ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500 Review. All power solar generator * KYOKUSHO.COM

The Best Solar Generators of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Whether you are outfitting your home in case of an extended power outage or looking for a steady supply of off-grid power for your overlanding setup, it’s never been a better time to purchase a solar generator. But sifting through all the available options on the market—power stations that are lunchbox-sized to luggage-sized, solar panels that can pack in a backpack to multiple eight-foot long panels you chain together—can take a lot of time and effort. To help you choose the best solar generator for your purpose, we tested some of the most powerful models from Anker, Jackery, Goal Zero, and BioLite side by side to see how they stacked up.

Best Overall:Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro
Best Value:Anker 555 Solar Generator
Most Portable:BioLite BaseCharge 1500 Solar Panel 100
Most Customizable:Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Boulder 200 Briefcase Solar Generator
Best for RVs:Anker Solar Generator 767

How I Tested the Best Solar Generators

There are two components to a solar generator—a solar panel and a power station. To understand the performance of the overall package, I looked at each component and then also assessed how they worked in tandem.

Solar Panels were tested in tandem (to ensure similar conditions) under clear skies. Testing was conducted in late fall, when the angle of the sun is less ideal than it would be at the peak of summer, affecting the potential of each panel to reach its claimed maximum output. Solar panels were tested using power stations of the same brand, but where possible, I also used different panels with different power stations to see if that affected the results.
Power stations were evaluated on a number of criteria. After fully charging all the power stations, I left them in a climate-controlled room for three days and then outside for twenty-four hours in near-freezing temperatures—none of the power stations registered any loss of power during this test. Next, I plugged various appliances into all of the power stations to see how they handled the volume: a dehumidifier, a sunlamp, two laptops, one of the best power banks for camping, a pair of headphones, another power station, etc. Using these setups, I ran each power station down to half its estimated output. Finally, I considered how compatible each power station was with other solar panels, as well as additional features, such as Bluetooth-compatible apps, display panels, wireless charging, USB-C input ports, and more.

Solar Panels Tested

I tested six solar panels rated for both 100W and 200W capacity from Goal Zero, Anker, Jackery, and BioLite.

I checked that all the solar panels were pointed in the same direction and at the same angle when testing their measured output against their claimed output.

Model	Weight	Size (unfolded)	Output Ports	Warranty	Claimed output	Measured output
Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel	18 lbs	540 x 2320 x 25 mm	DC	1.5 years	200W	184W
Goal Zero Boulder 200W	42 lbs	40 x 53.5 x 1.75 inches	High Power Port (HPP)	2 years	200W	145W
Anker 531 Solar Panel	20 lbs	23.75 x 83.75 x.75 inches	XT-60	2 years	200W	158W
Goal Zero Boulder 100W	20 lbs	40 x 26.75 x 1.75 inches	High Power Port (HPP)	2 years	100W	73W
Anker 625 Solar Panel	11 lbs	57 x 20.75 x 1.75 inches	XT-60	2 years	100W	94W
BioLite Solar Panel 100	10 lbs	20 x 57.5 x 1 inches	High Power Port (HPP)	1 year	100W	52W

Power Stations Tested

The power stations I tested ranged in size from 1,002Wh to 2,048Wh, and were capable of either 110 volts or 120 volts (the latter is what you’ll need to run most major appliances).

All of the power stations were capable of holding a charge for extended periods of time, losing no power in either the three-day indoors test or the 24-hour outdoors test in subfreezing and near freezing temperatures.

Model	Weight	Wh	Input ports	Input Max for Solar	Max voltage for the AC outlet	App?	Warranty
Goal Zero Yeti 1500X	45.5 lbs	1,516	USB-C, 8mm, high power port (HPP)	600W	120V	Yes	2 years
Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro	25.5 lbs	1,002	AC and DC	800W	120V	No	3 years
Anker 767	XX	2,048	AC and XT60	1000W	120V	Yes	5 years
Anker 555	29.8 lbs	1,024	DC and USB-C	200W	110V	No	5 years
BioLite BaseCharge 1500	26.5	1,521	USB-C, high power port (HPP)	400W	110V	No	2 years

Best Overall: Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro (Explorer 1000 Pro Solar Saga 200W)

Key Features

Power station capacity: 1002 watt hours
Solar panels: four 200-watt solar panels
Energy created by one panel in direct sunlight: 184 watts
Max AC output: 120 volts and 1000 watts
Also available with a 2000Wh power station
Also available with two 80-watt panels

Along with the BioLite BaseCharge 1500 and Anker 555, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro had one of the more streamlined user interfaces. There are separate buttons to activate the USB outlets, AC outlets, and DC outlet, along with a button to turn on the power station’s light (in case you want to light up your camp or home) and one to turn on the display. The display here gives you the bare minimum of information—watts in, watts out, percent of the battery remaining, and the time to charge or deplete the battery based on the current conditions.

The Explorer 1000 Pro has a max output of 1000W (peaking at 2000W), which is enough juice to power many modern refrigerators. But given that its battery life is only 1002Wh, it can only supply that power for about a day (assuming it’s not charging anything else) unless it’s also being supplied with fresh juice from a solar panel setup at the same time. For some, this won’t be an issue, as they’ll simply be using the battery to channel power to their other devices during the day while it’s charging, and then using the battery at night to power more low-key items like the best camping fans or maybe one high-energy device like a portable fridge.

