Solar Power Generator and Gas Generator - The Perfect Combination - Charging Solar Gen with Gas Gen

Lone Star Prepping

15 Nov 202105:11

Summary

TLDRThis video explores the advantages of using both solar-powered portable power stations and gas generators during power outages, explaining how they complement each other. The host demonstrates charging a portable power station with a gas generator, offers tips for choosing the right gas generator, and shares personal experiences with various models. Key points include the benefits of solar power (quiet, no fuel needed) and the role of gas generators in emergencies when solar isn't an option. Practical advice is provided for finding the best generator based on wattage needs and features like dual fuel capability.

Takeaways

🔋 Solar and gas generators work well together in power outages.
⚡ Demonstration of charging a portable power station with a gas generator.
🔧 The Champion Dual Fuel 3400 Y generator is used in the demo, though discontinued, and preferred alternatives are available.
🌞 Solar power is quieter, has no fuel costs or smells, but fuel might not be available for gas generators in certain scenarios.
🏖️ The user prefers gas generators for extended use in summer, e.g., running a 5000 BTU window air conditioner for 14 hours on propane.
❄️ In winter, the gas generator is used to power a Vornado heater for 14 hours on one tank, compared to 2 hours with a solar-powered portable station.
⚙️ Gas generators are ideal for charging portable power stations when solar panels can't be used due to bad weather.
🌀 During power outages, portable power stations can extend generator fuel life and provide more options when fuel is scarce.
⏳ In the test, the gas generator charged the Delta 1300 portable power station from 50% to 100% in 45 minutes.
🔑 Tips for buying a gas generator: check compatibility with your power station, consider inverter generators, use clean sine wave, and prioritize dual fuel options.

Q & A

What are the advantages of having both a solar-powered portable power station and a gas generator?
-The combination of both offers flexibility during power outages. A solar power station is quiet, doesn’t require fuel, and can be used indoors. A gas generator provides reliable power when solar energy isn't available, such as during cloudy weather or storms.
Why does the speaker prefer solar power over gas generators?
-The speaker prefers solar power because it’s quiet, can be run indoors, doesn't require fuel, and avoids the mess, smell, or expense of fuel. Additionally, fuel may not always be available for gas generators during extended outages.
Why does the speaker still use a gas generator despite preferring solar power?
-The gas generator is used because it provides a reliable backup during situations when solar panels can’t charge the portable power station, such as during storms or extended cloudy periods. It also allows for running higher-demand appliances like air conditioners and heaters.
How long can the speaker run a 5000 BTU air conditioner using the Champion generator and the Delta portable power station?
-Using the Champion gas generator, the speaker can run the air conditioner for 14 hours on a single tank of propane. The Delta portable power station, on the other hand, can only run it for around 2-4 hours, depending on available solar power.
What is the main reason the speaker bought a gas generator?
-The main reason for purchasing the gas generator was to charge the portable power station when solar panels are unavailable, such as during storms or power outages where fuel might be scarce.
What does the speaker suggest checking if you are in the market for a gas generator that can charge a portable power station?
-The speaker suggests contacting the portable power station manufacturer to ensure that a gas generator can be used for charging and to confirm the wattage requirements. Additionally, they recommend considering an inverter generator with a clean sine wave, electric start, and dual-fuel options.
What benefits does an inverter generator provide compared to a traditional generator?
-An inverter generator is more efficient, lightweight, and offers cleaner power, which is essential for charging sensitive electronics like a portable power station.
What does the phrase 'two is one and one is none' mean in the context of this video?
-This phrase suggests that having just one power source is risky. It's better to have two options (solar power and a gas generator) for redundancy, so if one fails, you still have a backup.
How long did it take to fully charge the Delta 1300 portable power station using the Champion generator?
-It took 45 minutes to fully charge the Delta 1300 portable power station from 50% to 100% using the Champion generator.
What should be considered when choosing a portable power station for home use?
-When choosing a portable power station, it's important to know your wattage demand and the battery size you need. This ensures that the power station can meet your energy requirements during an outage.

Outlines

00:00

🔋 Solar and Gas Generators: Working Together in Power Outages

This paragraph introduces the topic of the video, focusing on the advantages of using both a solar-powered portable power station and a gas generator during power outages. It previews a demonstration of charging a portable power station using a gas generator and mentions the specific model of the generator (Champion Dual Fuel 3400), which has been discontinued. Similar models will be suggested in the video. The speaker also plans to offer tips on choosing a gas generator that can charge a portable power station.

05:00

🌞 Why Solar Power is Preferred (But Gas Generators are Essential)

The speaker explains their preference for solar power due to its quiet operation, lack of fuel requirements, and lack of noise and odor. However, gas generators still play an important role when solar power isn't feasible, such as during storms or when fuel may not be available. They highlight that both power sources are essential for different situations.

🌀 Summer Cooling and Winter Heating with a Gas Generator

The speaker shares personal reasons for owning a gas generator, focusing on its ability to power essential appliances during summer and winter. In the summer, the generator can run a 5000 BTU window air conditioner for 14 hours on one tank of propane. In the winter, it can run a heater (Vornado) for the same duration, compared to much shorter runtime on the Delta portable power station. The gas generator provides a reliable backup when solar power is insufficient.

⚡ Why a Gas Generator is Essential in Power Outages

This section emphasizes the importance of having a gas generator for charging a portable power station, especially when solar panels can't be used due to storms. The speaker references a 2021 power outage in Texas as an example where fuel shortages made it critical to ration resources between solar power and the gas generator. The gas generator becomes essential when solar power is unavailable, ensuring continued operation of the portable power station.

