The Best Solar Generators of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Whether you are outfitting your home in case of an extended power outage or looking for a steady supply of off-grid power for your overlanding setup, it’s never been a better time to purchase a solar generator. But sifting through all the available options on the market—power stations that are lunchbox-sized to luggage-sized, solar panels that can pack in a backpack to multiple eight-foot long panels you chain together—can take a lot of time and effort. To help you choose the best solar generator for your purpose, we tested some of the most powerful models from Anker, Jackery, Goal Zero, and BioLite side by side to see how they stacked up.
- Best Overall:Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro
- Best Value:Anker 555 Solar Generator
- Most Portable:BioLite BaseCharge 1500 Solar Panel 100
- Most Customizable:Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Boulder 200 Briefcase Solar Generator
- Best for RVs:Anker Solar Generator 767
How I Tested the Best Solar Generators
There are two components to a solar generator—a solar panel and a power station. To understand the performance of the overall package, I looked at each component and then also assessed how they worked in tandem.
- Solar Panels were tested in tandem (to ensure similar conditions) under clear skies. Testing was conducted in late fall, when the angle of the sun is less ideal than it would be at the peak of summer, affecting the potential of each panel to reach its claimed maximum output. Solar panels were tested using power stations of the same brand, but where possible, I also used different panels with different power stations to see if that affected the results.
- Power stations were evaluated on a number of criteria. After fully charging all the power stations, I left them in a climate-controlled room for three days and then outside for twenty-four hours in near-freezing temperatures—none of the power stations registered any loss of power during this test. Next, I plugged various appliances into all of the power stations to see how they handled the volume: a dehumidifier, a sunlamp, two laptops, one of the best power banks for camping, a pair of headphones, another power station, etc. Using these setups, I ran each power station down to half its estimated output. Finally, I considered how compatible each power station was with other solar panels, as well as additional features, such as Bluetooth-compatible apps, display panels, wireless charging, USB-C input ports, and more.
Solar Panels Tested
I tested six solar panels rated for both 100W and 200W capacity from Goal Zero, Anker, Jackery, and BioLite.
I checked that all the solar panels were pointed in the same direction and at the same angle when testing their measured output against their claimed output.
| Model | Weight | Size (unfolded) | Output Ports | Warranty | Claimed output | Measured output |
| Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel | 18 lbs | 540 x 2320 x 25 mm | DC | 1.5 years | 200W | 184W |
| Goal Zero Boulder 200W | 42 lbs | 40 x 53.5 x 1.75 inches | High Power Port (HPP) | 2 years | 200W | 145W |
| Anker 531 Solar Panel | 20 lbs | 23.75 x 83.75 x.75 inches | XT-60 | 2 years | 200W | 158W |
| Goal Zero Boulder 100W | 20 lbs | 40 x 26.75 x 1.75 inches | High Power Port (HPP) | 2 years | 100W | 73W |
| Anker 625 Solar Panel | 11 lbs | 57 x 20.75 x 1.75 inches | XT-60 | 2 years | 100W | 94W |
| BioLite Solar Panel 100 | 10 lbs | 20 x 57.5 x 1 inches | High Power Port (HPP) | 1 year | 100W | 52W |
Power Stations Tested
The power stations I tested ranged in size from 1,002Wh to 2,048Wh, and were capable of either 110 volts or 120 volts (the latter is what you’ll need to run most major appliances).
All of the power stations were capable of holding a charge for extended periods of time, losing no power in either the three-day indoors test or the 24-hour outdoors test in subfreezing and near freezing temperatures.
| Model | Weight | Wh | Input ports | Input Max for Solar | Max voltage for the AC outlet | App? | Warranty |
| Goal Zero Yeti 1500X | 45.5 lbs | 1,516 | USB-C, 8mm, high power port (HPP) | 600W | 120V | Yes | 2 years |
| Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro | 25.5 lbs | 1,002 | AC and DC | 800W | 120V | No | 3 years |
| Anker 767 | XX | 2,048 | AC and XT60 | 1000W | 120V | Yes | 5 years |
| Anker 555 | 29.8 lbs | 1,024 | DC and USB-C | 200W | 110V | No | 5 years |
| BioLite BaseCharge 1500 | 26.5 | 1,521 | USB-C, high power port (HPP) | 400W | 110V | No | 2 years |
Best Overall: Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro (Explorer 1000 Pro Solar Saga 200W)
Key Features
- Power station capacity: 1002 watt hours
- Solar panels: four 200-watt solar panels
- Energy created by one panel in direct sunlight: 184 watts
- Max AC output: 120 volts and 1000 watts
- Also available with a 2000Wh power station
- Also available with two 80-watt panels
Along with the BioLite BaseCharge 1500 and Anker 555, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro had one of the more streamlined user interfaces. There are separate buttons to activate the USB outlets, AC outlets, and DC outlet, along with a button to turn on the power station’s light (in case you want to light up your camp or home) and one to turn on the display. The display here gives you the bare minimum of information—watts in, watts out, percent of the battery remaining, and the time to charge or deplete the battery based on the current conditions.
The Explorer 1000 Pro has a max output of 1000W (peaking at 2000W), which is enough juice to power many modern refrigerators. But given that its battery life is only 1002Wh, it can only supply that power for about a day (assuming it’s not charging anything else) unless it’s also being supplied with fresh juice from a solar panel setup at the same time. For some, this won’t be an issue, as they’ll simply be using the battery to channel power to their other devices during the day while it’s charging, and then using the battery at night to power more low-key items like the best camping fans or maybe one high-energy device like a portable fridge.
At over 25 pounds, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro, is one of the more transportable units I looked at, but it’s still not something that you’d want to lug more than a hundred feet or so at a time.
The Solar Panel
I originally tested the SolarSaga 200W solar panel as a full setup, with four panels plugged into a single power station. This test showed the full power of the array, which registered 650W of power generation on a sunny (albeit hazy) day. I retested a single panel in tandem with the rest of the units in this review more recently, and under completely clear skies, the panel was even more impressive: It registered 184W of energy coming from a single panel. If you don’t have much time to recharge your power station from the sun, then the full setup with all four panels is a no-brainer.
It is, though, a little complicated. Each panel comes with a carrying case and a cable that connects back to the two DC ports on the Explorer 1000 Pro. If you see a math problem here, that’s correct: You’ll also need two of the Jackery Solar Panel Connectors, which, strangely, are not included in the purchase price. Two of these can be used to double the number of panels you can connect to the Explorer 1000 Pro.
Setting up and taking down this many panels takes some time, but I was impressed by how easy and intuitive it was. That’s because Jackery streamlined the number of ports on each unit, making it that much clearer what cable connects to what unit in what port.
While there might at first glance appear to be a disconnect between the charging time capabilities of this setup and its battery life, it’s worth keeping in mind that conditions are not always optimal. One of the things that impressed me most about these units is the panel’s ability to generate electricity in lowlight conditions. Even in complete shade—dusk fast approaching—a single SolarSaga was generating a 6W input.
Best Budget: Anker 555 Solar Generator (555 PowerHouse with Two (2) 625 Solar Panels 100W)
Key Features
- Power Station Capacity: 1024 watt hours
- Solar Panels: two 100-watt solar panels
- Energy Created By One Panel In Direct Sunlight: 94 watts
- Max AC output: 110 volts and 1000 watts
- Also available with a 1229Wh power station and three 100W solar panels
- Max power station output is 110V
- XT60 port on the solar panel needs an adapter to be compatible with the power station
If your family has a bevy of devices that seemingly all need to be plugged in simultaneously, you are in luck with the Anker 555 PowerHouse. It was the only unit in my test that boasted six AC outlets, as well as three USB-C outlets and two USB-A outlets. There were so many outlets that it was actually hard to find enough things to plug into it in my home—I ended up with an air purifier, sun lamp, two fans, a laptop, and a battery pack plugged in. The 555 PowerHouse had no problem with this—it barely used a third of its total output power. If your family has a bunch of devices that simply must be charged at all times, then this is a great option.
