Best Solar Generators
Are you going camping or looking for power backups in case of a blackout? The best option is to use solar-powered generators. Unlike their gas-powered competitors, they’re silent, odourless, and don’t contribute to climate change.
Solar generators generate electricity by converting sunlight using solar panels (usually supplied separately) into electrical power and storing it in a battery for later use.
Be careful to evaluate how much electricity you’ll need to run appliances, tools, and any other tech in case of a power outage or anything you’ll need in the wilderness before investing in a solar-powered generator.
Once you’ve determined how much power you’ll need, seek a generator with the appropriate weight, size, and outlets.
Read on for our expert reviews of the best solar generators available. Check the latest to ensure you get a great deal!
- 1 Our Top Picks
- 2 7 Best Solar Generators
- 2.1 1. EcoFlow Delta 1800W / 1300wH Solar Generator
- 2.1.1 Features
- 2.2.1 Features
- 2.3.1 Features
- 2.4.1 Features
- 2.5.1 Features
- 2.6.1 Features
- 2.7.1 Features
- 3.0.1 What is a Solar Generator?
- 3.0.2 How Does a Solar Generator Work?
- 3.0.3 Is it possible for a solar generator to power my entire home?
- 3.0.4 Factors To Consider Before Buying Solar Generator
- 3.0.5 Wrapping Up
Our Top Picks
EcoFlow Delta 1800W / 1300wH Solar Generator
Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium with Wi-Fi Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Kit
Point Zero Energy Titan 1000 Solar Briefcase Generator Kit
Nature’s Generator Gold System 1800W
GOLABS R300 Portable Power Station
BLUETTI PowerOak AC200P Solar Generator
ROCKPALS RP300W Portable Solar Generator
Best Solar Generators
EcoFlow Delta 1800W / 1300wH Solar Generator
This Ecoflow delta 1300Wh solar generator review focuses on a solar generator that charges quickly. It takes 4 hours to recharge completely. The DC input accepts voltages ranging from 10 to 65 volts. You would find this helpful device for camping, RVing, hunting, and emergencies.
The complete solar panel is weatherproof so that it can resist any weather. As a result, the solar generator may be used in various outdoor settings. Furthermore, the panel may be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes without causing harm.
Features
Efficient Energy Conversion
This generator has a conversion efficiency of up to 22%, allowing it to capture the sun’s power. This level of conversion efficiency ensures that your gadgets are always charged.
It can power up to 13 gadgets at the same time.
Fast Recharge
Solar panels, a car charging plug, or an AC outlet may all be used to recharge it.
In one hour, the recharging rate goes from 0% to 80%. It takes 1.6 hours to recharge fully.
The EcoFlow proprietary X-Stream Technology recharges the power station at 10 times the speed of most other portable power stations using a regular AC connection. This trait denotes a Rapid rate of recharging.
The EFDELTA MPPT controller ensures a quick recharging rate. It also has a broad range of compatibility with a solar panel with an open-circuit voltage of 10-65V/ 10A maximum.
This power station can be fully recharged in 4 hours using a solar panel.
Battery Shelf Life
While battery capacity is vital, the battery’s shelf life should also be considered. Simply said, shelf life refers to the period a battery may be charged before losing its charge.
While all batteries eventually lose their charge, certain batteries maintain their charge longer than others.
With a shelf life of more than a year, consumers could store the device untouched for a year and still rely on it to have a fully charged battery in the event of a power outage or disaster.
- Power inverter that is both efficient and powerful and has good surge protection
- Deep cycle battery with a high capacity of 1,260Wh and a long shelf life
- Compact proportions, long-lasting carrying handles, and a 30.9-pound total weight
- A 2-year manufacturer’s guarantee is included, which is significantly longer than the industry norm of one year
- DC output connection to trickle charge a vehicle battery or run any DC-powered equipment
- All of the necessary charging cords are included and a safe carrying case
- A price that is reasonable
- Multiple Deltas may be linked together to make a more extensive battery bank using the chaining feature
- The internal fan is rather noisy because it is a little yet powerful machine
- The AC wall-style outputs are positioned so that you can’t plug in six 3-pronged appliances at once
Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium with Wi-Fi Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Kit
You shouldn’t let a low-battery notification put a stop to your expedition. You’ll never have to stop chasing the next horizon with the Yeti 1400 solar power generator.
