How to Make A Generator Quiet As A Cricket

If you are someone who enjoys camping, natural lifestyle, and outdoor adventures, you might be looking for a solar generator that can power appliances without emitting a lot of noise or toxic fumes. Every camper needs a small or medium-sized generator to power their cell phones, lights, refrigerators, air conditioners, and other appliances. However, the noise of the generator is a big headache for the campers as it ruins the peace and comfort of nature. So, today we will see how to make a generator quiet.

With a quiet generator, you can enjoy noise-free camping. For example, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is one of the quietest solar-powered generators that has enough capacity to power your essential appliances. Solar generators do not use fossil fuels, so there are no toxic fumes, so it looks like a win-win situation.

Why Are Generators Loud?

We will need some background knowledge about why generators are loud before discussing how to make a generator quiet. Portable generators have engines that produce electrical power. Since these engines have heavy mechanical parts that move a lot during operation, there is vibration and noise. The general range of noise is 60 to 90 decibels; however, it can increase significantly. The reasons for the increase in noise levels can be the age and condition of the engine, bad configuration, or a broken part.

How to Make A Generator Quiet At Home or Camping?

How to make a generator quiet? There are many methods and tricks that you can employ to make your generator reasonably quieter. Let us see them one by one.

1.    Choose a Generator According to Your Needs

Choosing the right generator size and type is your first step towards the journey of making a generator quiet. The noise levels of different generators can vary depending on the size, type, and fuel selection. The criteria for the best-fit generator for your requirement depends on how much noise it produces, its capacity and power output, the fuel it uses, etc. Let us discuss the main types of generators and their noise levels.

Propane Generators

Propane generators are powered by gasoline and produce less noise than gas generators. You will also find dual-fuel generators that may use both gas and propane. A propane generator producing 7,000 watts can be as loud as 68dB from 20 feet away. It is almost the same amount of noise a car makes; however, it is more noticeable when running for a long time.

Gas Generators

The biggest downside of a gas generator run by gasoline is the emission of carbon monoxide, which is a safety hazard. They are quite noisy as well. An average gas generator produces around 80-1000 decibels, even over the safe noise threshold.

Solar Generators

Solar generators are the quietest and the most environmentally friendly portable generators. If you are looking for a generator that is as quiet as a cricket, a solar generator is your answer. Solar generators only have the noise of their inverters, which is in the range of 50 to 60 dB, which is considered quiet.
Jackery Solar Generators are available in different sizes and capacities to meet your needs and preferences. These generators are noise-free, fumes-free, and weather resistant. Hence these generators are the ideal choice for camping, household backup, RVing, kayaking, picnics, and other outdoor adventures.

2.    Reposition The Exhaust Pipes Up or Away from You

The position of the generator’s exhaust pipe also affects the noise level, especially when you are outdoors. The best way to position the exhaust pipe in the opposite direction of your camp or any other living area.

3.    Increase The Distance

The greater the distance of the generator from your living area, the lower the noise level. The recommended distance between the living area and the generator is at least 20 feet. You can also use a long generator extension cable to increase the stretch.

4.    Setup The Generator on a Soft Surface

When you place your generator on a hard surface like asphalt or concrete, the vibration combined with the banging on the hard surface makes the noise even worse. Setting your generator on a soft surface like grass or dirt can significantly reduce noise.

5.    Use Sound Deflectors

Using sound deflectors is another solution to make a generator quiet. You only need four 4 x 3 feet sheets of plywood with one sheet of non-flammable material such as drywall. Consider using plywood or drywall between the generator and your location to deflect the sound.

6.    Build An Acoustic Enclosure or Muffle Box

Enclosing your generator in a muffle box also significantly lowers the noise level as it captures the sound waves. The muffle box is also very easy to make. You will need wood panels, L-brackets, a quiet board, and foam sealer. It is also important to keep holes in the side of your box where your generator's exhaust is placed.

7.    Replace Your Muffler

If your generator is old, it might have a higher noise level than the same type of new generator. A faulty muffler is a frequent cause of noisy old generators. A good engine mechanic can easily check and fix the new muffler if required. It should make the noise level considerably low. 

8.    Use Water As A Muffler

Water is a natural sound muffler; thus, you can use it to lower the sound level. You can build a water muffler using a bucket full of water. Use a hose pipe to connect the generator's exhaust and put its other end into the bucket.

9.    Use an Anti-Vibration Mat

As we already discussed, placing the generator on a soft surface also helps to make it less noisy. Similarly, we can use a rubber anti-vibration mat to absorb the sound.

Jackery Solar Generators with Lower Noise Level

The Jackery Solar Generators have an almost quiet operation, apart from the small noise from the inverter. These generators are available in various capacities and specifications, so you will always find a product for your requirement in the series.

Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus 

The Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is a compact and lightweight charging solution that can be carried to outdoor adventures, such as camping, fishing, etc. It emits only 45dB of noise, which is less than a refrigerator's hum. It has a foldable handle and compact design for convenient carrying from one location to another. It weighs only 11 lbs and boasts sufficient capacity to charge small to midsize appliances for hours. 

Customer Review 

“Great product, we have been camping in the west with no electricity for over two weeks and this solar generator has been great. Well worth the money.” — Mandolyn McConaha.

Jackery Solar Generator 500

The Jackery solar generator 500 offers you a 518Wh power capacity that is enough for small to medium size appliances. Also, it comes with seven output ports so you can plug in multiple devices simultaneously. The built-in MPPT module monitors the solar panel’s voltage and output to ensure maximum recharging efficiency.

