Solar generator thread

[Toolbox]

The Soviet Union used RTGs to power Polar Lighthouses but that didn't end well. They eventually got looted and vandalized after being abandoned, which turned them into radioactive zones when the shielding was broken.

You'd think the use of radioactive material would imply the need for security, good to know that the soviets never learned.

 

[Narr Then]

Stick with your diesel genny. Filter used veg oil, thin it with diesel, save money.

I've got a 500+w solar system just for running my freezer. I still need to use my petrol genny in winter and can only have it running for around 6hrs a day altogether. I can power it for around 14-18hrs in summer. I'm planning to get one of those fancy lithium batteries soon to improve on that, altho my current batteries are far from garbage. I might exchange my 240v freezer for a 12v fridge freezer as well, coz honestly, running a 240v appliance like that off solar has been 2 year pain in the fucking arse. live in the north of the UK tho, if you live somewhere super sunny that hardly has any winter and very little cloud cover then a solar genny might not be a complete waste of money. Only if you get the most powerful one available tho.

They're only good for charging phones and small TVs for a few hours IMO.

 

[Kelly's Yeeted Legs]

Solar generator = misleading term for marketing batteries in fancy cases to preppers.

You need a power source of some kind to charge the battery. An actual gas or diesel generator can do this probably cheaper and more efficiently than solar panels.

That said, my home is solar powered and independent of the grid when necessary. The whole setup -- panels, psw inverter (to provide 110 volt AC power), charge controller and lithium batteries cost me $13,000 in 2016. It will run the microwave but not the air conditioner.

 

[Just Some Other Guy]

It will run the microwave but not the air conditioner.

Common issue with generators. People forget you need 220v to power an A/C condenser. Along with any other large electric appliances (oven, dryer, etc).

 

[Kelly's Yeeted Legs]

Common issue with generators. People forget you need 220v to power an A/C condenser. Along with any other large electric appliances (oven, dryer, etc).

NA, my rooftop AC is 110v. Likewise my window AC. Either one will run off my gas generator.

 

[Just Some Other Guy]

NA, my rooftop AC is 110v. Likewise my window AC. Either one will run off my gas generator.

Oh, thought we were talking central air.

 

[King Vidiot]

When the Inflation Reduction Act was passed in the US earlier this year, the federal tax credit for installing new solar systems and energy storage devices was increased to 30% through 2032. Keep in mind this is a tax credit and not a rebate, so you only save money if you have a tax bill that can be offset by the credit. Check out the energy.gov website (archive) for more details. With utility companies everywhere raising rates this has me wondering if going full solar could be the best long term option to save money on electricity.