This multi-purpose power station is large enough to run small to medium appliances yet compact enough to fit in your car and take with you wherever you go.
The Yeti 1400 is ideal for extended camping vacations, backyard parties, or to get on-the-go electricity in an emergency since it packs more power into a smaller and lighter shell than its predecessor.
This solar generator can charge your phone, tablet, laptop, POV camera, DSLR camera, headlamp, and more!
Features
Alternative to a Gas Generator for On-Demand Power
The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 emits no pollutants and produces no noise, making it an easy-to-use, plug-and-play solution for powering all of your essential devices and appliances at the touch of a button.
It’s safe to keep inside your house or apartment for operating lights or appliances during a power outage, but it’s also tough enough to take with you on your next outdoor job.
Outputs that are unrivalled in the industry
With ten different ports to choose from, a Yeti can keep all of your essential devices fueled up no matter where you are.
It has higher surge capabilities for better compatibility with power-hungry devices, as well as the newest USB-C Power Delivery technology, which can charge more significant USB devices like laptops.
Power Station with Wi-Fi
Simply connect Yeti to your Wi-Fi router and control it remotely using the new Goal Zero Yeti App now that Wi-Fi connection is available.
You can use your iPhone to turn ports on and off, monitor battery levels, and even update the software on the Yeti. The Goal Zero Yeti App is now available on Apple’s App Store and Google Playstore.
Lithium Battery with Extremely Low Risk
Every Yeti is built with reliable lithium cells regulated by a cutting-edge battery management system that avoids overcharging, overcurrent, and short-circuiting. The battery pack is protected from the elements by a water-tight casing.
- Yeti 1400 offers comparable continuous operating power to a 2000 watt inverter generator while weighing less than many other models in its class
- The use of pass-through technology signifies that you should never run out of power if the load is monitored together with the charging rate
- Another benefit is the 3000 watts of surge power
- When not in use, the Yeti 1400’s battery can keep a charge for a long time and only has to be charged once every few months
Point Zero Energy Titan 1000 Solar Briefcase Generator Kit
The Titan Solar Generator is a giant solar generator that can be charged in less than four hours using solar power, an AC outlet, a DC outlet, or a 24V battery expansion.
This allows it many charging choices and the ability to charge it using many different inputs at the same time, which speeds up the process.
Features
Inverter With A Large Capacity
The Titan’s pure sine wave inverter has a capacity of 3000 watts continuous and 6000 watts surge, which is double that of comparable equipment.
Capacity Of Expandable Battery
Thanks to its straightforward technology, Titan’s 2000 watt-hour battery can be increased by simply “stacking” new battery packs. There are no wires to connect.
Large Capacity Of Solar Energy
The Titan can handle up to 2000 watts of solar power because of its state-of-the-art MPPT charge controller. Solar energy is restricted to 500 watts in comparable products on the market.
Components With High Efficiency
Because only high-efficiency components are used, less energy is lost in the system’s operation, resulting in higher power output and extended run periods.
- The Titan solar generator’s integrated lithium battery packs are versatile
- Titan delivers tremendous and long-lasting power
- Availability of various input and output options
- Titan includes a vehicle adaptor, an AC wall charger, and an MC4 adapter with every order
- Titan’s pricing point is sure to elicit strong reactions from some buyers. While the price tag is high, it is relatively affordable considering the unit’s lifetime
Nature’s Generator Gold System 1800W
Our Nature’s Generator gold system and the Nature’s Generator wind turbine are combined in the Nature’s Generator gold system. Even if you’ve never done it before, the Nature’s Generator gold system is a terrific introduction kit that lets you start producing and storing your electricity.
You’ll have an extra means of recharging your Nature’s Generator with the installation of the Nature’s Generator wind turbine. You will be able to stay powered and charged at all times of the year if you have both the Nature’s Generator power panel and the Nature’s Generator wind turbine at your disposal.
Features
Options for Power Output
Of course, the 1800-watt pure sine wave inverter makes up the majority of the weight in Nature’s Generator. With this much power, you can utilise all three AC outlets without worrying about overloading the system.
