Integrating Generators with Solar Power Systems
Here’s why you need a generator for your solar-powered home.
Solar panels are most effective when they receive direct sunlight, and they require a sufficient number of panels and a battery storage system to store energy for later use. However, solar energy can be intermittent due to weather conditions or at night without sunlight. Many people don’t have enough room for more solar panels or additional batteries. Even if they did, the conditions are not always right to keep the system going without running out of stored energy. There is also the fact that off-grid power systems depend on a lot of electronics to keep them working, and those, as we all know, can quickly fail without warning. These are just some reasons why many people supplement their solar power system with a reliable power generator.
Regarding reliability, low operation cost, and incredibly long engine life, nothing comes remotely close to having a small liquid-cooled diesel-powered generator.
Our small diesel generators are commonly used in homes, cabins, and camps that are powered by solar energy. Most solar power systems are designed to work with multiple power sources, so integrating a generator with them is very straightforward. Your charge controller likely already has what the industry refers to as a “two-wire start.” Generator systems like Aurora Off-Grid Generators start automatically, providing power to your home while allowing your batteries to recharge simultaneously.
Diesel-powered generators are known for their longevity, often outlasting other types of generators by 20-30 times. They are also more cost-effective in terms of fuel and require less maintenance. Modern diesel engines produce minimal smoke and odor and run at half the speed of traditional gas generators, making them quieter. The primary reason to use a diesel generator is its reliability.
Examples of Generators used for Solar Backup
Below are some customer-provided images showing Aurora Generators used to back up solar homes.
