How to Make a Silencer for a Generator – Accessing Power Without all of the Noise

How to Make a Silencer for a Generator – Accessing Power Without all of the Noise

Aside from the emissions and high cost of fuel, one of the most common complaints people have about generators is how loud they can be while they are running. To help you access power while keeping noise levels down, we are going to explain how you can make a silencer for your gasoline-powered generator.

After we have explained how you can make and use a generator silencer, we will also explain some of the solar alternatives you can use to start meeting some of your power needs with environmentally-friendly, free, and silent solar power.

If you need to access off-grid power, but you are tired of all the unnecessary and irritating noise, you have come to the right place.

How to Reduce the Noise a Generator Creates

If you are using a gasoline-powered generator, the only way to reduce the noise it creates is to muffle some of the sound. While it may sound a little bit strange at first, many people will encase their gas-powered generator in a silencer box.

Making a Generator Silencer:

Gas-powered generators are essentially small engines that convert mechanical energy into electricity that can be used to charge and power a wide variety of electrical devices and appliances.

Unfortunately, all of that mechanical movement can create a significant amount of noise. The radiator fan, movement of the belts and gears, and the exhaust system will all emit noise as the generator runs.

This is where mufflers and silencers can come in handy. By following this simple step-by-step process, you should be able to contain and drown out some of the noise your generator makes while it is running: 

Step 1 – Measure the Dimensions

Your first step will be to measure the space your generator takes up, so you can build a silencer box that can accommodate your generator properly. Simply measure the dimensions of the generator and make sure you allow for a few extra inches on all sides, as you will need to leave space for the insulation. Basically, you are creating a simple framed box that you can use to surround your generator in sound-dampening insulation.

Step 2 – Account for Ventilation

For your generator to run properly, you will need to account for air circulation and the ventilation of emissions. You will need to position the ventilation duct on the roof of your enclosure. Look at your generator and decide where that ventilation duct will go. Also make sure that you leave space for a second ventilation duct, which will allow the generator to pull clean air into the enclosure.

Step 3 – Seal Your Structure 

After you have built a frame that can accommodate your generator and left space for two ventilation ducts, you can seal the exterior with a mating surface, as this will help prevent sound from leaking out of the enclosure. An isolating surface can reduce the amount of sound you hear from the air pressure changes that the generator’s vibrations cause. 

A thick sheeting that is made from rubber, or a similarly durable, yet flexible material, will do the trick.

Step 4 – Install Sound Insulation

Once the frame and exterior panelling has been installed, you can apply sound insulation to the interior. To make the insulation more effective, allow for a layer of open space between the two insulation panels. This will allow the sound waves to dissipate, which will cut down on the perceptible noise. 

Insulation material can be found at most hardware stores. Once the insulation has been fitted, install an interior layer of plywood to create a barrier between the generator and the insulation material. 

Step 5 – Put Everything Together

Now that everything has been measured and fitted, you can assemble the silencer box. Use durable screws to attached the side panels to the frame of the silencer box. You can also install the ventilation ducts at this point. You may also want to attach a carrying handle, which will make it easier to move your silencer box any time you need to reposition your generator. 

Noise-Free Alternatives to Gas-Powered Generators

If the idea of making a silencer pox for your gasoline-powered generator is off-putting, you can consider alternatives that do not generate any noise. 

Solar generators are incredibly handy pieces of equipment. Essentially, they act as emissions-free generators that give you the ability to access solar electricity from any off-grid location. These all-in-one units contain built-in, high-capacity solar batteries, efficient solar charge controllers, fully integrated solar power inverters, and all of the output ports you could ever need.

By simply connecting your solar generator to a solar panel, you can charge the unit, which can then be used to provide reliable power to your electrical devices and appliances. Best of all, solar generators are practically silent, as they do not require any mechanical movement to create electricity. 