🔧 Demonstration: Charging a Portable Power Station with a Gas Generator

The speaker demonstrates charging the Delta 1300 portable power station, which is at 50% charge, using the Champion gas generator because of cloudy weather that prevents solar charging. They describe the process and estimate how long it will take to reach 100% charge using propane. The demonstration shows practical usage during a simulated power outage, ensuring the station is ready for future needs.

⏳ Charging Results: Reaching 100% in 45 Minutes

The speaker follows up on the charging process, revealing that the Delta 1300 portable power station reached 100% charge in 45 minutes. They describe the weather conditions, noting the storm, and mention that their own power went out briefly, though the Delta wasn't needed. However, others in the area experienced longer outages, reinforcing the value of being prepared with both solar and gas options.

💡 How to Choose a Portable Power Station

In this section, the speaker advises viewers on how to select a portable power station based on their wattage demands and battery size needs. They recommend checking out an instructional video series for more details on determining these factors and ensuring the right fit for their power requirements.

🔋 Tips for Choosing a Gas Generator for Your Portable Power Station

The speaker provides specific advice on selecting a gas generator that can charge a portable power station. They suggest first checking with the portable power station's manufacturer to ensure compatibility and understand the wattage requirements. Other considerations include opting for an inverter generator for efficiency and portability, choosing one with a clean sine wave for better performance, and considering an electric start for convenience. A dual fuel generator is recommended for more flexibility in fuel options.

🛡️ The Importance of Backup: Two is One, One is None

The speaker concludes with a military saying that encapsulates the theme of the video: 'Two is one, and one is none,' emphasizing the importance of having multiple power sources as a backup. The video closes with a call to action for viewers to like, share, and subscribe.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Solar-powered portable power station

A solar-powered portable power station is a device that stores energy from solar panels for later use. It is quiet, clean, and can be used indoors without worrying about noise, fuel expense, or availability issues. In the video, the speaker highlights its advantages, especially during power outages when other sources of energy may not be available.

💡Gas generator

A gas generator is a device that generates electricity using gasoline or propane as fuel. It is often used as a backup energy source during power outages. The speaker explains that while gas generators require fuel and make noise, they are crucial when solar power is unavailable, such as during cloudy or stormy weather.

💡Power outage

A power outage is a loss of electricity in a given area. In the video, the speaker describes how both solar-powered portable stations and gas generators can be used to maintain power during outages, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in events like the Texas 2021 winter storm when fuel and power were scarce.

💡Champion dual fuel 3400W generator

The Champion dual fuel 3400W generator is a specific model of a generator that runs on either gasoline or propane. Although discontinued, the speaker uses it to demonstrate charging a portable power station, showcasing its reliability and fuel efficiency. This model allows the speaker to run appliances for long hours during power outages.

💡Propane

Propane is a type of fuel used to power generators and other equipment. The speaker prefers propane for its longer runtime (14 hours on a 20-pound tank) compared to gasoline, especially when running appliances like a 5000 BTU air conditioner or a heater. Propane's versatility and availability are key reasons for its use in emergencies.

💡Delta 1300 portable power station

The Delta 1300 is a specific model of a solar-powered portable power station. In the video, the speaker uses this model to show how a gas generator can charge it during cloudy weather. It can provide a limited runtime (2-4 hours depending on solar input), making it crucial to pair it with other energy sources like a gas generator.

💡Inverter generator

An inverter generator is a type of generator that converts AC power to DC power and back to AC, providing a cleaner and more efficient power output. The speaker recommends using an inverter generator for charging portable power stations because it is lightweight, efficient, and produces clean sine wave power, which is safe for sensitive electronics.

💡Pure sine wave

A pure sine wave is a smooth, consistent waveform that mirrors the type of power supplied by utility companies. The speaker advises looking for a generator that produces a pure sine wave when charging portable power stations, as it ensures that the electricity is stable and won't damage sensitive devices.

💡Dual fuel generator

A dual fuel generator is a generator that can run on two types of fuel, typically gasoline and propane. The speaker prefers this type of generator for its flexibility, as it allows the user to switch between fuels depending on availability. This is particularly useful in situations like power outages when one type of fuel may be scarce.

💡Wattage demand

Wattage demand refers to the amount of power an appliance or device requires to run. The speaker stresses the importance of knowing your wattage demand when selecting a portable power station or gas generator. Understanding this ensures that the power station or generator you choose can handle your energy needs during an outage.

Highlights

Advantages of having both a solar-powered portable power station and a gas generator during a power outage.

Demonstration of charging the portable power station using the gas generator.

Introduction of Champion dual-fuel 3400-watt generator, with discontinued model but similar alternatives provided in the video description.

Discussion on why solar power is preferred—quiet, no fuel cost, no mess, and no odor.

Explains how solar and gas generators complement each other in emergency situations.

Explanation of why a gas generator is beneficial for running appliances, such as a 5000 BTU air conditioner for 14 hours on one propane tank.

Comparison of runtime between the Champion generator and Delta portable power station for summer and winter appliances.

Importance of having a gas generator to charge the portable power station when solar charging isn't possible due to bad weather.

Example of fuel shortages during the Texas February 2021 power outage and how a gas generator can be used to ration fuel.

Real-time demonstration: charging the Delta 1300 portable power station from 50% to 100% using the Champion generator in 45 minutes.

Tips on what to look for when buying a portable power station: wattage demand and battery size.

Tips on what to look for when buying a gas generator: inverter type, clean sine wave, electric start, and dual-fuel capabilities.

Key advice: 'Two is one, and one is none'—highlighting the importance of redundancy in backup power solutions.

Recommends contacting manufacturers of power stations for compatibility with gas generators.

Encourages viewers to like, share, and subscribe to the channel for more useful content.