The DC outlet, which bypasses the inverter and enables longer electronic runtimes, is also good.
Aside from that, with only one type of USB connector, the Nature Generator’s output interface is quite limited. Before purchasing a generator, double-check the USB type for your phones, tablets, cameras, and other gadgets. A range of USB solutions may work well for many folks.
Options for Solar and Wind Charging
The Nature’s Generator also has wind and sun charging capabilities, a great feature. While specific high-powered generators can handle wind and sun, most green generators in Nature’s price range cannot.
Wind-powered charging may be the only method to keep this gadget alive off the grid if you intend on doing a lot of travelling or reside in a region with minimal sunlight. Although charging speeds are sometimes sluggish and inconsistent, wind power may keep your batteries going all night.
Expandable Batteries
Finally, one of the main selling aspects of Nature’s Generator is its chainable battery capacity. This system makes it simple to charge several battery banks for backup power for emergencies.
With this in mind, you may increase the device’s 720 watt-hour capacity within budgetary constraints. You may also link together many Nature’s Generators.
- It’s easily movable
- Nature generator has dual renewable energy output harnessing both solar and wind power
- Nature can create a power chain
- It has multiple power outputs
- The generating set weighs 90 pounds, two to three times the weight of comparable generators on the market
- The generator takes around 10-15 hours to get charged
GOLABS R300 Portable Power Station
The GOLABS R300 Portable Power Station can keep your electronics charged during power outages.
The R300 is distinguished from its competitors by using lithium iron phosphate batteries, which have several advantages over other types of batteries, including thermal and chemical stability, which increases battery safety.
Features
LIFEPO4 Battery Power Supply
Thermal and chemical stability, which increases battery safety, is a significant benefit of LiFePO4 batteries over conventional lithium-ion batteries.
The Lithium Iron Phosphate battery provides GOLABS portable power station with 2000 cycles and a battery life of more than 10 years.
Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet Of 300W
This GOLABS portable power generator will protect sensitive items, such as CPAP machines and laptop computers, by creating clean and reliable energy with a pure sine wave.
electrical equipment can be started with a continuous 300W AC outlet to reach 500W peak power.
Clean Power
The GOLABS power supply operates quietly, requires no fuel or gasoline, and protects you and your gadgets with over-voltage, over-current, and over-temperature protection. You can continue to be escorted by the Battery Management System (BMS). You may utilise it without fear.
- GOLABS has long battery health
- It has a 30-day money-back guarantee if something goes wrong
- It has a 1-year warranty
- It has got multiple and versatile AC and DC outputs
- It does not contribute to noise pollution
BLUETTI PowerOak AC200P Solar Generator
The Bluetti AC200P is a portable solar power station featuring several characteristics that promise to outperform the competition.
This 2000-watt solar generator is a well-balanced powerhouse with several advantages and a few disadvantages.
It has five charging modes, 17 output ports, and an excellent touchscreen with many settings and options to select from.
The latest-generation, high-capacity lithium iron phosphate battery is substantially more environmentally friendly than regular lithium-polymer and lithium-ion batteries, promising roughly 3500 charge cycles.
Features
Long-Lasting
The Bluetti AC200P is built of durable flame-retardant ABS plastic and metal that appears to be able to withstand a lot of abuse.
The diagonal pinstripes on the front demonstrate that Bluetti is serious about its work, and the two fit-in handles ensure a sturdy grasp.
Five Ways of Charging
An AC and DC input port on the power station’s left side allows you to charge the AC200P in five different ways:
- AC outlet on the wall
- Lead-acid battery
- Solar power
- Car
- Gas generator
The AC connector supports a maximum charging capacity of 500W, which implies the AC200P will take around 4 hours to completely charge.
You’ll also utilise the 12-30V DC port to connect the station to solar panels.
This is where things get interesting: you can fully charge this power station in less than three hours with a maximum solar charging load of 700W.
This is an hour quicker than using the AC grid voltage. A resounding victory for sustainable energy.
- High-capacity batteries and high-power output
- Technology for advanced batteries
- 3500 cycles of charging
- Solar charging at 700 watts
- Charging without wires
- Design that is both tough and elegant
ROCKPALS RP300W Portable Solar Generator
The Rockpals RP300W is a low-cost portable battery generator. If you’ve ever used a Rockpals product, you know how dependable and trustworthy they are.
