While the solar generator can sustain essential home devices, whether it will suffice to power an entire household depends on its overall wattage, battery capacity and how long you need to use them. Portable solar generators come in capacities from around 500 up to 3,500 watts, with larger models like the DBS3500 capable of handling bigger loads for longer periods — helpful for running important equipment during a blackout. As an example, a 3,500-watt generator should power essentials such as refrigerators (500–700 watts running, 1,200 watts starting), medical equipment and lighting (typically between around 400 and 2,000 watt-hours).
It just has to do with the amount of battery capacity, aka watt-hours (Wh), that a generator will be able to provide these appliances with. The DBS3500 as an example, which stores power in the realm of 5,000 Wh might keep a fridge running for between 10 and 15 hours or top up multiple charges of laptops, tablets and phones for a couple days. That said, running a variety of power-hungry devices continuously can drain the battery in just a few hours too so you would have to rely on sunlight or other charging methods again. When it comes to powering an entire home (including HVAC systems and washing machines), standard portable solar generators likely won't cut it, since these systems usually require more than 5000 watts of power.
Maxium power point tracking (MPPT) inverter is a technology that can be used to enhance the home power viability, and in advanced models this technology featured. MPPT uses solar more efficiently, up to 30% when under full sun conditions which in turn means faster recharge when using generator This functionality is crucial for maximizing the time that the generator produces and heats for, as sunlight is not always guaranteed.
Most homeowners would be best served by using a portable solar generator with gas as backup, in an emergency situation or to bridge the gap between a traditional solar setup and a primary power source. Commenting on solar as a reliable backup, Elon Musk said, "The sun is a powerful ally … in a sustainable energy future." The portable solar generator is a trusty fallback for people in the event they have to cover essential needs, but full-home power would still demand an installed, invariably larger solar system.