A solar generator is an effective power supply alternative to a costly electricity supply. However, the noise, the carbon monoxide emission, and the constant disruptions in case of energy shortage can be so frustrating. For this reason, manufacturers are coming up with innovations that aid in running the generator.
If you are wondering if you can use an inverter in a solar generator, you are in the right place. We will discuss the advantages of connecting an inverter to your solar generator.
I have seen people confuse a generator and an inverter. However, this two are different, and we will differentiate them two. Don’t go anywhere.
Do you need an inverter with a solar generator?
If you have a solar generator in your home or plan to buy one for your next camping expedition, you might be wondering how to reduce your generator’s noise. You might also be disturbed by carbon monoxide produced when the fuel is burning when the device is running. If you have an idea about inverters, you know their function well. But you might be asking, can you add an inverter to your solar generator?
The answer is yes. If you want your solar generator to last longer in case of a power outage, an inverter might be good. An inverter gets its power from the generator when it runs instead of the solar battery. You can then use the solar battery to power your load at night when there is no sun.
With an inverter, you can use the solar generator indoors or outdoors without the worry of the generator shutting down.
Inverters that run with solar generators come with a carbon monoxide safety shutoff. Moreover, some solar generators come with an inbuilt carbon monoxide shutoff, ensuring efficiency.
An inverter reduces the fuel used to run the generator. Therefore, you don’t need to add fuel now and then.
Since we have seen it is possible to add an inverter to your solar generator, we will list some importance of adding an inverter to your solar generator;
- It ensures the fuel is used efficiently.
- Inverters come with an inbuilt carbon monoxide shutoff valve.
- They reduce the noise produced during operation.
- An inverter ensures that the generator does not deplete the charge in the solar battery.
- Inverters attached to a solar battery will give you the flexibility to use it either indoors or outdoors.
Having an inverter added to your solar generator will be beneficial.
Is a solar generator an inverter?
Differentiating a solar generator and an inverter is something many people struggle to do. However, this two are very different. An inverter is an electrical device that converts Direct current into Alternating current.
If you have a stand-alone generator, you will need to run an inverter parallel. The latest solar generator reduces the struggle to connect the inverter to a solar generator, which comes with a portable inverter.
Although solar generators come with inverters, they are not the same thing.
A solar generator is an electrical device that uses fuel to power other appliances.
The section below will discuss the main differences between a solar generator and an inverter.
What is the difference between a solar generator and an inverter?
By now, you already know the function of the solar generator and an inverter. However, to differentiate the two in detail, we will discuss the main difference between the two technologies.
| Specification | Solar Generators | Inverters |
| Basics | An electrical device that uses to power appliances as an alternative to electricity | Electronic devices that converts DC into AC to power appliances |
| Power source | Main power source | It gets its power from devices such as generator |
| Capacity | High capacity device | Low capacity device |
| Application | Used in areas with long power shortage | Used with other devices |
| Price | $200+ | $100 |
| Maintenance | High maintenance | Low maintenance |
Basics: Solar Generators Vs. Inverters
Solar generators are electrical devices that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The converted energy is used to power homes and all its appliances. It acts as the main power source which is an alternative for electricity.
Inverters on the other hand are electronic devices that converted direct current to Alternating current. Ac is what is to power appliances. Inverters can be connected to electricity lines, solar lines and even generators.
Power source: Solar generators Vs. Inverters
Solar generators uses fuels such as gasoline to run. Although they use fuel, solar generators can be connected to a solar panel. You can also connect a solar battery as a power backup storage system.
Inverters on the other hand are connected to the main source of power. They do not use a lot of power to run.
Capacity: Solar Generators Vs. inverters
Since solar generators are the main power source, they are generally high capacity devices. They can power large appliances such as washers and light bulbs.
Inverters on the other hand, are devices that aid in running other devices. They therefore don’t need to have large capacity.
Application: solar generators Vs. Inverters
Solar generators are the main source of power in areas that for not have electricity. In regions like Nigeria, both the poor and the rich rely on generators as the main source of power.
Inverters on the other hand are used to improve efficiency and cut cost in main power supply.
Connection: Solar Generators Vs. Inverters
Solar generators requires a lot of expertise to configure all the settings and connect to a home system. This is different for an inverter as it come with switches and plugs. Therefore, an inverter connection is straightforward.
Price: Solar Generators Vs. Inverters
since solar generators are the main power source, they tend to be more expensive than inverters.
Maintenance: Solar Generators Vs. Inverters
You will need to check the wiring, add fuel and constantly check the components of a solar generators. This ensures it does not die on you. Inverters on the other hand are straightforward. They therefore need less or no maintenance.
Conclusion
A solar generators is a very powerful device. It converts mechanical energy to electrical energy used to power appliances. Although they are a better alternative for electricity, they also cost more in terms of fuel, safety, and they are also very noisy.
Luckily solar generators are compatible with inverters. Inverters reduce ensures the generator runs efficiently, reduce noise and has a detector that shutdown carbon monoxide emitted.
Eng. Matthew Joseph Nandirio is the Founder of walkingsolar.
After graduating from the University of Houston in 2002, matt started working as a Solar Electrical Engineer for several multi-national solar energy companies.
He has a wide range of experiences including solar system requirement analysis, planning, maintaining, debugging and even solar device development through research.
He now shares his 20 years of expertise through his articles on the walkingsolar website.
Further, he is also the author of two books on Solar Technology, “Solar Power for Villages” and “DIY Solar System for Dummies”.