Rockpals has a long history of producing powerful solar generators, and the RP300W portable battery generator is no exception.
The power of this solar generator is one of the main advantages of acquiring it. When we compare the pricing range of this product to that of other solar generators, Rockpals comes out on top.
At a low price, the Rockpals RP300W battery pack provides 300 watts of continuous power and 600 watts of peak power.
Features
Ultra-portable and ultra-lightweight
The Rockpals RP300W portable generator is one of the industry’s most ultra-portable power plants. You can effortlessly carry it everywhere because of its handy, light, and compact design.
Solar Battery Station with Good Power
The RP300W battery generator is a capable model in its class. It features a 280Wh capacity and a high-quality lithium-ion battery inside.
It can power a 32-inch TV for four hours, a CPAP machine for four hours, and a refrigerator for five hours, as described above. It can provide clean energy thanks to the inbuilt pure sine wave inverter.
A Wide Range of Powerful Options
Although it only has one AC outlet, the RP300W battery generator comes with several charging choices. For your AC gadgets, this is a normal 120V output unit.
There are four normal 12V units and a 24V outlet when it comes to the DC ports. It also features four USB connections and two Quick Charge 3.0 fast-charging technology.
- Excellent manufacturing quality and ease of usage
- Affordably priced and with a huge capacity for energy storage
- Multiple devices can be charged at the same time using different output ports
- Pure sine wave electricity
Solar Generator Buying Guide
The products indicated above have excellent reviews and meet all of the requirements for solar generators.
However, having some understanding of contemporary solar generators is beneficial. After all, you may have different preferences.
This section answers all of your questions about solar generators. Hopefully, with the aid of this handy guide, you can make the finest purchasing choices.
What is a Solar Generator?
Any energy-producing system that is powered by the sun is referred to as a solar generator. The phrase solar generator, often known as a portable power station, most frequently refers to a portable, easy-to-use kit for harnessing solar energy wherever it is required.
Choosing a solar generator over a typical gas generator offers significant advantages to the end-user. Gas generators are noisy, emit toxic fumes, and use costly resources to operate. Solar generators are very quiet and rely on environmentally friendly, renewable energy.
This permits solar generators to be used indoors, saving customers time and money by eliminating the need to travel to the gas station every time they need to charge their batteries.
How Does a Solar Generator Work?
Solar generators are very basic, user-friendly appliances, despite the complexity of the technology underlying them. In a nutshell, a solar generator can store and transform energy into electricity to power devices that require it.
Solar generators, of course, may create electricity using solar energy. A solar generator, on the other hand, does not always need to be connected to solar panels in order to store energy. To charge their batteries, certain solar generators may be hooked into a wall outlet or a car charging connector.
Is it possible for a solar generator to power my entire home?
In general, if you lose electricity, a rechargeable solar generator won’t be able to power your entire house. That said, depending on its power usage, even a tiny generator can be utilised to power critical gadgets or appliances for days at a time.
For example, you may keep your refrigerator running and/or ensure that medical devices like CPAP machines get used.
Factors To Consider Before Buying Solar Generator
Verify the generator’s safety certification
Solar generators, like any other item, must be thoroughly inspected for safety. It is very important that you ensure that the solar generator is certified safe by any independent testing laboratory prior to purchasing it and subsequently putting it to use.
Knowledge of the necessary terms
Before you go out and buy a solar generator, you should familiarise yourself with all of the relevant terms so that you know what to look for in your inverter.
Watts, watt-hours, amps, amp-hours, and solar inverter efficiency of operation are a few words you should be familiar with.
Choosing the right battery
The battery is the most important factor in determining how long your solar inverter will survive. As a result, it’s critical to pick the right battery for your solar inverter. The maximum number of hours a battery can power all of the devices is described as the product of the power need, in watts, and backup hours, in hours, divided by the voltage, in volts.
Wrapping Up
For all road journeys and outdoor camping, solar generators are an essential backup power source. However, because of their popularity, there are many possibilities on the market, and choosing one from all of these distinct types may be a difficult undertaking.
