Climate change is becoming more and more of an issue and is affecting many people. Many want to change something, do something good for nature and perhaps prevent the climate catastrophe from getting worse.
But what can the individual do to be effective? If you are thinking about buying a solar generator, you are on the right track.
Because, of course, everyone can help the environment with small actions and behavioral changes. Energy-saving lamps, for example, are ecologically very valuable and are already widely used.
With a solar generator, the light of the sun is converted directly into electrical energy by a solar module or photovoltaic module. The module consists of various solar panel cells that are connected in series vs. parallel.
The solar modules are available in flexible and rigid versions. The rigid solar modules usually consist of silicon-based solar cells that are mounted on an aluminum frame and covered by a glass plate.
This protects the solar cells from environmental influences. However, there are also flexible solar modules that are based on organic materials and are primarily used in the mobile sector.
The structure of a solar module
A solar module consists of a glass pane, mostly so-called toughened safety glass (ESG), which has a transparent plastic layer (ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or silicone rubber) on the side facing the sun, in which the solar cells are embedded. An aluminum frame serves to protect the glass pane during transport and handling and is also used to attach the solar modules to one another.
An alternative to solar energy is wind power energy. There is an effective way to live in an environmentally friendly way, and that is with renewable energy. Generate energy in an environmentally friendly way. This is possible with solar energy and wind energy. There are already small wind turbines for personal use, where you can convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy and use it for yourself.
What can I use solar generators for?
These types of generators are used to generate electricity. The sun’s rays are converted into electricity in the built-in solar modules. This energy can then be used directly by private devices. On vacation, smartphones and tablets can be supplied with electricity. Small mobile machines can be stowed away to save space. Whenever the sun shines, the energy is collected and stored. At home, the modules can be placed in the garden or on the balcony. Solar energy regularly provides additional energy at this location. It can be used to illuminate the garden or operate radios or similar.
What is a solar generator?
A power generator is used to generate electrical energy if you want to make yourself independent of the public power grid. A generator converts mechanical energy into electricity. Whether petrol, diesel, gas or solar generator – all serve to produce electrical energy.
The solar generator comes from solar energy because a solar generator converts the solar energy, which it captures with the support of solar cells, into electrical energy. Therefore, some also refer to a solar generator as an energy converter. The solar battery already mentioned is among the most important components, of which there can be several.
Depending on how many solar cells are included, a distinction can be made between different systems. If you want to buy a generator, the systems are already available in small sizes for personal use. For example, when camping, you can create your own energy from the sun.
Since the sun’s rays hit the solar cells directly, this is immediately converted into electrical energy. Individual solar cells are responsible for the conversion. This is how you easily become a consumer who is independent of the power grid. The various solar cells can also be connected together in a group to generate even more energy. It is only important that the solar cells are integrated into a photovoltaic system and together form a solar generator in order to be able to release the energy gained.
How does such a generator work?
The different silicon layers of a solar cell are doped differently. The negative and positive layers separate as a result of solar radiation. This process creates friction between the atoms. The heat is then converted into electricity. The dopants can consist of different substances. It may have been made from boron, arsenic, or phosphorus. A direct current flows at the p-n junction in the case of sun rays.
The resulting voltage between the two layers is then fed into the power grid via contacts. In mobile solar generators, solar cells are made from organic compounds. The hydrocarbon compounds are light in weight. In the event of damage, no toxins are released.
What do I have to consider when buying?
Before purchasing a generator, it should be clarified what output it should provide. Mobile machines are often only capable of low power output. Electronic devices can still be charged without any problems. Small and portable generators claim to successfully power cell phones and tablets. They are therefore equipped with a corresponding slot. Household appliances often require a higher voltage. Generators that are supposed to produce a correspondingly high wattage work with several collectors. These will be set up if necessary.
Outputs of up to 2,400 watts can be generated. A 5000-watt solar generator is the perfect home backup power source. This means that several household appliances can be supplied with electricity at the same time. Interested parties should clarify before purchasing where the solar panels may be installed. Apartment owners often only have direct sunlight on the balcony. This should then be in a southerly direction. In this case, the intensity of the rays is used most effectively.
How many watts are solar generators?
The power of the various mobile devices ranges from under 200 watts to over 2000 watts. The number of solar collectors plays a major role. The size of the individual elements also influences the amount of energy that can be generated. If solar generators are installed on the roof, the orientation to the sun plays an important role. The roof area that faces south to the sun exposure can generate the highest amount of electricity.
With these solar generators, the whole house can then be supplied with the required energy. At times when the sun is not shining, or the panels are covered with snow, other power sources have to be used.
How much space do I need to set up?
The generators do not occupy a very large space. Some models can be put in the backpack. You can also provide the energy you need when trekking in the sun. The generators are then connected to the foldable panels. These are designed in such a way that the sun can shine directly on them. Mobile phones and tablets can be charged at any time, even when traveling in the countryside. This way, they are always ready to use. Generators that are intended to provide greater power are correspondingly more voluminous. They can still be easily transported in a caravan or a car.
The weight can be moved by one person. It can be placed in a dry place if necessary. The solar panels for campers then take up the larger space. They are aligned in such a way that the sun can shine on them. An unfolded element then takes up over 2 meters in length. The tilt is adjusted according to the position of the sun. If you want to use these panels for an emergency generator, you quickly need several elements that can capture the radiation.
What is a balcony power plant?
This term describes the possibility of generating electricity on private property. Solar panels are installed on the side facing the sun. They can be attached to the house wall or the balcony parapet. The construction of such a small power plant does not require any structural changes. It can, therefore, also be realized by tenants or owners of a condominium. The panels are simply hung on the parapet. The size does not exceed the actual dimensions. Depending on the construction, they hang inside or outside on the balcony frame. The generator is on the balcony.
It should be protected from moisture. The machine is then connected to the power supply with a plug. The generated solar power can be consumed by yourself. The energy can also be fed to the electricity supplier. The costs of a balcony power plant are therefore limited to pure acquisition costs. The commissioning does not cause any additional expenses.
What are mobile solar generators?
The flexible variant refers to the models that are only used occasionally. They can vary greatly in size and performance. This term can be used to describe generators that are light and small. These devices can only achieve low wattage. Machines that are to be operated as emergency generators require significantly more power. Both the actual generator and the panels are noticeably larger here. Nevertheless, the devices are only put into operation when required.
If the public power supply collapses, these machines generate the required energy. Storms and floods often cause power failures. If the people concerned have a powerful unit, they can generate their own electricity using the sun’s rays. The devices in the household can thus continue to be used.
Does a generator have to be on the roof, or where do I put it?
The actual generator is the device that converts the sun’s rays into electrical energy. He must always be in direct contact with the individual panels. If a DIY solar system has been installed on the roof, the associated generator will move into a position close by. It often finds a sheltered place directly under the ridge. The lines can also lead down into the basement. The structural execution should always be planned with experts. You know which models promise the most effective benefits for a specific building.
