I reside in a remote area of the nation where power outages and weather issues are prevalent.
There are a million and one reasons why my house may lose electricity for a few hours at any time, from blackouts to floods.
It’s quite inconvenient.
While I can live without my television for a few hours, I prefer to have a backup power generator in my house so that I can power my refrigerator or freezer, as well as a few other necessary appliances, until the power is restored.
As someone who is concerned about the environment, I chose to test the Patriot Power Generator 1800 with solar power charging to see whether it would meet my requirements.
What Is The Patriot Power Generator, and How Does It Work?
The Patriot Power Generator 1800 is a home power generator that is often used in the event of a power outage.
It has two charging options: solar panel charging and charging from an AC outlet (the outlets on the main power grid).
This product is a follow-up to the Patriot 1500, which was notoriously recalled due to its propensity for catching fire.
Now, I’ve never heard of an 1800 catching fire, but I think it’s worth noting when deciding which firm to purchase from.
If you’re worried, talk to the customer support staff.
The Patriot 1800 offers a wide range of outputs to select from.
This solar generator’s outputs include:
- 2 X AC Inlets (Regular Power Outlets)
- DC Output (one) (Like A Car Charger)
- There are four USB outputs on this device.
- Anderson Powerpole Outlet (one) (Used For Emergency Equipment)
If you don’t use the 1800W output to its full capacity, you may power up to eight separate appliances at the same time.
I doubt you’d ever need to plug in that much at once, however.
I can assure you that I haven’t.
Despite being dubbed the 1800, this generator’s battery capacity is just 768Wh (watt hours), which is relatively modest for such a massive generator.
When it comes to size, the Patriot 1800 is a monster.
It’s around the size of a huge desktop computer and weighs in at 40 pounds.
When you purchase the Patriot Power Generator, you will get a slew of bonus items, which is a fantastic bonus.
The Patriot 1800 comes with the following freebies:
- Powerful patriot cell
- Extension cable for solar panels
- 72-hour emergency food kit
- A kettle with a purifying system for the water
- Flashlight HaloXT
- Air lantern powered by the sun
- Library for blackout-survival
- Kit with USB charger
- Contacts with excellent customer service
These freebies help to make the hefty price tag seem more manageable.
With booklets like “The Generator Survival Checklist” and “The Blackout Response Guide,” The Patriot is clearly intended towards folks trying to survive a freak lightning storm or other emergency scenarios.
It would also be beneficial to persons who live in small dwellings, in my opinion.
How Quickly Can The Patriot Power Generator Be Charged?
The AC plug and solar panels are the two major ways to charge this solar-powered generator.
- 3 hours to fully charge from an AC outlet
- Solar panels take 10 hours to fully charge (in good conditions)
The AC outlet charging is obviously quicker, but if you have the time, I’d prefer charging using the solar panels to be more environmentally friendly.
If you can, get your hands on bifacials for more efficient charging.
What Is The Solar Input Potential Of The Patriot Power Generator?
The Patriot can take in 240 watts of solar power.
This is much less than other competing solar generators, which may have a solar panel input capability of up to 500 or 100 watts.
What Is The Output Capability Of The Patriot Power Generator?
As the name implies, the Patriot 1800 can provide 1800W of power.
This implies you may plug in various appliances as long as their overall power consumption does not exceed 1800W.
Advantages of a Patriot Power Generator
#1. Solar Capabilities That Aren’t Harmful to the Environment
As you may be aware, the Patriot 1800 includes a solar panel kit, making it simple to create backup power for your house without relying on the main power grid.
I prefer to put my solar panels up in the yard and link them to the Patriot 1800 inside the house once a blackout is ended and the electrical situation in my home is back to normal (just in case of rain).
This allows me to create backup power in the most environmentally responsible manner possible.
I’m not typically in a hurry, so I can let it charge for a few days in the sun.
#2. It May Last Anywhere From 6 To 12 Months On A Single Charge.
Most solar generators and portable power stations lose their charge after 6 months, however the Patriot may last up to 12 months on a single charge.
If you only have power outages every now and then, this device is great since you only need to recharge it once a year to ensure that it is still retaining charge.
#3. It Has A Battery Life Of 2,500 Cycles.
According to the manufacturer, the Patriot 1800 has 2,500 life cycles, albeit that will be difficult to verify anytime soon.
In principle, this implies you could use this product every day for over seven years before needing to replace it.
It’s a wonderful feature, but unless you live completely off the grid, I doubt you’ll need a generator very frequently.
Summary Of The Benefits
- Solar charging that is environmentally friendly
- Shelf life of up to 12 months
- 2,500 cycles of life
- Quite durable
Disadvantages of a Patriot Power Generator
I’m not going to lie, there are a lot of things about this product that I dislike.
First and first, if you search YouTube for Patriot 1800 reviews, you’ll discover that almost all of them are on the 4Patriots YouTube channel.
It’s never a good omen when it happens.
This product has a few drawbacks; here are a couple to consider:
#1. It’s Very, Very Heavy
Despite the 1800 weighing a hefty 40 pounds, the company advertises this device as “lightweight.”
If you’re just going to use it for backup power or off-grid electricity, the weight won’t be an issue.
If you’re going camping, though, you’ll definitely find it difficult to transport.
#2. It’s Possible That It’ll Be Noisy
Prepare for the wrath of the world’s loudest cooling fans if you reside in a hotter section of the nation.
This power generator may grow hot, and when it does, the cooling fans like to let you know they’re working by being excessively noisy.
#3. For What It Is, It Is Expensive
I realize that most huge power generators are pricey, but this one only has a battery capacity of 768Wh (watt hours).
That, in Shania Twain’s words, “doesn’t impress me much!”
