There’s a commercial being shown on TV  for a product called a “Solar Generator” by a company named “4Patriots”. The “Solar Generator” is, essentially, a battery with some electronics in it allowing the battery’s 12 volt D.C. output to be converted to 110 volts A.C. so it can power household items. The ad shows people running their lights, fridge and even “medical devices” with this little suitcase looking thing. It gets the “Solar” part because a small solar panel is included when you buy the item. Problem is, that the included solar panel does not generate anywhere near enough electricity to charge the battery very quickly and certainly nowhere CLOSE to enough to run a fridge, even if you have long days and place it in a REALLY sunny location. The ad claims that the “Solar” generator recharges in about an hour, leading a buyer to believe that the solar panel will do that. That is very misleading as it probably has to be PLUGGED IN to an 120 volt AC source to recharge in an hour. Try THAT when the power is down. 

The spokesperson, who is pictured here, further informs the viewers that the small size is beneficial so that no one will know that you have a power source. This is important because if the power goes down, chaos will rule and anyone who knows that you have a source of power will want to take it from you. Another “Patriot”, presumably, would be the person to be afraid of. Still, the spokesperson certainly looks like he might know something about chaos and scary and difficult times. The ad refers, several times, to the dangers associated with people knowing you have a source of power and touts the small size of the “generator” as a plus for its stealth and not a negative as small batteries contain less energy than large ones. The price is not part of the “Small” philosophy though. Weighing in at $1,099.95, buyers will find that briefly powering their fridge and lights does not come cheap. 

I’ve never liked the sales model of scaring people or of describing the company selling the item as “Patriots”. Is it subliminally suggesting that, if you don’t buy their product, you are somehow unpatriotic? Be a “Good American” and give me your money!!! Further, suggesting that your neighbors will turn on you, if their power goes down and you have a battery, somehow doesn’t project a Patriotic point of view to me. But, then again, I like my neighbors.

Again, perhaps the spokesperson knows what he is talking about…maybe someone took his battery at some point in the past and he’s out to make sure it never effin’ happens again.