Best Solar Generators in 2023 Reviewed
Solar generators are rapidly cornering the market for off-grid and home backup power.
EcoFlow solar generators pair portable, rigid, and/or flexible solar panels with a portable power station or Power Kit to generate and store clean, renewable electricity.
You can generate electricity anywhere the sun shines — and for almost any use case.
Solar generators are ideal for off-grid adventures like camping, reliable home backup, and full-time RV living.
So which solar generator is right for you?
Choosing the right solar generator requires thoroughly evaluating your electricity consumption needs.
Here are just a few of the factors you need to consider:
- Electricity storage (battery) capacity
- Maximum output (wattage)
- Charging options
- Recharge time
- Size, weight, and portability…
In addition to helping you determine which solar generator will meet your needs, we’ve also sifted through all the solar generator options on the market and narrowed them down to the very best.
Read on for a round-up of the six best solar generators in the market in 2023 and detailed info on the factors you must consider to choose the perfect off-grid power solution for you.
What Is a Solar Generator?
Solar generators absorb sunlight through solar (PV) panels, and the balance of system converts the solar power into AC (household) electricity. The electricity is stored in a solar battery. The electricity storage (Wh or kWh) and AC power output (W or kW) capacity determine what kind of appliances and devices you can run — and for how long.
Generators that use photovoltaic (PV) panels tend to operate in similar ways, but not all solar generators are created equal.
There are substantial variations, all of which should impact your purchase decision.
The most crucial factors include:
- Electricity storage capacity (wH/kWh)
- Maximum power output (watts/kilowatts)
- Solar input capacity (indicates how many solar panels you can connect)
- Charging methods (in addition to solar)
- Recharge times (using solar panels and other charging methods)
- Solar battery chemistry
- Quality
- Lifespan
- Weight and size
- Price
Below we review EcoFlow’s best solar generators in 2023, including their ideal use cases, benefits, key specs, and pros and cons.
Best for Outdoor Activities – EcoFlow RIVER 2 110W Portable Solar Panel
The EcoFlow RIVER 2 with a 110W solar panel provides the ultimate in convenience and portability for powering your personal devices off-grid. It’s the perfect solution for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, or camping.
Due to its compact and lightweight build, you can take the RIVER 2 anywhere you go. Carry it with you on your 10-mile hike and charge your camera batteries to take beautiful scenic photos of the mountaintop at the peak.
Or charge up your fish finder on your next fishing trip.
With 256Wh of storage capacity and 300W of starting power (600W of surge power/starting watts using x-boost), you can run 99% of consumer electronics like your smartphone, laptop, and other personal devices.
Think of the RIVER 2 as your lightweight personal power source. Anytime you need electricity while you travel, the RIVER 2 should be right alongside you.
The RIVER 2 portable power station also offers four charging methods: solar charging with the 110W portable solar panel, AC (household) electricity, car adapter, and USB-C.
Plugging the RIVER 2 into a wall outlet before you hit the road ensures 0-100% charging in 1 hour. Car adapter charging comes in handy when you need a quick recharge after dark. And with the 110W solar panel, you can generate clean, renewable electricity anywhere the sun shines.
Specifications
- Capacity: 256Wh
- AC Output: 300W (Surge 600W)
- Weight: 7.8 lbs (3.5kg)
- Dimensions: 9.6 x 8.5 x 5.7 in (24.4 x 21.6 x 14.48 cm)
- Battery Type: Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4)
- Battery Life Cycle: 80% capacity after 3000 cycles
- Solar Panel Charging Time: /- 3 hours (in peak sunlight)
Pros
- Fast AC and solar charging
- Easy to carry — compact and lightweight
- LiFePO4 battery (LFP) provides up to 10 years of daily use
- Four charging methods for maximum versatility
- Can run 99% of consumer electronics
Cons
- Power output and storage capacity are not designed for large appliances
Best for Camping or Backpacking – EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max 160W Portable Solar Panel
The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max with 160W solar panel is a supercharged version of the EcoFlow River 2. When backpacking, you’ll have to carry your gear and belongings while exploring the wilderness on foot. Weighing 13.4 lbs (6.08 kg), you can easily take the RIVER 2 Max with you on your outdoor escapades.
For extended camping trips, you may need more electricity than the smaller RIVER 2 can provide. The RIVER 2 Max can power all your personal electronic devices and small appliances, such as a crockpot, electric grill, or coffee maker. It can also keep outdoor-safe light sources like LED lanterns charged.
Home comforts — like a hot cup of coffee or scrambled eggs in the morning — without needing to rely on a campfire can make any camping trip more fun.
With the RIVER 2 Max, you’ll never have to worry about finding dry firewood in a hurry again!
Off-grid charging is also critical during an extended camping trip. With the 160W solar panel, you can charge the RIVER 2 Max from 0-100% in 4 hours of direct sunlight.
You can even monitor the charging status and manage the usage of your solar generator with a dedicated EcoFlow mobile app.
Specifications
- Capacity: 512Wh
- AC Power Output: 500W (Surge 1000W)
- Weight: 13.4lbs (6.08 kg)
- Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.2 x 7.7 in (26.9 x 25.9 x 19.6 cm)
- Battery Type: Lithium iron phosphate
- Battery Life Cycle: 80% capacity after 3000 cycles
- Solar Panel Charging Time: /- 4 hours (in peak sunlight)
Pros
- Lightweight and compact size suitable for backpacking and hiking
- Fast charging speeds
- Monitor with the EcoFlow app
- With X-Mode, you can run up to 80% of essential appliances
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Not enough power for high-wattage appliances or extended use between charges
Best for Sheds – EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro 220W Portable Solar Panel
Using your shed as a workshop requires a robust off-grid power source to run your most intensive power tools. With the RIVER 2 Pro solar generator, you can easily power your drills, jigsaws, angle grinders, and compressors.
With 768Wh of electricity storage capacity, you’ll have enough runtime to power a standard 200W cordless drill for over three hours or a 400W jigsaw for almost two hours.
The RIVER 2 Pro solar generator really shines by offering sufficient AC output to start and run your most demanding machines. Heavy-duty tools like the jigsaw can have a surge rating (starting wattage) of up to 1200 watts. That means you need a power source that can output at least that much electricity in a short burst, or the jigsaw won’t even turn on.
