[Happinow]

Does anyone know anything about solar powered generators?? We are possibly looking to purchase one and have no idea if or where they are sold. Thanks for your suggestions/comments.

[mulligan]

Solar panels ARE generators. What are you asking ???

[Happinow]

We are looking to purchase a generator that is not powered by gas.....something that could run the house for weeks if needed. Is there such a thing as solar powered generators? Possibly a commercial type one...a big one.

[Spectreron]

Why? It would have to cost way more than it could produce. Even a terrible hurricane or other catastrophe wouldn't knock out power for weeks. Just curious.

[Happinow]

Hubby likes to have this kind of stuff on hand. I can't explain it.....

[mulligan]

Maybe you could bury a large diesel fuel tank in the yard. The cost for that plus a whole house generator would probably be about the same as your house.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

Originally Posted by Happinow

Hubby likes to have this kind of stuff on hand. I can't explain it.....

If it's large enough to run the house for weeks it probably would be just as cost effective to contact a solar company and convert your house to solar power, then you don't need to worry about power outages

[Jim 9922]

Originally Posted by Happinow

Does anyone know anything about solar powered generators?? We are possibly looking to purchase one and have no idea if or where they are sold. Thanks for your suggestions/comments.

Wouldn't work very well at night. You'd need a housefull of storage batteries to keep the juice flowing 24/7. Your wish seems like something to be perfected way into the future.

[Bizdoc]

If he doesn't weigh in today, pm Jimbo2012. He's our resident solar guru and can probably give the best advice.

[graciegirl]

Solar panels can absorb and store the suns energy, cut down on electric bills and help the planet but they aren't cheap...yet. I think that the cost to have solar panels installed is about tenK. Am I right?

[billethkid]

there are whole house, propane powered generators. In the event of an interruption it switches over almost without a blink.

Duration of course is a function of tank size and supply.

If TV would allow wind mills I would have one in an instant. They are effective even in moderate to mild breezes. I think all the mills turing would add a futuristic look to TV....and much less dependent on man for source supply.

btk

[jimbo2012]

Most of these are small units dependent on the size & output of the panel, the panel charges a battery.
generally producing 1200-1500 watts
The energy stored in the battery is direct current (DC) but appliances run on alternating current (AC) so the solar powered generator must have an inverter to convert the energy into a useable form. The appliances can be plugged into the AC jacks that are also on the solar generator.

As with any generator you can run a few things but run the house with AC you need about a 4000 watt unit.

I love solar but in this application propane, diesel or gas (in that order) makes more sense.

[Ecuadog]

There are back-up generators that run on natural gas. Do you have gas service to your house?

[BobnBev]

Originally Posted by Ecuadog

There are back-up generators that run on natural gas. Do you have gas service to your house?

I have one of these. 12.5Kw. Powers the whole house, exercises itself
once a week for 12 minutes.

[ldj1938]

Solar panels don't store anything. Sun goes down, they go down....