Ranked: 5 best solar generators that will keep your lights on
Having a solar generator is one of the best ways to make sure you have power right when you need it.
If your power goes out at home, or you want backup power for your next RV camping trip. a solar generator will have you covered.
With their lightweight, portable design, solar generators give you reliable access to energy without having to worry about pollution, noise, or fuel costs like you do with conventional gas generators.
Editorial note: This is an unbiased review: we have no financial ties with any of the companies mentioned, nor do we earn money from affiliate advertising. The content of this blog is based on research and information available at the time of writing.
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What is a solar generator?
Solar generators aren’t really generators at all. they’re portable battery storage systems. However, because they are used for the same purposes as traditional generators, the name stuck.
The main components of a solar generator are the solar panel and the rechargeable solar battery. Simply place the solar panel in the sun, and let it do its work! The panel turns the sunlight into electricity that is then stored in the battery.
Then, you have stored solar energy ready for when you need it!
best solar generators ranked
There are many different solar powered generators on the market. We’ve compiled a list of the 5 best solar generators to help you find the right one for your individual needs.
Renogy Phoenix 200
The Renogy Phoenix 200 is ideal for shorter camping trips. Image source: Amazon
Best: Portability
Price: 128.99 Buy Now
Key features: Perfect for charging small devices, small and lightweight
Capacity: 189 Wh
The Renogy Phoenix 200 is the smallest solar generator on this list, making it perfect for short overnight camping trips or a movie night in the backyard. At just 4.6 pounds, the Phoenix 200 won’t weigh you down.
It’s the perfect solar generator for charging devices like phones, laptops, and cameras. However, the Renogy Phoenix 200’s small size means it isn’t the best choice for whole-home emergency power.
The Phoenix Renogy 200 includes a 110 V AC outlet, three USB-A ports, one DC power output port, a USB-C port, and a carport. The battery also acts as an LED Flashlight, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
Jackery Explorer 500
Jackery’s Explorer 500 is a great mid-sized solar generator that won’t break the bank. Image source: Jackery
Best: Value
Price: 529.99 Buy Now
Key features: Very powerful despite its small size, ideal for traveling, serves as a great emergency backup power supply
Capacity: 518 Wh
The Jackery Explorer 500 all-in-one solar generator will give you the most bang for your buck.
It includes a high-quality, pure sine wave inverter, as well as an MPPT charge controller to ensure your battery recharges safely. Its compact size makes it great for traveling.
Just because it’s small, doesn’t mean it isn’t mighty. the Jackery Explorer has enough energy stored to power a minifridge for 27 hours, charge an iPhone 53 times, or run a television for 7.5 hours!
So, not only is it great for camping and boating trips, it is a great emergency backup power supply, as well.
When paired with a 100-watt solar panel, the Explorer will charge in 9.5 hours. The portable power station includes three USB ports, an AC power outlet, and a 12-volt car charger. It also has an LCD display to help you monitor the charge and discharge status of your battery pack.
Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium Portable Power Station
Goal Zero’s Yeti 400 is ideal for camping and boating because of its compact size. Image source: Goal Zero
Best: For camping and boating trips
Price: 449.95 Buy Now
Key features: Powerful enough to run small appliances, can fully recharge using various sizes and types of solar panels, can be charged with a wall outlet or car
Capacity: 396 Wh
Goal Zero’s Yeti 400 is a great mid-sized solar generator that’s perfect for extended off-grid camping and boating trips. It can also serve as a backup power source to charge your electronic devices in case a grid outage occurs.
What’s great about this solar power generator is that it can fully recharge in about 6 to 12 hours using a 100-watt solar panel. If you pair it with a higher-wattage solar panel, it may charge faster. It can also be charged by plugging into a wall outlet or using a 12-volt adapter for your car.
The 396 watt-hour (Wh) battery stores enough energy to recharge a smartphone over 20 times, a laptop up to 5 times, or a small television for 3 hours. It also delivers enough power to run small appliances, like minifridges. Larger appliances will not be able to run on the Yeti 400.
Point Zero Energy Titan 1000 solar briefcase generator kit
Point Zero Energy’s Titan 1000 briefcase solar generator kit is one of the most powerful solar generators on the market, making it great for home power backup. Image source: Point Zero
Best: For home power backup
Price: 5,645 Buy Now
Key features: Very powerful, includes a built-in inverter and charge controller, foldable solar panels, high-powered AC output charger allows for quick charging
Capacity: 2,000 Wh
Point Zero Energy’s Titan 1000 briefcase kit is a top choice among homeowners looking for home backup power due to its large size.
With 1,000 watts of solar panels and a battery capacity of 2,000 Wh, this is one of the most powerful portable solar generators on the market. It also includes a built-in inverter and charge controller. The Titan solar generator system can be paired with more batteries if needed.
The Titan solar generator has enough power to run even your largest appliances, like your fridge or washing machine. When the sun is out, the 1,000-watts of solar panels can run your electronic devices without draining the battery, and it’s able to charge in as little as 4 hours thanks to its high-powered AC output charger.
The Titan 1000 battery weighs in at 35 pounds and includes five foldable monocrystalline solar panels, so it can be used on the go but is also well suited as a home power backup system.
Does solar-plus-backup battery storage make sense where you live?
Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium with Wi-Fi Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Kit
The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 and Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Generator Kit’s versatility makes it our pick for best overall solar generator. Image source: Goal Zero
Best: Overall
Price: 2,199.95 Buy Now
Key features: Lightweight, can be charged by solar panels or wall outlet, includes an app that helps you monitor your energy use
Capacity: 1,425 Wh
Goal Zero is one of the most popular solar generator manufacturers around.
Their Yeti 400 is a great choice if you’re looking for something to back up your home in the event of a power outage. It has 10 total ports that guarantee you’ll be able to power all of your devices. It can even power a fridge for 32 hours!
Despite having 1,425 Wh of storage capacity, the Yeti 1400 lithium-ion battery weighs just 43.7 pounds. So besides being a great source of emergency power, it’s portable enough to be brought on long camping trips.
The Yeti 1400 can be charged using solar panels or with a wall outlet. A 100-watt solar panel is recommended if you will only be using about 10-20% of the energy stored within the battery. If you anticipate your power consumption to be more than 20%, consider getting additional panels.
You can monitor exactly how much energy you use from the battery with the Goal Zero app when you are connected to Wi-Fi.
How to pick the right solar generator for you
There are a few key things to consider when shopping for a solar generator. The most important thing to think about is the intended use of your solar generator.
If you want a solar generator for extended camping trips, mid-sized solar generator battery banks like the Goal Zero Yeti 400 and the Jackery Explorer are great choices. They have enough storage capacity to charge devices multiple times while having a high enough continuous power output to run small appliances for a few hours.
If you want to be able to power entire areas of your home in the case of a power blackout, you’ll probably want a larger battery to meet your power needs, like the Titan 1000. Not only does it have enough battery capacity to charge devices, but it delivers enough power to run your refrigerator, as well.
Also, keep in mind what size solar panel you need. Larger solar generator batteries can oftentimes be paired with solar panels that have a higher wattage than those used for small batteries. Small to mid-sized batteries can be paired with 100-watt solar panels for a charging time between 8 and 9 hours.