Customer Review:

"I recommend the Jackery solar generator 500 for camping and RVing. Though it cannot power my big power eater appliances like air conditioners and heating, I always camp in moderate weather, so most of the time, I don't even need ACs, etc. "- John.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus 

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus has a large capacity that can charge 99% of household or outdoor appliances. For example, the home battery backup can charge refrigerators and lights during the night so you can sleep peacefully, even during power outages and blackouts. It emits less than 30dB of noise level, which is the same as that of a whisper, to power indoor or outdoor appliances. 

Customer Review 

“I charged up the Jackery in a little more than an hour to 100%. I plugged in my new 12 volt fridge to see how much energy it would take. After 12 hours the Jackery was still at 95%. I am very pleased and believe this will make travel and camping so much easier and more enjoyable.” — Lea Curtis.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 weighs only 17.9kg, which is 40% smaller and 34% lighter than other similar-capacity products. The instant 20ms switching keeps essential appliances, such as routers, refrigerators, and CPAP machines running smoothly during power outages. It has a whisper-quiet operation and emits under 30dB of noise, which ensures your TV time or peaceful sleep remains undisturbed.

Customer Review 

“Using it almost every day to find out the power draw from various appliances in our house. Very happy with the product. I wish we had had it during Helene. Better than the gas generator. Panels work well.” — David H.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a quiet solar-powered generator that has enough power to run big appliances. It has an expandable capacity of  2-24 kWh. It can power big appliances up to 6000W. Its advanced IBC technology facilitates ultra-fast charging within 2 hours.

Customer Review

"A great buy; it is such a quiet yet powerful. Highly Recommended!" - Isabelle

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

This is one of the large-capacity solar generators in the Jackery series that supports your electricity needs and can power up to 99% of appliances. It has multiple output ports and three charging options, i.e., solar panels, wall outlet, and carport that adds to the overall convenience. Its 30 dB noise level makes it the ideal solution for those looking for a generator that is as quiet as a cricket.

Customer Review

"My best investment in the power needs. This large generator has significantly helped me reduce my electricity cost. I feel like my own boss with the self-sustainable power generation at such a low cost." -Martin.

Kindly note that the working hours are just for reference and may vary from the actual runtime.

How to Choose a Solar Generator?

When you are looking to make a generator quiet, your first step is to choose a solar generator. Here are a few things to keep in mind while choosing the best solar generator that is as quiet as cricket.

Capacity

The most important factor when choosing a solar generator is its capacity. You should have an estimation of how many watt hours you need and then select a generator accordingly. For example, you will need a high-capacity generator if you want air conditioning or heating for longer hours. However, a small 300 or 500-Wh unit is enough for lighting, cell phone charging, and small appliances.

Portability

Solar generators are versatile in the sense that solar power is available everywhere. So if you are going camping, RVing, or picnics, you can take your solar generator and have complete control of power. However, in this scenario, your generator must be lightweight and portable. Interestingly, Jackery Portable Power Stations and Solar Panels occupy very small space and are quite portable.

Battery Type and Capacity

Sunlight is available for a part of the day, so the solar generator needs a battery to store the energy when sunlight is not there. Solar generators are built with different batteries, such as sealed lithium-ion, lead acid, and LiFePO4. Choose the one that is the most suitable for you.

Lifespan

Strong build and weather resistance are two critical factors in increasing the life of any generator. You should look for generators built with strong materials like aluminum or steel. Waterproofing and extreme temperatures are also important factors that must be kept in mind when choosing the right solar generator.

Safety

Overcharging, overheating, and short circuits are possible if the generator is not built according to safety guidelines. The Jackery Solar Generators are equipped with advanced BMS technology, which makes them the safest option.

Output Ports

Multiple and different types of ports, such as AC, DC, and USB ports, should be available in a generator to make sure you can power different types of appliances and devices. 

Quiet Solar Generator FAQs

1. What size of solar generator do I need for camping? Or for home?

A camping solar generator is compact and portable, providing enough power to run essential devices. Jackery Solar Generator 500, Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus, and Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 are the best for camping and outdoors.
On the other hand, a home solar generator should have enough capacity to power big appliances like refrigerators, ACs, TVs, and others. Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro and Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus are great for home backup.

Calculating how long your Jackery Solar Generator will power a particular device is quite easy using the Running Time Calculator. All you need to do is head to the Jackery Solar Generator's product page you wish to buy, find the Running Time Simulator/Calculator, and enter the wattage of your device. You’ll get an estimated runtime. For example, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus can power a small portable AC consuming 500W for 2 hours. Remember, the figures are approximate and may differ slightly in real usage.

2. Can I put a silent box for my generator?

A silent box can significantly lower the noise levels of your generator. It would help to make a box big enough to house your generator. You will have to screw down a layer of mass-loaded vinyl. Now, fill in the gaps with green glue. Now, add some acoustic foam over the top as well.

Also, ensure there are ventilation holes so your generator is not overheated.

Final Thoughts

How to make a generator quiet is a very frequent question. Diesel and gas generators use engines to generate power, and the movement of mechanical parts can make them noisy. Using noise boxes, anti-vibration mats, mufflers, and generally maintaining generators helps reduce the noise. In contrast, solar generators are almost noise free. The noise level of Jackery solar generators ranges between 30 to 45 dB, which is considered safe and quiet.