How to Handle Cloudy Days with Your Solar Generator

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When the grid fails or a natural disaster cuts off your power, you’ll be glad you have a solar generator. But what happens when the clouds roll in? Are you out of both luck and electricity? Not necessarily. With the right preparation, even these cloudy days can’t rain on your parade. You can still run your critical devices. Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know to get through cloudy days with your solar generator.

Solar Generator

Charge Your Generator Before the Power Goes Out

This step is important for many different reasons.

The best generator with solar panel charging also features cord charging. That way, you can keep it charged before the power goes out. If the grid fails on a cloudy day, you’ll be glad you prepared beforehand.

Set up a schedule. Maybe once a month, check the charge of your generator and charge it as necessary.

 Keep Extra Batteries on Hand

No, not AA batteries. If you’re powering a fridge or portable stove, you run through charge fast.

If you go outside to charge your generator back up and it’s cloudy, you could have to wait a while before it charges back up. That’s why an extra battery is so useful.

Some of the best generators can hook up to extra batteries. This can increase your power output and the time you have to run your devices.

 Check Weather Reports

Keeping track of the weather helps you plan how to use your solar generators. There are 2 ways to do this in a power outage.

First, keep your most recent newspaper close by. It won’t provide a long forecast but can give you a general idea for the next week. Then you can prepare for potentially cloudy days.

Second, a solar radio can keep you connected to the outside world and weather forecasts. You will be able to keep up with the latest on cloudy days. Also, you can have a better idea of when the power will come back on.

 Use High-Quality Panels That Can Detect Light Through Clouds

Just because it’s overcast doesn’t mean you can’t charge your generator.

The best solar generators feature panels that still absorb the sun’s energy. It won’t charge nearly as fast, but if your generator is completely drained, it’s still worth setting up.

Another way to boost charging efficiency, even on cloudy days, is to add a second solar panel to your setup.

 Rotate Your Panels with the Sun

The sun doesn’t stay in 1 position all day. Solar panels should trace the sun’s arc, especially on cloudy days.

You should do everything possible to maximize charging efficiency with overcast skies. This means pointing your panels toward the sun as it moves through the sky. Towards the east in the morning, straight up around noon, and west in the evening.

 Prepare Alternate Plans

Finally, you might have to just prepare alternate plans.

For food, this could be ready-to-eat food bars that don’t need preparation. Or you could prepare your survival food with a camp stove.

For communication, a battery or hand crank radio can still get you information.

Just because it’s cloudy doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. You just have to create your own. And all these steps will help you do just that in an emergency.

 About 4Patriots

 You never know when an emergency will happen. Thankfully, 4Patriots can help you prepare for anything. They offer everything you need to keep your family safe. Erin and Allen Baler founded 4Patriots at their kitchen table in Nashville, Tennessee. Their goal was to give everyday people the gear they needed to prepare for real emergencies. 15 years later, they employ over 200 people. Their innovative survival gear gives you peace of mind in any situation. Whether you need survival food or a solar generator, 4Patriots has you covered. From blackouts to blizzards, you’ll be ready. Start your preparation journey today, so you can be safe tomorrow.

 Get the best solar generator for sunny and cloudy days alike at https://4patriots.com/

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