Final thoughts on solar generators
Solar-powered generators are a great alternative to noisy, gas-guzzling conventional generators. The days of being tied down by wires and plugs are over. you can head out on your next camping trip anywhere with solar-powered generators.
Solar generators can also give you peace of mind in emergencies. Even if the grid goes down, when the sun comes up, you’ll be able to run your devices and appliances.
However, the best way to keep your lights on in the event of a power outage is to install a rooftop solar power system paired with solar battery storage. Not only will the battery keep your lights on when the grid goes down, but the solar system will power your home and save you money every day of the year.
23 Jackery Solar Generator Review [In-Depth Unbiased]
Here’s an in-depth review of Jackery and its range of portable power stations. Learn what makes them unique and whether they are the right brand for you.
In the last few years, portable power stations and solar generators have exploded in popularity.
With Jackery being perhaps the most recognisable amongst the bunch of companies on offer.
These stations have a lot of practical uses, right through from camping to even powering a home during power outages.
But for us, we were most excited to see whether Jackery is a viable long term solution to providing power within a van conversion.
Below, I want to review Jackery products right through from their smallest Explorer 160, right up to their beasty Explorer 1500.
And ultimately decide whether Jackery is worth buying!
Full Disclosure: We received courtesy product and compensation from Jackery in exchange for our honest review only. All opinions expressed here are our own.
Who are Jackery?
Jackery is one of the best known brands for producing high quality, portable power stations.
We first came across them in 2020 when a number of fellow van lifers started talking more and more about these so-called portable power stations and solar generators.
At the time I knew extremely little about electronics, and was already fully committed to the intricacies of converting our own campervan.
Only afterwards when I started paying a bit more attention did I realize that these Jackery units could be truly viable long term options for many vanlifers.
Compared to the expense and technicalities of building a fully off grid electrical system in a van, a Jackery unit has the ability to provide you with all the off-grid recharging capabilities you need.
And with the ability to recharge units both through solar power, as well as even just plugged into the cigarette outlet while driving, we were interested to see how well they stacked up.
So below I’m going to talk more in-depth about:
- What products Jackery offer
- The difference between solar generators and portable power stations
- How well Jackery stacks up to its competitors
- The overall look and feel of the products
- And ultimately, whether or not they are worth buying
My aim is to be as in-depth as possible, while also making it easy to understand for those who just want quick and easy answers.
Jackery products: quick side-by-side comparison
First up, here’s a look at each of the 6 main units Jackery offers …
The exact range of products, as well as number of ports, does vary depending on the country. There is an in-depth product table, as well as links of where to buy, for every country at the end of this post.
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Jackery Solar Generators vs Portable Power Station: What’s the difference
It can get a little more confusing trying to understand the Jackery range when you realize they sell a big range of power stations, as well as a range of solar generators.
Like me, you may at first think … Well, what is the difference between a portable power station and a solar generator?
Are the solar generators more powerful?
Do I need a solar generator or a power station?
Let me quickly clear this up.
A solar generator is simply a portable power station, coupled with one or more of Jackery’s solar panels.
There is no difference at all between the actual units, it is effectively a bundle of Jackery products that makes a solar generator.
They currently offer 6 solar generator bundles:
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So, which one should you go for?
Simply put … it depends entirely upon whether or not you need to charge your power station while out and about each day.
For example, if you want a unit that you can take out with you each day to work in order to act as a DIY power tool charging station, and then plan to take it home each night to charge, then no. In this case, just the unit itself will suffice, so long as you buy one big enough to hold the necessary charge you need for each day.
On the flip side, if you are going away camping for a week or two, and will have no other way to recharge your unit while away, then yes a solar generator could be a good bet.
You then simply plug the solar panel into the unit and, so long as there is sunlight, the panel will recharge your Jackery unit whilst camping.
Jackery solar panels review
I was actually more blown away by Jackery’s solar panels than I was the unit itself!
And I think that’s simply because I really hadn’t thought much about the panel before it arrived. I kind of saw it as a side product to the main unit that was kind of quirky to have, but maybe wasn’t all that practical.
In reality, I think it’s such an awesome bit of kit!
We have big bulky solar panels on our van that are permanently fixed down to the roof of our van, and they are great.
But from what I had heard about these portable / flexible panels, they weren’t really up to much or really worth buying.
Well, the first thing you notice about the Jackery panels is how surprisingly compact they are. They are extremely well made, and fold down in a really satisfying way.
They are also really light, with the 100W version (that we reviewed) weighing less than 5kg.
Setting them up is crazy simple. There are 2 stands on the back that are held back by velcro, so all you do is unfold the unit, and then stand it on those facing ideally towards the sun. There is a cable attached to the back that you then plug into the Jackey unit.
There is a thing called an MPPT that is necessary for converting solar charge into usable battery storage, and in our van this is a bulky little box that has to be hard wired in.
With the Jackery MPPT, it’s built into the power station itself, so you don’t have to worry about my settings or anything like that.
Plus, the Solarpeak™ technology MPPT is custom designed and tweaked by Jackery themselves, which means it is as efficient as possible at charging the unit.
But honestly, what I was even more surprised about is that you can actually plug your smaller devices (like mobile phones) directly into the back of the unit.
Meaning, if you’re going somewhere warm for a few days, and only have your phones to power, then you could actually get away with JUST having one of these solar panels!
Leave it standing outside your tent, and then plug your phones in the back and you’re sorted.
They can withstand light rain (not heavy rain), so if the weather turns then you have chance to get them in.
In terms of how fast they charge the unit, it does depend on a number of variables, most namely:
If you purchase the 1500W solar generator, then they actually send you 4 panels. Which naturally will mean having more kit to set up, but does mean you can charge your unit from 0-80% in as little as 4 hours, which is impressive!
For most people, if you just have a Jackery 500 unit and 1 x 100W panel (the setup we had) that will be sufficient to keep the unit nicely topped up throughout the day even if you’re charging multiple devices at a time.
Again, it does depend entirely upon how much power you are drawing, and how much sun there is.
Bottom line: Jackery’s solar panels are compact, lightweight, really simple to use, and implement perfectly with the main unit. They provide a useful way to help keep your unit topped up and are well worth the money, even in comparison to hard wired solar panels you can buy.
If you buy a Jackery Solar Generator kit, then they typically send you 1 or more of the 100W variety as a part of your kit (see the table above for exact details).
If you do choose to purchase these separately, then Jackery currently offer 3 different size of solar panel:
Jackery portable power stations review: Key features explained
In this section, I will talk specifically about the 6 variants of Jackery unit and who each one might be better suited to.
I also want to review individual features of the Jackery units.
These are key criteria by which you would compare portable power stations to see how well they stack up.
Understanding each one and how well Jackery performs will help you decide whether they are the right brand for you, and if so, what size to go for.
Watts
Watts (W) are a unit of power. With power being the rate at which a device either produces or consumes energy.
In layman’s terms, the higher the Watt measurement on the Jackery device, the more powerful a device you can run off it.
For example, the biggest Jackery unit is their 1500W range. This enables you to run devices that operate at a power level up to 1800 watts.
This includes things like coffee made and microwaves. Each of which typically range from 800 to 1200 watts.
For a full look at Watt levels of each Jackery unit, you can check the list below.
