Can a Solar Generator Run Appliances Like a Refrigerator or TV?

In this blog, we will discuss how a solar generator works and how batteries, such as a 12V 100Ah lithium-ion battery and a 5kWh power station, fit into the picture.

What is a Solar Generator?

A solar generator is a system that collects sunlight and turns it into electricity. It usually has three main parts:

• Solar panels – capture sunlight and make electricity

• Battery storage – keeps extra power for later use

• Inverter – changes the power from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current) for home appliances

Unlike gas generators, a solar generator is:

• Quiet

• Clean with no fumes

• Easy to use indoors and outdoors

It makes them popular for homes, camping, and emergencies.

How Much Power Do Appliances Use?

Before determining if a solar generator can power your fridge or TV, you need to know the power requirements of these items.

Refrigerator

A typical home refrigerator often uses:

• 100 to 800 watts when running

• Higher power (up to 1,200 watts) when the compressor starts

Fridges cycle on and off, so they don’t run at full power all the time.

Television

A TV usually uses:

• 50–200 watts, dependent on kind and size 

• Larger TVs (like big LED screens) use more power

What Size Solar Generator Do You Need?

Whether your solar generator can run a refrigerator or a TV depends on its size and power. Let’s look at some examples.

Small Solar Generators

• Often 300 to 500 watts

• Suitable for charging phones, lights, and small devices

• Not enough power for a fridge

Medium Solar Generators

• Around 1,000 to 1,500 watts

• Can run a TV and maybe a small fridge for a short time

Large Solar Generators

• 2,000 watts and higher

• Can run bigger fridges and TVs for longer

• Great for backup power at home

So, if you want to run a refrigerator, look for a solar generator that’s at least 1,000 watts or more. For running a TV, smaller generators might be enough.

Understanding Battery Capacity

The battery in your solar generator stores energy for when the sun isn’t shining. This battery size matters a lot.

Batteries are often measured in:

• Watt-hours (Wh) – tells how much total energy the battery can hold

• Amp-hours (Ah) – tells how much current it can deliver at a specific voltage

For example, a 12v 100ah lithium ion battery holds:

• 12 volts × 100 amps = 1,200 watt-hours (Wh)

It means it can run:

• A 100-watt device for 12 hours

• A 200-watt device for 6 hours

Lithium-ion batteries are a great choice because they:

• Last longer

• Weigh less than lead-acid batteries

• Charge faster

What is a Power Station 5kWh?

A 5kWh power station is an extensive solar battery system that stores approximately 5,000 watt-hours of power. That’s a lot of energy!

With 5kWh, you can run:

• A 100-watt fridge for around 50 hours

• A 200-watt TV for around 25 hours

• A mix of lights, fans, and devices for a couple of days

It makes a 5kWh power station perfect for:

• Home backup power

• RV trips

• Long camping adventures

Can a Solar Generator Run a Refrigerator?

Yes! A solar generator can run a refrigerator if it’s powerful enough.

To run a fridge, check these things:

• The wattage of the fridge – look at the label on the back

• Surge power – fridges need extra power to start

• Battery size – enough watt-hours to keep it running

For example:

• A fridge using 150 watts needs:

• 150 watts × 24 hours = 3,600 watt-hours/day

• A 5kWh power station could run it for over a day

A medium or large solar generator with sufficient battery storage can keep a fridge running during a power outage.

Can a Solar Generator Run a TV?

Absolutely! Most TVs don’t use much power compared to a fridge.

A 100-watt TV can run for:

• 10 hours on a 1,000-watt-hour battery

• 50 hours on a 5kWh power station

Therefore, even smaller solar generators can easily handle a TV without issue.

Tips for Running Appliances on a Solar Generator

To make the most of your solar generator:

• Check the wattage of each appliance

• Choose energy-saving appliances if possible

• Use LED lights to save power

• Unplug items when not in use

• Make sure your solar panels are getting enough sun

Why Choose Lithium Batteries?

Using a 12V 100Ah lithium-ion battery in your solar generator gives many benefits:

• Lasts longer than older battery types

• Lighter weight, easier to carry

• Faster charging

• More usable energy (you can drain them deeper without damage)

If you plan to run bigger appliances, lithium batteries are a wise choice.

Benefits of Solar Generators

A solar generator has many advantages over gas or diesel generators:

• No noise – perfect for camping or indoors

• No fumes – safe to use inside

• Free fuel – sunlight is free!

• Low maintenance – no oil changes or fuel storage

Plus, it’s better for the environment.

When Might You Need a Larger Solar Generator?

If you want to power:

• A fridge

• A TV

• Lights

• Fans

• Laptops

• Phone chargers

All at once, you’ll need:

• A bigger solar generator (over 1,500 watts)

• A battery with high capacity, like a power station 5kwh

It ensures you don’t run out of power too quickly.