What is the Best Electric Generator?

Solar power started out as a way to save money on bills at home. now, you can also store energy to use on-the-go with electric generators and portable solar panels. Solar Energy has been a topic for decades now. We are always finding new ways to harness and store energy from the sun. The technology improves as the years progress.

Gas Generators Evolve to Electric Generators

In the early stages of personal solar power energy, you called your local electrical company for panels and power supplies. That has all changed. Now, you can even build your own solar powered unit as I write about in my blog: How to Save Money as A Homeowner.

In this article, I share examples of what Bluetti Power has to offer. This ranges from solar panels to portable power stations/solar generator kits, to home battery backup and expansion batteries. They like to ensure that their products are cross-functional. So, if you don’t like the kits offered, or if you wish to expand more, you still get product compatibility. People prefer solar energy options for different reasons, so they keep it simple and allow people to have flexibility.

Paying for your Electric Generators/Accessories

Customers purchasing Bluetti products are not disappointed according to the reviews. There are options to pay in full or apply for monthly payments. You can even sign up for the Bluetti Bucks Rewards Program to earn discounts. You earn 1 Bluetti Buck for every dollar spent. Then, you redeem them starting at 2000 Bluetti Bucks. Use them wisely, as they are only available for 12 months from the date they are earned.

I also like that you can find user guides as well as warranty and return information. You can even track your orders right on their website.

Bluetti Products

there is more than one way to set up your solar equipment. You can use solar panels that are compatible with various solar generator kits, portable power stations, and extension batteries.

I selected some models randomly to share examples with you. I am just showing you some of the options available to give you a small taste of what you can expect from their products.

BLUETTI PV200 Solar Panel | 200W

Currently, you can choose between solar panels that are 120W, 200W and 350W.  In my opinion, the 200W panel seems to be ideal and compatible with multiple models of connecting equipment. Charging times depend on generators and/or extended batteries purchased. the capacity of the amount of energy they hold and the appliances you use impacts charging time as well. Reviews confirm that they even charge in overcast weather. Do not allow these units to be exposed to rain; do not let them soak in water. They can withstand water splashes and scratches.

These solar panels are portable, which makes them perfect for camping, hiking, fishing, or whatever other activities you love. They fold and have handles to make them easier to carry; there is also a kickstand which makes for an easy set-up. You can move them to different areas of sun exposure easily.

BLUETTI AC200P Portable Power Station | 2000W 2000Wh

Currently, portable Power Stations vary between 700W to 3000W models, and here I will focus on the 2000W model. This electric generator can withstand a surge of 4800W. There are 17 outputs for multiple devices that can be recharged in 7 different ways to include solar, car, generator, and AC. It is a gas free unit that is quiet and eco-friendly. It helps to have an idea of how much power is stored in this unit. Here is a picture example of how long devices would last on this fully charged unit:

I mentioned that there are 17 outputs. Here is an image displaying the outlets available (2 of them are wireless charging pads as shown on the right):

This portable power unit lasts 3500+ life cycles. If you used it for a full cycle every day, that would be almost 10 years. It can be used to back up small appliances at home in the event of a power outage. Or, you can take it with you on the go with your portable solar panels. It does weigh just over 60 pounds and only stands 15.2 inches tall, with a 16.5”x11” base. Talk about big things in small packages…

Solar Energy BLUETTI AC300 + 1*B300 | Home Battery Backup

Bluetti AC300

The home battery backup kits are essentially combining the portable power stations with the extended batteries. Again, you can do this any way you want. This example features the power station AC300 with the extended battery B300. they are sold together in a sale currently, so it is easier to show you what combining these products can do for you. This does not include solar panels; you purchase those separately.

The AC300 is an upgrade from the AC200 featured above. It can withstand a surge of 6000W and has 16 outputs, including an RV outlet. It does support 240V split phase bending and can even be controlled from an app via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Bluetti B300

The B300 extended battery has a capacity of 3072Wh (Watt hours). This didn’t mean much to me. So, I decided to compare it with the Bluetti AC200Max + B230 Generator Kit (2,048Wh capacity). That unit can run an 8000 BTU air conditioner for 6-14 hours, an electric grill for 2 hours, and a CPAP for over 80 hours. Since the B300 uses 3072Wh, that tells me it can definitely run appliances for a long time.

The B300 unit also has 3 outputs (USB, 110W Type-C, and 12v). The purpose of this device is to store backup energy. It is best used in conjunction with a power station that has more variety in ports available. as back-up for an entire home, it requires multiple units/extended batteries and solar panels to function without electricity provided by the power company. I recommend starting with a few appliances to get a gauge for what these electric generators can do. Then, continue to grow your Bluetti inventory from there.  These units are very useful for those traveling or living out of a van since they do not take up a lot of space.

In Conclusion

As I mentioned, there are multiple power stations that can be combined with multiple extended batteries. Check compatibilities before purchasing components, but there are other accessories provided by Bluetti. This includes adaptors and cables that you can use to help make current equipment you own compatible with newer models. Bluetti also provides fusion boxes and smart home panels.

These electric generators are much quieter and more efficient than the gas generator sitting in my garage. It saved me during an 8 day power outage, but it is definitely loud and I would prefer not to rely on gas!