As a result, we’ve included a list of the top solar generators in this post, along with their specifications and characteristics.
Disaster preparedness begins with establishing a reliable power source, and solar generators are great if you want that power source to be clean and sustainable. Take some time to go through the alternatives and choose the generator that best suits your needs.
GOLABS
GOLABS is a brand in the patio, lawn garden industry, offering a wide range of portable generators and solar panels to its customers.
When purchasing a product, price is the consumer’s primary concern. At present, GOLABS has 230 products for sale. GOLABS products range in price from 6.99 to 349.99, and the average price of all the products is about 177.39.
We found that most of the GOLABS products are manufactured by GOTRAX. The manufacturer provides GOLABS with a steady supply of products, and they have a good cooperative relationship with each other.
You can purchase GOLABS products from the seller PGYB Company, over the last 12 months, the seller has received honest feedback from 25 consumers, and the average rating is 4.96. The store has a good reputation so you can purchase from it with confidence.
Each product we recommend has been independently selected and reviewed by our editing team based on extensive data analysis. If you click on the product links, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Top 5 GOLABS Products
GOLABS R150 Portable Power Station, 204Wh LiFePO4 Battery with 160W AC, PD 60W, 12V DC, Type C QC3.0 Outles, Solar Generator Backup Power Supply for Outdoors Camping Fishing Emergency Home Orange
60W PD QUICK CHARGE VERSATILE OUTPUTS: GOLABS portable power station build in 1 60W PD (Input/ output); 1 110V/160W AC outlets modified sine wave (200W peak); 2 DC outputs (12V/10A); 1 QC 3.0 USB output (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A); 1 USB output (5V/2.4A)
GOLABS R300 Portable Power Station, 299Wh LiFePO4 Battery Backup with 300W Pure Sine Wave AC Peak 500W, Car Outlets, PD 60W Quick in/out Solar Generator for Outdoor Camping Emergency CPAP Orange
[60W PD QUICK CHARGE VERSATILE OUTPUTS] GOLABS portable power station build in 1 60W PD (Input/ output);1 30W PD Type-C (Output); 2 110V 300W AC pure sine wave outlets (Frequency 60Hz); 2 DC outputs (12V/10A); 2 QC 3.0 USB outputs (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A); 1 cigarette lighter output (12V/10A)
GOLABS 3.3Feet MC4 Solar Panel Connector to DC5.5×2.1mm Adapter Extension Cable 16AWG Heavy Duty Solar Charge Cable for Solar Generator Power Station and Solar Panel
This cable works with all brands of 10W~200W solar panel kits,Rated voltage:300V,Rated current:10A.Different brands of solar panels may have different polarities,please make sure the polarity of your solar panel or solar battery portable generator before purchasing.
GOLABS i200 Portable Power Station 256Wh LiFePO4 Battery with 110V/200W AC Pure Sine Wave, PD60W QC3.0 12V DC Outlet and LED Light, Solar Generator Backup Power Supply for CPAP Emergency Home Power Outage Camping Fishing Outdoor
60W PD QUICK CHARGE VERSATILE OUTPUTS: GOLABS portable power station build in 1 60W PD (Input/ output);1 30W PD Type-C (Output); 2 110V 200W AC pure sine wave outlets; 2 DC outputs (12V/10A); 2 QC 3.0 USB outputs (3.6V-6.5V/3A, 6.5V-9V/2A, 9V-12V/1.5A); 1 Cigarette lighter output (12V/10A).
GOLABS R500 Portable Power Station, 518Wh Outdoor Solar Generator LiFePO4 Battery Backup with 500W Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet, PD 100W USB C Quick Charge for CPAP Camping RV Travel Emergency Orange
100W PD QUICK CHARGE VERSATILE OUTPUTS: GOLABS portable power station build in 1 100W PD (Input/ output);1 60W PD Type-C (Output); 2 110V 500W AC pure sine wave outlets (Peak 1000W); 2 DC outputs (12V/10A); 2 QC 3.0 USB outputs (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A); 1 cigarette lighter output (12V/10A)
GOLABS FAQs
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- Select the products you want in the GOLABS buying guide, and take a glance at the and features of the products.