Watt Hours
In comparison, Watt Hours (Wh) are a unit of energy. It gives a measure of the total amount of work either generated or performed.
In layman’s terms, the higher the Wh measurement on your Jackery, the more energy you have at your disposal.
For example, running a 500W blender for 3 hours straight will consume 1500Wh of energy. I mean, you’d have to REALLY be addicted to smoothies to use that much energy, but you get my point.
The number of each Jackery unit is how many Watt Hours each unit has (at least roughly).
Bottom line
Here’s the long and short of it. Jackery offers 6 sizes of power station.
- Explorer 1500. 1800 Watts / 1534 Watt Hour capacity
- Explorer 1000. 1000 Watts / 1002 Watt Hour capacity
- Explorer 500. 500 Watts / 518 Watt Hour capacity
- Explorer 300. 300 Watts / 293 Watt Hour capacity
- Explorer 240. 200 Watts / 240 Watt Hour capacity
- Explorer 160. 100 Watts / 167 Watt Hour capacity
So, the larger the unit you go for, the more powerful the appliance you can run, and the bigger the amount of total energy you can use for a fully charged unit.
In the next section, I’ll offer up a few different use cases for each size, in order to help you pick which one is best for you.
How does Jackery stack up?
Now that we understand the different capacities on offer, it begs the question …
All producers of these units are limited by current technological capabilities and, simply put, if you want more power, you have to build a larger and heavier unit.
So I would say the most important thing to look at here is not simply whether Jackery’s units are more powerful than its competitors but whether or not the power-to-size ratio stacks up.
All of their units are designed to be handheld and portable without the need to fit wheels to the bottom.
Sure, they could probably go ahead and produce a 3000Wh unit, or even a 10,000Wh unit like some other brands do.
But if they did, they would be much larger and simply not fit for the type of audience that Jackery goes after.
We gave the Explorer 500 watt generator a good test and found that it was pretty much perfect for everything we need.
Including charging our travel laptops, phones and also Cazzy’s Nintendo Switch.
In reality, if we really wanted to do absolutely everything our existing in-built camper electrical system allows, we would need to use the Explorer 1000.
This is because Cazzy’s coffee machine is 1000W, so the 500 wouldn’t offer enough power to run.
What does set Jackery apart from 90% of its competitors is the huge range of stations it offers.
You really can look at your exact needs and buy a unit that simply does what you need it to. For example, if you are going camping for a couple days and all you need to do is charge mobile devices, you will be fine with the Explorer 160.
But if you are going off-grid for longer periods, and have to power high Wattage devices, then a 500, 1000 or even 1500 would be better.
That large variety of sizes, particularly amongst the lower end of the spectrum, does help make Jackery a more suitable brand for the masses.
Inverter sizes
Inverters are what allows the Jackery units to supply the larger AC voltage supply necessary to power consumer electronics.
Depending on which country you are from, your household power will be anywhere from 100 to 250V.
In the UK it’s 240V, whereas the actual lithium ion batteries inside of the Jackery are a much lower DC voltage. So an inverter is needed in order to step up the voltage and properly power your devices.
Inverters come in different sizes, and the more powerful the inverter, the higher wattage it gives out.
Above, I have already ran through the different watt sizes of the various Explorer units, so really all you need to know here is that the Jackery inverters are as good as they can be.
They are “pure sine waves”. It’s not necessary to go into any of the technicalities behind pure sine wave vs modified sine wave. All you need to know here is that pure sine wave is the better of the two.
If you read the technical specification for each Jackery unit you will see it mentions a “surge power” rating.
This refers to a peak surge that the inverter can run for, but usually can only do so for a very short period.
Bottom line: Work out what the most powerful device is that you will need to run from your Jackery, and then buy a unit that offers that as standard, NOT based on it’s surge rating.
Different outlets
If you take a closer look at each Jackery Explorer, you will see that they all have different outlets.
Again, the simple principle is that the bigger the unit you go for, the more outlets it will have. I have given a more detailed list of outlets on the full roundup table above.
They all have at least one AC outlet for plugging in bigger devices (with the Explorer 160 it’s on the side, not the front).
For the size of each unit, the variety of outlets is actually surprisingly good.
They could theoretically pack each one with 10 different outlets, but with a small capacity it’s completely pointless as the unit wouldn’t have enough energy to power all 10 at once!
But as you get up to the Explorer 1500 you find yourself with 3 AC outlets, a DC outlet, and 3 different USB ports.
Meaning you can charge/power up to 7 devices at a time!
Pretty impressive compared to other top brands like GoalYeti, who’s comparable 1500W unit only has 2 AC outlets.
Honestly though, the bottom line here is that each unit has plenty of outlets for what you should realistically need to use.
They are also all very straightforward to use. For example, to get power to your plugged in AC devices, all you need to do Is toggle ON the little button shown as “AC”.
One thing we did notice is that, as you start running more powerful devices, you will hear the Jackery make noise.
This is presumably the inverter kicking in, though it isn’t unnecessarily large and does go off as soon as you stop requiring that higher level of power.
We noticed it most when running our blender.
The only real world comparison I can make is between the noise of the Jackery and the noise given off by the large 1500W inverter we have connected up as a part of our campervan’s permanent in-built electrical system.
In reality it is no louder at all.
Ease-of-use
Let’s not beat around the bush.
A monkey could use a Jackery power station.
In reality you don’t really need to know much about technical electronics beyond looking at the charger for your devices to see how many watts it requires.
Beyond that, you input your plug or USB into the corresponding hole on the Jackery and then flick the button on.
Every device has a nice little display screen which permanently shows you how much charge is left in the device, so you can monitor how fast you are using power and when it will next need a charge.
Plugging in a solar panel (more on that below) is very straightforward as there is one (or 2 if you go for the 1500 model) inlet there that fits it.
And when plugged in the display screen will tell you how much power supply is going into the Jackery.
So if you’re out camping with devices charging, as well as solar going in, you can easily see whether or not you are drawing more power than is going in.
Charge time
There are 3 different ways you can recharge your Jackery units. These are:
- Mains charge. plugging in at home/on a campsite
- Solar charge. with one of Jackery’s solar panels
- Car charge. plugging into the cigarette outlet while driving
The exact time taken to add charge to a unit will depend on which of these you choose to use, how big the unit is, and of course how much current charge the unit has.
As a simple rule of thumb, here’s how long it takes to recharge each Jackery unit from 0-80% if using mains charge:
- Explorer 1500. 6 hours
- Explorer 1000. 7 hours
- Explorer 500. 7.5
- Explorer 300. 4.5
- Explorer 240. 5.5
- Explorer 160. 5
Yes, those numbers raise some interesting points. Such as that it is actually quicker to charge the 1000Wh than the 500Wh unit. Due to the fact that it is paired with a larger adaptor.
So if speed of recharge is important for you, it may actually work out better in the long term for you to buy a more powerful unit. But be aware that this is only the case with mains charging; under solar or car charging, it will take longer to charge the larger units.
Overall, the Explorer 1500 is probably the most impressive there, actually charging faster than the Explorer 500, despite being 3 times the size!
The recharge time under solar will vary depending on the amount of sunlight there is, as well as how many solar panels you link up.
