You may have seen "solar generators" online. They are boxes with sockets and a handle. Some come with fold-up panels. Are they the same as a solar system? Not quite.
What a solar generator is
It is a battery, a small inverter and charging parts in one box. People also call it a power station. You charge it from the wall, a car or small panels.
What a full solar system is
Panels on your roof. A hybrid inverter on the wall. A lithium battery bank. It is wired into your home's sockets.
Side by side
| Solar generator | Full solar system | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical battery | 0.5 to 2kWh | 3 to 15kWh+ |
| Typical output | 0.5 to 2kW | 3 to 10kVA+ |
| Runs fridge | Briefly | Yes, all night |
| Runs AC | No | Yes (5kVA+) |
| Portable | Yes | No |
| Install needed | No | Yes |
| Cost per kWh of storage | Higher | Lower |
Good uses for a power station
- Students in lodges near Choba or Abraka
- Laptop and Wi-Fi for remote work during outages
- Travel, church events and outdoor work
- Backup for a single room
When you need a full system
- You want the generator off for good.
- You run a fridge, freezer or AC.
- You have a family home or shop.
The money question
Power stations often cost more per kWh of storage than a full system. They are convenient, not cheap. If you need lots of power, a full system is better value.
Need something in between? Read a small solar system for one room.
