Solar generators have become indispensable for individuals seeking a reliable power backup solution during emergencies, especially in situations involving power outages. These devices offer the assurance that one will not be cut off from access to electricity, regardless of the circumstances.
For those living off the grid, residing in areas prone to natural disasters, or simply wanting to ensure their household is prepared for any unforeseen situation, solar generators are a valuable investment. However, selecting the right solar generator can be a daunting task due to the wide variety of options available.
Among the numerous choices, one product that stands out is the Patriot Solar Generator 1800. But is it worth it? This review examines the generator’s pros and cons, as well as its overall value for individuals looking for a dependable power source.
Let’s Get Straight To The Point
The Patriot Solar Generator 1800 is an eco-friendly, portable power solution ideal for emergencies and off-grid living. It comes with a 100-watt solar panel, is safe for indoor use, and produces no harmful fumes.
While it offers advantages such as being fuel-free and having a 2,500+ charging cycle lifespan, its drawbacks include limited battery capacity (690 watt-hours), slow charging speeds, and outdated output ports.
Additionally, its short battery shelf life and lack of modern connectivity options like USB-C ports may be concerning for those with greater power needs. Though customer service is generally responsive and the product comes with a satisfaction guarantee, the generator might not be the best choice for extended outages or users needing to power multiple devices simultaneously.
If you have moderate energy needs, it could be a viable option, but for more demanding requirements, it may be worth exploring other alternatives.
Key Features Of The Patriot Solar Generator 1800
1. Eco-Friendly and Fuel-Free
One of the key advantages of the Patriot Solar Generator 1800 is that it produces zero smoke and does not require any external fuel source apart from sunlight. This feature makes it ideal for individuals looking to reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring they have access to power. Weighing only 40 pounds, the generator is also highly portable, which adds to its versatility.
2. Indoor Usage
Another major benefit is that the Patriot Solar Generator 1800 is safe to use indoors. Since it does not emit harmful fumes, there is no need for ventilation, making it a practical option for indoor environments.
3. Inclusion of Solar Panel
The Patriot Solar Generator 1800 comes packaged with a 100-watt solar panel. This allows users to recharge the generator using sunlight, an excellent feature for those living in sunny regions. Additionally, the generator comes with a variety of freebies such as a flashlight, battery pack, and emergency food kits, adding value to the purchase.
Battery Capacity Of The Patriot 1800
A common misconception surrounding the Patriot 1800 is its battery capacity. The “1800” in the name may lead some to believe that the generator has a battery with a capacity of 1,800 watt-hours. However, this is not the case. The battery inside the generator has a capacity of 768 watt-hours, with 90% of this being usable, which brings the effective capacity down to 690 watt-hours. While this may be an upgrade from its predecessor, the Patriot 1500, which had a 500-watt-hour capacity, it is still relatively limited for larger power needs.
Battery Performance
The 690-watt-hour battery can power a standard refrigerator for about 6 to 9 hours. While this is better than the 4 to 7 hours offered by the Patriot 1500, it is still insufficient for those who require backup power for extended periods. In cases of prolonged power outages, where multiple appliances and devices need to be powered, this limited battery capacity could be problematic.
Limitations Of The Battery Storage Lifespan
A critical downside of the Patriot Solar Generator 1800 is its short battery storage lifespan. The manufacturer claims a shelf life of six months, but many customers report that the battery often lasts only a month before it needs to be recharged. This could be a significant drawback for individuals looking for long-term energy storage solutions.
If a solar generator’s battery deteriorates quickly, its reliability in an emergency situation becomes questionable. While it can handle about 2,500 charge cycles, as advertised, the short shelf life may be a red flag for those seeking a generator they can trust for extended periods of inactivity.
Charging Rate And Lifespan
On the positive side, the Patriot 1800 boasts a charging cycle of 2,500+ cycles, which means that it can go through the process of charging and discharging a substantial number of times before the battery starts to degrade. This is impressive, and users who rely on the generator frequently will benefit from this long lifespan.
Additionally, the generator’s solar panel has rapid charging capabilities. It can recharge small devices like phones or laptops relatively quickly. However, as with most solar-powered devices, the charging time is highly dependent on weather conditions and the availability of sunlight.
Solar Energy Input And Charging Speed
Solar Input Challenges
While the 100-watt solar panel included with the Patriot 1800 is a welcome feature, it is important to recognize that achieving optimal conditions for solar charging is rare. Under perfect conditions, the panel can generate 100 watts of energy per hour. However, real-world conditions, such as cloudy weather or indirect sunlight, can reduce this figure significantly, often to around 75 watts or lower.