For example, the Explorer 1500 can be recharged in just 5 hours if you have good light and all 4 panels synced up.
Or with just one panel on the 500 unit, it will take you 9 and a half hours.
Portability
Here’s what I really like about Jackery, and I think makes them stand out amongst the competitions.
For their comparative capacity levels, the Jackery units are extremely portable.
They are light enough that you can carry them for long periods without the need of having wheels or anything like that.
I mean, by the simple nature of physics, the larger the unit you go for, the more battery cells are inside, the more it will weigh.
The Jackery Explorer 500 that we used is just 6kg, which I found to be very easy to carry around for long periods without having any strain.
The handle is comfortable to hold and the unit isn’t bulky at all, so I didn’t find it bumping into things.
Overall build quality
If you opt for a cheaper portable solar station, then you will find that in order to keep costs down they will have had to sacrifice build quality to some extent.
That’s the nature of any consumer electronics.
But I can honestly say that Jackery’s stations are extremely well put together.
They have nice thick pieces of rubber on the base to give it grip and protect the housing when standing still.
And the unit feels very solid, made of great quality plastic that you don’t feel is going to suddenly crack after a little bump.
I have already spoken about the solar panels above, but again I was probably most impressed with the design and function of those than anything else.
They seamlessly fold together with magnets, and are really lightweight and easy to carry.
You can also pick up a carry case for your Jackery which, let’s face it, is probably worth getting.
It adds another layer of protection to your unit that is well worth having if you’re already spending hundreds on a fancy new station.
We found ours to be really well made and comfortable to hold. They have different size cases available, each one custom made for the size of the unit, as well as any necessary cables and chargers you will need to carry.
There is a full list of these in the product table below.
Jackery models: 1500 vs 1000 vs 500 vs 300 vs 240 vs 160
Okay, so if you’ve made it this far in our review, you can tell that we are big fans of Jackery.
There are certainly cheaper brands out there, but there are also ones that are much more expensive.
But when you bring everything together, such as build quality, ease of use and aftercare support, Jackery is arguably the best in the business.
So all that’s left to decide is which size is best for you to go for.
And really, it does depend entirely upon your circumstances, including:
- How long you plan to take the unit away for
- Whether you have the ability to solar charge
- What types of device you need to charge
- How many devices you need to charge at any one time
Getting rid of any technical jargon, Jackery actually provides some straightforward examples to help you know how long each unit can be expected to last.
A Full Guide to Portable Solar Generators (With Advice FAQs)
Renewable energy is the fastest-growing source in the U.S. Many people are even more responsible towards mother nature. So, as the world goes green, you can participate in the movement if you use solar energy. One way to take part is to use a portable solar generator that provides mobile electricity.
Manufacturers offer various systems with different designs and features to meet your needs.
This article explains different elements that boost your knowledge and choice of portable solar generators.
What is a portable solar generator?
Portable solar power generators produce energy provided by the sun instead of fuel. The generators usually combine portable solar panels, a charge controller, a battery, and an inverter. All the components are combined in a single device to capture, store and use solar energy. Also, unlike traditional generators, solar generators don’t have movable parts.
The solar panels convert sunlight to electrical energy stored for later use. You can generate power even when the sun isn’t out. So, portable solar generators are excellent for activities like camps, where you may not access fuel. Portable solar generators are also handy during power outages and backyard DIY projects.
You can choose a generator with several outlets to power different power-dependent devices. That way, you meet all your power needs on demand. For instance, you can plug in your smartphone, camera, and an extension at the same time.
Further, portable solar generators boast top-notch safety, efficiency, simplicity, and maintenance. If cautious about wildfires and storms, you can use the generator to prepare for emergencies.
Portable solar generator market
Critical insights for the portable solar generator market include drivers and challenges, regional analysis, and the impact of the pandemic.
Market drivers and challenges
Harsh weather is responsible for a 67% increase in power outages since 2000. Failures usually happen due to storms, floods, winds, and snow. The above disasters break down power grids or cause faults in power supply components. So, more and more individuals rely on portable solar generators with panels to get a continuous power supply. You can run some household essentials like lights and a refrigerator. A portable solar generator is also handy on a job site to operate tools or run appliances during camps.
Although solar generators are cost-effective in the long run, the relatively high initial cost is a market hindrance. Also, other alternatives, like inverter technology and battery power packs, are cheaper.
Regional analysis
Businesses in the U. S continue to embrace solar generators thanks to the cost reduction in solar. Companies, too, may be compelled to convert to solar due to strict CO2 emission laws. So, the market for portable solar generators will likely expand as climatic concerns rise.
Factors like automation and tech have fuelled the European solar generator market growth. Other top market fuels are the increase in industrialization and urbanization. Besides, the region has greatly emphasized the long-term decarbonization of E.U. energy systems.
The growth in population in the Asia-pacific region creates market growth opportunities. Also, the increase in per capita energy consumption is expected to boost the solar market. Finally, as urbanization takes root, many people are expected to move to solar energy use.
The impact of the pandemic
The pandemic promoted lockdowns and work stoppages in key countries. Most businesses were hurt, and the solar generator market is no exception. A decrease in energy demand happened during the lockdown. Fortunately, demand retrieval will likely quicken the restoration of the portable solar generator market.
What are the different parts of a solar generator?
Below are the components of a solar generator and the role of each in the device’s overall function.
Solar panels
The solar panel has photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into direct current. Most solar panels connect with the generator via a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller. You can find different sizes of solar panels on the market. However, most MPPT controllers won’t allow you to connect panels that exceed voltage requirements.
Manufacturers usually pair the solar panel and generator. Nonetheless, you can find an MPPT-compatible panel from any manufacturer. What you need is to use the correct adaptors and connector cables. You must also be careful not to exceed the maximum voltage.
Battery
A solar generator stores the energy from the sun for you to use later. The battery is the storage unit and usually contains various lithium-based chemical formulations. The most common chemicals are lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC).
LFP batteries have a higher C-rating than NMC batteries. You also get more charge cycles and less heat from LFP batteries. So, the choice is safer and more suitable for your solar generator.
Although more common, NMC batteries have slow charge and discharge rates. So, the choice may be less efficient for a portable solar generator. On the upside, NMC batteries are more energy-dense.
Battery management system (BMS)
A battery management system regulates how your battery charges and discharges. The unit monitors and balances the current and voltage of all cells in the battery. Also, battery management shuts down the system during over-temperature and overvoltage.
For lithium-ion batteries, a battery management system is a crucial safety requirement. Lithium ions have high power density, and an overcharge can result in thermal runaway and combustion. So, a battery management system is handy in reducing the likelihood of fire and explosions.
Inverter
The inverter converts the low direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). You can then use the alternating current to power your household items. Appliances that use DC power don’t need an inverter because electricity doesn’t require conversion.
Inverters also handle the combined input wattage from AC and DC power. So, the inverter’s capacity determines your maximum solar panel capacity.
How does a portable solar generator work?
A solar generator transforms solar into electrical energy via a chain of processes. First, when the sun hits your panel, the photons knock the electrons loose from the atoms. Next, the photovoltaic cells convert electrons into DC electricity. Next, the cells continue to collect and trap atoms. Then, when free electrons are ready to flow, they generate an electric current.