Note that this would not be the best choice for someone looking for backup power for their refrigerator, as its 1,024 watt hour capacity was on the smaller side in my test and only has up to 110-volt output.
Something else I liked about this unit was the utility—and comparative simplicity—of its charging abilities. It has one DC input port in the back and a USB-C 100W port that plays double duty with input and output. As someone who struggles to keep track of the sheer number and variety of cords that are always floating around, I appreciated the ability to recharge this unit without tracking down the original cord.
The Solar Panel
The Anker 625 was easily the best of the 100W panels I tested—it was one of the best solar panels for camping I tested back in the spring, and it’s still one of my favorite pieces of gear. It even beat out the 200W Jackery SolarSaga if you consider that this panel generated 94 percent of its claimed output, while the Jackery only managed 92 percent. Part of this is the inclusion of a sundial in the top center of the panel, which helped me align the panel correctly during setup. This sundial is such a useful feature, that after I had correctly aligned the Anker 625, I went back and adjusted all the other panels to match it—an instant uptick in power was measured. Two of these panels is a great choice for recharging a power station the size of the 555 PowerHouse.
I’ve been testing this panel for a while—unlike some of the others in this test—and in that time I’ve noticed that it’s picked up a bit of scuffing along the edges of the fabric backing. While not ideal, this has not impacted the functionality of the unit in the slightest.
Most Portable: BioLite BaseCharge 1500 Solar Panel 100
Key Features
- Power station Capacity: 1521 watt hours
- Solar Panels: one 100-watt solar panel
- Energy Created By One Panel In Direct Sunlight: 52 watts
- Max AC output: 110 volts and 1200 watts
- Also available with a 622Wh power station
- Lightest unit I tested
- Power station is easy to use
- Power station is compatible with the Goal Zero Boulder 200 (up to two)
Like the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro and the Anker 555 PowerHouse, the BioLite BaseCharge 1500 has a sleek and streamlined user interface that is easy to read and understand. The display panel shows the percentage of your battery left, the estimated number of hours it will take to either run through or finish charging the battery, the watts coming into your unit, and the watts going out. It also shows you the number of watt-hours the unit has used in total—watching that number was a bit like watching the odometer tick up on your car. Not super useful daily, but a nice thing to know in the aggregate. There are separate buttons to turn on the ports for USB, DC, and AC power, as well as a button to turn on the display. (A second button allows you to reset the display of how many watts you’ve used, useful if you are interested in getting an accurate read on your total power needs).
There were three details that made the BioLite BaseCharge 1500 stand out next to the competition:
- A wireless charging option on top of the unit. (Unfortunately, I was not able to test this as I do not have a device with this capability.)
- The choice to put the input port on the front of the unit, as opposed to the back. During testing, I found that this configuration was easier when plugging in solar panels.
- This power station is surprisingly lightweight, especially compared to the Yeti 1500X, which has a comparable watt-hour capacity. If you plan to move your power station from room to room, this is a no-brainer.
During testing, the BioLite BaseCharge 1500 was one of the few power stations where the “hours to empty” estimate kept jumping around. It probably accurately reflected the change in power needs of the bigger devices, but was confusing to look at and made the time estimates less useful than they would have otherwise been. (The percentage estimate of the amount of battery life remaining, however, stayed fairly consistent.)
The Solar Panel
While the BaseCharge 1500 ended up being one of my favorite power stations, the BioLite Solar Panel 100 was my least favorite solar panel. First off, two kickstands simply don’t provide enough support for the panels. This is partly because two just isn’t enough, but also because one of the kickstands is situated closer to the middle of the unit, rather than both being on the outer edges. I was able to use the BaseCharge 1500 to help prop it up a bit, but it wasn’t an ideal solution.
One thing that I did like about this unit is that, like the Anker 625, it incorporated a sundial, which helped me to situate the panel at the right angle to maximize the energy output.
However, even with that advantage, this was by far the weakest panel in my test, only generating about half of its claimed output even on a clear day with sunny skies. If you choose to go with a BaseCharge 1500, it’s worth considering pairing it with a Goal Zero Boulder 200W, a pairing that proved successful during testing.
Best Customization: Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Boulder 200 Briefcase Solar Generator
Key Features
- Power Station Capacity: 1516 watt hours
- Solar Panels: one 100-watt solar panel
- Energy created by one panel in direct sunlight: 73 watts
- Max AC output: 120 volts and 2000 watts
- Solar panels also available at 200-watt and 300-watt capacity
- power station s available in sizes ranging from 187 watt hours to 6071 watt hours
- Possible to monitor the power station from another room using the app
- The larger power station s could power major appliances for days without recharging
- Heavy
- Less intuitive than other power station s I looked at
- Difficult to recharge if you lose the original cables
The Yeti 1500X was one of the most complicated user interfaces to navigate, and included several details that I have mixed feelings about. The most glaring one is that when the unit is plugged into a power source, a light blinks blue continuously until it is charged, when it switches to solid blue—if you are in the same space as this unit when it is charging, this is very distracting. Next is the three buttons above the display—which read “unit,” “light,” and “info.” Unit is fairly straightforward—it toggles the input and output measurements between volts, amperes, watts, etc. This is pretty handy if you’re curious about how much power a given device is chewing through. Next is light—on other power stations, this button turns on an actual light, which is useful if you’re trying to see what you’re doing in the evening hours. The Goal Zero, however, does not have a built-in light; what this button turns on and off is the display screen showing the power supply. The info button only seemed to turn on the display (not off)—it was unclear what other use this was meant to have.
Interestingly, despite having one of the most powerful AC ports in my test, there was only space for two plug-ins. Most of the time, I suspect this will be plenty for people (and it does help to cut down on the unnecessary juice being lost out of these ports), but others might find themselves digging out a powerstrip to make up for the lack fo ports.
One of the more unusual features of the Yeti 1500X is a top lid, which has storage for charging cables, or anything else you want to throw in there. Underneath, it also has detailed descriptions of all of the power limitations of the various ports, plus evergreen reminders about not letting your power station get wet—all in semi-legible font. Surprisingly that can’t be said for any of the power stations in my test (including the Anker 767, which despite having the largest surface area strangely didn’t include this information at all). There is also a second 8mm port under the lid as well as a 12V HPP output port.
The amount of power it was being charged with supplying—1385 watts through a single AC port (I had plugged it back into the Anker 767 unit) was higher than anything else I tested, due to this being the only combination where that was available—the maximum input capability of the Yeti 1500X is 150V from AC power). The icon showing how much power was remaining did, however, stay consistent.
Like the Anker 767, the Yeti 1500X has an app that you can use to monitor the battery’s power usage. This app was not as intuitive to use as the Anker 767’s, requiring several more steps to get to the point where I could monitor the battery usage (it also asked me to upgrade its firmware seemingly every other time I opened it). However, once you have the whole thing set up, it provides just as much information and control as the Anker 767 app.
The Solar Panel
I tested both the Boulder 100W and the Boulder 200W from Goal Zero. These are basically the same panels (although with different ports (HPP versus DC), affecting what other power stations you might be able to pair them with), just at a different size, so whether you choose one over the other will depend on your energy needs, and your personal strength.
These panels are significantly bulkier and more cumbersome than anything else I tested. While the likes of Jackery’s SolarSaga series and the Anker solar panels are a bit like someone took a backpacking solar panel and just blew it up to 20x the size. The Boulder series from Goal Zero looks like a solar panel off your house that’s shrunken down to something you could throw into the back of your car.
Both the 100W and the 200W solar panels come with carrying cases, which due to the placement of the zippers are kind of a nuisance to use. But use them you should because the way these panels fold up leaves the solar cells on the outside of the package, rather than on the inside (like the rest of the solar panels in my test). While the 100W panel was heavy, but otherwise easy enough to move thanks to the inclusion of a comfortable handle on the long side of the folded-up panels, the 200W had a tendency to drag across the ground (at least this was my experience, as a 5 foot 5 inch individual), forcing me to lean to one side as I walked. Did I mention that these panels were heavy? At 42 pounds, the Boulder 200W is extremely heavy.
