Solar generator???

I've been meaning to get a gas generator for several years now. I've been lucky but one of these days I'm going to get caught short. This one just was advertised on TV, and while the power available is much less than the gas ones I've been looking at, it might be a great thing to have in case of an extended power outage. Pricey, to be sure. Any opinions? This is the first I've heard about these.

http://www.mysolarbackup.com/?gclid=CP2Chpqwjp8CFRshnAod1WRkKg

Get a Northern Tool catalogue and build your own for 1000$. solar power is all about battery "Storage Capacity" 100w panel , charge controller, battery and an inverter. The inverter makes the 1800 w from a battery source. the more batteries the longer it lasts. That advertisment is very misleading IMO.

While we're on the generator subject, is an 800 watt generator big enough to run a drill or sawzall /circular saw(junk yard tools)? Thinking about getting one from Harbor Freight. It's a small two-cycle, $100.

First of all, that advert is very misleading. What you are actually getting is a 90 watt solar panel with a small battery that will charge up and then give 1800 watts peak. This is generally for starting something that requires a sudden surge, such as anything with a motor in it. It won't give 1800 watts continuously, and it also won't last very long. As soon as it runs out it will only give you 90 watts, and thats dependant on the sun....!!!
Total waste of time for anyting other than a very short power cut....!!

Solar power is very expensive and provides very little power, even with massive panels on your roof....

And to answer the second question,

No, an 800 watt generator will almostly certainly not be able to run power tools. You really want one at least 3kw.

What good is solar going to do when Yellowstone erupts anyway ?
Most of North America will be blocked from the sun.

Just a thought


mike