Electric current passes on through a charger controller, which regulates the voltage. As a result, your battery doesn’t overwhelm or overheat. The protection also ensures the battery lasts longer.
The batteries store electricity in chemical energy until you connect an appliance. Upon plug-in, the charge passes through an inverter which transforms DC into AC electricity. Appliances like cell phones, laptops, and microwaves require DC power. For such devices, you can do without the inverter since the electricity doesn’t need conversion.
The converter also steps up the voltage rating to the suitable voltage for your appliance. For instance, assume your generator has a standard 48V, and your appliance’s rate is 120V. In such a case, the converter steps the 48V up to 120V. Afterward, the electrical current passes through the generator’s extension cord to run your appliance.
As seen above, solar generators don’t need internal combustion engines to burn fuel. Instead, the units convert sunlight into mechanical energy. As a result, the process is quieter and cleaner than gas generators. You can also move around your panels to capture as much of the sun’s power as possible.
Portable solar generators vs. Traditional gas generators
Below are the pros and cons of portable solar vs. traditional gas generators.
Solar generator pros
You enjoy the following benefits when you use solar energy.
Clean energy
Most solar materials are made of recyclable materials, e.g., glass, silicon and aluminum. Besides, solar generators don’t use fossil fuels that threaten the environment.
Portability
Solar generators are smaller and lighter than gas generators. So you don’t need much space to store or transport solar generators.
Ease of use
You don’t need to refuel the generator; instead, you install the components, and you are good. Even without electrical experience, you can operate the devices safely.
Portable solar generator con
Although a good choice, solar generators have lower energy storage. Your solar generator may not operate all your household appliances at once. So, solar generators are unsuitable if you have high power demands.
Traditional gas generator pros
You experience the following benefits with traditional generators.
Cost
Traditional gas generators’ initial price is less expensive. Nonetheless, the fuel costs pile up quickly down the line and increase the operation cost.
On-demand electricity
All you need to generate electricity is fuel and operational components. So, gas generators are ideal if instant power is your priority.
Traditional gas generator cons
The downsides of traditional generators are:
Air pollution
Gasoline and diesel fuel used in traditional gas generators pollute the air. For example, in one hour, a 1.8 kW gasoline generator can generate smog equivalent to a vehicle that has moved 150 miles.
Noise emission
Traditional gas generators produce a distinct sound during operations. So, you may have issues if you plan to use your generator in areas where silence is paramount.
Safety concerns
The flammable fumes of gas generators can cause fires upon contact with combustible materials. Gas generator accidents or misuse can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
The bottom line is; solar generators have the upper hand unless you have high power needs.
Portable solar generators vs. Larger solar generators
Portable solar power generators are small and lightweight, which makes movability simpler. You can form a larger generator from some stackable, scalable generators. You need to connect several battery storage modules to get more size and capacity.
You can use portable solar generators if you prefer an easily movable solution. For instance, if you are always on the go, you need a solution that takes up less space and is simple to carry. You can also use a solar-powered generator in a small home when the time of use rise.
Larger solar generators are big and have more weight than solar generators. So, you can’t easily move around larger generators. Fortunately, the generators have more storage capacity and a higher power rate. So, if you have higher energy demands, a larger size is crucial to provide enough power.
Larger solar generators are more suited for industrial and commercial uses. For example, warehouses and government institutions can use large generators for backup. Besides, some large generators have wheels to enhance movability.
The size of the solar generator to use depends on your needs. Commercial applications need a large size, while residential applications can do with either. For instance, if you want a generator to power the whole home, you’ll need a large one. Conversely, a small solar generator is ideal if you want a backup solution for a boat trip.
The uses of solar generators
Here are some ways to use solar generators.
To power outdoor equipment
Appliances like washing machines, pool pumps and filters, and clothes dryers make work simpler. Yet, you need a lot of power to run outdoor appliances, which translates to high utility bills. An alternative to save money spent on electricity is to use a free energy source.
Solar generators can power the appliances above and save you money. Nonetheless, large equipment consumes a lot of power, so you’ll need a high initial investment. The good part is that you won’t have to pay for electricity or high maintenance costs again.
To power indoor home appliances
Electric cookers, dishwashers, water heaters, and other indoor appliances are essential. Failure to use the devices due to power outages disrupts your home’s smooth operations. So, a good recommendation is to get a solar generator to ensure you get the needed services.
A regular-sized power generator can power your home if you have moderate size appliances. However, opt for a larger size if you have a big family or many electrical devices. Otherwise, you won’t be able to power all the machines simultaneously. Instead, you’ll have to plug in a few appliances and only power a few devices.
To power tools
Drilling and other backyard tools are vital for home DIY projects and events. You can get a medium solar generator to power the smaller devices. Portable generators are also important when you must work with power but lack outdoor sockets.
You can also use solar generators for commercial tools like those used in construction. Commercial devices consume high power, so you’ll need high storage capacity batteries and high capacity panels.
To offer a stable power supply for businesses
Electronic devices are a crucial part of communication, work, and business today. Also, with more remote work comes the need for a stable power supply. You also need continuous power to ensure you don’t face business downtimes during outages. Also, a backup keeps your items fresh even during blackouts for the perishable food industry.
Ways to charge a solar generator
Here are three charge options for your solar-powered portable generator.
Charging with solar panels
The main point of solar power generators is to be able to recharge the unit via the sun. So, the most common way to charge a solar generator is through solar panels. The panels convert the energy from the sun into electricity. For an RV road trip or camping, the use of portable solar panels is recommended since they are very lightweight.
You will need a special adapter cable, which some manufacturers include in the generator kit. The charge speed depends on the solar input power of your generator, battery size, and the number of panels.
Grid electricity
You can use grid electricity if the sun isn’t enough and you want to keep your batteries full for emergencies. To charge with electricity, plug the generator into a wall outlet like any regular appliance. It’s recommended to remember to fix the charge time once you connect the generator to the local grid.
Further, the power grid uses AC and not DC power. So, you’ll need to use a solar inverter charger when you recharge the batteries. Unfortunately, you defeat the purpose of solar panels if you still have to recharge with electricity.
Shopping for the best portable solar generator: What to consider
The best portable solar generator for you depends on your needs and preferences. The factors below guide you in choosing your ideal generator.
Storage capacity
Portable solar-powered generators have very diverse capacities. The capacity of portable solar generators is measured in watts (W) but translates to watt-hours when applied to power usage. One watt-hour means the generator can supply one watt continuously for 60 minutes.
Watt hours help you estimate how much power your generator will deliver before the need to recharge arises. A higher watt-hour means more extended periods of service or more power supply. The best portable solar generator offers enough power to meet all your energy needs.
Recharge time
You need to understand how long your exhausted generator takes to recharge. The time usually depends on the power input from the solar panels and charging speed. Your manufacturer’s documentation usually indicates the estimated recharge time.
The expected recharge time is an approximation and varies based on available solar input. During cloudy days, your portable solar generator panel doesn’t get enough direct sunlight. Factor the gray days, especially if you need power for several devices for several days. Ensure the capacity and charge rate will give you enough power for all your needs.
Efficiency
A portable solar generator kit’s efficiency determines how much you get out of your device. Find a panel that generates the most power from the available sunlight.
