I have a gas generator running my small stuff during a power outage, and I noticed it uses a lot of gas, especially at night when I'm just powering a room AC unit, WiFi, TV, and a lamp. Is there any way I can store the excess energy it produces? I'd love to find a solution to save gas and reduce the noise at night. Any tips?
3 Answers
You can definitely look into using batteries to store energy, but keep in mind that charging those batteries might make your generator consume more fuel since it has to work harder. An off-grid solar system setup with batteries is kind of what you're after, minus the solar panels. That way, you can run essential devices at night without needing the generator constantly roaring away.
If you're serious about saving on gas, an inverter generator could be the way to go. These are more efficient and can adjust the engine speed based on your load, which should help with gas usage compared to your current one that runs at a constant RPM. If possible, consider switching to one of those for both noise levels and efficiency.
Thanks for that! I'll definitely research inverter generators. Money is a concern, though.
Another option could be a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) or a small battery backup system for lighter loads like your WiFi and lamp. This would allow you to keep those running without needing to fire up the generator constantly. Just make sure to check the power ratings and compatibility with your devices!
I had no idea there were options like that! That could definitely make things easier for me.
That sounds interesting! But I'm not great with technical stuff. Any recommendations on specific products or setups?