At over 25 pounds, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro, is one of the more transportable units I looked at, but it’s still not something that you’d want to lug more than a hundred feet or so at a time.

The Solar Panel

I originally tested the SolarSaga 200W solar panel as a full setup, with four panels plugged into a single power station. This test showed the full power of the array, which registered 650W of power generation on a sunny (albeit hazy) day. I retested a single panel in tandem with the rest of the units in this review more recently, and under completely clear skies, the panel was even more impressive: It registered 184W of energy coming from a single panel. If you don’t have much time to recharge your power station from the sun, then the full setup with all four panels is a no-brainer.

It is, though, a little complicated. Each panel comes with a carrying case and a cable that connects back to the two DC ports on the Explorer 1000 Pro. If you see a math problem here, that’s correct: You’ll also need two of the Jackery Solar Panel Connectors, which, strangely, are not included in the purchase price. Two of these can be used to double the number of panels you can connect to the Explorer 1000 Pro.

Setting up and taking down this many panels takes some time, but I was impressed by how easy and intuitive it was. That’s because Jackery streamlined the number of ports on each unit, making it that much clearer what cable connects to what unit in what port.

While there might at first glance appear to be a disconnect between the charging time capabilities of this setup and its battery life, it’s worth keeping in mind that conditions are not always optimal. One of the things that impressed me most about these units is the panel’s ability to generate electricity in lowlight conditions. Even in complete shade—dusk fast approaching—a single SolarSaga was generating a 6W input.

Best Budget: Anker 555 Solar Generator (555 PowerHouse with Two (2) 625 Solar Panels 100W)

Key Features

Power Station Capacity: 1024 watt hours
Solar Panels: two 100-watt solar panels
Energy Created By One Panel In Direct Sunlight: 94 watts
Max AC output: 110 volts and 1000 watts
Also available with a 1229Wh power station and three 100W solar panels
Max power station output is 110V
XT60 port on the solar panel needs an adapter to be compatible with the power station

If your family has a bevy of devices that seemingly all need to be plugged in simultaneously, you are in luck with the Anker 555 PowerHouse. It was the only unit in my test that boasted six AC outlets, as well as three USB-C outlets and two USB-A outlets. There were so many outlets that it was actually hard to find enough things to plug into it in my home—I ended up with an air purifier, sun lamp, two fans, a laptop, and a battery pack plugged in. The 555 PowerHouse had no problem with this—it barely used a third of its total output power. If your family has a bunch of devices that simply must be charged at all times, then this is a great option.

Note that this would not be the best choice for someone looking for backup power for their refrigerator, as its 1,024 watt hour capacity was on the smaller side in my test and only has up to 110-volt output.

Something else I liked about this unit was the utility—and comparative simplicity—of its charging abilities. It has one DC input port in the back and a USB-C 100W port that plays double duty with input and output. As someone who struggles to keep track of the sheer number and variety of cords that are always floating around, I appreciated the ability to recharge this unit without tracking down the original cord.

The Solar Panel

The Anker 625 was easily the best of the 100W panels I tested—it was one of the best solar panels for camping I tested back in the spring, and it’s still one of my favorite pieces of gear. It even beat out the 200W Jackery SolarSaga if you consider that this panel generated 94 percent of its claimed output, while the Jackery only managed 92 percent. Part of this is the inclusion of a sundial in the top center of the panel, which helped me align the panel correctly during setup. This sundial is such a useful feature, that after I had correctly aligned the Anker 625, I went back and adjusted all the other panels to match it—an instant uptick in power was measured. Two of these panels is a great choice for recharging a power station the size of the 555 PowerHouse.

I’ve been testing this panel for a while—unlike some of the others in this test—and in that time I’ve noticed that it’s picked up a bit of scuffing along the edges of the fabric backing. While not ideal, this has not impacted the functionality of the unit in the slightest.

Most Portable: BioLite BaseCharge 1500 Solar Panel 100

Key Features

Power station Capacity: 1521 watt hours
Solar Panels: one 100-watt solar panel
Energy Created By One Panel In Direct Sunlight: 52 watts
Max AC output: 110 volts and 1200 watts
Also available with a 622Wh power station
Lightest unit I tested
Power station is easy to use
Power station is compatible with the Goal Zero Boulder 200 (up to two)

Like the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro and the Anker 555 PowerHouse, the BioLite BaseCharge 1500 has a sleek and streamlined user interface that is easy to read and understand. The display panel shows the percentage of your battery left, the estimated number of hours it will take to either run through or finish charging the battery, the watts coming into your unit, and the watts going out. It also shows you the number of watt-hours the unit has used in total—watching that number was a bit like watching the odometer tick up on your car. Not super useful daily, but a nice thing to know in the aggregate. There are separate buttons to turn on the ports for USB, DC, and AC power, as well as a button to turn on the display. (A second button allows you to reset the display of how many watts you’ve used, useful if you are interested in getting an accurate read on your total power needs).