Fortunately, the RIVER 2 Pro offers up to 1600W of surge power output thanks to X-Boost. Additional surge power allows you to run up to 80% of high-wattage home appliances. There’s almost nothing in your shed that the RIVER 2 Pro can’t handle.
You can fully recharge the RIVER 2 Pro solar generator in 4.5 peak sun hours with the included 220W bifacial portable solar panel or go from 0-100% in 70 minutes using an AC outlet.
The RIVER 2 Pro’s industry-best fast-charging capacity uses EcoFlow’s patented X-Stream technology — a Smart battery management system that optimizes the charging process.
Additionally, nearly all EcoFlow portable solar panels have a 23% solar conversion rate, meaning they convert 23% of available sunlight into electricity. That’s far more efficient than the industry standard of 15%.
With the River 2 Pro and 220W bifacial portable solar panel, you can confidently work long days at the shed without stopping because of a dead battery or slow recharging.
Specifications
- Capacity: 768Wh
- AC Output: 800W total (surge 1600W)
- Weight: 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg)
- Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.2 x 8.9 in (27.0 x 26.0 x 22.6 cm)
- Battery Type: Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP)
- Battery Life Cycle: 80% capacity after 3000 cycles
- Solar Panel Charging Time: 4.5 hours (in peak sunlight)
Pros
- 800W electricity output (1600W starting watts) can start up and run 80% of high-wattage home appliances
- Smart Battery Management System (BMS) keeps the battery from overcharging, optimizing lifespan and performance
- Blisteringly fast recharging with X-Stream
- Easy to transport
- 30ms EPS auto-switch for ultra-fast backup power in a blackout
- 5-year warranty on the River 2 Pro and 24-month warranty on the 220W solar panel
Cons
- Insufficient storage and AC output capacity to power multiple high-wattage appliances at once.
| Product Name | RIVER 2 | RIVER 2 Max | RIVER 2 Pro | |
| General | Capacity | 256Wh | 512Wh | 768Wh |
| Net weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) | 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg ) | |
| Dimension | 9.6 x 8.5 x 5.7 in (245 x 214 x 142 mm) | 10.6 x 10.2 x 7.7 in (270 x 260 x 196mm) | 10.6 x 10.2 x 8.9 in (270 x 260 x 226 mm) | |
| Output | AC Output Ports | US/CA: 2 outlets, 300W total | US/CA: 4 outlets, 500W total | US/CA: 4 outlets, 800W total |
| X-Boost | US/CA: 600W | US/CA: 1000W | US/CA: 1600W | |
| Input | AC charging | 360W | 660W | 940W |
| Solar charging | 110W, 11-30V 8A Max | 220W, 11-50V 13A Max | 220W, 11-50V 13A Max | |
| Car charging | Support 12V/24V, default 8A | Support 12V/24V, default 8A | Support 12V/24V, default 8A | |
| Battery | Cycle life | 3000 cycles to 80% capacity | 3000 cycles to 80% capacity | 3000 cycles to 80% capacity |
Best for Short Power Outages – EcoFlow DELTA Max (2000) 400W Portable Solar Panel
Power outages can literally leave you in the dark.
Lighting, HVAC systems, and essential household appliances won’t operate until the power comes back on — unless you have a home power backup plan.
The DELTA Max with a 160W solar panel is a reliable entry-level home backup solution that offers peace of mind during blackouts.
With 2016Wh of storage and 2400W total (Surge 5000W) of AC output, you can power all your essential home appliances. It’ll be like the blackout never happened.
For example, you can power a 110W 50-inch TV for 15 hours or a 120W refrigerator for 14 hours.
You can add up to two DELTA Max Smart Batteries to expand your storage capacity to 6,000 kWh for extended outages.
Blackouts come at the most inopportune of times. It’s easy to keep your DELTA Max plugged into on-grid power so it’s fully charged when an outage strikes. DELTA Max can recharge from 0-100% in just 65 minutes using an AC outlet.
In a power outage or off-grid, it can recharge in 2.5 to 5 hours using 2 x 400W solar panels.
Specifications
- Capacity: 2016Wh
- AC Output: 2400W total (Surge 5000W)
- Weight: 48lbs (22 kg)
- Dimensions: 19.69.512 in (49.7 x 24.2 x 30.5 cm)
- Battery Type: Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad)
- Battery Cycle Life: 800 cycles to 80% capacity
- Solar Panel Charging Time: Using 400W solar panels in peak sunlight
- 2 x 400W solar panels: 2.5 to 5 hours
- 1 x 400W solar panel: 9 to 11 hours all times approximate
Pros
- Large storage capacity to use for backup power
- Power 99% of home devices
- Expandable capacity — add up to two additional DELTA Max Smart Extra Batteries
- Fast charging for on-demand power
- EcoFlow App lets you monitor and manage energy use
Cons
- Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad) battery has the shortest lifespan of EcoFlow’s solar generators
What To Consider When Buying a Solar Generator
Before purchasing a solar generator, there are numerous crucial factors to consider to ensure you get the right model for your needs and the best value for your money.
Purchasing a solar generator with insufficient storage or AC output capacity can be an expensive mistake.
Keep reading to learn about critical factors you’ll want to consider when buying a new solar generator.
Battery Capacity
Solar generators have varying electricity storage capacities, typically measured in Wh/kWh. Choosing one that can power the appliances you need, for as long as you need, between charges is crucial.
For example, a smaller model like the RIVER 2 Max with a 160W solar panel is highly compact but only has 512Wh storage. Its small, lightweight build is perfect for backpacking or camping, but you can’t use it to power multiple high-wattage appliances simultaneously.
If you’re looking for a home backup solution that can run appliances like your washing machine and fridge, consider a solar generator with expandable storage capacity, such as the DELTA Pro with a 400W solar panel.
With enough battery capacity and solar panels for electricity generation, you’ll never run out of power when you need it most.
Battery Type (Chemistry)
Solar generators typically use lithium-ion (Li-on), nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad), or lead acid batteries to store electricity.
The most advanced subset of lithium-ion batteries is lithium ferrous phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4). All the solar generators reviewed here — except the DELTA Max — use this leading-edge battery chemistry.