While the Boulder solar panels were reasonably easy to set up, the way the legs are designed give you fewer options for maximizing the angle of the sun in the winter months, when it’s lower to the horizon. This showed during testing, when the panels only pulled in 73W for the 100W panel, and 143W for the 200W panel.
Best Solar Generators with Advanced Buyer’s Guide
Need a new solar generator? Are the features making you too confused? Our in-house electrical engineer offers a detailed review of the best solar generators.
The charge controller, the inverter, the difference between lead-acid and lithium-iron batteries… choosing the best solar generator can be confusing if you’re not an expert.
Ask 10 people and most can’t even tell watts from volts.
To help you, I’ve got the lowdown on the 10 best solar generator units, together with the pros and cons of each product, so you can choose the one that works for you.
I’ll also explain how a solar generator works, why you might need one, and things to look out for when buying one.
My Top 3 Picks: Best Solar Generators
Bluetti AC500 B300S
Overall Rating: 5/5
Bluetti AC200MAX
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Ecoflow Delta Pro
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Best Solar Generators (Reviewed by An Electrical Engineer)
Bluetti AC500 B300S | Home Battery Backup — Best Overall
Battery Capacity: 3072 Wh | Rated Output: 5000W | Charging Time: 1-1.2 hours | Weight: 66 lbs. 84 lbs.
Here’s the deal. Ever since Bluetti has unveiled its AC500 model in September 2022, I’m asking myself one question:
How did they manage to fit 5000 watts of power in a box the size of the 2000-watt AC200P model?
Don’t get me wrong, Bluetti AC200P is still a great choice (please scroll down) but, the AC500 blows it out of the water!
This two-piece solar generator is able to take in 3,000 watts of DC input power, which makes it a suitable inverter for a small- to mid-sized rooftop system.
Following the familiar Bluetti arrangement, on the front side you find intuitively grouped six 120V AC outlets in a long row, each with a neat rubber dust cover.
But there’s an easter egg — the sixth socket is not 20 or 30, but a big old 50-amp outlet that allows you to power your entire household via a single port.
Just ask your electrician to install an appropriate connection to your power box, and you’re good to go.
Above them, there are two cigarette lighter sockets at 12V and 24V, which means you can power a range of portable accessories. There are four USB-A and two USB-C ports
The second part of this solar generator is the power storage unit, the Bluetti B300 with a capacity of 3,072Wh.
You can connect six of these batteries and achieve a maximum capacity of 18,4kWh — enough to power a single-family home in an emergency.
Why Do I Like It?
The Bluetti AC500 B300S is an amazingly flexible solar power station combo that offers home solar grade power in a semi-portable package.
Bluetti AC200MAX Expandable Power Station — Best Solar Generator for RVing
Battery Capacity: 2048 Wh | Rated Output: 2200W | Charging Time: 3-3.5 hours | Weight: 62 lbs.
No matter how good you are, there’s always a new challenger behind the corner. Ladies and gents, this is the solar generator that pushed last year’s favorite — AC200P down the list.
The beefy 2,048Wh LiFePO4 battery coupled with a 2,200W pure sine wave inverter and a total of 16 output ports make AC200MAX a solid runner up.
It will run any household appliance, which is probably overkill for most weekend users, but as they say, it’s firepower that separates men from the boys.
What really puts a smile on my face is the dedicated 30A DC port through which you can directly power a travel trailer or small RV.
Just keep in mind that 2048 watt-hours won’t power your entire RV indefinitely, but it’s great for backup and “dry camping” for a couple of days.
The best thing: the AC200MAX costs twice less than EcoFlow Delta Pro, another hard-hitter on this list.
Why Do I Like It?
This generator solved all the shortcomings of its predecessor, the AC200P, and is still compactly sized for me to fit it in the car, boat, tent, or even my desk!
Ecoflow Delta Pro — Best for Offgrid Living
Battery Capacity: 3600Wh | Rated Output: 3600W | Charging Time: 2-2.2 hours | Weight: 99 lbs.
Not everyone has the skills and time to build a DIY solar generator for offgrid living. On the other hand, if you can dispense with 3699, there’s hardly a better offgrid deal than EcoFlow Delta Pro.
Following the well-known EcoFlow design and top-of-the line features like the latest LiFePO4 battery, onboard Bluetooth and Wi-Fi controls, the Delta Pro is 3600 watts of raw AC power on wheels!
And if the massive 3,600 watt-hour battery isn’t enough for you, you can hook it up to two additional 3,600 batteries for 10,800Wh capacity.
That’s where solar generators break into the gas generator range!
Seriously, the Delta Pro can go toe to toe with a smaller propane/natural gas generator, as it can power even the largest appliances like refrigerators and freezers through a power outage.
For this solar generator, personal electronics and lighting are like flies on buffalo’s back — it doesn’t even know they’re there.
With four EcoFlow 400W flexible Smart Home Panels, you can charge this monster in a little more than 2 hours.
Why Do I Like It?
I’ve always appreciated the EcoFlow’s flow-through cooling design with two fans sucking in cool air and the opposing fans driving hot air out. With so much power in one box, proper cooling is a must.
Bluetti AC200P Portable Power Station — Best Deal
Battery Capacity: 2000Wh | Rated Output: 2000W | Charging Time: 3-4 hours | Weight: 60 lbs.
The uncontested last year’s winner of this list, the Bluetti AC200P is still pretty high up on the list.
As more resilient, more versatile, and more powerful Bluettis have emerged, the AC200P is available at a steal price of only 1,699!
But even today, this Bluetti packs a lot of punch for its size.
In a well-rounded package, you get a total of 17 output ports to power your gadgets, including the two ultra-handy wireless charging pads.
With a power capacity of 2000W, this power station can run almost any appliance, including my fridge, microwave, toaster, and in a pinch — even a room heater.
Thanks to the surge power of 4800 watts, the AC200P has no trouble firing up power tools and machines with AC motors.
The new lithium-iron technology gives you still unbelievable battery life of more than 3,500 charge cycles. This means you won’t have to think about getting one for the next 10 years, even with heavy use.
Why Do I Like It?
The innovative lithium-iron battery and 700W solar charge capacity give me super fast solar charging. I can run my camping gear all night, and the AC200P still gets to fully charge until lunchtime.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro — Best Allrounder Solar Generator
Battery Capacity: 2160Wh | Rated Output: 2200W | Charging Time: 2.5 hours | Weight: 43 lbs.
The biggest portable solar generator from Jackery easily found its way to our list. The 2.16 kilowatt-hours of capacity are enough to power a full camping setup for a few days.
And if you hook 2000 Pro to six 200W solar panels, you can get it fully charged in less than 3 hours.
This is a huge upgrade from the Explorer 1000 model that could connect only one panel, resulting in 8-hour charges.
Jackery 2000 Pro comes with plenty of high-power and low-power ports so you can simultaneously power home appliances and charge your gadgets.
Weight. Unfortunately, with this model Jackery is breaking up the tradition of 20 lbs. solar generators that were the top choice for people who move around a lot.
Why Do I Like It?
The Jackery 2000 Pro hits the best blend of power, capacity, input/output capability, portability, and durability.
EcoFlow Delta 2 — Best Medium Capacity
Battery Capacity: 1024Wh | Rated Output: 1800W | Charging Time: 1.2 hours | Weight: 27 lbs.
The slimmed down version of EcoFlow’s Delta Pro, this solar generator uses the same great LiFePO4 battery chemistry and has kept the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
This is a huge leap from its predecessor, the original Ecoflow Delta 1300 that uses regular Li-ion batteries and has modest capabilities.
For less than 1000, you’re getting a decent power output, and a very manageable weight of 27 lbs.
The weight becomes even more manageable with EcoFlow’s trademark molded in carrying handles.
Another trademark of Delta models is the abundance of output ports: You get six AC ports, four USB ports, two DC ports and one 12V car port.
Using the same great Smart Home flexible panels, we managed to get a full charge in little more than 1 hour!
Why Do I Like It?
The EcoFlow Delta 2 hits the sweet spot for a small family emergency backup power source or a road trip solar generator. With a bigger battery, it would be a serious contender to the much more expensive Jackery Explorer 2000.