There were three details that made the BioLite BaseCharge 1500 stand out next to the competition:

A wireless charging option on top of the unit. (Unfortunately, I was not able to test this as I do not have a device with this capability.)
The choice to put the input port on the front of the unit, as opposed to the back. During testing, I found that this configuration was easier when plugging in solar panels.
This power station is surprisingly lightweight, especially compared to the Yeti 1500X, which has a comparable watt-hour capacity. If you plan to move your power station from room to room, this is a no-brainer.

During testing, the BioLite BaseCharge 1500 was one of the few power stations where the “hours to empty” estimate kept jumping around. It probably accurately reflected the change in power needs of the bigger devices, but was confusing to look at and made the time estimates less useful than they would have otherwise been. (The percentage estimate of the amount of battery life remaining, however, stayed fairly consistent.)

The Solar Panel

While the BaseCharge 1500 ended up being one of my favorite power stations, the BioLite Solar Panel 100 was my least favorite solar panel. First off, two kickstands simply don’t provide enough support for the panels. This is partly because two just isn’t enough, but also because one of the kickstands is situated closer to the middle of the unit, rather than both being on the outer edges. I was able to use the BaseCharge 1500 to help prop it up a bit, but it wasn’t an ideal solution.

One thing that I did like about this unit is that, like the Anker 625, it incorporated a sundial, which helped me to situate the panel at the right angle to maximize the energy output.

However, even with that advantage, this was by far the weakest panel in my test, only generating about half of its claimed output even on a clear day with sunny skies. If you choose to go with a BaseCharge 1500, it’s worth considering pairing it with a Goal Zero Boulder 200W, a pairing that proved successful during testing.

Best Customization: Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Boulder 200 Briefcase Solar Generator

Key Features

Power Station Capacity: 1516 watt hours
Solar Panels: one 100-watt solar panel
Energy created by one panel in direct sunlight: 73 watts
Max AC output: 120 volts and 2000 watts
Solar panels also available at 200-watt and 300-watt capacity
power station s available in sizes ranging from 187 watt hours to 6071 watt hours
Possible to monitor the power station from another room using the app
The larger power station s could power major appliances for days without recharging
Heavy
Less intuitive than other power station s I looked at
Difficult to recharge if you lose the original cables

The Yeti 1500X was one of the most complicated user interfaces to navigate, and included several details that I have mixed feelings about. The most glaring one is that when the unit is plugged into a power source, a light blinks blue continuously until it is charged, when it switches to solid blue—if you are in the same space as this unit when it is charging, this is very distracting. Next is the three buttons above the display—which read “unit,” “light,” and “info.” Unit is fairly straightforward—it toggles the input and output measurements between volts, amperes, watts, etc. This is pretty handy if you’re curious about how much power a given device is chewing through. Next is light—on other power stations, this button turns on an actual light, which is useful if you’re trying to see what you’re doing in the evening hours. The Goal Zero, however, does not have a built-in light; what this button turns on and off is the display screen showing the power supply. The info button only seemed to turn on the display (not off)—it was unclear what other use this was meant to have.

Interestingly, despite having one of the most powerful AC ports in my test, there was only space for two plug-ins. Most of the time, I suspect this will be plenty for people (and it does help to cut down on the unnecessary juice being lost out of these ports), but others might find themselves digging out a powerstrip to make up for the lack fo ports.

One of the more unusual features of the Yeti 1500X is a top lid, which has storage for charging cables, or anything else you want to throw in there. Underneath, it also has detailed descriptions of all of the power limitations of the various ports, plus evergreen reminders about not letting your power station get wet—all in semi-legible font. Surprisingly that can’t be said for any of the power stations in my test (including the Anker 767, which despite having the largest surface area strangely didn’t include this information at all). There is also a second 8mm port under the lid as well as a 12V HPP output port.

The amount of power it was being charged with supplying—1385 watts through a single AC port (I had plugged it back into the Anker 767 unit) was higher than anything else I tested, due to this being the only combination where that was available—the maximum input capability of the Yeti 1500X is 150V from AC power). The icon showing how much power was remaining did, however, stay consistent.

Like the Anker 767, the Yeti 1500X has an app that you can use to monitor the battery’s power usage. This app was not as intuitive to use as the Anker 767’s, requiring several more steps to get to the point where I could monitor the battery usage (it also asked me to upgrade its firmware seemingly every other time I opened it). However, once you have the whole thing set up, it provides just as much information and control as the Anker 767 app.

The Solar Panel

I tested both the Boulder 100W and the Boulder 200W from Goal Zero. These are basically the same panels (although with different ports (HPP versus DC), affecting what other power stations you might be able to pair them with), just at a different size, so whether you choose one over the other will depend on your energy needs, and your personal strength.

These panels are significantly bulkier and more cumbersome than anything else I tested. While the likes of Jackery’s SolarSaga series and the Anker solar panels are a bit like someone took a backpacking solar panel and just blew it up to 20x the size. The Boulder series from Goal Zero looks like a solar panel off your house that’s shrunken down to something you could throw into the back of your car.