One way to measure efficiency is to examine the panel’s solar cell efficiency. The higher the rating, the more effective the solar panel and the more power you get under the identical radiation condition. For instance, a solar cell with an efficiency of 20% converts 20% of the sunlight that hits the panel into electrical energy.
Availability of ports
You may want to connect several devices simultaneously in the current charged-up world. Yet, not all portable solar-powered generators have more than one outlet. Shop around for a generator with more outlets if you have many appliances.
If unsure of your needs, opt for a generator with several outlets to be on the safe side. For example, you’ll need at least two outlets to charge your phone and computer. Whereas you can connect an extension, you don’t need to carry extra items in cases like boat trips.
Durability and additional features
Portable solar generators have various qualities, with different abilities to withstand stress. Durability is critical, especially if you plan to use your generator on camps and road trips. The best portable solar generator for camping is sturdy enough to endure road rigors. Even if you want a portable solar generator for your house, durability ensures long service periods.
Consider what additional features a solar generator offers that others don’t. For instance, some portable solar generators have an integrated charge controller. However, others need you to buy the controller separately. Other unique features include a flashlight, surge protection, and BMS protection. While you don’t mean to find all the special features in one product, look for a generator with desirable uniqueness.
Portable solar generators FAQs
Here are answers to common concerns about portable solar-powered generators.
Can I use my generator while it is being charged?
Yes, solar generators allow internal batteries to charge and discharge simultaneously. So, you can charge your electronics as your portable solar generator recharges. Nonetheless, the charging process will slow because energy runs out of the generator.
How many years can a portable solar generator last?
The expected lifespan of portable solar generators depends on quality and maintenance. Nonetheless, portable solar generators have few maintenance needs. For instance, protect the panel from rust and remove cobwebs in good time. Besides, the battery management system prolongs the device’s lifespan and cost-effectiveness.
Can I replace solar generator batteries?
The battery is one of the most expensive components of your solar generator. Nonetheless, since solar generators are durable, even the batteries last a long time. Nevertheless, due to the high cost of batteries, you may not want to replace older batters. In short, you can replace the battery, but a whole unit replacement is more cost-effective.
Final word
Portable solar-powered generators are effective and good for the environment. You also save funds you would otherwise use to buy fuel continuously. So, solar is the way to go if you want a backup power solution for emergencies.
Solar Generators: A Guide to Portable Solar Power
A solar generator is a portable power station that uses portable solar panels to charge a battery, and the stored electricity can be used to charge or operate other devices.
As climate change continues to impact our planet in the form of extreme weather, higher temperatures, rising sea levels, and more, we must look for sustainable solutions to more parts of our day-to-day life. This includes the move to using portable solar power generators to create and store renewable energy for all your backup power needs.
Not only do solar generators create reliable clean electricity from the sun, but they also reduce the emission of harmful greenhouse gasses associated with traditional portable generators. As a result, manufacturers are working hard to make solar backup generators better and more reliable than their fuel-powered counterparts. This mirrors the growth and popularity of home solar power systems as an alternative to powering your home with fossil fuels.
With this article, you will better understand what a solar generator is, why solar generators are worth an investment, how to shop for a portable solar generator that’s right for you, and why solar-powered generators should replace traditional gas-powered generators.
What Is A Solar Generator?
The term solar generator usually refers to the combination of portable solar panels, battery, battery charger, and inverter into a single device that allows you to capture, store, and distribute power from the sun.
Solar generators are popular for camping trips, boating, RV trips, and as emergency backup power.
Unlike a traditional generator, which is normally powered by gas, diesel, or propane and includes an engine, fuel tank, and alternator, a solar generator lacks any moving parts. They’re essentially comprised of four elements:
- Portable Solar Panels. Captures energy from the sun
- Rechargeable Battery. Stores the energy captured by solar panels
- Solar Charge Controller. Manages how much energy goes into the battery
- Solar Inverter. Converts the sun’s energy into usable electricity
Thus, a solar generator is basically a portable battery with some photovoltaic (PV) panels attached to collect sunlight.
A portable solar generator turns out to be a great power supply, whether you’re on the road, camping, or needing electricity during a power outage. Depending upon your situation, you might want a solar generator with a variety of outlets, especially in emergencies where you have multiple power-dependent devices and appliances.
Typically, solar generators have 12-volt sockets, AC outlets, and USB ports to allow you to charge different devices. The beauty of having several charging options with your portable generator is that you can get the power you need on your terms. For example, you can plug a smartphone directly into the USB port to charge, and then connect an extension cord to the AC outlet to power a set of string lights.
In most cases, you will have the option to buy components like solar battery storage and panels separately, though you can also buy them as a complete all-in-one kit. We recommend purchasing the accessories you need to generate and store enough electricity for your intended use.
How Do Solar Power Generators Work?
A solar battery generator works by creating electricity from sunlight and storing it in a battery for future use. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the process:
- Solar panels convert sunlight to DC electricity and pass it through the charge controller.
- The charge controller regulates the voltage of electricity before storage, ensuring the right amount of current goes to the battery.
- The battery stores all the solar energy for later use.
- The inverter converts the stored energy from the battery to the AC power that most appliances and devices use.
Who Benefits From Using Solar Generators?
Solar generators don’t burn fuel to generate electricity, making them ideal for anyone looking to reduce reliance on gas-powered generators, combat blackouts and other power outages, and have a reliable backup power source option in case of emergencies.
You can use the energy stored in a solar generator during a power outage, to charge your devices when camping, and as source of energy on an RV or boating trip. Essentially, a solar-powered backup generator is ideal for a range of real-life situations, meaning it’s useful to have around for more than just emergencies.
People Who Want to Make Eco-Friendly Choices
Traditional generators run on fossil fuels that pollute the environment. If you’re conscious of the danger these fuels possess, then a solar backup generator is ideal for you.
People Bothered by the Sounds and Smells of Traditional Generators
Traditional generators are noisy and stinky because they’re combustion engines running on fossil fuels. Over time and even with proper maintenance, they can become noisier and smellier. If you’re looking for a generator that creates zero sounds and smells, a solar power generator will not let you down.
People Who Enjoy Spending Time Outdoors
You will find solar power generators are helpful if you enjoy being outside, yet still want to bring along a few modern perks. For example, during a camping or boating trip, solar batteries come in handy to ensure you have continuous power access. You could string up lights after sundown, charge your phones, run small kitchen appliances, and any number of conveniences you had to do without in the past.
Key Factors When Shopping for a Solar Generator
Solar generators come in different sizes and shapes, so picking one that will address your personal needs should be your priority. Choosing a solar generator can be challenging, especially when you are presented with different options, so we created this shopping list as a good starting point.
Since not all portable solar backup power generators are the same, people need to know what the generator can and cannot do. Knowing how you intend to use your generator should help guide you to the right solution.
Some of the top brands to compare include Jackery, Goal Zero Yeti, Bluetti, EcoFlow, Point Zero Energy, Renogy, and Tacklife. Each company makes its products unique, so a closer look at what each one offers can help you make a sound decision.
Your Energy Requirements
The amount of electricity you need should be your top consideration for determining the size of your solar powered generator. For example, if you plan to use it outdoors, you should calculate how much energy your devices and appliances use when comparing the storage capacity of potential solar generators.
