Can a Solar Generator Be Used While Charging? Tips and Tricks!
Yes, solar generators can be used while charging. Charging times will vary depending on the size of the generator and the number of panels, but it is generally a good idea to start charging as soon as possible to make sure the unit is fully charged when you need it.
A solar generator is a great way to have power when you need it most. However, there are some things you should know about how to use them. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to use your solar generator while charging!
Can You Use a Portable Power Station While it is Charging?
The simple answer is yes, you can use your portable solar generator as it is charging. However, there are some things you will need to know first.
Remember that solar generators work best when they are used regularly. If you only use your generator a few times a year, it may not hold as much of a charge as you would like.
One way to get around this is to keep your solar generator plugged in and charging, even when you’re not using it. This will help ensure that the unit is always ready to go when you need it.
Before you use portable solar chargers, you must check the manufacturer’s instructions. Most solar generators will let you use them as they charge. However, there could always be exceptions.
Some solar generators explicitly prohibit the use of a solar generator while charging. Others will only allow it to be used under specific conditions. Always follow the stated instructions to avoid voiding the warranty.
Even when it is allowed, be aware that using it as it is charging means that it will lead to a greater demand for power from the generator. If it is being charged using a solar panel, it means that only on cloudy days, the solar generator may not charge enough.
If you are using AC power or DC power from the mains, you will have to be more careful. Ensure that you are not using a faulty outlet, which could cause overheating and damage to the portable solar generator. Remember that DC power can be more demanding, so it is best to use an AC power source if possible.
Why Use it When Charging?
Ideally, a portable solar generator is used as a backup. It is a convenient, compact, and mobile device. The main reason you might want to use a portable solar generator while it is charging is the convenience.
For instance, you might need to power up your emergency phone while out in the wild. Besides that, there could be sudden power outages, and you might need to charge mobile phones and other portable devices in your home.
What Happens When You Use a Portable Solar Generator as it is Charging?
When you use a portable solar generator as it is charging, some of the things that could happen are:
Energy Depletion
If you insist on using the solar generator as it is charging, one of the issues you may face is that demand will exceed supply. As such, you should avoid powering any power hungry appliances in your home. Only use it as backup power for the most essential needs in the home.
If possible, consider replacing electronic devices in your home, and use energy saving options. It could significantly reduce your household power consumption, which will help the solar generator power more devices for a longer time.
Charging Will Take Longer
If you are using solar panels to charge the power generator, it means that it will take longer to charge it up to full capacity. It is especially so if you own a large capacity solar generator, which already takes a long time to charge when you use solar panels.
When you begin draining power from it as it charges, it will take even longer to charge. This will not be a major issue if you only use it during emergencies or for a short while.
Excessive Heating
In general, a portable solar generator can heat up a lot when it is being used. This issue will only get worse if used while charging. In some instances, it might place the generator at risk of overheating.
Using a solar generator as it charges is safe. However, there is always a risk of overheating, especially if you decide to plug multiple appliances into it at once. If not checked, overheating can cause long-term damage to the solar generator and shorten its lifespan.
What Should You Look For in A portable Power Station?
The main aspects to check when choosing your portable power station are:
Battery Capacity
The capacity of portable generators is the most important aspect to check. For instance, if you need to run large appliances such as the refrigerator and washing machine, it must have enough capacity to power those items without running out of charge.
It is also important that you understand the capacity of the solar panels attached to the portable solar generator. Otherwise, it might not store enough power for use when there is no sunlight.
Weight and Portability
Another issue is the weight and portability of the portable solar generator. If you intend to use it in your RV on camping trips, it needs to have the right dimensions and handles to make it easy to lug around.
You can also look into connecting solar panels to your RV batteries instead. This will provide you with a reliable source of power on your camping trips.
However, if you need a portable generator to have as a power backup option for major events like hurricanes when the power could be gone for days, portability will not be an issue. In general, the type of solar generator you buy comes down to your personal needs.
Charging Speed
If you plan to use solar panels as your primary charging option, charging speed will need to be considered. In most places, optimal solar power conditions are only 5 hours a day even in summer. As a result, you need to ensure enough solar panels to charge up the portable solar generator for use when there is no power.
Expendability
Expendability refers to how much power can be extracted from a solar generator at a time. In some instances, you will find that the portable power station is not able to produce enough power for all the appliances in the home even when it can do so.
The reason for this is that it has an upper limit on how much power it can expend at a time. This is an important issue you need to check when buying your unit.
Number of Ports
Another important issue is the number and types of ports. Otherwise, you will need to spend more on adapters and extensions to ensure that you can power your essential appliances.
FAQ
Final Thoughts
When it comes to having an emergency power backup, powering a whole house, or simply having a power option for camping trips, portable solar generators are a great option!
Just remember to check the manufacturer’s instructions and read up on the unit you pick as much as possible to use it the right way because not all solar generators are the same.
