When purchasing a portable solar generator, you will likely encounter specifications listing the unit's starting watts and running watts. These watt numbers are important to understand as they indicate the generator's power capabilities. But what exactly is the difference between starting watts and running watts?
In this comprehensive guide, we explain the difference between starting watts and running watts and how they affect a solar generator's performance. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of how to match a generator's wattage to your power needs.
What are Starting Watts?
Starting watts, sometimes called surge watts, refer to the initial power drawn by a device or tool when turned on. This immediate power surge occurs as the device powers up. Starting watts are usually brief but significantly higher than the device's normal continuous power consumption.
For example, a typical refrigerator may have a starting wattage of 1600 watts while only requiring 600 watts continuously. The 1600 watts are only needed for a few seconds at startup, after which the power demand drops to 600 watts.
Starting watts indicate the maximum power a solar generator can deliver for short peaks when devices start up. A 2000-watt solar generator can successfully start most refrigerators or other motor-driven devices that require up to 2000 watts at startup.
Why are starting watts important?
You might wonder why starting watts are so important for a solar generator. After all, the peak only lasts briefly.
If a device's starting watts exceed a generator's capacity, it simply will not start. The generator does not have enough power to run the motor or provide the initial power surge at startup.
For example, if you try to start a 1600-watt refrigerator with a 1000-watt solar generator, it will likely not work. The 1000-watt unit does not have enough power to meet the initial demand of 1600 watts.
When choosing a solar generator, it is crucial to ensure that the starting watts meet or exceed the highest peak demand of your devices. Otherwise, you will encounter problems operating the devices with the generator. Aim to have a buffer between the maximum starting watts and your generator's capacity.
What is Running Watts?
Continuous power refers to the ongoing power consumption of a device once it is running. For our refrigerator example, the continuous power would be the constant 600 watts it needs to run the compressor and internal circuitry.
The continuous power rating indicates how much continuous power a solar generator can supply. A 1000-watt solar unit could continuously operate a 600-watt refrigerator without problems. But operating a 1600-watt device would overload the generator's capacity.
Continuous power essentially defines the continuous power budget you can work with on the generator. As long as the devices stay within the continuous wattage, they can be operated indefinitely. If the power demand exceeds the continuous power, the generator overloads and will likely shut down.
Continuous power in daily use
For most devices, continuous power determines how many you can operate simultaneously from your solar generator.
Here are some examples to illustrate:
- Operating a CPAP machine with a power consumption of 300 watts is no problem for a 1000-watt generator.
- Operating a small dormitory refrigerator with a consumption of 600 watts is easily possible with a 1000-watt unit.
- Operating a large refrigerator with a consumption of 1000 watts would overload a 1000-watt generator.
- Operating a 300-watt CPAP machine and a 600-watt refrigerator simultaneously exceeds the 1000-watt continuous power and overloads the unit.
The limitation of the generator's continuous power essentially restricts you to powering smaller individual devices. If you want to operate multiple high-power devices simultaneously, this can exceed the continuous power capacity of smaller generators. Larger solar generators with over 2000 watts offer greater flexibility in continuous power. But continuous power is also a limitation that should be considered. It is important to calculate your devices' power requirements compared to the generator's capacity.
Summary of the differences between starting power and continuous power:
To summarize the main differences between starting power and continuous power:
- Starting power indicates the peak power required when turning on devices. This shows the maximum power capacity of the generator for short periods.
- Continuous power indicates the continuous power output once the devices are in operation. This limits the available continuous power budget.
- The starting power must exceed the peak power when starting the devices; otherwise, the devices will not turn on.
- The continuous power must exceed the combined continuous load you want to run, or the generator will overload.
For most small generators, continuous power is the main limitation for running multiple devices simultaneously.
By carefully matching wattages to your expected power needs, you can select a suitable solar generator for your requirements. Keep these basics in mind while shopping and comparing specifications.
Match a generator to your devices
To choose the right portable solar generator for your needs, it’s important to carefully review the power requirements of the devices you want to run. Take the time to make a detailed list of your expected device loads. This will pay off when sizing the generator accordingly.
