Electricity is one of the elements that keep New Brunswick running. Its uses are endless, and it is so integral that many livelihoods depend on it. Unfortunately, power outages occur once in a while in different parts of the province.
Fortunately, the main grid isn’t the only reliable power source for New Brunswick residents. A solar generator is a convenient and reliable backup power solution. Here is a comprehensive guide on how solar generators work, their benefits, and tips for choosing the right one. Moreover, the guide also includes an overview of three top-rated solar generators to get you through the coming NB power outages.
Where Can You Check NB Power Outages?
It is natural to wonder whether you are the only one experiencing a power outage. Getting a full picture of the situation can help put you at ease. Fortunately, there are several ways to check the status of power outages.
NB Power, the premier utility company in New Brunswick, maintains a real-time map of power outages across the province. The map is interactive, and you can search your meter or phone numbers for an update on the situation. You can access the map via the company’s website by navigating to the “Outages” page.
Alternatively, you can check NB Power’s Twitter and other social media pages for real-time updates on power outages. The company shares all important information with its followers, including power outage causes and expected waiting times for repairs. Many ordinary power users like yourself also share their experiences on social media.
Common Causes of NB Power Outages
The most common causes of power outages in New Brunswick include the following:
· Extreme Weather
Extreme weather is the most common cause of NB power outages. Wet snow, rain, and freezing rain are the most common extreme weather causes of power outages. Lightning, severe cold, and strong/moderate winds also cause outages.
· Trees
Trees automatically trigger circuit breakers and other protection measures when they touch power lines. This is especially common in severe weather conditions, such as strong winds capable of felling branches and whole trees. Interestingly, New Brunswick has the largest tree cover of all power-connected areas in North America.
· Faulty Equipment
Faulty equipment can disrupt the power supply or cause power surges. Birds, squirrels, and raccoons often tamper with the power equipment, causing outages. Vandals also steal sensitive power equipment, leaving everyone else at a disadvantage.
Why Do You Need a Solar Generator for Your Home?
Electricity is an integral aspect of modern life, and power outages can expose you to many vulnerabilities. To this end, here are three important reasons why you need a solar generator for your home’s backup power:
· Safety & Wellbeing
Power outages are a potential safety hazard in certain situations. For example, an outage during severe weather conditions can expose you and your loved ones to extremely cold or hot temperatures. What’s more, criminals such as burglars take advantage of the dark to break into people’s homes.
· Saving Money
Power outages can cost you money in several ways. For example, food in your refrigerator and freezer can go bad. Moreover, pipes can freeze and burst after prolonged power outages during winter. Interestingly, accidents are also more likely to occur during power outages.
· Comfort & Entertainment
Life can be boring and tough without electricity. It powers appliances such as the TV, computer, and mobile devices to keep you entertained. Additionally, it powers the HVAC to optimize indoor temperatures and lights the bulbs to ensure everything is visible, keeping you comfortable.
Advantages of Solar Generators
Here is an overview of four crucial benefits of solar generators for your home’s backup power supply:
· Backup Power Supply
Providing a backup power supply is the main benefit of a solar generator. As such, you can continue enjoying the benefits of electricity during power outages.
· Environmentally Friendly
Solar energy is clean and freely available, and these generators have integrated solar panels to generate clean electricity. Moreover, they don’t emit toxic gasses, unlike gas-powered generators.
· Low Maintenance
Solar generators are easy and affordable to operate. They feature integrated solar panels that generate free electricity. Additionally, the components are easy to maintain and can last for years. In contrast, ordinary generators require gas and ongoing mechanical maintenance, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
· Quiet & Portable
Ordinary generators can be quite noisy, but solar generators are quiet. They are also small and light enough to carry around.
Is It the Best Time to Buy a Solar Generator?
Yes, NB power outages are unpredictable and can occur at any time. They are also more common in certain seasons and areas.
It is also worth noting that weather is changing faster and becoming more severe, increasing incidences of weather-related outages. Moreover, the grid is aging as Canada and the rest of the world shift to renewable energy. Overall, there is no time like the present, and now is the right time to buy a solar generator.
