With so many on the market, choosing a generator can be a tough decision to make. It’s hard to figure out the ins and outs of the different models. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking they’re all the same. However, there are several different types of generators and even more applications related to each one. So, let’s check out a few popular options below.
Portable Generators
These generators are useful in various applications because you can take them anywhere. You can keep them around for camping if you need a place to charge your monitor or phone. You can take them on the road, and if it has an inverter, you can use it to jump-start your car. You may not think of this now, but you never know when you’re out and about and may need it for an emergency. Overall, you can consider it an excellent investment. Though it can only power smaller appliances, it’s still good to have.
Inverter Generators
Inverters produce AC power and use a rectifier that converts AC into DC power. Then it reconverts it to AC to provide a steady flow of power to your appliances. Once you have one, air conditioners, refrigerators, microwaves, and even automobiles will be a go. It can handle the bigger appliances in case of an emergency. They are also lightweight and compact, so you have a lot of power in a small package. However, its versatility can’t be matched, and it’s a great type of generator with a ton of applications.
Solar Generator
Solar generators are perfect for the eco-enthusiast who wants to use clean energy from the sun to power their house. However, they are dependent on the sun for power, and at night, unless it’s fully charged, it’s not as reliable. That said, the steady stream of sunlight—even in cloudy weather though solar panels absorb sunlight at 20 percent less capacity—will help you in case the grid goes down. It completely lacks any emissions, and it’s low maintenance. However, the low power output can leave you stranded in an emergency, and it can be more expensive than the other choices on this list.
In short, while there are many generator options, you should be able to choose the right one for your needs.