Jackery Explorer 1000 — Best for Camping
Battery Capacity: 1002 Wh | Rated Output: 1000W | Charging Time: 8 hours | Weight: 22 lbs.
Very competitively priced and with a solid capacity and power output, the Jackery 1000 is indeed a camper king.
The Explorer 1000 is the best solar generator for campers, adventurers, and all those outdoor types who need plenty of power on the go.
With a weight of 22 lbs and a beefy molded handle, the Jackery Explorer 1000 is one of the most portable solar generators on the list. Still, don’t let the compact dimensions fool you.
Its 1000 watts of continuous AC power and the 1002Wh battery are enough to power an electric grill for 50 minutes, a TV for 13 hours, and a mini-fridge for 17 hours.
And if you can’t leave your work behind, your boss will be happy — With the Explorer 1000, you can charge your MacBook Pro eight times — on a single charge.
Why Do I Like It?
You don’t come to appreciate some features until you start using the device. Jackery Explorer series have all their ports on one side. This way, I can always tell what goes in and what goes out.
EcoFlow RIVER Pro Portable Power Station — Best Value for Money
Battery Capacity: 720 Wh | Rated Output: 600W | Charging Time: 3 hours | Weight: 17 lbs.
You’re a weekend hunter, fisherman, or camper. You value gear that works under any conditions, but you don’t want to break the bank.
Like its bigger cousin, the Delta 2, the River Pro uses the same ultrafast charging technology, so you can charge it from the wall from 0 to 80% in an hour.
On the business end, the River Pro may not power a microwave oven or an electric grill, but it still packs enough power to run the fridge, coffee maker, or TV in your cabin.
Go off-grid and you get 10 charges for your laptop or no less than 60 charges for your phone.
On the downside, you’d struggle to run any serious power tools or appliances, so I can’t recommend this as a backup power source for your home or workshop.
Why Do I Like It?
I like the fast-charge 60W USB-C port. This way I can top off my drone even when the AC outlets are taken.
BLUETTI EB3A Portable Power Station — Best Ultralight
Battery Capacity: 505Wh | Rated Output: 300W | Charging Time: 3-6 hours | Weight: 13 lbs.
Many of these solar generators are called portable, but I challenge you to haul the 60 lbs. AC200P from the place you parked your car to the camping site some 100-200 meters up the trail.
With Bluetti EB3A, you won’t even break a sweat!
Thanks to the modern LiFePO4 battery, this ultra-portable solar generator weighs only 10 lbs. and still gives you 9 output points.
The rated output of 600W can’t compete with heavyweights like Bluetti AC500 and EcoFlow Delta Pro, but it will power everything you can fit into your backpack.
And now listen to this: Bluetti EB3A fully charges on solar three times faster than similarly sized solar generators.
Such a fast charging time is made possible mainly thanks to the quality built-in MPPT charge controller and excellent Bluetti PV200 portable solar panels.
These solar panels have an efficiency of 23.4% and under ideal conditions and, under ideal conditions, will completely charge this solar generator in under 2 hours.
For 209 what this amazing portable solar box costs, you can hardly find a more capable budget deal.
Why Do I Like It?
The display goes beyond just basics like overall charge and tells you how much power is flowing in and out and which ports are active. Not something you’d expect from generators in this size/price range.
BougeRV 1100Wh Portable Power Station — Best for Construction Sites
Battery Capacity: 1100 Wh | Rated Output: 1200W | Charging Time: 4.5-5.5 hours | Weight: 30 lbs.
Cordless power tools are great as you don’t have to chase power sockets and worry about cords in messy areas.
However, quality cordless tools are expensive, especially if you go in the pro-series.
But why throw your trusted corded tools away?
With the rugged aluminum casing and two sturdy carrying handles, the BougeRV 1100 Wh Portable Power station is born for construction sites and tough handling.
There are no bells and whistles on this one — A simple LCD screen and 10 output ports with a total output of 1200W.
You can plug in your drill, but also use the time to charge your phone, and even brew some coffee using the 12V DC car charging port.
This makes the BougeRV a great solar generator for RVs and road trips, especially if you upgrade your camper with an array of solar panels.
Why Do I Like It?
Maybe it’s just me, but I love when a portable solar generator has all of its input/output ports on the same side. This way I always know what’s plugged in and what’s getting charged.
Comparison Table: The Ultimate Showdown!
Solar Generators
Battery Capacity
Battery Life Cycles
Rated Output
Solar Input
Solar Charging Time
Weight (Approx.)
BLUETTI AC500 B300S
BLUETTI AC200MAX
Ecoflow Delta Pro
Bluetti AC200P
Jackery 2000 Pro
EcoFlow Delta 2
Jackery Explorer 1000
EcoFlow RIVER Pro
BLUETTI EB3A
BougeRV 1100Wh Portable Power Station
What Is A Solar Generator?
A solar generator is a device you can use to power to your appliances in case of an outage or when you don’t have access to grid power.
In the off-grid mode, solar generators use solar panels to charge up, so manufacturers sometimes offer special “solar generator panel” deals.
Most solar generators are made to be portable — designed as a sturdy box that contains the battery, inverter, and the control circuits.
On the outside, a solar generator usually has:
However, not all solar powered generators are the same and not all generators work with all solar panels. There are a few things you need to know before you go shopping.
But first, let’s explain how these power stations work.
How Do Solar Power Generators Work?
Every solar generator today consists of two main parts:
When you plug your device into a solar generator you’re basically using the power stored in its battery.
You can charge it in three ways:
Grid Charging
This is the easiest way — just plug the solar powered generator into a wall outlet and charge it like any battery-run device until it beeps 100%.
This is also the fastest way, EcoFlow solar generators can go from 0-80% in just one hour.
However, I don’t need to tell you that grid charging is only possible when you have access to…well, the grid.
This is why we value and rate solar generators for their ability to take charge from solar panels in the first place.
Solar Charging
Solar panels provide free and clean power during the day and for many users, the main point of having a solar power generator is to be able to charge it from the sun.
Solar charging speed depends on the size and number of your panels, the size of the battery, and the solar input power that the generator can take.
For solar charging, you need a special solar adapter cable that some manufacturers include in the solar generator kit.
An average solar charging time is around 5 hours, but large generators like Renogy Lycan 5000 and Bluetti EP500 have a dual-charging mode which lets you charge from the grid and solar at the same time.
This way you can charge even a 5000Wh battery in just 1 hour.
Car Charging
This is definitely the slowest way of charging, but here’s the deal:
If you have to drive all night and need your solar generator locked and loaded by tomorrow morning, that 12V car charger becomes your best friend.
The Bluetti AC200P, for example, takes 14 hours to top off with a 12V charger.
What to Look For When Buying A Solar Powered Generator
Always Go Portable
Whether you need a solar generator to take camping, load aboard your boat, or keep it at your home as backup power, you need a product you can carry relatively easily.
If you’re an outdoorsy type, you already know what I’m talking about. You already have a lot of gear to haul around, and to be honest, a solar generator is not the lightest item on the list.
But I don’t plan to take mine anywhere.
Well, I’m sure that the good people of Houston didn’t plan to go anywhere as well, but when Harvey struck in 2017 and flooded the whole area, many of them were running for their lives.
Believe me, when I say that portable is always better, so you best choose one with a solid carrying handle.
High Solar Input and Charging Speed
The solar input wattage tells you how much power the generator can receive from solar panels.
For example, the Bluetti AC200P has a solar input of 700 watts. This means that you can hook it up to 7x100W or 3x200W solar panels and its 2000Wh battery will recharge in 3-4 hours.
Such efficient solar charging wouldn’t be possible without the MPPT (Multiple Power Point Tracking) controllers.
This device evens out the voltage difference between an undercharged battery and solar panels. As a result, almost all the solar energy they produce is used to charge the generator.
The MPPT controller is a standard feature of many modern solar generators, but please go through the specs sheet before you buy.
So to conclude, if fast solar charging is your priority, look for solar generators that offer plenty of solar input.
