Charging a solar generator may seem like it has an obvious solution but there are several options that you may be unaware of for when you need to store electricity for later.
AC Power
Just like any other battery bank or power station, solar generators can usually be charged by plugging them into a source of AC power. Typically, this means plugging your solar generator directly into a wall outlet at your house.
Because your house is, more likely than not, connected to a utility grid, the utility company simply sends you the electricity you need to charge your solar generator like they would whenever you need to power or charge any other appliance or device.
This way is best for charging before a camping trip or an emergency like a blackout.
Although it would be pretty inefficient and nonsensical, another way you could charge a solar generator with AC power is by using a gas generator or another power bank. The electricity produced by the gas generator [or stored by a power bank] is then simply transferred and stored in the batteries of your solar generator.
DC Power
Because most items run on AC power, you may not think to use DC power to charge your solar generator but it is possible. The most common source of DC power people have access to is the energy from an outlet in their car.
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This usually requires a specialized plug to connect your car and solar generator but it can be a good option if you are out and about and need the power. The main drawbacks of this method are that charge times can be quite long and you need to have the car running the entire time you want to charge your solar generator.
Solar Power
Using solar energy captured by solar panels connected to your solar generator is probably the first method you think of, and for good reason. Solar power is a clean and free energy source that you can use to charge your solar generator.
The problem is that solar power is heavily dependent on the weather. If it is nighttime, the angle is off, or if it is even slightly cloudy, the charge time using solar panels can become very long.
The best way to workaround this issue is to charge your solar generator well in advance of when you need the power over multiple days of sunshine.
Charging Multiple Ways at Once
While it isn’t quite yet an industry standard, some companies produce solar generators that can be charged by multiple methods simultaneously.
For example, you could plug your solar generator into an AC outlet on the outside of your house [like in the garden] and also have solar panels connected. This can significantly shorten the time needed to fully charge your solar generator and makes you less reliant on any individual method.
If you’re out camping, running DC power from your car while using solar power to charge a solar generator reduces the strain on your car’s battery and the charge time.