LiFePO4 batteries can pack more electricity into a confined space, giving a solar generator higher capacity while maintaining its compact size.
Additionally, LFP batteries support deep discharging and have an exceptionally long lifespan — making them an excellent long-term investment.
LiFePO4 batteries charge fast and require little to no maintenance. EcoFlow’s lithium-iron phosphate batteries can charge from 0-100% in an hour using AC electricity (depending on storage capacity) and in as little as a few hours using solar panels.
By contrast, lead-acid batteries may take up to eight hours to charge.
The only advantage of lead-acid batteries is that they’re cheap. But they also require regular maintenance and must be monitored for proper voltage levels and topped up with distilled water to prevent damage or safety hazards.
With a much shorter lifespan, greater sensitivity to environmental factors like temperature, and longer recharge times, lead acid gets beat hands down by LiFePO4 on everything but price.
Charging Time
How long it takes to recharge your solar generator depends on the charging method, the wattage of the power source (such as a 400W solar panel), and the battery’s capacity.
Since larger batteries hold more electricity, they generally take longer to recharge than smaller units of the same battery type.
The fastest recharging method for EcoFlow’s portable power stations/solar generators is to plug into an AC (household) electrical outlet. Fast-charging units like the RIVER 2 series can charge in about an hour (or less) when plugged into a wall outlet.
Solar Charging Time
How long it takes to recharge using solar panels depends on numerous factors — some of which are beyond your control. Here are some of the most crucial:
- Number of solar panels
- Rated power output and efficiency of the PV solar panel(s)
- Solar input (charging) capacity
- Peak sunlight hours (in most parts of the world, the sun’s highest irradiance occurs from around noon to 3 or 4 pm). Technically, a peak sunlight hour = 1000 W/m2.
- Temperature: Solar panels actually get less efficient once they get hotter than 25°C (77°C). Extreme cold can also adversely affect efficiency.
- Clouds/Snow/Rain: Contrary to a common misconception, solar panels still capture energy on overcast or rainy days. However, they may produce significantly less electricity than on a sunny day.
- Shade and Debris: It’s a best practice to keep your solar panels clean and free of debris (or snow). You should also position panels where they won’t be cast in shade from overhanging trees or other buildings whenever possible.
- Positioning and Orientation: The direction, placement, and angle at which you install your panels to maximize electricity generation vary by geographical location. In the northern hemisphere, your PV panels should face true south at an angle perpendicular to the sun’s position during peak sunlight hours.
Charging Options
Looking for a solar generator with multiple charging methods is always a good idea.
Solar power is a reliable method of electricity generation — It’s the fastest-growing source of electricity in the US. In 2022, solar — and other renewable energy sources like wind and hydro — surpassed coal and nuclear power as generators of electricity.
Nevertheless, you can’t generate electricity using PV panels at night, and environmental factors (as outlined above) can negatively impact energy production.
Ideally, you want a unit you can recharge via an AC outlet, a car adapter, USB-C charging, and solar panels — just like all the solar generators reviewed here.
Additionally, DELTA Pro is one of the only portable power stations supporting EV charging, meaning you can recharge at any of the thousands of EV stations nationwide.
AC Power Output — What Appliances Can You Run?
Every family’s electricity requirements are different. The average American household consumes just over 10,000 kWh a year (about 29 kWh per day). But you may use much more — or less.
How much power output you need in a solar generator also depends on your use case. If you want an off-grid power supply for camping, your electricity needs will be much lower than if you want to run your whole house.
If you’re looking to take your home completely off-grid, you can get a ballpark estimate of your consumption by averaging out a year’s worth of electricity bills. Electricity consumption tends to vary widely from month to month, so just looking at one bill is not a great idea.
However, a better way to do it is to calculate the total wattage of all the devices and appliances you want your solar generator to run. If your primary goal is home backup power, you may only need to run essential appliances — like a refrigerator and stove — during a blackout.
- Identify the wattage requirements of your appliances. Survey the starting and running wattage requirements of the appliances and devices you plan to plug into the generator. You can usually find the wattage requirements labeled on the appliance, but we’ve also compiled the starting and running watts of typical household appliances in the table below.
- Convert volts/amps to watts. If your appliance’s power requirements are in volts or amps, calculate an appliance’s running watts with this formula: Volts (V) x Amps (A) = Watts (W)
- Count the running watts of your appliances. Add up the running watts of the appliances you plan to use — does the total exceed the running watts listed on your generator? If so, consider buying a generator with more output capacity.
- Factor in starting watts (surge power) requirements. Identify the appliance with the highest starting wattage. Add that appliance’s starting wattage to the running wattage total.
- Calculate the sum. That final number is the total starting watts you need from your generator. As discussed above, to avoid overloading your generator, do not exceed its starting watts rating.
Starting and Running Watts of Typical Household Appliances
| Appliance | Rated (Running) Watts | Starting Watts |
| Dishwasher | 1300 | 1800 |
| Washing Machine | 1200 | 2300 |
| Refrigerator/Freezer | 700 | 2200 |
| Light Bulb | 60-75 | 0 |
| Microwave | 600-1000 | 0 |
| TV | 500 | 0 |
| Toaster | 900 | 0 |
| Vacuum | 1440 | 2500 |
| Coffee Maker | 1000 | 0 |
| Blender | 300 | 800 |
| Clothing Iron | 1500 | 0 |
| Dryer | 5400 | 7000 |
| Toaster Oven | 1200 | 0 |
| Curling Iron | 1500 | 0 |
| Space Heater | 2000 | 0 |
| Laptop | 50-300 | 0 |
| 20” Box Fan | 200 | 350 |
Peak Power (X-Boost)
As mentioned above, the generator’s peak power output, also known as the starting watts or surge power, indicates the brief burst of extra electricity to get appliances started before settling into the running output.
Essentially, peak power is the maximum amount of electricity a generator can deliver in a short burst.
If starting watts are noted on your appliance, the electricity required to turn the device on is higher than the running watts. Devices with electric motors, such as refrigerators, washing machines, or air conditioners, typically require additional power to start.
If you need to run high-wattage appliances like dishwashers or HVAC systems, make sure your generator’s peak power exceeds the starting watts required to get the device up and running.