Both the 100W and the 200W solar panels come with carrying cases, which due to the placement of the zippers are kind of a nuisance to use. But use them you should because the way these panels fold up leaves the solar cells on the outside of the package, rather than on the inside (like the rest of the solar panels in my test). While the 100W panel was heavy, but otherwise easy enough to move thanks to the inclusion of a comfortable handle on the long side of the folded-up panels, the 200W had a tendency to drag across the ground (at least this was my experience, as a 5 foot 5 inch individual), forcing me to lean to one side as I walked. Did I mention that these panels were heavy? At 42 pounds, the Boulder 200W is extremely heavy.

While the Boulder solar panels were reasonably easy to set up, the way the legs are designed give you fewer options for maximizing the angle of the sun in the winter months, when it’s lower to the horizon. This showed during testing, when the panels only pulled in 73W for the 100W panel, and 143W for the 200W panel.

ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500 Review

The ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500 is a combination package of the ALLPOWERS S1500 and one ALLPOWERS SP033 200W Solar Panel. The ALLPOWERS S1500 is a 1092 Wh power bank weighing 26.12 lb / 11.85 kg with one USB-C port, three USB-A ports, four Type B outlets, and a 12V carport.

It boasts enough capacity to reliably power large devices like laptops, powered coolers, televisions, or drones. It is large enough to provide power for an extended off-grid expedition (so long as you’re not using an induction cooktop every night). Like similar-sized power stations, it’s designed to be portable, easily rechargeable, and practical.

Here’s everything you need to know about the ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500.

Testing Conditions

I have used the ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500 charging gear in my car while on the road during winter in the mountains. I’ve left it mostly in my vehicle while temperatures outside dip well-below freezing. I have been charging the ALLPOWERS S1500 with both the ALLPOWERS SP033 200W Solar Panel and a standard household outlet.

Pros and Cons

Foldable handle makes storage and transport easy One USB-C ports and three USB-A ports Four Type B outlets (a “regular” wall outlet) Can be recharged via car, wall outlet, or solar Two-year warranty

– Incredibly loud when charging– USB outlets located on the side of unit– Large power brick that gets quite hot– Polycrystalline solar panel not as efficient as monocrystalline

The Specs

The following information reflects the ALLPOWERS S1500 only. The ALLPOWERS SP033 200W Solar Panel specs can be found here.

Weight: 26.12 lb / 11.85 kg
Dimensions (in): 12.6 x 8.7 x 7.5
Dimensions (cm): 32 x 22 x 19
USB-C Ports: 1
USB-A Ports: 3
Type B Outlets: 4
Capacity: 1092 Wh, 295200 mAh
AC Output: AC 1500W 110V / 60Hz
USB-A Output: 5V 2.4A
USB-C Output: 5V 5A / 9V 5A / 12V 5A / 15V 5A / 20V 5A (PD 100W Max)
Car Output: 12V / 24V 10.5A
AC Input: 300W max
Solar Input: 300W max
USB-C Input: 100W max
Recharge via AC Adapter: 4 hours
Recharge via USB-C: 10 hours
Recharge via 12V Car Adaptor: 4 hours
Recharge via ALLPOWERS SP033 200W: 4 hours
Recharge via AC USB-C: 3 hours
Country of Origin: China
MSRP: 1,799 (ALLPOWERS S1500 alone, 1,599)

The Good

The Pass-Through Charging: The ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500 supports pass-through charging. That means it is possible to charge the power bank while using the power bank to charge other devices. From what I’ve read, this puts additional strain on the system and can cause additional heat (the heat produced by the unit and its power brick is already immense) and long-term strain on the battery. I don’t imagine I’ll be using this in a situation that would require me to rely on pass-through charging for an extended time, but it’s nice to have the option should I need it.

The Size: The S1500 is one of the best power banks I’ve used as far as its size goes. Many powerbanks have notoriously large or unwieldy handles. This makes storing them in tight spaces, stacking them on things, or stacking things on top of them an issue. The S1500 has a handle that folds up and down allowing it to be a perfect rectangular prism. I wonder if the handle being able to rotate 180 degrees instead of 90 would have some beneficial functionality and/or make carrying it easier, but I’m not mad at it (it could, however, be more ergonomic).

The Operating Temperatures: The operating temperature range of the ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500 is 14-104°F (-10-40°C). Honestly, the lower end worries me sometimes as I frequently find myself (or my car) in sub-freezing temperatures. But I have yet to experience an instance of attempting to power on and use the S1500 and having it not work because of the cold. That said, I don’t know that I would trust it with my life in the borderline-operating temperatures (but if I’m stuck in those temperatures, I probably have bigger issues than keeping my electronics charged).

The Okay

The Panel Size: The solar panel included with the ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500 is the ALLPOWERS SP033 200W. It’s 7.3 ft (87.8 in) / 2.23 m long when fully deployed and is 25.6 in / 650 mm tall; it weighs 13.98 lb / 6.3 kg. It’s great to have so much solar charging potential in a single package, but it can be difficult to find the space to deploy the panel – especially if you’re in a tight space and the sun is at an unfavorable angle.

