Naturesgenerator

[Teresa Q]

I'm not homeless/houseless. Yet. But with these increasing disasters better safe than sorry. I'm wondering if this would be a good buy? It doesn't seem to be just a temporary fix, as in a few hours to days without power. Is this worth the money? And a good start for someone who is "frozen" when it comes to setting up a system with its intricacies?  I know that once I did I would be alrite, but the start....

So, anyway. What are the opinions on this setup? 

What kind of setup could I get for half the price? 

A quarter of the price? 

Is there a company I should buy from, if possible, more deserving? (Not such a foolish question as it may seem)

Thank you for all your knowledge!  :heart: :heart:


https://naturesgenerator.com/collections/all/products/natures-generator-gold-system-1

 

[abnorm]

OUCH......those usually are Lithium chemistry.....that is a 60 Ah Sealed Lead Acid.......

It does come with a 100 watt solar panel and 1800 watt inverter

Welcome to the forum.......you can skip this one for a grand $.......A tiny battery and overpriced.

 

[nature lover]

Just because they claim that a 60 amp hour battery is going to power a full-size refrigerator pictured as a big one for 8 to 12 hours. That makes them liars and I don’t deal with a company like that. Anyone disagree? I’m open to hear it but I can’t see it happening.

 

[highdesertranger]

Welcome Teresa to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

Highdesertranger

 

[Teresa Q]

Ok. I've posted this on other sites and getting a similar response. I've also been referred to something far more expensive than I could do at this time. Part of the reason I liked it is that it is already set up, for one, and can accommodate a wind turbine, extra. A lot of wind here. But if the turbine only gives me 100 W that isn't super great is it?

There is this but I have to add to it. https://www.amazon.com/400W-Wind-Solar-Grid-System/dp/B08LN6QQ3H/ref=asc_df_B08LN6QQ3H This would probably be more what I want to start given the wind. I can always add solar panels. https://www.amazon.com/ECO-WORTHY-Turbine-Generator-Polycrystalline-Charging/dp/B00ZECMODU

Looking further there is this plus more like it. But still price, and I have to still add to it,

nor are there any as "pretty" and self-contained, nor wheels, as the first one I listed. sigh

Thank you all, so much appreciated. All adds to my knowledge, if for not now, further on down the road.

 

[Teresa Q]

I hope I don't wear you all out with my questions/thoughts.

https://www.jackery.com/products/explorer-1000-portable-power-station
https://www.jackery.com/products/jackery-explorer-1000-2-x-solarsaga-100w-solar-generator
https://www.jackery.com/products/jackery-explorer-500-solarsaga-100w-solar-generator

or:
https://www.renogy.com/the-lycan-powerbox-solar-power-generator/
https://www.renogy.com/the-lycan-powerbox-with-suitcases-solar-power-generator/

Ouch. Ouch no matter how I look at it.

 

[jacqueg]

Nomads who have tried wind turbines have found them unsatisfactory.

that nature's generator looks way too bulky for me. Not sure who it's intended market is, but at $1000 for 60 ah? Pish.

I travel full time in a van. For that $1000, you can start just fine with a 230w-500w Jackery or similar and a small gasoline generator/inverter, which, once you figure out how to manage it - which isn't hard - will run a small 12v refrigerator.

the heart of your electrical system is your battery. Solar panels, wind turbines, shore power, gas generators are just different ways to charge your battery.

 

[jacqueg]

Need to add - Youtuber Hobotech has reviewed several small generator/inverters, which are not as good as the Honda, but are much less expensive and about as quiet..

Many here will tell you that the power stations like the Jackery, are too expensive for the electrical storage capacity you get, and they are correct. the advantage to the power stations is that they are plug-and-play, which is a huge advantage when you are new to all this. And their portability will always come in handy, if/when you decide to upgrade to a real battery.

 

[Teresa Q]

OK, so probably a cheaper plug and play to start, the buildup as I get the hang of it? And finances let me?

I'm still in a house and buying for that.

What about this systems? Battery and inverter combo so I can skip all that which is the scary part for me.

https://cuttingedgepower.com/pages/comparison

Again, thank you everyone. So appreciated.