On the other hand, if you want to fully use the enormous 1200W solar input of the Bluetti EP500 and fill up its 5100Wh battery, you’ll have to deploy 12x100W or 6x200W solar panels.
There’s no magic to it. Having high solar input is always good, but you’ll definitely need more than 2 solar panels to reach it.
This is why it’s important to prioritize your needs and buy the solar generator you can make the most use of.
Review: Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro – Portable Power Refined
by Patrick Buchanan
Sponsored by Jackery
Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Loaded With Updates, Improvements, and Power
Having reviewed the Jackery 1500 over a year ago in this article. I initially passed on the opportunity to review the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro. In my mind I thought, well…bigger and more powerful, what else is there to say? Turns out I was quite wrong. The Explorer 2000 is both of those things, but with a host of refinements that make it clear Jackery has listened to their customers, and they convinced me to check out the latest model.
The naming conventions that Jackery uses are interesting. By itself, the 2000 Pro is called the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station. However, when paired with the SolarSaga 200W solar panels, it becomes the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro. Either result is a powerful alternative to gasoline-powered small generators.
The use cases for the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro are all over the map. For those that are tent camping or have small travel trailers, this power unit packs the same punch as the ever popular Honda EU2000 gasoline generator, offering the same 2200-watt power. The obvious difference here is that you will charge up the Jackery 2000 via its AC/DC/solar sources for use, rather than carrying and using gasoline. For those with larger RVs, the 2000 is a great supplemental power source.
Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro – By the numbers
The power
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro provides 2160Wh (43.2V 50Ah) through its lithium-ion powered battery, monitored and managed by a 2-chip battery management system. As mentioned, it sports 2200W (4400W Peak) of power AC power at 120V. The two USB-A Quick Charge 3.0 ports offer 18W Max, while the two USB-C ports offer their standard fare of 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A). A 12V, 10A car output (think cigarette lighter, if you remember those) is available as well.
The weight
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro weighs a hefty 43 lbs. That’s a couple of pounds less than the Honda gas generator we cited earlier and about 8 lbs greater than its predecessor, the Explorer 1500. Interestingly, as we’ll see in a few moments, the comparison to the 1500 doesn’t quite do it justice, as it is almost the same size as the 1500, yet with a much smarter and more efficient form factor.
The battery
As noted, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro is powered by a lithium-ion battery. The first-rate lithium battery houses two computer chips for dual-battery protection and four temperature core detectors. The battery can be charged via AC power in just 2 hours, and of course via the Solar Saga panels in times ranging from 2.5 hours to 7.5 hours, depending on whether you have 2,4, or 6 of the 200W panels. DC charging takes about 24 hours.
Of interest to most of course is, how long does it last! I’ll note my personal testing below, but here are a few common examples that RVers can expect from the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro. I’ve broken them down into long term uses and short term uses, based on how I see these items being used. Some of the numbers provided by Jackery are continuous use numbers; for example, a 1160W microwave can run 96 minutes, but unless you are cooking a Thanksgiving turkey, you won’t use a microwave for that long in a single stretch…probably ever.
In the tables below, the time element represents how long the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro would last on a single charge if dedicated to that task.
Long term uses for the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro:
- Starlink Router/Dish (90W) – 15 Hours
- Laptop (50W) – 30 Hours
- 32-inch TV (50W) – 30 Hours
- Coffee Maker (550W) – 3 Hours
- Electric Cooler (90W) – 15 Hours
- iPhone Charging (20W) – 75 Hours
Short term uses for the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro:
- Microwave oven (1160W) – 96 minutes
- Portable air conditioner (1400W) – 88 minutes
- Electric Grill (1600W ) – 65 minutes
Of course, some things like RV coffee makers are subjective. A Keurig might use 1500W initially when heating and 200W-400W to brew after that, then sit for hours at 60W until needed again. A residential refrigerator might use 550W and be good for 3 hours, whereas the small absorption refrigerator in your camper might use half of that, or less.
Improved shape and additional features
I was most pleased and surprised by the form factor changes with the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro. To begin with, they got rid of the fixed handle present in the 1500 and other models. Now, instead of an effectively useless space, the fold-down handle yields a wonderfully positioned flat space to lay those phones and tablets that you are charging with the 2000.
We said it was 8 lbs heavier as compared to the Jackery 1500; however, dimensionally it’s only 1-inch longer, and the height and width are basically the same. Here again, the use of vertical space and the change in the handle have made a huge difference.
Another Smart change was to move the power inputs to the back of the unit. This not only makes it easier to see and manage your connections on the front, it’s less confusing. Jackery (thankfully) also got rid of the giant power brick for the AC power input. You now only need to plug in the easy-to-identify Jackery-orange standard power cord directly into the unit.
That input, like most of the open orifices on the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro. is protected by an attached rubber guard to keep water out. A similar cap also covers the built-in, brighter LED light, which has been moved to the front of the unit, where it belongs.
One thing the 2000 shares with the 1500 is the attention to detail; it’s the little things that speak of thoughtfulness and quality. As mentioned, the cables, with branded velcro organizers, are outfitted in Jackery-orange, to easily identify them for use with the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro. This seems like a small touch, but when you pack up everything for a camping trip, it’s easy to get cables mixed up. The packaging is very Apple-esque, almost warranting an unboxing video.
Jackery 200W Solar Saga Panels
I saw some of that attention to detail spill over into the solar panels too. The 200W SolarSaga Solar Panels are more rigid than the 100W panels I previously reviewed. That rigidity includes a full extra pair of panels built in, creating a four-panel expanding set. Each set of SolarSaga 200W panels comes in its own chique carrying case, with the requisite orange connection cable. These panels take up about the same amount of storage space as their 100W counterparts when folded.
Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Testing
Having used and reviewed the Jackery Solar Power Generators before, I already knew what they were capable of. I’ve powered TVs, laptops, phones, and tablets with the Jackery Power Stations, with great success in the past. In all of those uses, my time or need always ran out before the battery in the Jackery did. Sure, I could power a few random devices with the Explorer 2000 as a test, but this time, however, I wanted to do a bit more…I really wanted to push this unit to its limits.
The Texas heat gave me a great opportunity to see what the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro could do, and I wanted to hammer this thing with a full power draw. I rolled a Toshiba portable air conditioning unit that draws 1400 watts out into the 100-degree heat. I plugged the AC unit into the Jackery 2000, and just let it run.
As it was outside, there was no danger of it ever getting cool enough to shut down or even back off the power. The result was a non-stop run at 1400 watts for a full 88-minutes. During this time, the Jackery also had its own internal fan running, to keep its internal battery cool. We were operating just barely under the 104 degree recommended limit stated by Jackery. It was hot outside.
The resulting time and power draw fit comfortably within the stated use metrics that Jackery claimed. In other words, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro performed as expected, as claimed, even under near-extreme conditions. Campers and RVers will use the Jackery 2000 Pro in a variety of ways. The above scenario isn’t practical, nor is it a real-world scenario RVers might find themselves creating, so let’s look at some that are.
How RVers might use the Explorer 2000
Supplementing existing power
Depending on whether you are boondocking or already hooked up to 50-amp power, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro can provide all the power you need or supplement your power needs. Boondockers will obviously lean on a portable power pack such as this for many creature comforts, while those with plenty of available power may simply use the 2000 Pro for a variety of other power uses. In either case, with its own self-contained power, with or without the SolarSaga solar panels, you’ll have an additional, flexible power source to supplement your existing battery, solar, and electrical sources.
Keeping cool
In keeping with the air-conditioning theme for a moment, a more practical use for the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro might be to power a small portable air conditioner or fan to take the edge off those hot summer nights so you can sleep better in your RV. Of course, in the confines of a small camper or a single bedroom in a large RV, short-term usage to cool that small space will be all that is needed, so you won’t be draining the 2000’s reserves right away.
In the evening, that same fan might serve well to keep the campfire smoke moving in a favorable direction, as well as keeping some of the mosquitoes at bay. The near-silent operation of the Jackery 2000 means you won’t be disturbing other campers when it gets late, after traditional “generator hours” have passed.