How Much Electricity The Solar Generator Can Provide
The longer a generator can provide power, the better. (This is usually calculated in watt hours.) Considering you don’t always know when you will have an opportunity to recharge it, it is best to have one that can run efficiently for a long time. That way, it will be easier for you to go about your daily activities or complete what you were doing, knowing you have enough backup power.
How Long The Solar Generator Takes To Charge
In addition to comparing the battery capacity of a solar generator, you should also pay attention to how long it takes for the battery to achieve a full charge. Some even have the ability to quick charge from a home AC power outlet. This will help with planning how much time you’ll need to be without power in the event a recharge is necessary.
What Features and Benefits are Included
You can do a lot with a solar generator that has helpful features. For example, more USB ports and power outlets give you the freedom to charge multiple devices at once.
Weight is another essential consideration, especially if you plan to use your generator for outdoor activities. Batteries can be heavy, so you might want to look for a solar generator that has focused on keeping the weight down if you plan to move it around a lot.
What the Warranty Covers
We recommend examining any benefits you might enjoy from the product warranty. The larger and more reputable the company, the more perks you will likely receive to support your solar power generator. The top options include replacement parts for any necessary repairs, as well as a longer length of time your solar generator is covered by the warranty.
Comparing Portable Solar Generators with Traditional Gas-Powered Generators
The Pros of Solar Generators
Investing in a portable solar generator is a good way of reducing your environmental impact and enjoying numerous other benefits:
Portable
Generally lighter than traditional gas-powered generators, solar generators are ideal for outdoor events, camping, emergencies, and general on-the-go activities. Some of them are even equipped with a luggage-like pull handle to enhance portability.
Low Maintenance
Wear and tear due to moving parts in traditional emergency generators can lead to high maintenance costs. Solar generators have no moving parts and don’t rely on gas to generate electricity. This design helps lower the possibility of having to pay for repairs.
Clean Energy
Solar generators generate clean, renewable energy that doesn’t hurt the environment when running. Traditional generators run on fossil fuels which contribute to air pollution and climate change. As an added benefit, you can access solar energy freely instead of paying for pricey fossil fuels.
Easy Operation
Solar generators are easy to use as they don’t require fueling, oiling, starting, and maintaining. Just turn it on, connect your devices, and draw power from it.
The Cons of Solar Generators
There are a few disadvantages to using solar generators that you should consider before making a purchase:
Higher Upfront Cost
Solar generators typically require a higher initial investment than traditional generators. However, the costs of operating are lower than traditional options, so you’ll save money over time.
Lower Energy Storage
Solar generators aren’t ideal if your power demands are too high. For instance, during a power outage, your generator may not be sufficient to operate all devices and appliances in your house. In most cases, they are best for operating a few devices at a time, such as lighting, a television, or a refrigerator.
Slower Energy Generation
Compared to traditional gas-powered portable generators, solar generators are not the best option when you need instantaneous power. If your battery runs out of power, you have to wait for it to recharge to get power to your appliances and devices, which can vary depending on the weather conditions. With a traditional generator, you simply need to add more fuel to generate additional power.
The Pros of Traditional Generators
Generators powered by fossil fuels do have some advantages, including:
Portability
Traditional options are available in different sizes, and there are smaller sizes that you can bring with you when traveling. Just remember that you also have to carry gasoline, so they aren’t quite as portable as solar generators.
Familiar Technology
Having been on the market for years, traditional generators are more familiar to some people. However, that market dominance also means the technology hasn’t been dramatically improved because of the lack of competition.
Electricity On-Demand
Traditional generators produce electricity as soon as they receive fuel, while a solar generator must be recharged to provide electricity. Hence, gas-powered generators are more convenient when you need instant power.
The Cons of Traditional Generators
Despite their popularity over the years, traditional generators have their shortcomings. Here are some of the reasons why people are ditching them:
Fuel Costs
Traditional generators rely on costly fossil fuels to run, which increases their long-term costs over the initial purchase price. You may also have to pay more to access that fuel if you aren’t near a gas station or other fuel source.
Toxic Gases
Traditional generators are notorious polluters. Each gallon of gasoline contains about 20.35lbs of carbon dioxide, and the average camping generator emits around 1-2 lbs of carbon dioxide per hour, even when running at 1/4 of the max rated load.
In addition to carbon dioxide, gas-powered generators can also release other harmful gases into the atmosphere, including carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and sulfur oxides.
Noisy Operation
Because of all the moving parts that make up a traditional gas-powered generator, they produce a lot of noise when operating. This is especially true for smaller portable generators, which are designed to prioritize size and weight over noise prevention.
Ongoing Maintenance
You have to continuously pay to take care of your traditional generator if you want to keep it in good working order. That regular maintenance occurs because the generator uses moving parts to process fossil fuels into electricity, and those moving parts need to be cleaned, oiled, and replaced over time. In addition, the fuel can go bad if it sits unused for a long period of time. Those routine costs definitely impact the total price of owning a gas-powered generator in the long run.
Key Takeaways
Solar generators are growing in popularity, and with advances in solar technologies, people who like clean energy are increasingly picking them over gas-powered generators. Solar generators offer low maintenance, portability, clean energy, and sustainable living to combat climate change. The numerous benefits of owning a solar generator make it worth the investment.
Before you buy a solar-powered generator, make sure you analyze the key features of different brands to pick one that will address your power needs. Brands like Jackery, Goal Zero Yeti, and Bluetti make a wide range of different solar generators to match your needs.
If you want to store even more backup solar power than even the best solar generator can provide, you should consider solar battery storage that connects to your home solar panel system. While your home solar panels can definitely charge your portable solar generator so you have on-the-go power whenever you need it, solar generators are not designed to act as a home standby generator for your entire home.
If you’re shopping for backup power options, the experts at Palmetto can help you understand the long-term solutions that are right for your electricity needs and system requirements. Get started today with a Free Solar Savings Estimate, and then speak with one of our solar professionals on how you can always have the energy you need when you need it most.
Solar Generators Made in the USA – List of Companies and Models
AUTHOR NOTE: After publishing this article, several people have informed me of companies listed in this article that do not source their manufacturing from the United States.
Although I cannot confirm this from my research, I also cannot deny it.
I mistakenly based my initial research on the headquarters/design centers of each company, not their manufacturing facilities.
Please take this into consideration when reviewing this article.
However, I have confirmed that two of the companies previously on this list and mentioned in my article manufacture their solar generators from China – Goal Zero (source) and Jackery (see image below).
If you find any credible information regarding the manufacturing processes of the companies mentioned in this article, please email me at [email protected].
I will be updating this article based on information I continue to discover regarding each company.
Please be skeptical of any solar generator company that does not clearly establish that they source their manufacturing from the United States. If it is hard to find where they are made, it most likely is NOT made in the USA.
Solar power is considered to be one of the cleanest sources of energy. Though it is being used in a variety of ways, there is still a significant gap in its proper use.
A solar generator is an excellent alternative source of power that uses energy from the sun to produce energy. Many solar devices like solar panels, Smart solar boxes, and power station systems can fall into this category.
Solar generators are used to supply power to power grids and other machines. Any solar harnessing device has to be used in combination with a battery or another energy source.