Choosing a Solar Generator: 

If you would like to know more information about solar generators, we encourage you to read our Comprehensive Solar Generator Buyer's Guide. Not only does our buyer’s guide highlight six of the best solar generators on the market today, it explains how solar generators work, how they are charged, how you can choose the right solar generator for your particular needs, and much more. 

Our Solar Generator Recommendations

While you should always take your own power requirements into consideration when choosing a solar generator, the following options all find the perfect balance between affordability and performance:

Small Solar Generators:

1. MaxOak EB150 Bluetti 1,500Wh Portable Solar Generator

The EB240 is one our best-selling solar generators on the market today and that fact is not really a surprise. Not only is it one of the most affordable solar generators you can buy, this high-quality unit comes equipped with a built-in 1,500Wh lithium-ion solar battery, a 1,000W pure sine wave power inverter, and a highly efficient MPPT solar charge controller. These built-in components ensure that the EB240 is the perfect options for anyone that is looking silent, high-performance solar generator that will not break the bank.

Unlike a gasoline-powered generator, it also features a variety of built-in output ports, so you can charge your devices directly through the EB240. These output ports include two standard AC outputs, four USB plugs, a USB-C outlet, and a 12V outlet.

Buy here

2. EcoFlow Delta 1,800W Portable Solar Generator

The EcoFlow Delta 1,800W is another one of the high-quality solar generators we carry. This unit features a 1,800W pure sine power inverter, as well as a 1,300Wh lithium-ion battery. Combined, these fully integrated components give the Delta the ability to charge and power everything from handheld electronics, to full-size electrical appliances, like microwaves and small televisions. 

The EcoFlow Delta also features a unique chaining function, which means you can connect multiple units in parallel. A parallel connection would expand both the storage capacity and power capabilities of the unit. Many people will purchase multiple EcoFlow Deltas and treat them like a full battery bank for their solar power system. Whether you are looking for a portable solar generator, or you need a more permanent backup power solution, the EcoFlow Delta is an excellent option.

Buy here

3. Jackery Portable Power Stations 

Jackery portable power stations are another option if you are looking for a noise-free way to access off-grid power. These compact and convenient units feature a built-in LED flashlight, an LCD display screen, and a deep cycle solar battery. Best of all, they can be connected to solar panels quickly and easily.

These units are available in a variety of sizes and power ratings, so you should be able to find the exact unit you need. 

Buy here

The Top High-Capacity Solar Generator:

Point Zero - Titan Solar 3,000W Portable Solar Generator

While it might not be the most compact unit, this Titan solar generator is one of the most powerful and versatile solar generators on the market today. 

The Titan features a powerful 3,000W power inverter with nearly 6,000W of surge protection, a built-in 2,000Wh battery bank, dual MPPT charge controllers, and it is expandable, meaning you can increase the storage capacity and upgrade the internal components. 

While it is one of the most powerful solar generators you can buy, it is still compact and durable enough to be a practical option for those that are looking for a portable option. A vast array of charging output ports make sure you can easily connect any electrical device or appliance you need to charge. 

Buy here

Final Words

While you can certainly build a silencer box for your gas-powered generator, it is impossible to completely eliminate the noise issue. By selecting a solar generator and pairing it with a compact solar panel, you can access electricity from remote locations, without having to worry about distracting and annoying noise pollution, foul smelling and noxious emissions, or expensive fuel. 

If you are just starting out and you are looking for an affordable and convenient way to get started with solar power, we recommend taking a look at our Solar Generator Kit Collection. These kits come packaged with a high-performance solar generator, as well as solar panels that have been matched to the power requirements of that particular generator. Each solar generator kit also comes with all of the solar cables and connectors you need to wire the solar panels directly to the solar generator. 

If you are ready to make the switch to environmentally-friendly, silent, and completely free solar electricity, you will not regret the decision to replace your gas-powered generator with a solar generator. If you have any questions about solar generators, or any other concerns about making the switch to solar power, we are always here to help!