4Patriots

Shopping for solar generators gets confusing fast. There are watt counts to compare. There are battery specs to check. But a few features matter more than the rest. Here are 5 to look at before you decide which unit is worth your money.   TL;DR: Battery type affects how many charge cycles a generator lasts before it wears out. Continuous wattage, not peak wattage, reflects what a generator can actually run day-to-day. Recharge time and solar compatibility decide how fast a generator is ready to use again. Weight matters just as much as power for anyone who has to carry or move the unit. 1. Battery Chemistry and Lifecycle Not all batteries are built the same. Some last longer than others. Lithium batteries tend to last through thousands of charge cycles. That means less power loss over the years. A generator with a weaker battery may cost less today, but it may need a replacement much sooner. 2. Continuous Wattage vs. Peak Wattage 2 numbers matter here, and they aren't the same t...

A backup generator should give you peace of mind during a storm or outage. But an outdated design can leave you without power when you need it most. Here are 4 signs it’s time to replace your conventional generator and why solar options are a great upgrade. TL;DR Fuel can be hard to store and even harder to find during a long outage. After 15 years, traditional gas and diesel generators start to fail. If nobody can repair it anymore, or the repair bill is too high, it’s time to upgrade. You need a backup option that’s safe to use indoors.   If You're Still Running on Fuel, It’s Time for a Change If your generator still runs on gas or diesel, it’s upgrade time. You have to buy fuel ahead of time, store it safely, and even rotate it so it doesn’t go bad. Gas stations rely on electricity to pump gas. So in a power outage, if you run out of fuel, your gas generator becomes a paperweight. That’s why many households have switched to portable solar powered generators instead. It’s an i...

Picture a kitchen shelf lined with neat, labeled meals, a generator standing by fully charged in the closet, and a 4Patriots solar panel for a backup generator setup ready to keep it charged with nothing but sunlight. That's what a truly ready home looks like, and it's easier to achieve than you might think. Here are some 4Patriots items that can help you be ready for emergencies. See the full lineup for yourself at https://4patriots.com/ Have a question? Call 4Patriots at (800) 304-4202 .  Start with the Pantry A stocked pantry sometimes matters more than a full fridge. It ensures your family has something to eat no matter what the week brings, especially if there's a power outage. A shelf of 4Patriots emergency food kits ensures your family stays fed. Most kits are simple to make and only need boiling water to prepare. Meals stay ready to eat for decades, not just a few days. That means dinner is covered even on a night when nothing else goes as planned, storm or no s...

Conventional backup generators need gas to run. Or they need extension cords. Not to mention, they can be loud, and you have to keep them outside. But you don’t have to settle for these annoying features. A portable solar generator harnesses power from the sun instead. It skips fuel cans and long cords. Many families love this option because it keeps their home prepared for unexpected power outages. Plus, it just works better for daily life and feels easier to use. Why Solar Generators Stand Out Solar generators don't burn fuel, which means no fumes around your kids or pets. You can use them safely indoors. Plus, many models are light enough to carry from room to room. You can even put them in the car to take on the road. They also come in many different sizes. Small models sit on a counter. Bigger designs can provide power for a host of devices. Want to power your phone, fridge, or a medical device? You can find a solar generator to meet your needs. Check the output to make sure...

The power goes out. Restaurants are closed, or the roads are blocked off. Feeding your family suddenly depends on whatever emergency supplies you have stashed away, and that's actually good news, because you've got them. A few easy emergency meals can feed your family and provide supplemental energy. With survival food on hand, a warm dinner is never far away. The Best Solution: Survival Food Kits Freeze-dried emergency food kits make dinner simple. Just boil water, let it simmer, and serve. No grocery run. No long list of steps. Even emergency meals can feel comforting, satisfying, and genuinely good. Here are a few options to have on hand.  Family-Friendly Spaghetti Spaghetti is a go-to for a reason. It’s also 1 of the easiest meals to make in a pinch. Grab the bag or large tin from your emergency food supplies, add water, cook, and you’re set. Top with parmesan cheese if you have it. With comfort food like this, a power outage can feel just like any other weeknight. Ri...

 When the power goes out, a portable solar generator is a lifesaver. But treating it like an emergency-only tool means missing out on some of the perks. The same reliable power source that keeps your lights on during a storm can power other things, too.    Maybe it’s your Halloween decorations or the lights for outdoor Thanksgiving seating. It could even help with Christmas lights if you’re planning that far ahead. Not to mention any fall camping trips and the tools in your garage for seasonal projects. Here's a look at how to get more use out of your solar generator. Power Up the Season Inflatables, projectors, and fog machines create a fun fall atmosphere. But outdoor Halloween displays draw a lot of power and can spike your energy bill. You may power them for hours after dark. Don’t choose between extension cords or overloading an outdoor outlet. Use a solar generator instead. A solar generator gives your display its own portable power source. Charge it up during t...