The USB-C Ports: The ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500 has one USB-C port. I wouldn’t consider a power bank without at least one USB-C port but more would be better. The USB-C port can be used as either an input (to charge) or as an output (to charge a device). It’s more than capable of powering USB-C devices – even laptops and tablets. That said, why is there only one? Most of my devices now use USB-C and it’s frustrating to have to carry outdated cables to use the remaining three USB-A ports for USB-C charging.

The Solar Charging: The ALLPOWERS SP033 200W does an okay job of charging the ALLPOWERS S1500. It’s a polycrystalline panel which isn’t quite as efficient as the monocrystalline counterparts. There is a monocrystalline panel available from ALLPOWERS, but it’s not the one included in the bundle. Hooking up the panel is simple and if you have sunlight available the most difficult part will be finding space to set up the wide panel (which consists of four panels). Charging the ALLPOWERS S1500 from zero to 100% in direct sunlight takes approximately 4 hours in direct sunlight. The solar panel is also compatible with other ALLPOWERS units.

The Portability: The ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500 isn’t light. It weighs 26.12 lb / 11.85 kg. The single handle across the top can make it cumbersome to carry (as opposed to two handles on either side). The ALLPOWERS SP033 200W solar panel weighs 13.98 lb / 6.3 kg. It is possible for a single person to carry the S1500 and the ALLPOWERS SP033 200W. Each one of them has a handle. As stated above, I appreciate that the unit is a neat rectangular prism when the handle is folded down.

The Bad

The Noise: Different from all the other power banks I’ve reviewed until now, the ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500 is shockingly loud when charging. Loud enough that if you were charging in a confined space, you would find yourself talking over it. If you’re charging outside with the sun or indoors in the other room it’s not a huge deal. But I was honestly surprised at how loud the fans were when I first plugged the power station in.

The Price: The S1500 is not an expensive power station and for the price, I expect more than simply a large battery to plug one USB-C device into. Yes, there are two lights on the front of it (honestly, I don’t know where the whole putting lights into power banks thing comes from – doesn’t make sense to me), but the power station on the whole seems a bit fragile and the entirely plastic shell feels like it’s the bare minimum shell required to house the large and expensive battery. I also with the front buttons front were easier to see – it’s nearly impossible to see what each is in dim light as they’re all indistinguishable from each other.

The App: The ALLPOWERS app is a bit clunky. You can control the lights, see the remaining power, and turn off and on ports with the app. It will randomly try to get me to sign in (does not let me create an ALLPOWERS account and instead wants me to use a service like Google or which I’m not comfortable doing). The power bank also seemingly disconnects every time I leave the app as I need to reconnect every time I open it. The ability to set a timer, control the power going to each device, or see the temperature of the power bank would be welcome.

Who is it for?

The ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500 is an okay solution for keeping small, medium, or (some) large electronics charged while traveling or camping off the grid. If you’re a small or medium-sized group (three to five people), the system should be able to provide you with all the power you need to keep your devices charged – particularly if you plan on taking full advantage of solar charging.

This isn’t going to be your single point of power if you’re wanting to do something like power an entire off-grid living situation (for more than a couple of hours, at least). It will, however, do a great job to supplement whatever other power sources you have available (or serve as a backup in case things go awry with your power).

Wrap Up

The ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500 has enough capacity to keep your large devices running longer, but comes at the cost of some weight and bulk. It’s certainly portable, but not necessarily something you’re going to want to be lugging around in your backpack.

That said, for a basecamp, car camping, or stationary outdoor adventures, the ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500 can do a solid job of powering your off-grid adventure – especially if you’ve got plenty of sunlight. Questions, Комментарии и мнения владельцев, or personal experience with the ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500? Leave a comment below or get in touch and let me know!

Check out the ALLPOWERS Solar Generator S1500 here and get 15% off with code QT55FKT12YJ4.

Flex 1500 Power Station

The Flex™ 1500 Power Station is the most versatile portable and modular solar energy platform in the world. It is also the lightest and most compact modular power platform there is. The Flex 1500 Power Station is composed of the Flex 1500 Power Console one Flex Battery. Coupled with the MPPT Supercharger, it can charge faster than any comparable solar system out of the box. The Flex 1500 Power Station gives you the freedom to gather, store and use clean, renewable power whenever and wherever you need it.

AK,HI, PR, and Canada customers please call our team to place your order.

Important Note: Early orders will begin shipping in August 2023.

PRODUCT IMAGE KEY

FLEX 1500 DESCRIPTION

The Flex Power Station is comprised of the Flex 1500 Power Console and 1 Flex Battery.

The Flex 1500 Power Console

The Flex 1500 packs a huge punch in a compact, lightweight package with a 1,500-Watt (3,000-Watt surge) pure sine wave inverter, so you can power dozens of devices and appliances wherever you need it. Best of all, under normal conditions, the Flex is nearly silent and is 100% odor and fume-free—no pollutants or toxic exhaust of noisy gas generators.

The Flex 1500 Power Console also includes an advanced maximum power point tracking (MPPT) charge controller with up to 90V of solar charge input. so it gives you more options and charges faster and safer using solar panels—in as little as 3 1/2 hours in ideal sunlight. You will love the freedom of capturing clean, unlimited power from the sun whenever you need it.