 

[bullfrog]

This sites name says it all Cheap RV Living. Most here have had to get help or learn skills to be able to afford to get by. They don’t spend their money on things that haven’t been proven to work or things that cost more than their components. If you search you will find all the information you need to build or have someone build you a system. Some schools have classes or students that would be happy to build this for you just to see how things go together. Vocational electrical training classes as well. If you happen to be close to any of our members they would most likely be happy to help. Jimindenver solar expert lists his contacts on all his posts. Search YouTube or the internet and find some examples and ask for help building what you need. It really does not make sense to spend money for something that you may need to expand later on but can’t because of it’s design. The all in one systems are easy but very expensive and not easy to repair or expand.

 

[nature lover]

The major problem with these units is that when one part fails the whole system is down. If my inverter fails I can stop by an inverter replace it. If my battery fails I can stop and buy a battery and replace it. If either of those or other components fail in your “solar generator“ the whole system is down. Components that will fit the unit in size and compatibility can only be bought from the manufacturer, you have to ship it to manufacturer (at your expense, heavy battery and all) to get it repaired. Of course the other major problem is that they cost much more than building your own solar system from components You can generally build it’s system for yourself that produces the same amount of electricity for A little more than half the price. I used to think they would be great because they are just plug and play simple things and you can transfer them from one place to another but I have reconsidered. I’m glad I went the other direction. But “more power to ya“.

 

[jacqueg]

First, what electrical gadgets do you intend to run? You need to quantify how much power you're going to need.

Second, you decide how much battery you will need to run those gadgets.

this is where reality will rear its ugly head. Many newbies have unrealistic ideas about how many electrical gadgets they can run. Remember, it's your battery capacity that determines this. And here is where you will need to decide what kind of battery you're going to spend your money on. Lithium batteries are very expensive to buy, but cheaper in the long run - as well as being lighter and smaller than the lead acid batteries it takes to deliver equivalent storage capacity.

third, you decide what you need to keep that battery charged. Lots of ways to accomplish this, most of us rely on two or more.

 

[Teresa Q]

This sites name says it all Cheap RV Living. Most here have had to get help or learn skills to be able to afford to get by. They don’t spend their money on things that haven’t been proven to work or things that cost more than their components. If you search you will find all the information you need to build or have someone build you a system. Some schools have classes or students that would be happy to build this for you just to see how things go together. Vocational electrical training classes as well.  If you happen to be close to any of our members they would most likely be happy to help. Jimindenver solar expert lists his contacts on all his posts. Search YouTube or the internet and find some examples and ask for help building what you need. It really does not make sense to spend money for something that you may need to expand later on but can’t because of it’s design. The all in one systems are easy but very expensive and not easy to repair or expand.

I have done studying over the years which is why I am doing this for now. 

The major problem with these units is that when one part fails the whole system is down. If my inverter fails I can stop by an inverter replace it. If my battery fails I can stop and buy a battery and replace it. If either of those or other components fail in your “solar generator“ the whole system is down.  Components that will fit the unit in size and compatibility can only be bought from the manufacturer, you have to ship it to  manufacturer (at your expense, heavy battery and all)  to get it repaired.  Of course the other major problem is that they cost much more than building your own solar system from components  You can generally build it’s system for yourself that produces the same amount of electricity for A little more than half the price. I used to think they would be great because they are just plug and play simple things and you can transfer them from one place to another but I have reconsidered. I’m glad I went the other direction. But “more power to ya“.

I understand. For now I want the plug and play but the responses are reminding me to just start small. I tend to get into overkill. The build-my-own will be down the road. The "cutting edge" battery and converter seem to be two separate parts so I may go with that. I still have to buy the solar panels, but the scary stuff (for me) is already done.

 

[Teresa Q]

First, what electrical gadgets do you intend to run? You need to quantify how much power you're going to need.

Second, you decide how much battery you will need to run those gadgets.

this is where reality will rear its ugly head. Many newbies have unrealistic ideas about how many electrical gadgets they can run. Remember, it's your battery capacity that determines this. And here is where you will need to decide what kind of battery you're going to spend your money on. Lithium batteries are very expensive to buy, but cheaper in the long run - as well as being lighter and smaller than the lead acid batteries it takes to deliver equivalent storage capacity.

third, you decide what you need to keep that battery charged. Lots of ways to accomplish this, most of us rely on two or more.

