Gas generators have been a mainstay of disaster response and emergency preparation since their invention several decades ago. But with the rise of solar power and massive improvements in battery technology (think Tesla), solar power generators have become a viable alternative. In fact, we think they are far superior in almost every way. In this article we'll list the pros and cons of both, and suggest some of the best options out there.
Of course we are biased for GoSun products, but read below to see why our batter-powered electric storage banks can be your best friend when the grid fails you. Gas generators are one single unit and do not need any external pieces. They generate electricity as it is being used, as opposed to charging a battery that is later discharged (the way a solar generator would do it). They are very loud, produce pollution, and can't be used in confined spaces.
A solar generator has a battery or battery pack that gets its power from solar panels. Direct current electricity is made and then goes to a battery. It then goes to an inverter and becomes A/C power. What's great about solar generators is that they can be charged by a wall plug-in, and even a car 12 volt connection (as GoSun's Chill and Powerbank 144 can).
Solar generators are clean, have few parts, rarely break, and don't produce any pollution. They are fantastic. Scroll down to see some of GoSun's offerings in this category.
Solar Panel 10
Solar Panel 30
Our SolarPanel 30+ is perfect for charging devices using nothing but sunshine. It's simple: just connect any device and place in the sun. Under full sun, this will charge about at fast as a typical wall outlet charger. It's portable power as you go!
Solar Table 60
Designed to charge the PowerBank+, the SolarTable 60 is our fastest, most powerful solar charger. With it, you can use the sun to charge laptops, tablets, cameras, phones, and lights – or even power the Chill and Fusion at night. With a 60W collapsible solar table, you have a tempered glass table surface and shade to cover the Chill.
By keeping your appliances in the shade, this solar generator lasts longer and provides power that goes practically all day.
Power Bank 144
Our PowerBank 144 unleashes the freedom of portable power. Capable of charging laptops, tablets, cameras, phones, lights, and other devices - just plug in anywhere, anytime. Or use it to power the Chill or Fusion
Here are tech specs on our Powerbank:
| Material |
ABS Shell |
|---|---|
| Power Output |
144 wh |
| Power Input |
20V 2A ma (AC Adapter) Max Voc 28Vdc (Solar PV) |
| Ports |
USB (3x) Cigarette Lighter (1x) |
| Power source |
Electric |
| Light |
White LED Lantern Red LED Lantern |
The Chill's Solar Battery Pack
The GoSun Chill is great for many reasons. We've mentioned in other blog posts that it cools better than an ice cooler, holds way more drinks, uses far less power than a car fridge, and never needs ice.
But something that gets overlooked is how great the Chill's portable lithium battery pack is. Beyond powering the Chill, it can also charge your phones (up to three at once), any USB-enabled electrical device, and even power the GoSun Fusion, letting you cook your food and keep it hot while keeping your drinks cool.
With its powerful output of 15 amps at 12 volts, it's essentially one of the only batteries of its kind that can power all 12 volt devices. These include such electrical devices as air compressors and fans.
Tech Specs
• Output Interface: DC, Micro USB, Triple USB, USB/DC
• Input Interface: MICRO USB/DC
• LED Lamp Illumination
Video: GoSun's Solar Generator in Action
Want to see how the Powerbank works in action? Check out this video below, and see that solar generators really are the way to go.