Making remote work even more remote
We think of remote work as working from anywhere on the road, in an RV. But when there is a lake, or a stream, or a mountain outside your RV door, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro lets you take remote work to the next level. You can fire up that laptop outside on the picnic table, or next to the stream. With the kind of power the 2000 generates, you can keep your phone and tablet charged as well. Content Creators will love the Explorer 2000 to keep cameras and lighting running while filming those great shots in remote areas.
Emergency power
Should something happen to the power pedestal at your campground during off-hours, or your RV is in need of some kind of emergency power, the Jackery 2000 will be enough to power lights, water-pump, and other items for an extended period. Maybe you are really interested in giving dry camping a try, but want a little insurance power at the ready in case things don’t go as expected. The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro fits that bill. Those that rely on a CPAP machine will appreciate having emergency power available as well.
Kid entertainment
Kids will be kids, and sometimes that means TV or video games. If you need a way to get them settled somewhere with enough power to keep them happy and/or quiet for a couple of hours, the 2000 Pro would serve you well.
Charging
Of course, charging our phones, tablets, flashlights, 2-way radios, TPMS monitors, laptops, and everything else under the sun suits the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro perfectly. With 3 AC ports, two USB-A, two USB-C, and a 12v car port…you should be able to charge anything.
California ban
With the move to ban generators and other small engines in California, a ready alternative is needed. The Jackery 2000 is one such alternative.
The gasoline elephant in the room
When we think of the word “ generator ”, particularly in the RV realm, we think of a device that can generate electricity on its own, typically using gasoline or diesel fuel. Portable generators, like the Honda EU2000 we have mentioned, do just that.
If we throw out the price of gas from the equation, a gasoline generator does a great job of creating power from fuel. The downside of course is that you have to have fuel available and carry it with you. There is the additional noise created by the engine, and that noise is often regulated by the aforementioned allowed generator hours. Then there is the exhaust management. You must contend with the engine exhaust emissions created by the generator.
With the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro. much of that downside is mitigated. We still must remember that when charging the 2000 Pro with an AC input, that power still originates from somewhere. where some of those unpleasantries may still exist. EV power isn’t complete magic, fossil fuel is still burning…somewhere, just not at your campsite.
Still, where a gas-powered generator must run at all times to generate power, the Jackery unit contains that power, only needing a periodic recharge. For those blessed with sunny skies, that power can come from the RV industry’s favorite darling…solar power.
The long-lasting power emitted from the 2000 is silent, save for the small internal fan that runs occasionally. It’s mess free, and there is no fuel or oil to contend with. For those idyllic early mornings and late evenings when camping, you can have your power and the quiet bliss of your natural surroundings.
Conclusion
To be fair, not all traditional internal combustion engine generators can be replaced with a solar-powered generator/battery pack solution, but many of those used by campers and RVers can. With the deluge of these products hitting the market, Jackery, with their built-in 2 3-year upgradable warranties, high quality, and well thought out products, continues to lead the charge in this space.
There are many options and combinations to choose from, so for complete pricing, head over to the Jackery website. If the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro is more power than you need, check out the Explorer 1500. or the Explorer 1000.
All around RV industry enthusiast who has been RVing for 8 years and enjoys trips with his wife and dogs in their diesel pusher.
What Is a Solar Generator
Solar generators are a popular alternative to standby and gas generators. But many people often ask questions like, what is a solar generator, whether it is worth it, etc., before they make their final purchase. In simple words, a solar generator is a portable power station that uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. The electrical energy is stored in a battery called a power station, which is then used to power appliances.
As climate change is impacting the world, people are switching to renewable energy for all their power needs. Portable solar generators emit no harmful gases and are more reliable than their fuel-powered counterparts. That is why many homeowners are switching to solar-powered generators, like Jackery Solar Generator.
The combination of Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels and Explorer Portable Power Station can help you use solar energy to charge appliances for long hours. In this solar generator ultimate guide, we will reveal everything related to the clean power solution, the differences between solar and gas generators, and how to choose the right generator.
What Is A Solar Generator
Technically, a solar generator means a power generator that works on solar energy. It is a term that refers to the combination of portable power stations and solar panels to capture, store, and distribute the sun’s power.
Most powerful and reliable solar generators are used during RV trips, emergency power backup solutions, camping, or other outdoor activities. Unlike gas generators that require diesel, propane, or gas, a solar generator comprises of:
- Portable Solar Panels
- Portable Power Station ( including Rechargeable Battery Solar Charge Controller Solar Inverter)
Different sizes and capacities of solar generators are available, ensuring you can choose the one that suits your needs without overspending.
The Components Of a Solar Generator
Now that you know what a solar generator is, it’s time to explain the critical components of the system.
Solar Panels
Also referred to as photovoltaic cells, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. Solar generators use portable and foldable solar panels to differentiate them from rooftop panels.
Charge Controller
When the electricity is generated by the solar panels, the first component it reaches is the charge controller (or regulator). As solar energy is generated at variable rates, the charge controller’s job is to shape and condition electricity to avoid overcharging. The highly efficient solar generators are equipped with MPPT technology that ensures nothing is damaged when power flows through the system.
Another core component of the portable solar generator is an inverter that turns direct current output from solar panels to alternating current. The job of the inverter is to draw energy from the solar system and transport it to appliances.
Solar Battery
The electricity generated by solar panels is stored in the solar battery until it’s needed. Most modern solar generators have an in-built lithium-ion battery to store current collected by solar panels.
The Usage Of A Solar Generator
A solar generator can be used in multiple ways, including but not limited to:
- Emergency Backup Supply: Frequent power outages and emergencies are the main reasons homeowners choose solar power systems. A reliable and efficient solar solution can power essential appliances like medical equipment, refrigerators, lights, etc.
- Off-Grid Living: Solar generators with high-capacity batteries can help you enjoy off-grid living. With a high-power solar generator, you can charge small and large appliances and keep them running for hours.
- Outdoor Activities: As solar generators are portable, they are a perfect charging companion for camping, hiking, RV trips, or outdoor activities.
- Sustainable Living: Homeowners wanting to choose a sustainable and eco-friendly power source can switch to solar generators. They can reduce electricity bills, lower reliance on fossil fuels, etc., by harnessing the sun’s power.
How Does A Solar Generator Work
A portable solar generator works when a solar panel converts sunlight into usable energy, which is electricity. Solar panels collect the sun’s energy during the daytime and transfer it to the battery storage system. Compact and transportable solar generators are convenient power solutions that charge appliances anywhere.
Here is the breakdown of the process:
- Solar panels convert sunlight into DC electricity which then passes through the charge controller.
- The charge controller regulates electricity voltage before storage, ensuring the proper current flow to the battery.
- The built-in battery stores all the power to charge the electrical devices later.
- The inverter converts DC to AC power to power most appliances and devices for hours.
The Types Of Solar Generators
Below are the three main types of solar generators.
On-Grid Solar Generator
This type of generator connects to the power grid to charge appliances. Solar panels capture sunlight to transform it into electricity in the form of DC. Then, the direct current is converted to AC in the power board. The board transfers electricity to power homes and buildings.
Also referred to as standalone or autonomous solar generators, they involve using batteries powered by solar panels. They are portable solar generators that can be carried during leisure travels, RV trips, etc.
Hybrid Solar Generator
This new-age solar generator is a combination of traditional generators with a controllable power source. The environment-friendly and fuel-efficient power supply source is preferred in areas where there is little access to petrol, LPG, or diesel.
Why Choose Solar Generators
Many benefits are available when you choose solar generators, especially compared to fuel-powered or traditional gas-powered generators. Here are some key benefits of solar generators.
Solar generators are lightweight and more portable than non-solar generators. It is a convenient power solution that allows you to supply power anywhere and everywhere. Portable generators are popular when living off-grid, traveling in an RV, or camping.
Another best thing about solar generators is that they are quiet. Traditional gas generators are often noisy and can be particularly annoying in small spaces like RVs, tiny homes, etc. Alternatively, solar generators are quiet and ideal for indoors.