I have decided to go with this https://cuttingedgepower.com/collec...or-portable-wind-solar-battery-box-w-inverter

I still have to buy the panels and batteries. Everything is all set up. I was lucky to catch that I needed to consider pure sine versus modified sine.   I was wondering about which batteries to buy so thank you for sharing that bit of into. Hopefully I can go lithium.

For right now if needed we would like to power two laptops, the tv and router. And perhaps a hot plate and the pressure cooker...and the phones of course. I think that's about it for now.  Basics. 

There is another unit I could buy to power wind turbine. Hopefully I can invest in that later. I have no idea how long the solar generator will power things in a blackout tho. It can be charged by driving the car so that's good. Stick the unit in the car and drive around for a while. It doesn't have the wheels, but all that can come over time. Maybe.

 

[Camper]

I'll stick with a $100 battery and 12-volts only in my van. Real basics...

 

[vanbrat]

I am looking into a solar generator thing but have not decided yet what I want. I want a plug and go thing because we need a generator from time to time here at home. We have a very noise gas one and a semi noisy small gas one for the work trailer. But we want one that can be inside at night when power is out to keep the pellet stove going while we sleep. We've taken the small semi noisy one a few times camping but it is still to loud for me and can't just keep going to keep the fridge going. I want a couple of solar panels one for the roof and one for the ground. It would need to be somewhat high powered to run the microwave and fridge maybe at the same time. If I ever get to full time or even long term in the van I would think more about building it in, part by part, but for now I need something more portable/contained. Does anyone have a particular brand they like or dislike?

Just so you know power can be out here in stick and brick sometimes for a week at a time.

 

[user 37446]

Need to add - Youtuber Hobotech has reviewed several small generator/inverters, which are not as good as the Honda, but are much less expensive and about as quiet..

Many here will tell you that the power stations like the Jackery, are too expensive for the electrical storage capacity you get, and they are correct. the advantage to the power stations is that they are plug-and-play, which is a huge advantage when you are new to all this. And their portability will always come in handy, if/when you decide to upgrade to a real battery.

If you want maximum portability with minimum fuss then it will cost ya’ dearly but for some its worth it.

Nice to have choices.  Nicer to have extra cash and choices both...

 

[bullfrog]

You have skipped the first step of determining your needs. A hot plate or any item the uses electricity to create heat is usually far beyond a “basic needs” system. I think there is a good possibility you will be disappointed if you don’t determine your exact needs and overestimate by at least 20% before choosing any system. Once you have done this you can determine the size and type of your battery bank and inverter, then you can figure out what you need to keep the batteries charged correctly so they will last. If you want plug and play fine but you need to make sure it will meet your needs before buying. Size matters when it comes to being your own power company.

 

[Camper]

Here's a great solar panel and battery sizing calculator.

Scroll down to list your devices.

https://www.parkedinparadise.com/solar-calculator/

 

[jacqueg]

I am looking into a solar generator thing but have not decided yet what I want. I want a plug and go thing because we need a generator from time to time here at home. We have a very noise gas one and a semi noisy small gas one for the work trailer. But we want one that can be inside at night when power is out to keep the pellet stove going while we sleep. We've taken the small semi noisy one a few times camping but it is still to loud for me and can't just keep going to keep the fridge going. I want a couple of solar panels one for the roof and one for the ground. It would need to be somewhat high powered to run the microwave and fridge maybe at the same time. If I ever get to full time or even long term in the van I would think more about building it in, part by part, but for now I need something more portable/contained. Does anyone have a particular brand they like or dislike?

Just so you know power can be out here in stick and brick sometimes for a week at a time.

You do know that those so-called "solar generators" don't generate anything, don't you? they are small lithium batteries, which must be recharged somehow. 

Whether it's a house or a van, you must start by quantifying how much energy you would need to keep whatever it is going for how much time you need. https://www.directenergy.com/learning-center/how-to-calculate-home-monthly-usage

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