You may acquire various power generators with far larger battery capacity for the same price, or you can just construct your own DIY solar generator.
The problem is, for the price, this simply doesn’t cut it.
#4. There Aren’t Many Air Conditioning Outlets
There aren’t many electrical outlets on a power generator of this size.
This is the kind of power generator you’d want to have on hand in an emergency, however there are only two AC outlets, which seems insufficient.
Yes, you could plug in your refrigerator and perhaps a television, but that’s all.
If your power is off for a lengthy period of time, this is not the best option.
At this price point, there are better alternatives with additional AC outlets.
#5. It Doesn’t Last Long Enough to Power Your Fridge
One of the primary selling advantages of this power station is that it can run your refrigerator or freezer if your home’s electricity goes out.
They talk about it incessantly.
Patriot is all about putting as much power into refrigerators as possible.
This generator claims to be able to power your fridge for 16.3 hours, however in actuality, it lasts far less time.
You’d be fortunate to get 6-10 hours out of a fridge or freezer the size of the ordinary US fridge or freezer!
If you use additional things and appliances at the same time, the savings will be much more significant.
Cons Summary
- At 40 pounds, it’s a hefty beast.
- Cooling fans that are too loud
- Extremely costly
- Battery capacity is inadequate.
- Manufacturer’s claims are unrealistic.
- There are a few AC outlets available.
- YouTube reviews that are biased
Other People’s Opinions
This solar generator has sparked a slew of other fascinating web evaluations from consumers and off-the-grid enthusiasts.
Here are some excerpts from other people’s Patriot Power Generator 1800 reviews:
When you hear “Patriot 1800,” you would expect it to come with a huge 1,800wh battery.
No, it doesn’t.
The battery is Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo4), which is excellent, however it does not have the capacity of 1,800wh.
That isn’t even half of it. The battery has a capacity of just 690 watt-hours.
Ben, from Powered Portable Solar, is a reviewer.
It’s a tad hefty for me at 86….couldn’t get it out of the delivery box.
I believe this may be rectified by having someone construct a small wheeled platform.
Patriot Power User Yvonne Jones
The system, according to 4Patriots, can be completely charged and drained 2,500 times, making it an impressively long-lasting device.
Wear and tear would not be an issue with this gadget in the near run if you are in an area where you can readily charge and replenish the battery on a regular basis.
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Even though I haven’t informed anybody, I am quite pleased to possess this generator.
When anything bad happens to us, all my neighbors can do is scratch their heads!
Pat Edwards, Patriot Power User
Consider These Points Before Purchasing A Portable Solar Generator
While I purchased the Patriot Power Generator 1800 for blackouts, you could also use it for camping and off-grid life.
Whatever you want to use it for, there are a few things to think about before purchasing one of the many solar-powered generators available:
#1. Dimensions of the Battery
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a battery is its capacity.
You don’t need a large capacity if you’re simply bringing solar generators out for a couple of days on a camping trip to power your phone and tablet.
If you live off the grid or want to build a robust solar generator in case of a power outage, you’ll need something that can power big appliances like a refrigerator or freezer.
#2. Speed of Solar Charging
If you want to be environmentally friendly, solar charging is a terrific alternative for your power generator.
You should, however, determine how rapidly your generator can charge.
For example, most regions in the United States only receive optimum solar panel sunshine for 5-6 hours each day, provided it isn’t overcast.
You’ll be fortunate if you can charge a solar power generator entirely in two days if it takes 12 hours to charge through solar panel.
#3. Portability
While many solar generators advertise themselves as “portable,” they aren’t always.
Although 40-pound solar generators are theoretically portable since they don’t need to be connected to anything, they’re very heavy and difficult to transport.
You can certainly drive bigger solar generators to a campground in your vehicle and transport them a short distance to your tent, but that’s about it.
With the bigger generators, let’s just say you won’t be going up mountains or fleeing a natural catastrophe.
FAQs
Is there a vehicle charger included with the Patriot power generator?
There is no car charger input on the Patriot power generator, but it does offer a DC car charger-style output.
It cannot be charged by a vehicle, but it may be used to power gadgets that are charged by a car charger.
Is it possible to power a home with a solar generator?
Although a solar generator cannot power a whole home, it may power basics such as your refrigerator or freezer, preventing food from deteriorating during a power outage.
When it comes to generator batteries, how long do they last?
When properly cared for, most generator batteries last roughly three years.
The longevity of a power generator, on the other hand, is determined by the manufacturer, the capacity, the kind of battery, and a variety of other criteria.
Is it possible to jump start a generator battery?
Yes, the same jumper cables that you would use to jump start a vehicle battery can be used to jump start a generator battery.
It may, however, be dependent on the power generator’s kind or brand.
Should You Buy The Patriot Power Generator?
In certain homes, the Patriot Power Generator 1800 may have a place, but not in mine.
For camping vacations and backup home electricity, I like the Jackery Explorer 500.
If you want additional power, the Jackery Explorer 1000 is available.
One of the reasons I favor the Jackery 500 is that it is just 13 lbs, which is three times lighter than the Patriot.
It doesn’t have as much battery capacity, but if you just need backup power for a few basic gadgets, it’s quite large enough and light enough.
During a blackout, I’m always clumsily stumbling around with generators, but the Jackery 500 has features like a built-in carry handle, backlit display screen, and a built-in low-power LED flashlight that’s perfect if the lights go out that make it very convenient during a power outage, in emergency situations, or while out camping.
We Recommend
THE JACKERY EXPLORER 500
In the same circumstance, the Patriot is heavy, difficult to maneuver, and lacks a built-in headlight.
If you’re searching for a portable solar generator with a lot of features that will come in handy in an emergency or even on camping vacations, the Jackery Explorer 500 is the one to get.