- View the products interest you on Amazon to read the customer reviews and check the ratings. Besides, you can hit the brand to find more GOLABS products.
GOLABS sells its products and services in the patio, lawn garden category, mainly including portable generators and solar panels. If you are looking for these products, GOLABS can be your candidate.
- Sales quantity. You can check the total sales quantity of the product from GOLABS.
- Feedback. You can read the reviews offered by other buyers.
- The most important thing is that you should choose the best products according to your actual needs.
We analyze millions of GOLABS products reviews and customer reviews to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We have a professional team with decades of experience to test the products, which can help ensure that we provide our readers with accurate advice and best recommendations.
There are usually 5 to 10 products in a brand buying guide. We found 230 GOLABS products for sale, 5 of which were analyzed in detail and recommended to customers.
- Go to the GOLABS page.
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- Place your order on Amazon.
Most of the GOLABS products are produced by GOTRAX. The manufacturer provides GOLABS with a steady supply of products, and they have a good cooperative relationship with each other.
Our mission is to provide you with the most up-to-date and objective information about the GOLABS products, helping you make more informed buying decisions. We recommend best choices of the products from the GOLABS brand, helping you make better shopping choices with less time and energy.
GoLabs Vs Jackery Vs EcoFlow: Best Entry-Level and Compact Solar Power Stations
We have a wide range of entry-level and compact solar power stations. Both the top and small-time brands sell many impressive models. Here, in our take on the best entry-level and compact power stations, we would like to bring to you the coolest products from the brands like GoLabs, Jackery, and EcoFlow.
GoLabs is a vendor of some interesting models of compact power stations. Meanwhile, both Jackery and EcoFlow, two leading players in the market, feature a handful of models in the low-end segment.
We have GoLabs’ popular R300, Jackery’s Explorer 300, and EcoFlow’s River Mini in our comparison of the Golabs Vs Jackery Vs EcoFlow entry-level and compact solar power stations below.
GoLabs R300 Portable Power Station
- 299Wh Compact Solar Power Station.
- Long-Lasting LifePO4 Battery Pack.
- 300W Inverter with 500W Surge Power.
- Two AC Sockets and Several USB Ports.
- 60W and 30W Type-C PD USB Ports.
Jackery 300 Portable Power Station
- 293Wh Compact and Small Solar Power Station.
- 300W Pure Sine Wave Inverter with 500W Peak Power.
- Dal AC Sockets, Type-C PD 60W Port, and DC Carport.
- Highly Portable and Solid Profile for Outdoor Use.
- Super Stronger, Built-in Carrying Handle.
EcoFlow River Mini Portable Power Station
- 210Wh Compact and Mini Solar Power Station.
- 300W Inverter with 600W X-Boost Power.
- Dual AC Sockets and Multiple USB Ports.
- Perfect for Campers and Outdoor Lovers.
GoLabs Vs Jackery Vs EcoFlow Small Power Stations
In our take on GoLabs Vs Jackery Vs EcoFlow, we would like to check out the small and compact power stations from the three brands. Jackery and EcoFlow are very famous brands with a lot of models in various segments of solar power stations.
Meanwhile, GoLabs is a growing brand with some attractive models in the entry-level segment. In this article, you can have a detailed look at all the best small and lite power stations from the brands. Stay tuned.
GoLabs R300 Portable Power Station
GoLabs is a notable vendor of a variety of small and compact power stations. We have its R300 power station here. It is a highly portable and handy device with a 299Wh LiFePO4 battery and a 300W inverter. The surge capacity of the small power station is 500 watts.
If you are looking at buying a small and entry-level solar power station, GoLabs R300 is certainly one of the finest choices. At a comparatively lower price than its Jackery and EcoFlow alternatives, you get this wonderful product for off-grid and emergency power needs.
The major attraction of GoLabs R300 is its long-life LiFePO4 battery that can guarantee you over 2000 charging cycles. In addition, it is a very small machine with a size of only 9.1 x 6.2 x 7.7 in and a weight of 8.37 lbs.
over, it touts a versatile number of charging outlets, including two 110V 300W AC sockets and a range of USB and DC ports. When it comes to the USB ports, it integrates a 60W PD port, a 30W PD Type-C port, and three Quick Charge 3.0 USB outlets.