EcoFlow’s solar generators all come equipped with proprietary X-Boost technology, enabling them to deliver up to double the starting watts of their operating capacity.
Size
Solar generators come in many different sizes.
The weight and dimensions affect the portability (and often the capacity) of the device.
If you’re backpacking an 8-mile trail to your campsite, carrying a 100-lb generator on your back doesn’t make sense.
A lightweight option like the RIVER 2 weighs only 7.8 lbs (3.5 kg) and can easily fit in your rucksack or be carried handheld.
If you’re looking to power multiple heavy-wattage appliances, portability probably isn’t much of an issue.
In that case, a high-powered solar generator like the DELTA PRO is your best bet. Even at 99 lbs (45 kg), it’s easy enough to move around with the built-in wheels — kind of like a compact but heavy suitcase.
Looking for something in between?
The RIVER 2 Pro and DELTA 2 are your best bets.
Assembly and Components
Getting a DIY solar generator system up and running can be challenging, especially for those who aren’t technically savvy.
You have to ensure that the solar panels and all of the balance of system (BOS) components are compatible. Otherwise, your off-grid solar solution simply won’t work.
BOS components for off-grid solar generators include:
- Inverter (for converting solar power into AC electricity)
- Solar battery (for storage)
- MPPT or PWM Solar Charge Controller
- Battery Management System (BMS)
Not to mention wiring everything together with the solar panels!
EcoFlow solar generators are plug-and-play. The portable power station includes all the BOS components, so “assembling” your solar generator essentially just means plugging in the solar panels.
Even if you want to connect the solar generator to your home electrical circuit, you can do so with minimal fuss. EcoFlow’s Smart Home Panel pairs with the DELTA Pro(s) to integrate with your home’s existing wiring — enabling you to monitor and control your off-grid power solution from anywhere with an internet connection using the EcoFlow app.
Expandability
Your power needs may fluctuate depending on the occasion. For example, you may want a versatile solar generator for outdoor trips and in-home use.
The RIVER 2 series solar generators are an excellent choice for camping and other off-grid activities, but they’re not expandable.
With the DELTA 2, you get portability and expandability — up to triple its 1kWh out-of-the-box storage capacity with a DELTA Max Smart Extra Battery.
For a whole home generator, the DELTA Pro starts at 3.6 kWh but is expandable to 25 kWh — close to what the average American household consumes in a day.
Adding extra batteries is a cost-effective way to increase storage capacity. If you think your electricity consumption may increase in the future, buying an expandable solar generator is a wise choice.
FAQs
If you want to learn more about solar generators, we’ve compiled a handy FAQ to help you better understand which one to get.
Is It Worth Getting a Solar Generator?
Solar generators are an excellent long-term investment — both financially and for the future of our planet. Over the long run, a solar generator can save you a substantial amount of money on your electricity bills (or eliminate them altogether). Once you reach the end of the solar payback period, you’ll see a substantial return on investment. Additionally, there are many government tax breaks and incentives for switching to clean, renewable solar power. The upfront cost can be steep, but with generous tax credits and easy financing options, it pays to make the switch.
What Size Solar Generator Should You Get?
When people ask about “size” in reference to generators, they’re usually referring to power output (watts/kilowatts and storage capacity (watt-hours/kilowatt-hours). In that context, the “right size” solar generator almost entirely depends on how much electricity you wish to consume.
Tally up the wattage requirements of the devices and appliances you want to run simultaneously, and make sure you get a solar generator with an AC output (W/kW) that meets or exceeds your needs.
Estimate appliance run times between charges to estimate your battery capacity requirements (Wh/kWh). To be safe, choose a solar generator with at least 10% more output and storage capacity than your estimated consumption.
Depending on your use case, “actual” size and weight might also be a concern. Balance your desire for portability against your electricity consumption requirements.
How Many Years Does a Solar Generator Last?
Solar generators and solar panels can last for 25 years or more. Solar battery chemistry significantly impacts the lifespan of your portable power station or other balance of system.
LiFePO4 batteries last up to 10 times longer than lead acid batteries — which also require regular maintenance. Ultimately, how long your solar battery lasts depends on how — and how much — you use it.
All currently available battery types diminish in efficiency as you discharge and recharge them while operating. Li-on battery types, like LiFePO4, just degrade much more slowly.
EcoFlow portable power stations are warrantied for five years and you can expect up to 10 years of use (or more), depending on your usage patterns.
Is There a Limit To How Many Solar Panels You Can Add To a Solar Generator?
Yes, there is a limit to how many solar panels you can add to a solar generator. The solar input (or solar charge) capacity determines the maximum number of panels you can connect to your portable power station or balance of system.
If you exceed the input wattage, at best, you won’t generate any additional electricity. At worst, you can damage your system — and throw away money on PV panels you can’t use. Or you can upgrade to a solar generator with a higher solar input capacity.
Can Solar Energy Power Your Whole House?
Yes, you can run your house on solar if you have enough solar panels, storage, and output capacity to satisfy your electricity consumption needs.
The average US household uses about 29kWh per day.
With EcoFlow’s whole home generator, you can run your entire house on solar energy.
Conclusion
Gone are the days of going days or even weeks without power because of extreme weather events or failing infrastructure
With solar generators increasingly more affordable and efficient, you’ll never have to go without essential appliances during a blackout again.
Solar generators are the way to go whether you’re looking for solar energy to power your entire house or want a portable solution for your outdoor camping trips.
Use the information in this guide to your advantage to make an informed decision on your next solar generator purchase. When you’re ready, shop EcoFlow for the leading solar generators on the market.
EcoFlow is a portable power and renewable energy solutions company. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow has provided peace-of-mind power to customers in over 85 markets through its DELTA and RIVER product lines of portable power stations and eco-friendly accessories.
kW solar system | Buying Guide for the USA 2023
Investing in a 10 kW solar system will give you a fixed return of 10 to 12.5% per annum in the USA with ZERO risk also it protects you from higher bills in the years ahead. However, before going solar you need to be 100% sure about load bearing capability of your rooftop. Therefore, be 100% sure and take a FREE solar survey now.
Now, the cost, as well as the power generation capability of a 10 kW solar system, depends upon some factors, like the orientation of the rooftop, peak sun hours in your state, and the complexity of your rooftop. However, a 10kW solar system can generate more than the average power demand per house in the USA.