Eco-Friendly
Unlike conventional diesel or gas generators that require fossil fuels, solar energy is a low-emission, renewable energy source. As no pollutants are emitted from a solar generator, it is an eco-friendly and low-cost option.
Low Maintenance
Solar generators need little to no maintenance. You can just remove dust to enhance photon absorption. Furthermore, there are no moving components, so you don’t have to FOCUS on machine part replacement.
Solar Generator Vs. Traditional Generator
Solar generators and traditional generators are two widely popular power solutions available. However, they are entirely different from each other.
Let’s quickly compare solar and gas generators in the table.
– Low maintenance and quiet solution
– Lightweight and sleek design
– Cannot generate electricity at night
– High maintenance required
Here we compare both generators in detail, so you can make an informed decision.
Pros and Cons of Solar Generator
Below we have explained the pros and cons of solar generators.
- Compared to traditional gas generators, solar generators are portable. They are ideal for camping, emergencies, outdoor events, and general on-the-go activities.
- They are even equipped with easy-to-carry handles to enhance portability and convenience.
- Solar generators do not have any moving parts like gas generators. Therefore, they have fewer chances of repair and require low maintenance.
- They generate clean, renewable energy that does not hurt the environment while running.
- Solar generators typically require high upfront costs.
- Solar batteries can be recharged only when solar energy is available.
Pros and Cons of Traditional Generator
Generators powered by fossil fuels are technically known as traditional generators. Below we have mentioned some of the main advantages and disadvantages of conventional generators.
- Traditional generators produce electricity on demand. That is, you can produce electricity as soon as they receive fuel.
- Different sizes of gas generators are available in the market, making them a little portable. However, you’ll need to carry gasoline, making them less convenient than solar generators.
- As they have been on the market for years, traditional generators are more familiar to people and have high market dominance.
- Traditional generators require costly fuel, which increases long-term costs.
- They emit toxic gases like carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and sulfur oxides, leading to pollution.
- Because of the moving parts in the gas generators, they are extremely noisy. Thus, they are not suitable indoors or in small places like RVs.
- Gas generators require regular maintenance as they have moving parts. You need to clean, oil, and replace them over time, leading to high maintenance costs.
As you see, solar generators have more advantages compared to gas generators.
How To Choose a Solar Generator
Understanding “what is a portable solar generator” is not enough; it’s essential to understand the factors to consider while choosing a solar generator. Since not all portable solar generators are the same, you must check out their features to select the ideal generator.
Battery Storage Capacity
No matter your use case, choosing a solar generator with a high battery storage capacity is vital. When the solar generator has a high capacity, you can store more power for later use. This, in turn, ensures that you have easy access to solar power during emergency blackouts or outdoor trips.
Pure Sine Wave Inverter
These devices transform power from a battery into energy that resembles that of the wall outlet. The primary aim of the sine wave inverter is to convert the direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). A solar generator equipped with pure sine wave inverter supplies exact voltage, ensuring that the sensitive electronic devices are safe.
Lithium-Ion Battery
Portable electronic devices like solar generators should have lithium-ion batteries. Choosing a solar-powered system with a high-quality lithium-ion battery ensures you can charge appliances safely and without overheating.
No matter what your reason is behind choosing the solar generator, a little bit of research ensures that you spend your money on the right product.
Why Jackery Solar Generator
Portable solar generators are the best way to use the sun’s energy and power your gear. Jackery is a leading brand that manufactures high-quality SolarSaga Solar Panels and Explorer Portable Power Stations.
You can select from a vast range of solar generators available, depending on the number of appliances you wish to charge. Jackery Solar Generators are quiet, portable, and affordable, ensuring maximum sunlight is converted into electricity.
Here are a few main benefits of Jackery Solar Generators over other similar products on the market.
Reliability: Jackery offers the most reliable solar generators with advanced features. Equipped with a high-capacity battery, they are powerful enough to support RV, van, and cabin life.
Ease of Use: Even if you are using a solar generator for the first time, you won’t regret investing in Jackery Solar Generators. The plug-and-play operation helps you pair Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels with Explorer Portable Power Station in a few clicks.
Lightweight: All the Jackery Solar Generators are portable, making them ideal for outdoor activities or off-grid living. Whether you plan to go camping or RV, you can take your solar generator with you.
Cost-Efficient: Jackery Solar Generator offers excellent value for your money. Furthermore, the wide range of sizes available makes them excellent options for those having different budgets.
Efficient Panels: Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels have the highest efficiency. That is, the panels can absorb maximum solar energy in less time. In addition, they feature adjustable kickstands that help you adjust the panels and generate maximum power output.
Now that you know the pros of solar generators, here are the most popular bundles available.
Recharging Time
What Size Generator to Run a House (with Chart)
Sudden power outages due to natural calamities can cause a lot of inconveniences, especially when no power source is available. A solar generator is a highly versatile and convenient power source for homes.
Think of it as a solar power source that can charge all home appliances, from electric kettles to large refrigerators. However, different solar power station sizes are available on the market, making it challenging to make an informed choice.
Before investing money into one, you need to ask yourself, what size generator to run a house? In addition, you need to understand which appliances you need to power daily.
This article will help our readers figure out what solar generator size will suit their power needs, how to calculate it, and which solar power generator they should buy.
What Is a Solar Generator For a House?
Before we calculate the right size of solar generator for homes, let us understand the mechanism of a solar power generator.
Solar generators come with solar panels that collect the magnificent sun’s energy and convert it into DC (or direct current). The generated current charges the battery or power station so you can access the power even after the sun is down.
As direct current cannot power up the appliances, the solar generator consists of another component called a power inverter. It transforms the direct current into an altering current so you can use that power to charge all your gears.
A reliable, clean, and efficient power source ensures you are never powerless during power outages or outdoor adventures.
What Size Generator Do I Need For My House?
Determining the right generator size depends heavily on which appliances you need it for. You can use the power generated by the solar generator to recharge different appliances and electronics, which will determine which solar generator you should invest in.
For example, many people buy solar generators during power outages to power their small electronic devices like laptops, electric kettles, etc. They can choose a small 1000W solar generator. Meanwhile, people wanting to charge all their appliances can choose a 1500W-3000W power station.
Jackery solar generators come in different sizes that help you recharge lights, electric stoves, and everything in between. The top models available are Jackery Solar Generator 1000W, 1500W, 2000W and 3000W.
What Size Generator Do I Need For My House Chart
You’ll need to perform some simple calculations to define what size generator to run a home. The first step is determining the essential appliances you need to power up. This may include phone charges, hairdryers, laptops, kitchen appliances, etc.
Find out how much energy each of your chosen appliances needs. You can check the appliance to get information about the power it consumes. Most importantly, determine how long you use the specific device daily.
Once you have that information handy, it’s time to calculate the watt-hour of each appliance and choose the right size generator.
To help you understand better, we’ve compiled a table with the common appliances, their usage hour, power consumption, and more.
Daily used time
Total wh (=watthour)
Typically, a 2000W solar generator and above would be sufficient to cater to a typical home’s needs. Using solar panels to recharge the power station, you can get renewable solar power for your house.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro is the right combination for those wanting to go off-grid. The best feature of the solar generator is that you can plug it with solar panels and recharge appliances simultaneously. In addition, the handy display will indicate how much power you’re putting in and using to protect the solar generator.
Best Generator For Home: Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro is one of the most efficient and versatile solar generators available on the market. Not only is the solar generator user-friendly, but it is capable of charging all small and large home appliances. Below are a few things that make Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro an excellent choice for anyone
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro is a popular choice among homeowners due to its large storage capacity. The solar power kit comes with lithium-ion batteries that can store 2,160Wh of energy and power all your gadgets with 2200W (4400W Peak) AC output.
When Explorer 2000 Pro and 6x SolarSaga 200W solar panels are combined, the high-powered solar generator system generates 2000W solar power in only 2.5 hours during the daytime. Thus, it helps you to charge large appliances like refrigerators, electric blankets, etc., for hours without recharging.
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro is the ideal choice for someone who wants to charge multiple appliances simultaneously. Multiple input and output ports enable you to power various devices with a solar generator without purchasing a bunch of adapters.