The Flex 1500 Power Console is designed to be completely plug and play. To connect the Flex 1500 Power Console to the Flex Battery, simply align the connectors on the bottom of the console and top of the battery module and set the console down. Then switch each latch into the lock position.

We’re just going to come out and say it: the Flex Battery is the smartest, most versatile Lithium-ion expansion battery ever made. Not only that, it is also the lightest, most compact Lithium-ion expansion battery you can find. Flex Battery includes two Molex connector ports on the top and bottom panels for connecting to a Flex Power Console, MPPT Supercharger, another Flex Expansion Battery or a Kodiak or Apex power station. The Flex Battery contains only genuine LG, Samsung or BAK cells, the highest quality Lithium-ion cells in the world.

There are several important things you need to know about the Flex Battery.

You can use it to expand the Flex 1500 Power Station and enjoy the most versatile portable and modular solar energy platform in the world.

The Flex 1500 allows you to gather, store and use clean, renewable power whenever and wherever you need it. The Flex 1500 console packs a huge punch in a compact, lightweight package with a 1,500-Watt pure sine wave inverter and 13.8 Volts of regulated DC power, so you can power dozens of 110-120VAC and 12V devices and appliances wherever you need them. You can expand the Flex 1500 with as many Flex Batteries as you need (up to 96).

You can use it with the Flex DC Power Station as a powerful solar-powered, regulated DC power source.

If you are a DC-only user and you don’t need the AC power of the Flex 1500, you can expand the Flex DC Power Station with as many Flex Batteries as you need (up to 96) and enjoy 13.8V of regulated DC output. You can now use the full capacity of your battery with 12V devices like portable refrigerators, water pumps, and DC appliances and devices.

You have 4 ways to charge the battery.

First, the MPPT controller in the Flex 1500 will charge each Flex Battery in your stack at the same time. One single Flex Battery will charge in as little as 3 1/2 hours. batteries in the stack will, of course, take more time. If you need faster charge times, you can add the Flex MPPT Supercharger, which triples the standard solar charge input to an unheard-of 90A input. Second, you can use the DC car charger. Third, you can AC charge with the Standard or Quick Wall Charger. Fourth, you can combine all these charge sources at the same time if you’d like. No other solar power station offers you this many charging options.

The Flex Battery is plug and play.

When you add Flex Batteries to a stack, they will automatically connect to each other when their voltages are within range of each other (about 0.8V). If your battery voltages are too far apart, you can still connect them, but each individual battery will only enable as it comes within range. As you use the Flex system, the batteries will automatically enable and equalize. Once connected, the power console display will show the combined state of charge for all currently enabled batteries in the stack.

You can expand your system to an unmatched amount of energy storage.

This is worth mentioning once more. You can connect up to 96 Flex Batteries (approximately 96 kWh) to one Flex 1500 or Flex DC Power Station and enjoy the same plug-and-play functionality.

The 10 Best Solar Generators (2023 Review)

A solar generator gives you backup energy from the sun if you’re out camping or if you’re experiencing a power outage. We’ve reviewed the top solar generators here.

Share this story

Share All sharing options for: The 10 Best Solar Generators (2023 Review)

Affiliate Disclosure:This Old House’s Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services. To support this business model, This Old House may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website.

Solar generators convert sunlight into energy to power your devices and appliances when you don’t have electricity. If you’re looking for a portable power source to take with you on a trip, read our review below to see our top picks for the best solar generators. You can also read our buying guide to generators to aid you in making a Smart purchase.

Compare Top Solar Generators

ProductWatt HoursWeightWarrantyDimensionsProductWatt HoursWeightWarrantyDimensions

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240	240	5 pounds	2 years	9 x 5 x 8 inches
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500	518	13 pounds	2 years	12 x 8 x 9 inches
ROCKPALS Portable Power Station	300	8 pounds	2 years	11 x 5 x 9 inches
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station	1,260	Not listed	2 years	16 x 8 x 11 inches
BLUETTI Portable Power Station	2,000	61 pounds	2 years	17 x 11 x 15 inches
Goal Zero Yeti 500X Portable Power Station	505	13 pounds	2 years	14 x 12 x 9 inches
MAXOAK Portable Power Station	2,400	49 pounds	2 years	19 x 7 x 14 inches
ITEHIL Portable Power Station	500	19 pounds	2 years	11 x 9 x 8 inches
EF ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station	720	17 pounds	2 years	11 x 7 x 9 inches
Rainier Outdoor Power Equipment Portable Power Station	150	5 pounds	Not listed	10 x 4 x 6 inches

Top 10 Solar Generators

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240

taken at time of publishing.

This solar generator is lightweight at under five pounds and has a textured handle that makes it easy to carry from location to location. Another unique feature of this generator is that it can charge devices while it’s been recharged, and it can be recharged through a wall or car outlet.

