The days of the traditional diesel-gulping generators are numbered—and the future of clean energy storage is much nearer than you might think.

Solar panel generators have evolved rapidly in just a few years. With more modern technology, lower prices, and smaller and more versatile models appearing all the time, the clean, futuristic cousin of the diesel generator looks set to grab the reins and lead us into a very different era.

Here are four things you need to know about solar panel generators.

1. Clean, Simple, and Easy

For a long time, consumers dismissed solar panel generators as unreliable and expensive—a fad that will eventually burn out said the naysayers.

But few would argue that with our current climate change situation worsening year in and year out, our dependence on fossil fuels needs to end quickly.

A solar panel generator offers clean and renewable energy in a portable system that you can use in various situations. It means no more diesel, no more gas—nothing but sunshine.

2. Versatile for Multiple Uses

When people first think of portable solar generators, they usually imagine small devices that might be able to charge a phone. In reality, that couldn't be further from the truth.

Today's solar panel generators can tackle a whole host of purposes, from supplying power while camping to tailgating. Larger capacity generators can power an off-the-grid home or act as an emergency backup generator for traditional houses.

Top-end generators currently on the market can comfortably put out 3400 watts, enough to power most of a small off-the-grid home, with cookers, refrigerators, and all your usual mod-coms.

3. High Initial Costs Offset by Long-Term Savings

Cost is sometimes another factor that puts some people off purchasing a solar panel generator. A solar generator will probably set you back more than a diesel generator in the short term. Still, you need to keep one eye on the long-term savings while also considering the environmental benefits.

Once you've purchased a solar generator, that is essentially the end of the costs. The savings you will make over the coming years will easily justify that initial price, not to mention dramatically lowering your carbon footprint.

4. Quiet and Low Maintenance 

The growling roar of a diesel generator is enough to send anybody crazy over a sustained period. One of the significant benefits of solar generators is the almost complete absence of moving parts. It provides a virtually silent operation called ‘stealth power.'

Another huge positive of not having the sound of whirling shafts and pistons is the relatively low maintenance compared with traditional generators. Yes, it's still a good idea to check everything's working well from time to time. Still, a solar panel generator has so few moving parts that it can essentially look after itself for long periods without much maintenance.

Conclusion    

People often view major changes with skepticism, which has been the case with solar panel generators. However, all that will change. Newer models are already light-years away from what was available just a decade ago. With the demand for cleaner and cheaper energy greater than ever, we are currently standing at the edge of a tremendous solar revolution.