How to Choose the Right Solar Generator
Solar generators vary in design, and some are more efficient and reliable than others. There are many features to look for in a good solar generator. Here is an overview of three crucial considerations:
· Running Watts & Peak Power
Running watts refers to the total electricity capacity the solar generator can supply. Ideally, it should exceed the total wattage requirements of the appliances you want to power. It is also worth noting that larger appliances with motors, such as refrigerators, require a higher power surge to start. As such, ensure that the generator’s peak power meets your appliance’s requirements.
· Watt Hours
Watt Hours (Wh) is a measurement of the solar generator’s power storage capacity. It indicates how much power the generator can supply on a full charge. A high Wh rating means that the generator’s battery can support more appliances for longer.
· Recharge Methods & Times
Ideally, a solar generator should have integrated solar panels to recharge the battery. However, additional charging methods would also be convenient, such as direct AC charging. Charging speeds also vary, and some models can recharge in a couple of hours while others can take much longer.
3 Top-Rated Solar Generators for NB Power Outages
Finding the right solar generator can be a hassle, considering all of the options and factors to consider. Fortunately, here is an overview of three top-rated solar generators to point you in the right direction:
1. BLUETTI AC200P + 3xPV120 Solar Generator Kit
The BLUETTI AC200P solar generator features a powerful battery with a 2,000Wh storage capacity. It also features a 2,000W AC pure sine wave inverter with a 4,800W surge capacity. To this end, it can power most household appliances, including the air conditioner and refrigerator. Moreover, it features 17 AC, DC, and USB outlets and ports to connect to your household appliances and mobile devices.
This solar generator comes with three PV120 solar panels to recharge it. What’s more, it supports six other recharging methods, including using a standard AC outlet, a car battery, and an ordinary generator.
The lithium-ion battery is powerful and can withstand more than 3,500 charging cycles limited to 80% - it can last for almost ten years when recharged once daily. It also features a smart temperature-activated fan to keep it cool and an advanced Battery Management System for easy maintenance.
2. BLUETTI AC300 + B300 + 3xPV200 Solar Generator Kit
The BLUETTI AC300 solar generator comes with one powerful B300 battery and three solar panels. The powerful battery has a 3,072Wh capacity and features a 3,000W AC pure sine wave inverter with a 6,000W surge to power any household appliance. Interestingly, it comes with a 24/7 UPS feature to ensure an uninterrupted power supply, making it ideal for areas with regular or frequent NB power outages.
One of this solar generator’s best features is the modular design, enabling you to connect up to four extra B300 batteries. As such, you can increase the storage capacity to a whooping 12,288Wh, enough to power some appliances for days.
Recharging this solar generator is easy and quick. You can use seven different charging methods, including three integrated solar panels, an AC power outlet, and a car battery. The integrated solar panels have a maximum input rate of 2,400W, and you can also combine AC and solar recharging to increase the charging speed to 5,400W.
3. BLUETTI AC200MAX + 2xB230 + 3xPV200 Solar Generator Kit
The BLUETTI AC200MAX solar generator is incredibly versatile. It features a powerful 2,048Wh battery and comes with two extra B230 batteries, offering a total capacity of 6,144Wh. It is also compatible with B230 batteries, which have a capacity of 3,072Wh. Overall, it is powerful enough to run most household appliances, especially considering the 2,200W AC pure sine inverter with a 4,800W surge capacity.
There are seven ways to recharge the BLUETTI AC200MAX solar generator, including three integrated PV200 solar panels with a 900W input. Alternatively, you can use your car, an ordinary generator, a lead battery, or an AC power outlet. You can also use dual AC and solar charging to increase the charging speed to 1,300W.
Final Thoughts
Power outages in New Brunswick are becoming more frequent and unpredictable. Fortunately, a solar generator is a reliable home backup power supply, and the right model can suit all of your electricity needs. Remember to be thorough when shopping for one, or save yourself some time by getting one of the top three models recommended above.