Pros and Cons

Has the most affordable price point out of the models in this review

Can charge and recharge at the same time

Has a built-in textured handle for easy carrying

✘ Criticized by some customers for dying quickly

✘ Has the lowest power output in this review at 200 watts

What Customers Are Saying

Many customers praised this portable power station for producing minimal noise, having a long-lasting battery, and being easy to carry. Others said that they had positive customer service experiences. Unhappy customers noted that this model died quickly and lacked power.

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500

taken at time of publishing.

This solar generator has an output of 518 watt-hours and has eight output ports and outlets, allowing it to charge a handful of devices. Additionally, it can be carried with you on a camping or hiking trip due to its small size, and it features an oversized carrying handle.

Pros and Cons

Has the most affordable price point out of the models in this review

Can charge and recharge at the same time

Has a built-in textured handle for easy carrying

✘ AC sockets can occasionally be obstructed

What Customers Are Saying

This solar generator earned positive reviews from customers for its low noise level and lightweight, compact design. Several other customers also were impressed with its fast charging ability, noting it completely charged in just over one hour.

Rainier Outdoor Portable Power Station

taken at time of publishing.

This small generator, which features 150Wh, is perfect for charging small electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, drones, lights or speakers. It weighs only five pounds, comes with a built-in flashlight and measures only six inches tall, making it easy to fit anywhere.

Pros and Cons

Features three USB Ports, three 12V 5.5mm DC outputs

Includes a battery level display for easy tracking

Has a lower price point than most other portable power stations

✘ Not ideal for charging large appliances

✘ Charging times can be inconsistent

What Customers Are Saying

Customers loved how maneuverable and portable this portable power station was, noting it was a great choice for camping or fishing. Several also complimented its durable, long-lasting design. On the other hand, some customers felt this product was overly loud, while some said they had difficulty getting it started.

Buyer’s Guide

Portable generators that utilize solar charging are a reliable source of renewable energy. Read our buying guide below to learn about battery life, portability, and other factors that will help you decide on the best solar power generator.

Type

Solar generators are available as both portable generators and backup generators. Most solar generators are portable, lightweight, and have a built-in handle. The best portable solar generators are used to provide power for construction sites, campers, events, or other settings where access to electricity is limited.

Backup solar generators provide backup power for when an electrical grid fails, providing an efficient alternative for installing a complete system. Backup solar generators provide enough power to turn on appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and more in the event of a blackout.

In the video below, Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron shows how to use a solar generator:

Battery

When examining the battery of a solar generator, you should consider its overall battery capacity (measured in watt-hours) and its charging method.

Life

The lifespan of your generator’s battery depends on the size of the battery and the amount of power required to run your devices. For example, a battery with a watt-hours rating of 150 can run a 100-watt appliance, various power tools, or several small appliances that equal 100 watts for 1.5 hours.

Charging

The amount of time it takes to recharge the battery depends on the size of the battery and the method of charging, as well as the charger’s power. Larger batteries take longer to recharge than smaller batteries. Additionally, while solar generators are meant to connect to solar panels for charging, that’s not always convenient if it’s overcast or if you’re pressed for time. That’s why they typically also offer an electric charging function. A quick charge function may also be available on certain models.

Outlets/Ports

Solar generators come with various outlets and ports to run several devices simultaneously. Common plugs include AC outlets, USB and USB-C ports, and car cigarette lighters.

Price

The price of a solar generator depends mainly on the type you’re purchasing and the power output. For portable generators, some lower-end models that will only power small items can cost 200 or under, while higher-end models can cost well over 500 or upwards of 1,000.

Backup generators also vary in price depending on the model, but smaller generators can cost around 1,000, while generators with higher wattage can cost several thousand or more.

Size

To determine what sized solar generator you need, consider how much power you need for your devices. For example, if using a portable generator on a camping trip, do you need to power a portable fridge, television, or coffee maker? Or do you only need power for small items like a mobile phone or a mini fan? The wattage required to run each item may vary, and most portable solar generators can power in the range of 100-500 watts. Smaller units typically have a lower power capacity and can only charge small devices.

Backup solar generators can typically power at least 1,000 watts, which should be enough to power appliances like small lights, a fridge, or a television. However, if you need whole-home power or need to turn on devices like a washing machine or air-conditioning unit, you will likely need a generator with a power level of at least 2,000-3,000 watts.

Brand

To ensure you’re getting a high-quality solar generator, look for trusted brands that make well-reviewed products. Some of the brands that are well known for making solar generators include Jackery, ROCKPALS, Renogy, BLUETTI, EF Ecoflow, Goal Zero, Kohler, Titan Solar and Flashfish.

What Are The Benefits of a Solar Generator?

When shopping for a new generator, there are several unique advantages to buying a solar generator instead of a gas-powered model, such as:

Noise Level

Standard generators can get noisy, which could be a significant factor if you’re using them while camping, RVing, or even running them outside your home. However, one of the benefits of solar generators is that they run completely quiet since they don’t have any of the parts of gas-powered generators.

Maintenance

Solar generators also require little-to-no maintenance to operate. Solar generators are less likely to break than fuel-powered generators and have fewer parts to maintain. The standard maintenance needed for a solar generator is dusting, removing moisture, and checking the connection.