This is because, in most cases, power cannot be supplied instantly. A solar generator includes a battery pack, a charge controller, and an inverter to turn solar energy into an electrical current.
Solar Generator Companies
There is a significant demand for solar power and solar generators, and several companies are manufacturing them. Here we give you details about the top three companies based in the USA who are doing great work in the solar generator field.
Inergy
Some like-minded people with a passion for clean and sustainable energy sources are behind this brand. They prefer to think of it as a renewable power revolution.
Many companies have large-scale projects and have a top-down approach, while Inergy aims to provide solar products to consumers directly. Some of its solar generators are the following:
Flex 1500 Power Station
This consists of the Flex 1500 power console and Flex battery.
Flex Power Console
This is a compact and lightweight pack, but it has immense power with a 1500 W pure sine wave inverter. You can use it to power multiple devices and gadgets. It is almost entirely noise-free and is 100 percent odor and fume free.
The power console also has a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controller. It is effortless to connect the console with the battery.
Flex Battery
Flex battery is one of the best Lithium-ion expansion batteries that you can find. It contains genuine LG cells. It is effortless to connect with the power console.
The MPPT controller can quickly charge all batteries in the stack at the same time. Flex batteries in a stack can work together as a large battery bank.
Flex DC Power Station
This is the only portable solar power station for DC only users. It has a Flex power console and Flex batteries. You can use up to a staggering 96 Flex batteries and have 13.8 V of DC output.
This is possible with the supercharger MPPT feature. This battery capacity can be used to run a small fridge, water pumps, and other devices.
There are several Flex 1500 and Flex DC kits available, and you can choose depending on your needs. These are in the price range of approximately 350 to 500 dollars. You can select the wattage you require.
Different solar panels like the Ascent, Linx, and Storm are available in various configurations. This kit is very versatile and good for the environment. You can pay 275 and 245 dollars, respectively, as deposits for these products. At the time of delivery, you can pay the balance.
The predecessor to the Flex power station was called the Apex. There were several added features that overall made the Flex more versatile. I analyzed these differences in my article that you can read here: Inergy Apex vs Flex – Inergy’s Premier Solar Generators.
Point Zero Energy
The founder and owner of this solar energy company has a degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering. He has combined his talent for engineering with his passion for solar energy systems.
He realized that there was a big gap between the demand for high-quality and efficient solar products and supply for them.
He also understood well the importance of these factors to offer reliable products. With this desire to do good for others and change the solar market, he founded Point Zero Energy in 2013. The solar generator that this company designed and produced is one of the best on the market.
Titan Solar Generator
- The battery is removable as well as expandable. It offers greater portability and flexibility by adding more battery packs or replacing batteries. It is easy to carry around because the battery can be separated from other parts.
- It has a 2000 watt-hour lithium battery, one of the largest as far as solar generators are concerned. It has a life span of 10 years.
- The pure sine wave inverter is very powerful but efficient up to 92 percent.
- The Titan has very high-quality components like the charge controllers. This allows it to take the voltage up to 145 volts. It makes the wiring up of solar panels easier and safer.
- There is one AC charger included with the Titan, which is powerful enough to charge the battery pack in approximately 4 hours. It is also easy to add a second charger to increase the charging power.
You can also buy a 500-watt solar expansion kit to increase the power output. There are 5 solar panels with 100-watt output. It can be added to a 500, 1,000, or 1,500 watt kit to increase the output by 500 watts.
It comes with a 50′ solar extension cable, connectors, and adapter. The solar panels are 42 by 22 by 0.3 inches. Depending on the specifications you want, it can cost between 2,500 to 3,000 dollars.
The Titan is one of the most powerful power stations on the market today. You can find more details on the Titan’s impressive specifications by reading my review of it here: Titan Solar Generator Review – The Best Large Solar Generator?
Renogy
This is a renewable energy company that supplies the best solar products. They have products for homes, excursions, businesses, etc. All their products can improve the quality of life with their efficiency.
The company can provide tailor-made solutions and that too at low prices. Their website is very informative, and even if you are new to solar products, you can find enough information.
There are wiring diagrams and calculators to understand your needs and then help to put them together. Their motto is “Big or small, Solar is for all,” which says it all! Here are some of their products:
Phoenix 300 Power Station
This is one of the smallest and lightest power stations in its class. It has high energy density battery cells with a compact design. Multiple ports allow a user to run a vast range of devices and gadgets.
- Its USB-C port has power delivery technology that can give up to 60W power. Quick Charge technology allows up to 18W of output from USB-A ports.
- Multiple output ports can help run many gadgets and small appliances. It has excellent versatility.
- The pure sine wave inverter produces clean and stable AC power up to 200W. This is highly efficient and safe to use with even delicate electronic devices.
- The battery management system controls the voltage, temperature, short circuit protection, and over-current situations to keep the power station as well as the gadgets safe.
I break down more specifications of the Phoenix 300 as well as what it can power in my detailed review found here: Renogy Phoenix 300 Review – A Unique Off-Grid Power Solution.
The Lycan Powerbox Solar Power Generator
This is a portable solar generator that is very versatile and can be used in different situations. It weighs about 55 pounds and has multi-terrain wheels.
It is easy to take on outdoor trips and also be used as an alternative or support to the power source at home. The Lycan can be charged with solar power and even by a wall or 12V socket. It is the perfect power backup in case of outages or any significant problems.
- This is a perfect solution for campers, contractors, or families.
- It offers easy handling with LCD, which gives information about the battery capacity. Output buttons for AC and DC allow for easy switching between the two.
- There are three ways it can be charged: solar power, car power, and AC power.
- It has multiple outputs for different devices and LED work light in the front for easy handling.
- It is compatible with Renogy solar panels up to 300 watts.
- It is portable, with heavy-duty handles and tough wheels.
Conclusion
Most of the solar generators that you find on the market will have the same key features. The working technology will also be similar. However, some companies will offer high quality, while some will try to attract customers based on affordability. When it comes to solar generators, the FOCUS should be on efficiency and quality.
The companies listed here are among the top solar generator companies in the US, except for one based in Canada. These companies have a lot of experience in this field, which is visible in their products.
Solar power is the energy that most of the world is turning to because of the many advantages. It is not only a booming business but also a meaningful way to improve the health of our planet.
The secret behind these companies’ success is not only their technology or financial acumen but also the passion for a cleaner and greener earth.
When researching the best solar generators for home use, I included four solar generators from three of the companies mentioned in this post.
I recommend reading this post as it will show you the wide range of power stations available on the market today: 9 Best Solar Generators for Home Use (Small to Large).
Hi! I’m Max and I am passionate about off-grid solar technology and adventure! I’m using my knowledge of solar generators, solar panels, and everything in between to provide you with the best tools to keep you powered while off the grid. Read more about me here: About Max Peters.
Recent Posts
As electric cars become more popular, so does the idea of charging them with renewable energy sources. Solar power is one of the most promising and widely available renewable energy sources, and.
Solar generators have become a popular alternative for power supply, particularly in outdoor settings, emergency situations, and for off-grid living. These portable and eco-friendly power stations.
About Me
My name is Max Peters and I have a passion for off-grid gadgets and adventure. I studied sustainability in college and want to share with you the best in solar generators, panels, lights, and more to make your outdoor adventures unforgettable!
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