How much power does a 10 kW solar system produce?
A solar system with a 10kW output may generate 1,350kWh per month (45kWh per day) in US areas with peak sunlight between 4.5 and 5. In comparison, in regions where the peak sun hours are between 3.5 and 4, a 10kW solar system may provide 840kWh per month (28kWh per day).
Here peak sun hours differ from daylight hours. Peak sun hours are defined as the time of day when the intensity of sunshine is greatest. In other words, most electricity is generated by solar panels during peak sun hours. Refer below map showing the peak sun hours per day in different states of the US.
Now, for ease of your understanding, we have prepared a map for your quick reference that illustrates how much electricity a 1 kW solar system may produce each day in various US states. Refer to the below map.
From the above map, you can calculate how much power a 10kW solar power will generate in your state, or you can do reverse calculations to find out how much solar you need to generate any specific amount of power.
Reverse Calculation: Let’s say, you have a monthly electricity bill of 2500kWh and you are living in Texas, where one kW of solar system can generate 4.2kWh per day. Hence, you will require will be equal to 2500 divided by 30 divided by 4.2, which is equal to 19.8. You will thus need a 20kW solar system.
Factors affecting the power generation of the solar system:
Furthermore, the ability to generate power from solar panels is affected by a variety of additional factors, some of which may also result in a minor loss in the power generation of a solar system. A brief overview of these additional aspects is provided below.
The Direction of Your Roof Slope: In the United States a south-facing solar panel, generates the highest amount of power. This is because the United States is located in the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth, and the SUN is always in the southern portion of the sky in the Northern Hemisphere.
Hence installing solar panels on the south-facing slope of your rooftop will generate the highest amount of power.
Installing solar panels on the south-facing slope of your rooftop will generate the highest amount of power.
Furthermore, if you do not have south facing rooftop that does not means that you cannot install solar panels. but that means you will need a slightly higher size of the solar system. However, you need to take a solar survey to find the correct number of solar panels you need.
Shading: Solar panels (or solar cells) that got less sunlight than the others operated as loads, reducing current, output, and efficiency. Determining a shadow-free area on the rooftop is, therefore, necessary before installations.
However, if your rooftop (or part of the rooftop) has some shadow for a short period, then you do not need to worry, you can install solar panels there too.
Roof Angle: The power generating capacity of solar power plants is also impacted by the rooftop inclination angle. Solar systems installed on rooftops with an inclination of 20 to 30 degrees produce less electricity than those with a larger incline angle.
Again, a higher inclination does not exclude the use of solar power, but it does necessitate a larger solar system, the size of which can only be determined by conducting a solar survey.
Dirt: The capacity of solar panels to produce energy is reduced when dusty particles build up on them, which obstruct sunlight. Although you must clean it more regularly, living in a duty neighborhood does not exclude you from using solar power
When all of these elements are taken into account, it is difficult to predict the precise amount of electricity a solar system may generate on a certain rooftop without a solar survey.
Solar panels for a 10kW solar system
Going with higher-rated solar panels is always better than going with a lower-rated one. In fact, a 400-watt solar panel is 28% bigger than and 24% heavier than a 250-watt solar panel but it generates 60% more power.
Hence, going with a 400-watt solar panel instead of 250-watt will save 60% of space on your rooftop but with a 24% high per-square-foot load. Remember, in all cases going with 60% lesser space is always a good investment than a 24% lesser load. However, to be 100% sure you will need a solar survey to check how much load your rooftop can take.
Now, here is some interesting information on the solar panel size: In every quarter, the rated power of a single solar panel module increases with a slight increase in its dimensions. However, the per-watt cost of the highest-rated single solar module is also the highest. Hence, to find the most optimized price for your solar system you may need to go with a little smaller size solar panel which is available in the market for the last year. In 2023, 380 Watt 400-watt solar panels are most suitable for rooftop installation.
Type of solar panel: Solar panels are classified into two types: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline solar panels are more expensive than polycrystalline panels. Monocrystalline, on the other hand, is more efficient and smaller. Hence, monocrystalline panels are most preferable for USA rooftops due to less space and high efficiency.
How many solar panels are for a 10 kW system?
You will need 25 numbers of 400-watt or 26 numbers of 380-watt solar panels for a 10 kW solar power system.
Rooftop area required for the installation of 20kW solar system:
25 numbers of 400-watt solar panels will cover (25×22.7=) 567.5 square feet of rooftop space. However, you cannot cover the whole rooftop with solar panels you need space on a rooftop for the cleaning of solar panels, as per the thump rule you can cover 40 % to 50% of your rooftop with solar panels. Hence, for installing 10 kW of solar system you required 1500 square feet of house.
However, if you did not have that much space then going with a smaller size solar system will also, help you to overcome high utility bills.
Cost for 10 kW solar system in the USA.
After the detection of the 26% Federal Solar Tax Credit, the per watt price of solar systems in the USA ranges from 2.1 to 2.95 depending on the caliber of the tools used in installation and the labor force needed to install it. As a result, the cost of a solar system for a 10 kW solar system in the USA ranges from 21,000 to 29,500.
Federal Solar Tax Credit: The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), often known as the Federal Solar Tax Credit. is the best solar-related incentive available in the nation. 26% of the entire cost of your solar installation can be deducted from your federal taxes thanks to this incentive.
In addition to the aforementioned, you might also need to spend extra for the solar installation because there are a variety of variables that can affect how much a solar system costs, like the rooftop’s accessibility and the battery backup. Some of the most important variables are listed below.
Factors affecting the cost of the solar system.
Rooftop type: Solar Installation cost for a flat rooftop is higher than inclined rooftop because a flat rooftop required more structure and takes more time for installation than an inclined rooftop. However, installing on a rooftop with a higher angle of inclination needed a man-lifter crane, which raised the cost of installation.
Age of Rooftop: An old rooftop may require repairing before the installation of solar panels. Installing, solar panels on rooftops without inspection may lead to much higher repair costs.
Solar inverter type: For rooftop solar systems there are two types of solar inverters are used, that is micro-inverters and string inverters. Micro-inverters are directly mounted on each solar panel, whereas string inverters are mounted in your houses and DC cables from all solar panels are connected to string inverters.