Fuel and Clean Energy

One of the main benefits of solar generators is that they use clean, renewable energy, which is better for the environment. It can also be better for your wallet, as solar generators avoid having to stock up on fuel to run your generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth getting a solar generator?

A solar generator may be worth it depending on how you use it. The cost of the generator easily pays for itself if you live somewhere that receives ample sunlight and you utilize the energy from the generator as a home backup. Alternatively, if you frequently go on road trips, a solar generator is also worth it.

Will my solar generator come with a solar panel?

It depends on the model. Some generators come with the solar panels needed to operate them, and some don’t. If you don’t have a compatible solar panel already, it might be worth it to find an all-inclusive kit, as this cuts down on the cost and the number of purchases.

Are there other types of generators?

Yes. Some generators use electricity or gas for power, and all power generators are able to support off-grid living. However, some people prefer solar generators for the following reasons:

They’re more eco-friendly because they use energy from the sun as opposed to fossil fuels.
They’re cheaper to operate because you don’t have to buy fuel refills for gas generators.
They’re better in emergency situations where you might not have access to fuel.
They’re quieter.
They’re more portable because they’re smaller and lighter.

What’s the purpose of the inverter in my solar generator?

The power stored in a solar generator’s battery is in direct current (DC), but most devices and appliances use alternating current (AC). This inverter converts DC to AC. If your solar generator doesn’t have a built-in inverter, you will need to purchase one separately.

Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.

We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.

Zendure Solar Generator

A portable solar generator is a combination of a power station and a solar panel. It can convert sun energy captured by solar panels into electrical power and then stores it in a portable power station for later use. It can provide you with renewable clean energy and reduce your dependence on the electrical grid. In addition, a solar generator is also a reliable and clean power source for campers, RVs, or as an emergency backup if your power goes out.

Zendure SuperBase V Solar Generator

SuperBase V Portable Power Station Zendure 400W Solar Panel

Starts at 5,599.00

Zendure SuperBase M Solar Generator

SuperBase M Portable Power Station Zendure 200W Solar Panel

Starts at 999.00

How Does A Solar Generator Work?

A solar generator works by capturing solar energy with solar panels and storing it in a solar battery or portable power station. Zendure solar generators convert DC into AC electricity to power your devices and appliances both indoors and outdoors.

FAQ

Solar generators work by storing the electricity generated by the solar panels. Solar panels convert solar energy into the free electricity which is stored into the battery in a generator via wires.

Of course, the general high-power appliances ratting is between 800-2000W, so it is recommended to choose Zendure SBPSBV, SBP can output 2000W and SBV can output 3800W ,which can completely meet the needs of high-power equipment in life.

Yes, solar generators are safe than fuel generators. First, solar generators don’t produce harmful gases,such an co.Second, they don’t need fuel oil to generate electricity,which is more environmentally friendly.Third, Zendure’s solar generators have a real-time monitoring BMS battery management system to ensure safety.

Solar generators have many benefits. It can use solar panel to get free electricity, saving you money. It’s also not as noisy as a fuel generator, which doesn’t disturb your life. Solar generators provide a safe, renewable way to keep your equipment and appliances running when you need them. whether during a power off, off-grid or a trips to remote areas. Solar generators are clean, efficient,convenient and versatile, which help clarifying their growing popularity.

The Fuel generator is not only noisy, but also produces harmful gas, which with expensive maintenance is not suitable for indoor use. Solar generator without maintenance is low noise, more portable,small and suitable for indoor use.

Some of our solar generators can be used as UPS. For details, you can ask a customer service help. For example, the SuperBase Pro 2000 can be used as an offline UPS that automatically switches to SBP power supply mode within 13ms when there is a sudden power off.

The devices and appliances you can run depend on the generator’s capacity. Lower wattage generators like the portable Zendure SuperBase M with a 600Wh capacity can power your smaller devices, such as laptops and smartphones. To power larger appliances, like a refrigerator, you will need a higher capacity generator like the SuperBase V, which has a starting capacity of 4.6kWh that you can expand up to 46kWh.

Zendure current solar generators support a variety of charging methods. For example, the SBV 4600 can be recharged by grid ,solar panels,satellite battery，EV charging pile ，car charger and generator.

The recharging time depends on the capacity of the solar generator and the power of the solar panel input. For example,Zendure SuperBasePro 1500 has a capacity of 1500Wh, which takes about 1.6 hours to fully charge with three 400W solar panels in series.

When people talk about the ‘size’ of a solar generator, they generally mean its power capacity. The capacity is most often measured via their wattage. A good rule of thumb is to purchase a generator with almost double the capacity you need to ensure you have sufficient power even during a prolonged blackout.

Depending on the brand and the quality of the battery, you can expect a solar generator to last years. For example, the Zendure SuperBase V4600 uses a state-of-the-art LFP battery, which will last for 6000 cycles before reaching 60% of its original capacity.

Sources:

https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-solar-generators/
https://www.halfwayanywhere.com/gear/review/allpowers-solar-generator-s1500-review/
https://inergytek.com/products/inergy-flex-1500-power-station
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/electrical/22815687/best-solar-generator
https://zendure.com/pages/zendure-solar-generators