations. Because there are multiple output ports such as AC ports, USB-A ports, USB-C port, and car outlet on the solar generator to match your equipment.

Can a Power Station Jumpstart My Car?

Power stations cannot directly jumpstart a car, as it requires a 12-volt DC power source, while power stations generate AC electricity. However, with supplemental equipment, power stations can be used for jumpstarting. Before using, it is advised to consult the specific instructions and capabilities of the power station, and it is generally recommended to use dedicated jumpstarters or jumper cables for safe and efficient jumpstarting.

How Long Can a Power Station Power My Device?

The amount of time the power station can supply power to your device depends on the capacity of the power station and the power consumption of the device. To calculate how long a power station can power your equipment, you need to consider the following formula:

Duration = (power station capacity) / (equipment power consumption).