Going with a string inverter is cheap; however, the performance of micro inverters is very much better in terms of efficiency as well as in the expendability of the solar system. Furthermore, string inverters come with 5 years of warranty, whereas micro-inverters come with 25 years of warranty. Hence, in the long term, micro-inverters are more economical than string inverters.
Battery Backup: If you need a battery, backup with solar for backup power during a power outage then you will need to pay more for the same. The cost to pay for battery backup is subject to the size of the battery bank.
How to choose solar installation solar company.
Choosing a solar installer in a crowded marketplace is tricky and requires a lot of research. Here we will tell you how you can find the right solar company in 6 easy steps.
Step #1 Credentials: Always check the credentials of the solar company, a right solar company must have all the credentials required for installing solar systems.
Organizations such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) issue industry-standard credentials, which are commonly regarded as the gold standard among renewable energy system installers.
Make certain that the solar installer you select is licensed, bonded, and insured to install residential solar installations in your region. Also, do forget to ask whether they will use subcontractors on your job and double-check their credentials.
Step #2 Customer service: A great solar installation required great customer service.
However, depending on only online reviews is not the right parameter to check customer service, because people tend to submit negative experiences more than positive ones.
Hence don’t hesitate to ask for one or two references in your or nearby area that can serve as a reference and if possible visit these sites.
Step #3 Credibility and Expertise: It must have expertise and credibility for installing solar equipment and be knowledgeable about all aspects of the process. A good rule of thumb is to sign with installers who have at least three years of experience.
Step#4 Addressing Roof Conditions: When you hire a solar contractor, one of the first things they should do is inspect your roof. Inquire with your installer whether they recommend roof repair prior to installation. Also, make sure you understand who is responsible for any roof damage or leaks that may occur.
Step #5 Warranties: Before, signing up the company understands how their warranties work, and what the key points of their contracts are. Both the workmanship and installed equipment have different warranties period. Always, go with the solar company, which has transparencies with their warranty conditions.
Step #6 Never select a company only on price: A low-quality solar panel and installation material can make a huge difference. Always chose a solar company on the basis of feedback and reviews, if a solar company didn’t have many or any references but quotes are very low, just strikeout them out from your list.
If possible, visit their installed solar system (one old and one newly installed) and talk with the property owner. This will help you to understand their work finishing and how solar make a change in people’s life.
Five reasons why you should choose ADT Solar for your solar installation:
ADT Solar is a well-known business in the sector, with an A BBB rating, and offers high-quality services and goods. However, if you are still unsure, why should you pick ADT Solar? The following list of five arguments will help you decide on ADT Solar for your solar installation.
Credibility and Expertise: ADT boasts nearly 150 years of experience in the solar industry and specializes in solar panels, battery backups, and micro-inverters.
Customer service: ADT has more than 17,000 professionals in more than 200 locations nationwide to keep its more than 6 million customers safe.
Warranties: It provides customers with a comprehensive 25-year warranty on panels, inverters, performance, and labor.
Production Guarantee: A 25-year power production guarantee that, if your solar panels do not save the amount of energy guaranteed, a difference in cash will be provided.
Roofing Service: The company also offers roofing services and includes roof repairs and installation for asphalt shingles, metal roofs, and more. ADT Solar partners with Buildpro Roofing Specialists for any needed roof repairs.
kW Solar System (All you need to know)
Welcome to a comprehensive article on 10kW solar systems. We structured this article to provide a combination of general guidelines, procedures, and operating principles of PV systems. Before we dive in, be aware that although this article contains neat guides and how-to’s on 10kW solar systems, we strongly encourage you to consult with solar experts and developers to verify the exact specs that fit your individual electricity needs.
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What Is A 10kW Solar System?
The term 10kW Solar System is self-explanatory. It is a solar panel system that can provide your dwelling with 10 kilowatts (kW) of power at peak production. It behaves the same way as a 5kW solar system but has twice the capacity.
How Does A 10kW Solar System Work?
The answer lies with what is in your solar panels — solar cells or photovoltaic (PV). These convert solar power to electricity. In each panel, manufacturers arrange together a set of solar cells. Depending on the number of cells in each panel and their corresponding efficiency, you can determine the basic rating of a solar panel. Therefore, this explains why we can describe solar panels by the number of cells in each panel (e.g., 60-cell types for residential homes). Here’s how a solar panel works its free electricity magic — when sunlight hits your solar panel, the PV cells absorb the solar energy that wakes up and moves electrons via an electrical field within the solar cell. And by definition, the created flow of electrons is the usable electric current we use to run our devices at home. You see, solar panels utilize the first law of thermodynamics, which states that:
“Energy can neither be created nor be destroyed. It can only be transferred from one form to another.”
Solar panels follow this law when capturing sunlight and transforming it into electrical energy via PV cells.
How Big Is A 10kW Solar System?
In terms of physical size, a 10kW solar system will take up about 594 to 950 sq. feet of real estate on your roof or yard, depending on the type of PV solar panels you have. Here’s how we got those numbers:
Roof Size Calculation
There are two types of solar panels to choose from today. Monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient but are pricier at the same time. Alternatively, people with generous roof space can choose to go with polycrystalline. Either way, we recommend a 60-cell solar panel configuration for residential setups. Each panel has a measure of around 39″ x 66″ (3.25 feet x 5.5 feet) or 1 meter by 1.7 meters. However, remember that power production is dependent on the type and manufacturer specifications of the ones you bought. Therefore, two panels of the same size might have different power outputs. PV panel power ratings typically fall between 250 watts and 400 watts. Simple arithmetic tells us that a 10kW solar system will require 25 to 40 panels. Calculating the area of a 3.25′ x 5.5′ panel, you will get 17.875 sq. feet per panel. Multiplying this by 25 and 40, we get 446.875 sq. feet and 715 sq. feet, respectively.
Bonus tip: It is good practice to leave 25% of the total roof space empty when installing solar panels for safety purposes. This means multiplying our solar requirements by a safety factor of 1.33
Therefore, the range of the total roof space needed for a 10kw solar system is 446.875 sq. feet x 1.33 = 594.34 sq. feet for 25 panels and 715 sq. feet x 1.33 = 950.95 sq. feet for 40 panels.
