Don't know much about this portable solar generator, but I saw it on Facebook and thought I'd pass it along to those of you who use electricity during shows. It looks promising. I'm not endorsing or anything - I don't even know what it costs, am just bringing it up.
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I met a couple at one of my shows that used 4 deep cycle batteries as tent weights as well as to run their lights. Of course they were all dressed up to look not like batteries. You've got to lug some kind of weighs around anyway why not your power source. I know you need to remember to charge them, but if you are that creative you can find a way to use your vehicle to charge them on the way to and from the show.
Never mind. I found it. Thanks.
Can't find the Harbor Freight one on line. Do you have a model #? Searched for 34 ah battery.
KATE,
Can it be recharged by electricity also?
Love this idea.
I use to run my night lights off a deep cycle marine battery, 105 ah, connected to a 7 watt solar panel hung from my tent. The panel doesn’t need a charge controller because it’s under 15 watts. I've saved $100's in elec. fees at show that say no generators. Recently I change out the old battery to a Harbor Freight 35 ah battery that's a lot lighter. The battery is in a small wood box, on a old fashion metal luggage cart that wheels easily to my booth and much lighter than the big deep cycle one. I started my last show with 13.1v, and tested it after 2 days and it was at 12.9. Also had my phone & iPad plugged in the whole time. My system may not work for lots of lights, but it works fine for me and my needs, of turning night lights on and off all day long. Years ago I used the “power packs” but had to always remember to plug them in and recharge them. Now I just take out the little cart, set it in the sun on my deck and I’m always full charged up for my next show.
I just looked at the unit.
They claim it puts out continuous 1500 Watts
However it comes with a 100 watt solar panel.
The math does not work out.
It cannot put out more than it has coming in.
Well, yes, if it is using transformers it can by altering voltage etc. However that would not be applicable for most of you.
So it is not "Generator" it is a Battery with solar recharging system.
The Battery rating in AH will dictate how much it can put out and for how long.
So with a high enough battery rating you can store enough to put out 1500 watts, until it is depleted. however you cannot produce 1500 watts from a 100 watt solar panel.
The recharge on the battery is limited to 100 watts, unless you buy many more solar panels. Do you have room around your booth for a bunch of solar panels? Which side of the booth will get the sun? That is where the panels will need to be.
I have a setup, I made on this idea. I cannot use my solar panels at most of the shows.
I may eventually make them to go on the trimeline roof.