Charging Time
Given that the Patriot 1800 has a 690-watt-hour battery, it would take approximately 6 to 9 hours to fully charge the battery under ideal conditions. However, under typical conditions, it could take much longer, sometimes up to 9 hours or more. This slow charging time is a significant limitation for those who need a rapid power supply during emergencies.
Output Ports And Connectivity
Another area where the Patriot 1800 falls short is its limited number of output ports. The generator has two AC outlets, four USB ports, and a DC cigarette lighter outlet. While this might seem like a sufficient number of ports, the limited AC outlets can be restrictive, especially when trying to power multiple devices or appliances during a power outage.
Lack of Modern Ports
The lack of modern connectivity options, such as USB-C ports, is also a drawback. Many modern devices require these ports, and their absence makes the generator feel somewhat outdated, especially considering that newer solar generators in the same price range offer more versatile options.
Solar Generator Performance Compared To Alternatives
Solar Performance
One of the most critical aspects of any solar generator is its performance. While the Patriot 1800 does provide a certain level of reliability, it pales in comparison to other generators in its price range. The 100-watt solar panel that comes with the generator performs adequately but is not the most powerful available on the market. Many competing brands offer more efficient solar panel options that can recharge their generators more quickly.
Battery Output
The Patriot 1800 delivers 1,800 watts of continuous power and can handle peak loads of up to 3,048 watts. This makes it capable of running larger appliances like refrigerators and freezers, as well as medical devices. However, with only two AC outlets, users may find themselves constantly swapping out devices.
Customer Service And Warranty
One area where 4Patriots excels is customer service. The company has a reputation for responding promptly to inquiries, and their satisfaction guarantee offers peace of mind. If a customer is dissatisfied with the product, they can return it for a full refund with no questions asked. This level of customer support is essential when dealing with critical products like solar generators, as it ensures that users have recourse if their generator does not meet their expectations.
Common Customer Complaints
Despite the company’s commitment to customer service, there are several complaints about the knowledge level of their representatives, particularly when it comes to solar generator products. Some users have reported difficulties in getting detailed answers to technical questions, which can be frustrating for those needing assistance with their Patriot Power Generator 1800.
Conclusion
The Patriot Power Generator 1800 has both strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, it is eco-friendly, portable, and comes with a range of useful accessories. Its lithium-iron-phosphate battery is durable, and it can handle more than 2,500 charge cycles, making it suitable for frequent use.
However, there are significant downsides to consider. The limited battery capacity, slow charging speed, and outdated output ports are major drawbacks, especially for users who require a generator that can power multiple devices during prolonged power outages. Additionally, the short shelf life of the battery raises concerns about its reliability in emergency situations.
If you are looking for a solar generator with moderate power needs or only require it for short periods, the Patriot 1800 may still be a viable option. However, if your energy needs are more demanding, or if you are looking for a generator that can provide reliable power for extended outages, it may be worth exploring other options. Comparison shopping with similar products in the market can help you find a generator that meets all of your needs, from battery capacity to the number of output ports.
In conclusion, while the Patriot 1800 has some commendable features, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Consider your specific energy needs before making a decision, and always weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully.
Faqs About Patriot Power Generator 1800
Is The Patriot Generator Any Good?
Despite 1800 in its title, the storage capacity of the included battery is far from large. The estimated watt-hours of a fully charged Patriot power generator is a mere 650wH. Although its 12-volt lithium iron phosphate battery is very high quality, the capacity is simply too low to ignore.
How Long Does A Patriot Power Generator Last?
According to the manufacturer, the Patriot 1800 supposedly has 2,500 life cycles, though that’s obviously quite hard to test out anytime soon. In theory, this means that you could use this product every single day for almost seven years before you would need a replacement.
Are Portable Solar Generators Worth It?
Solar generators are best used for charging devices and running small appliances. They’re a great source of backup power for a boating or RV camping trip because of their portability, plus they’re clean and don’t require you to keep lots of fuel on hand.
How Long Will The Solar Generator Last?
When you get power from a solar generator, you’re harnessing the sun’s energy for free instead of using costly fossil fuels. Moreover, you can continue to get free energy from the sun for the lifetime of the solar panels you’re using, which is usually between 25 and 35 years.
How Many Amps Is The Patriot Power Generator?
Not only that, but it can actually put out 30 amps of power which no other portable solar generator in the world is capable of doing. This means you could connect it directly to your RV/Travel Trailer, and it will run everything just like you were at home.