Summary
Here is a table summarizing the process: The figure above show’s that a Tesla solar plus storage package costs 30,294 before incentives. Some of you might think, “That’s a lot cheaper than the industry average!” Indeed. And we know why. Just recently, The big wigs over at Tesla decided that it was time to get their head in the solar energy game. This led to Tesla’s current strategy to slash a big chunk from its installation service price. In addition, Tesla is continuously working to make its solar panels more powerful. This is why Tesla’s solar offerings are currently 30% below than industry average and gives Elon Musk a fighting chance against established solar developers like SunPower.
What Is The ROI Of A 10kW Solar System?
Now how long will it take for solar panels to pay themselves? According to our analysis, a 10kW solar system without energy storage costs around 19,294 to 27,100. To know how long it will take to get your money back, you need to know how much solar energy your 10kW solar system will produce annually. Consequently, solar energy production depends on your state’s average peak sun hours. The good news is you don’t have to learn how to assess your home’s solar energy potential. Just plug in your location and other solar system information via NREL’s PV watts calculator, and you should receive your estimated annual solar energy production. For example, if we were to install a 10kW solar system in Silicon Valley, San Jose, California, PVwatts estimates that the system will produce 16,026 kWh/Year.
Payback Period
According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the electricity price in California is 0.2358 per kWh. This translates to 3,779 worth of savings annually. So how long will it take for you to earn your solar investment back? Dividing 19,294 and 27,100 by 3,779 gives us a payback period falling between 5.1 to 7.2 years, respectively.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need For a 10kW Solar System?
Our earlier analysis shows that residential PV panel power ratings typically fall between 250 and 400 watts. Therefore, simple arithmetic will tell us that a 10kW solar system requires 25 to 40 panels.
How Much Power Will A 10kW Solar System Produce?
Ideally, a 10kW solar system will produce 10 kilowatts of power. However, solar panel power output depends on certain factors, practically speaking. We touched on this before, but in summary, tilt angle, location, irradiation, and the direction your solar panels face affect the total system power output.
How Long Can A 10kW Solar System Power My Home?
Method 1: Peak Sun Hours
First, we all know that solar panels require solar power to work. Therefore, knowing the number of peak sun hours is a simple but somewhat accurate way of estimating how long your 10kW solar system can power your home.
Method 2: Load Profile Analysis
The longer route involves some calculation and analysis. In reality, not all of us are home during the middle of the day to use solar electricity. For example, the average residential load profile in the UK looks like this: Analyzing the load profile above, we can observe that a typical household turn on their appliances from around 7 am to 8 am and from 5 pm onwards. This means that the household behavior seen above doesn’t take full advantage of the peak solar power production during midday. If this sounds familiar to your case, then we recommend that you consider purchasing energy storage to offset your solar energy use in the evening. However, we all know that battery energy storage units are pricey. Therefore, we recommend consulting an expert on energy storage sizing if you want precise numbers to optimize your ROI.
What Size Inverter Will I Need For A 10kW Solar System?
In general, your inverter size should match the DC rating of your solar panel system. Therefore, a 10kW solar system will require a 10kW inverter. Most of the time, the statement above should work for DIY-ers. However, for professional solar installers, determining exact inverter sizes for optimal design requires a deeper analysis of other technical variables such as maximum power rate and DC to AC ratio.
What Size Charge Controller Do I Need For A 10kW Solar System?
In a nutshell, the primary role of a charge controller is to maximize solar energy production and battery charging.
Solar Charge Controller Maximum Voltage And Current Rating
The solar charge controller voltage and current ratings determine how much voltage and current your controller can accept from your solar panel array.
A gentle reminder: if you find yourself confused by the computations and jargon being thrown around related to solar panel wiring configurations, we recommend you read up on how to wire solar panels first.
Recall that solar panels are wired in parallel and series modify the current and voltage going to the controller depending on the wiring configuration.
For example, if you have 25 400-watt solar panels for your 10 kW setup, it is possible to set them up as 5 sets of five (5) series-connected panels, all wired in parallel.
Sample Calculation
Now knowing that each panel has a rated voltage of 40V and 10A (see figure below) a five-panel series string will have a combined rating of:
V,array = 40V x 5 = 200V
P,array = 400W x 5 = 2,000W
Subsequently, connecting 5 of these series in parallel will give us a total solar panel array rating of:
V,system = 200V
I,system = 10A x 5 = 50A
P,array = 2,000W x 5 = 10,000W
In conclusion, your solar panel array injects 200V with an operational current of 50A. In this case, we recommend the Victron SmartSolar MPPT Solar Charge Controller with Bluetooth – 250V, 85Amp.
Battery Voltage And Current Rating Vs. Solar Charge Controller
Now that we are sure that the charge controller can handle the voltage and current input coming from the solar panel array, it is time to harmonize this system with your battery.
The main concern for optimizing battery charging is ensuring that the battery voltage (12V/24V/36V or 48V) falls within the voltage range of the charge controller. In our sample 10kW solar system, the Victron controller we chose can accommodate any system voltage level.
The solar charge controller rated current, on the other hand, determines how fast it can charge your battery.
MPPT Vs. PWM
Some of our more knowledgeable readers may argue that PWM-type charge controllers are also a good, cheaper alternative to MPPTs. While there is some merit in scrutinizing MPPT vs. PWM charge controllers, we will stick with our guns and recommend MPPT controllers for large systems such as 10kW.
What Size Battery Storage Do I Need For A 10kW Solar System?
Sizing a battery unit depends on a couple of factors.
First, the solar system size is the primary basis of battery size since the amount of energy available for storing will come from the solar panels. Your energy consumption levels and usage patterns (Recall the previously discussed load profile concept) are also key considerations.
Therefore, sizing the battery storage for a 10kW solar system, in our opinion, is a “Goldilocks exercise.” It’s about finding the right size for you.
For us, it is best to seek multiple opinions and quotations from various experts and suppliers to know what is best for your needs, unless you want to learn the art of battery sizing yourself.
Can I Install A 10kW Solar System On A Single Phase?
In general, yes, you can. However, there are exceptional cases. Sometimes, accommodating a 10kW solar system will also depend on the existing infrastructures in your area and home and state-specific policies.