The input and output ports available include AC input, DC input, carport, AC output, USB-A output, and USB-C output.
With Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro, you can charge all your home appliances efficiently. Be it a hand grill, air conditioner, microwave, refrigerator, electric grill, blender, mini cooler, hot plate, or coffee maker, you can charge anything and everything. Most importantly, this solar generator can power up to eight electric devices simultaneously.
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro for house features a built-in AC inverter. All the AC and DC current generated from the solar panels, car outlet, or wall socket pass through the inverter and charge all your home appliances. In addition, due to a powerful in-built AC inverter, the Jackery power station supplies a larger voltage to power all the major electronic devices.
The solar power generator has the fastest charging time. Depending on the charging mode, you can power up the solar generator in 2.5 hours fastly. For instance, you can recharge lithium-ion batteries by connecting them to solar panels. This will take around 2.5 hours and is an appropriate charging method during power outages. If you have access to a wall outlet (standard), it will take 2 hours to recharge the battery pack.
Jackery products are known for reliability, safety, and high quality. But that does not mean you have to be high on a budget to purchase the solar generator. Different combinations of Explorer 2000 Pro and SolarSaga 200W solar panels are available on the official website, with a price range between 2,499 and 6,190, you can build up a solar power system for your house.
Customer Reviews
Here is what Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro customers say about the product.
“We needed a generator back up that was easy set up, provide enough power to plug in our refrigerator, TV lights, coffee pot. ( these were our Priority). We purchased the Jackery 2000 Pro with 2 solar panels, as we age, finding simplicity works best,and did not want to mess with gas generator, With pull start up, leaving outside, loudness, etc. This Jackery fit our bill with more power and longevity than we ever imagined. Living in Florida, we just experienced Hurricane Ian and Nicole, it certainly gave us peace of mind when power went out, and used inside house with no problems at all. Did above and beyond what the developer writes.I normally don’t write reviews but had to share with the public to let you know you will not be disappointed with Jackery 2000 Pro! It lasted so long, that we did not even use the solar, but will follow up with another review when we test it out. Some say it may be a little pricey, but you get what you pay for,and this is well worth it! Wanted to drop in a picture off it, but camera decided not to cooperate right now-Dee Verified
“We charged it up, testing both the solar panels and then adding in-home AC power. It took less than 2 hours. I then used the generator to power my chest freezer for a while to make sure it could do it. Then during the next hurricane, I hooked my sump pump to it and it did well. It is a bit too heavy for me (an older, not too athletic woman) to carry, but the guys seem to have no trouble.”.-LLMommyM
Check out the technical specs of Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro below:
Output Ports
Home appliances
Solar Charging Time
Jackery Solar Generator 2000Pro
AC Output (120V, 60Hz, 220W), USB-A Output and USB-C Output.
Light(13W) 100H, TV(60W) 22H, Cooler(21W) 70H, Heating Blanket(40W) 68H, Coffee Maker(1000W) 2.2H, Electric Stove(1150W) 90Min
Takes 2.5 hours to recharge with Explorer 2000 Pro and 6x SolarSaga 200W solar panels.
Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro (Explorer 1500 Pro SolarSaga 200W)
The Jackery solar generator 1500 Pro has a 1512 Wh capacity with 1800 running wattage. It can run many home appliances and outdoor tools with its multiple output ports. It has very fast solar engineering supported by Solarpeak™ technology. You can charge it to 100% within 2 hours.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro (Explorer 1000 Pro SolarSaga 80W/200W
The Jackery solar generator 1000 Pro takes only 1.8 hours to charge fully. It is lightweight and compact, making it portable and perfect for outdoor power generation. It has an integrated battery system that monitors and protects the battery life to safeguard your equipment from fluctuations.
Understanding Starting, Running Wattage For Appliances
Power stations or solar generators are sized in watts (W). The higher a solar generator’s watt, the more power it can generate and the more appliances it can charge. The two standard terms associated with watt calculation are starting watts and running watts.
Starting watts is the amount of power or energy appliances need to start up. Meanwhile, running watts is the energy any device needs to run after initial startup.
Generally, running watts is much less than starting watts. Understanding the wattage requirements of various electric appliances will help you calculate the power needs of the generator.
Here is a simple example of calculating the generator size yourself.
Suppose you want a generator that can power up a large refrigerator. It needs a burst of power to get started, termed starting watts. But the amount of watts it requires to run consistently is called running watts.
Let’s say it needs 400W running power or wattage to function. That said, you need to choose a solar power generator capable of providing constant charge to the appliance.
Here is some simple mathematics.
The total wattage you need to run your large refrigerator would be around 1200W. Therefore, you should buy a generator capable of supplying 1200W and above to keep your appliance running for hours.
Similarly, you can calculate the running, starting, and total wattage of all your home appliances to get an answer to what size generator do I need for my house.
Why Do You Need a Solar Generator For House?
Preparing your home with an efficient and reliable power source is becoming more than necessary. With power outages and blackouts becoming common, keeping a power backup solution for the home is ideal. Until recently, fossil fuel or gas generators were the go-to choices for people. But today, people realize the immense benefits of solar power generators. Some other advantages of solar generators include the following:
Solar generators are a reliable and renewable energy source compared to other power alternatives. The solar panels arranged beneath the sun will store the solar energy and convert it into electrical energy. As no artificial elements are involved in energy production, it adds up to help you access natural and reliable power.
Advanced solar generators like Jackery products feature a first-rate lithium battery that houses two chips for dual protection. In addition, four core detectors ensure an appropriate amount of charge flows to and from the solar generator.
The in-built Battery Management System (BMS)™ protects the circuit, guaranteeing that the generator is safe to use at home.
Solar generators use solar energy rather than fuel to recharge and power home appliances. That said, no fumes are produced, guaranteeing clean energy at home. To charge the home appliances with a solar power generator, you need to connect the explorer with solar panels and let it recharge its battery.
Monthly electricity bills can dread you. However, that’s not the case when you have a solar generator at home. Once you know the answer to what size generator do I need for my house, you can reduce the high electricity bills. Not only does solar energy help you cut down the high bills, but it also ensures that you cause no harm to the environment by producing toxic carbon emissions.
Unlike gas or fuel generators, solar generators are extremely easy to use and require no maintenance. You can dust off the solar generator with a clean cloth to ensure it runs efficiently. The press-and-play feature of Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro provides that anyone can operate it with a single button press. In addition, it features a battery-level monitoring system and fault code indicators that make it user-friendly.
Solar generators do not have any moving parts. That said, no noise is produced while the solar power station operates. The solar generator’s cooling fan produces no more than 53 dB of sound. That’s why solar generators can also be utilized during nighttime as it works silently to give access to clean power.
Before buying any generator, always ask what size generator to run a house. Once you know the answer, understand its features and make your purchase. A solar generator such as Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro is easy to use and can help you power your house during blackouts.
FAQs About Solar Generator For Home
How many years will a solar generator last?
Branded solar generators last for decades without any heavy maintenance costs. For example, Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro can stay at a maximum capacity of 80% after using it weekly for 10 years.
How much does a solar generator for a house cost?
The cost of a solar power station or generator for your house can vary greatly depending on location, size and type of solar system, and the brand. You can learn more from the Solar Generator 2000 Pro page. The product can recharge all your high-powering appliances and tools during emergencies or outdoors, including e-bikes, air conditioners, mini coolers, pellet smokers, etc.
Inverter or generator: which is best for home use?
A solar generator with an in-built inverter is an efficient and powerful way to recharge all your home appliances. In addition, solar generators, compared to gasoline generators, produce clean power, are quiet, and are portable. Therefore, you should always choose a green and clean power source like a solar generator for home use.
Conclusion
A home solar power generator is a worthwhile investment, especially if your home area is prone to blackouts and brownouts. However, choosing the right size of the solar generator is of great importance.
Calculate what devices you are looking to power and for how long to understand what size generator to run a house. Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro is the best choice for homeowners wanting to power all their appliances for hours. For more information about Jackery products, subscribe to our newsletter and get exclusive product news and deals.
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