Follow these steps to match a solar generator to your devices:
1. Create a list of device loads
First, create a comprehensive list of all devices and appliances you want to power from your solar generator. This might include:
- Refrigerator or freezer
- Charging phones and laptops
- Lighting such as table lamps or string lights
- Electric cooking appliances like induction cooktops or microwaves
- TVs and other entertainment electronics
- Power tools like drills, saws, or grinders
- Medical devices like CPAP machines or oxygen concentrators
- Electric blankets or heaters
For each device, determine its starting and continuous power. Consult the device manual or online datasheet to find these values. If you don’t have exact numbers, look for average values for that device type.
Write down both the starting and continuous power next to each device on your load list. These specifications are crucial to properly size your generator.
2. Consider simultaneous loads
Also consider which devices must run simultaneously to determine the combined power demand. For example, lights, phone charging, and the TV may need to run at the same time in an emergency.
Make notes on your load list about which devices will run at the same time. This affects the continuous power capacity your generator needs.
3. Add the total power
Add the continuous power of all devices you want to run simultaneously using your complete list. This gives you your total load.
As a simplified example:
- Refrigerator (500 watts)
- Phone charging (10 watts)
- LED light (5 watts)
- Total required continuous power = 515 watts
The combined continuous power for simultaneous operation is the minimum capacity your solar generator needs.
4. Choose a generator with sufficient power
With your expected loads, you can now compare portable solar generators to find one that meets your requirements. Follow these guidelines:
- The generator’s starting power should exceed the highest startup peak of any device. Provide a buffer if possible.
- The continuous power capacity must be greater than your expected total load when running simultaneously. Again, it is advisable to plan an additional buffer.
- If you want to run high-power devices simultaneously, choose a generator with more continuous power to have enough power reserves.
- Optionally, you can also consider a unit with greater capacity than your current needs to allow for future expansion.
5. Consider size and weight
For portable generators, also consider the physical dimensions and weight of the unit. Check if the required power is available in a size that is reasonably portable for your situations.
Prioritize matching the power first, then try to find the most suitable physical form that meets your mobility needs. However, note that larger units often require bigger and heavier designs due to higher power.
Investing in a solar generator that matches your expected loads pays off by providing reliable power whenever you need it off the grid. Take the time to carefully review your devices' power requirements and compare them with the generator’s specifications. This ensures you get the right solar generator to power your essential devices.
The right portable solar generator for your specific
Finding power needs requires an understanding of starting and continuous power. Pay close attention to the wattage specifications and match them with your expected device loads.
Size the starting and continuous power so that you can operate your devices both at startup and continuously. Also consider whether you want to run devices simultaneously to ensure sufficient capacity.
With these basics, you are ready to tackle sizing and specifications of solar generators. By carefully matching the power ratings, you ensure reliable and sufficient power supply to run your devices wherever you are off the grid.
Frequently Asked Questions about Startup and Continuous Power
When diving into the watt ratings of solar generators, some frequently asked questions arise. Here are some important questions addressed:
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Q: How do I find the startup and continuous power for my device?
Consult the device’s nameplate or user manual to find technical specifications with power requirements. If these are not available, search the device model online to find startup and continuous power in product details or specification sheets.
Q: Why are continuous power ratings sometimes higher than startup power for devices?
This is rare but can occur with certain types of heaters. In such cases, the device may have a lower initial power surge but draw more continuous power after the heating elements warm up. Check the heater’s specifications carefully for possible differences between startup and continuous power.
Q: What happens if I overload the continuous power of my solar generator?
If you exceed the continuous power capacity of the generator, it will likely overload and automatically shut off. This protection mechanism prevents damage to the inverter and battery from sustained overloads. Make sure to size the continuous power according to your typical device power needs.
Q: What size solar generator do I need for emergency power supply?
For emergency power supply during outages, first add up the continuous power for essential devices you want to power, such as refrigerator, lighting, and phone charging. Choose a generator with sufficient continuous power to cover these devices simultaneously. Also consider future power needs and consider a larger unit with a capacity of 2000 watts or more to allow flexibility and room for additional connected devices.
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