Therefore, please consider consulting an expert to be on the safe side.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! All you need to know about the 10kW solar system. Solar technology has already gone through the wringer for decades and is ripe for the taking. Solar panels will get cheaper, but it is not worth the wait.
Going for 10kW is a viable option for people with low peak sun hours and irradiance in their area. It is also suitable for off-grid cabins owners who want to maximize solar charging of their batteries. Regardless of your reason, 10kW solar systems are reasonable if planned correctly.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to allocate a few dollars for expert guidance on certain aspects of your major investment. A project this significant warrants them. Happy saving!
kW Solar System And Information
If you’re thinking of buying a 10kW solar system in 2023, then you probably have a good-sized roof and significant electricity bill! Or perhaps you have an electric car or are looking ahead to an EV purchase.
A 10kW solar system is about as big as residential systems get, practically speaking. Below is photo of an older 10kW system. There was no space left to waste on this installation! However, note this photo was taken some years ago.
Solar panels installed for 10kW systems in 2023 are significantly more efficient and pack more power into a smaller overall footprint, so not as much roof space is required as it once was. Here’s an example – still 10kW but around half the number of panels; although they are a bit larger in terms of physical dimensions:
24 x 415 Watt panels on 2 roof faces in this 2022 10kW installation.
How many solar panels will you need for 10kW?
To make up a 10kW solar system you need 24 solar panels, assuming you use 415W panels – that will give you 9.96kW.
Each panel will be about 1.8m x 1.1m, so you’ll need at least 46m2 of roof space.
To provide an idea of how much space that is, this picture may help.
How much electricity will a 10kW solar system generate?
A 10kW solar system will generate approximately 40kWh per day on average – that works out to be 14,600 kilowatt-hours a year. It’s a lot of electricity and enough to run 2-3 average Australian households; or one really inefficient household!
To put it in perspective, 40kWh per day will power:
Approx 2x ducted air conditioning systems on a hot (or cold) day.
4 small pool pumps for 10 hours per day.
40 x 5 star energy rated fridges with the freezer on top or below (not side-by-side; those suckers use a lot more energy).
How much will a 10kW solar system save on electricity bills?
The amount you’ll save on electricity bills with a 10kW system will depend on how much you get paid for exported electricity (solar feed in tariffs) and how much you self consume.
Feed in tariffs in Australia pay anywhere from 3c to 20c, depending on the state and retailer. Let’s work on 8c per kWh for exported electricity. Most people pay about 30c per kWh to buy electricity from the grid. So let’s consider 3 scenarios to see how the payback works:
1) Use all the solar electricity in your (huge) home or business: You would save approximately 4500 in the first year. But 100% self-consumption for a household is unlikely; there will be times when your 10kW system is exporting to the grid.
2) Export half the electricity: You would save about 2700 in the first year.
3) Export all the electricity: You would save about 1000 in the first year.
Moral of the story: The more solar you self consume, the faster your payback.
How much does a 10kW solar power system cost in 2023?
You should get about 3,960 in STCs (AKA the solar rebate). So expect to pay about 8,500 – 13,000 out of costs for a good quality 10kW solar system in 2023, professionally installed by a reputable installer.
That’s quite a price range – the reason is the cost of a 10kW solar system will depend on the type of components used. At the upper end of the price range it will be top of the line panels, inverter and racking installed by a particularly fussy installer. At the lower end, you should still get good quality components (but do your research). Be wary of systems below the bottom end of this price range – there can be a high cost associated with cheap solar in terms of problems down the track.
How long before a 10kW solar power system pays for itself?
Payback will depend on feed-in tariff and self-consumption, but it’s reasonable to expect a 10kW solar system (assuming it’s suitable for your situation) will have paid for itself in around 5-6 years. After that the electricity is free apart from a small maintenance cost – expect to pay a few hundred dollars every 5 years for an inspection – and a replacement inverter every 12 – 15 years.
To get a better idea on simple payback for a 10kW solar power system in your circumstances, try my solar calculator.
SYNSVO 2400W Solar Power Generator Portable Station 2016WH For Homes
0000w Portable Solar Panel Generators Kit 10kw Home Energy Systems
Cheapest 10kW Household Module Photovoltaic Solar Power Generation System
Characteristics of 10kw Solar generator Kit:
Temperature control fan is an essential device of this inverter. It can not only ensure the constant temperature of the product, but also improve the stability of the product. In addition, the built-in MPPT solar controller can effectively balance the input current, so that when partially blocked, the solar panel can efficiently generate electricity and balance the photovoltaic current. The intelligent monitoring system can check the product status at any time.
Product Introdcution:
Lithium-ion batteries of iron phosphate
The maximum is no more than 3600W
Theory of Integrative Power Bank:
This product adopts high-quality original lithium-ion battery, which has no memory effect, large capacity and durability. However, we still recommend that you use it in the range of 10 C ~ 30 C to obtain the best charging capacity. When charging, keep away from TV, radio, etc. to avoid interference.
Advantage/Selling points:
Competitive factory direct selling price and fast delivery.
Over the past 13 years, the company has been committed to R D and production and quality assurance
The one-stop solution of complete solar system can save you time and money.
Professional sales team, exported to more than 80 countries.
Can accept OEM service and print customized logo on the product.
Please confirm whether your DC 12V appliance supports charging with a 5.5mm DC head interface (the diameter of the product’s DC port is 5.5mm), otherwise you can’t connect the DC output. You can consult the appliance manufacturer, buy the corresponding adapter and connect it.
When charging, the unit may become hot. This is normal. Handle with care.
Do not charge within the required time.
Disconnect the device after full charge.
Use the device correctly to avoid electric shock.
Please dispose of the waste products according to the regulations. Do not dispose of the waste products.
The battery is used as domestic waste to avoid explosion and pollution.
This product is only used in emerge
Company profile about Global Sunrise Lights Electrical:
Since 2012, we have been researching and producing solar energy related products, constantly innovating and developing, not only to catch up with the trend of the times, but also to serve every customer. The company has a new product R D center, which is strictly controlled by the management department, constantly launching new products and occupying the international and domestic market. We are favored by customers with satisfactory products and services. The products are exported to Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, Australia and the Middle East, and enjoy a high reputation in the international market. For more information, welcome to the field trip.