We are often asked which is better: solar power or petrol generators?
Advantages of Solar Generation
- Solar systems start charging the moment the sun comes up in the morning and continue through sunset, all year long.
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If, for example, you have drained 40 amps overnight and want to put that same amount back in, the output from a 300-watt solar system will measure about 15 amps at the battery in full sunshine and about 2 amps in overcast weather. Usually, the 40 amps will be replaced by midday, though this may vary depending on cloud cover and the size of the solar system.
- Well-designed MPPT-type solar systems will perform a three-stage (bulk-boost-float) charge cycle almost daily.
- A fitted solar system requires no effort and will probably start charging before you get out of bed.
- A fitted system takes up little or no space in the compartment. Instead, it only uses some roof space.
- No fuel required, free to run, no fumes, and no noise.
- Requires little or no servicing aside from cleaning the panels once a year.
- DOC sites love solar systems because there is no noise or fumes.
- Make friends with your neighbours, even offer to charge their mobile phones.
Disadvantages of Solar Generators:
- Instant 240 AC power is unavailable unless the system is fitted with an inverter. The inverter's capacity and batteries must be calculated by a competent technician, or the batteries will be compromised. However, most appliances, like TVs, etc, are available in 12 or 24-volt, and laptop, iPad, and mobile phone chargers are available, so there is no real need for 240-volt AC.
- Long periods of overcast weather can cause the batteries' state of charge to fall below desired levels. However, this rarely occurs if enough battery capacity is available, so it should not be a real problem.
Advantages of petrol generators (Cost of generator $1200, unfitted):
- Generators produce 240-volt AC and 12-volt DC. They deliver instant power, making them very useful for emergency applications.
- Highly inefficient appliances, which draw large amounts of power, can be run using generators.
Disadvantages of petrol generators:
- Only charges while it is running
- If, for example, you have drained 40 amps from your batteries overnight and want to put that same amount back in, you would have to run the generator for about 4 hours. This is because most AC chargers in caravans and motorhomes are rated at ten amps.
- They usually only perform the bulk charge, not the three-stage charge.
- Generators are heavy to lug around. It becomes a real problem because they usually have to be lifted out of a compartment before use; most vehicles have a weight limit, and a generator and fuel can quickly push it.
- The generator, fuel, and leads take up premium storage space. In a small environment, such as a caravan or motor home, such space is often extremely limited.
- It requires flammable, carcinogenic fuel to power it. While the vehicle is in motion, the float in the car tends to bounce up and down, causing small amounts of fuel to leak out until the car eventually runs dry; the smell of the fuel is unpleasant and probably unhealthy.
- Requires regular servicing.
- DOC campsites do not allow generators to be used; these are the very sites that are not powered
- Running a noisy generator spoils your neighbour's peace. We travel to tranquil sites for peace and to hear the birds and the waves, not to listen to noisy generators.
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