A 12V car socket and dual DC 12V/10A ports are other options. The device comes in black and orange shades and you can charge it from different sources, including a wall socket and a carport other than a solar panel.
Besides R300, GoLabs has a top-end R500 and an entry-level R150 solar power station on sale.
Compatible Solar Charger
You can use any solar panel with the GoLabs power station, but the brand itself offers a suitable solar panel for it. It is a 100W folding solar panel with highly efficient mono solar cells and a higher conversion rate.
It is a four-fold solar panel that guarantees you better portability.
Apart from charging your power station, it can also be used with your phones and other USB devices, thanks to its built-in Type C and QC 3.0 USB ports. Check out the GoLabs 100W folding solar charger below.
Once in use, you can unfurl the solar panel and place it on the built-in kickstands. After use, you can fold down the panel into a small unit and carry it anywhere easily.
- 299Wh Compact Solar Power Station.
- Long-Lasting LifePO4 Battery Pack.
- 300W Inverter with 500W Surge Power.
- Two AC Sockets and Several USB Ports.
- 60W and 30W Type-C PD USB Ports.
- Available in Black and Orange Shades.
Jackery Explorer 300 Power Station
Next, we have Jackery and its Explorer 300 solar power station. As you see, this 293Wh solar power station is one of the coolest alternatives to GoLabs R300. Like the R300, Explorer 300 also comes with a 300W inverter and a surge capacity of 500 watts. It is also a very compact and handy power station.
The Explorer 500 features all essential charging outlets, which include a pair of 300W pure sine wave AC sockets. Coming to the USB options, it integrates multiple units, covering a USB-C 60W PD port, a USB 3.0 fast-charge port, and a regular USB-A port. Plus, you have it with a DC carport.
Inclusive of the solar option, you can juice up the Jackery power station in multiple options.
You can simultaneously utilize its AC wall socket and USB-C PD port charging options for better speeds. As per the brand, it will take only two hours to charge the device up to 80% with the combination of the two.
Meanwhile, the integrated MPPT controller makes you charge it rather faster from the sunlight with the vendor’s 100W SolarSaga solar panel. Well, with its small and compact size, you can carry a unit of the Explorer 300 on your trips and travel in much comfort and with no much hassle.
Apart from Explorer 300, Jackery offers a wide range of solar power stations at various levels.
Starting with the entry-level Explorer 240, you get nearly half a dozen of Explorer variants, which include the best-seller Explorer 1000 and Explorer 1500.
Compatible Solar Charger
The right solar charger for Explorer 300 is Jackery’s SolarSaga 100. As you see, it is a 100W folding solar charger made of highly efficient mono solar cells. The panel offers a conversion rate of up to 23%.
SolarSaga 100 is a highly durable and waterproof solar panel. Featuring an ETFE surface over the panel, it can last longer and charge your solar power station much more reliably. Check it out on the link below.
It is a much portable solar charger. You can fold it down to a suitcase form after use and take it by carrying on its TPE rubber handle. It has a size of 22.83 x 19.69 x 2.36 in and a weight of 5.5 lbs.
Once in use, you can position it firmly anywhere on its solid built-in kickstands. It is, of course, a cool solar panel to use with the compact Explorer 300 power station. You get better power and amazing portability with it.
- 293Wh Compact and Small Solar Power Station.
- 300W Pure Sine Wave Inverter with 500W Peak Power.
- Dal AC Sockets, Type-C PD 60W Port, and DC Carport.
- Highly Portable and Solid Profile for Outdoor Use.
- Super Stronger, Built-in Carrying Handle
- 100W SolarSaga Folding Solar Charger.
EcoFlow River Mini Portable Power Station
Finally, we have EcoFlow’s small and entry-level solar power station. It is EcoFlow River Mini, a 210Wh compact backup system with an inverter of 300 watts. It can peak at 600 watts when the X-boost mode is on.
The little device comes with all essential charging outlets. They include a pair of pure sine wave AC outlets, three USB-A ports, and a DC carport. The River Mini has also got a wireless version with a wireless charging option. Check out both the Standard and Wireless variants of River Mini on the link below.
You can charge the River Mini quite faster from a wall socket thanks to its X-Stream charging technology.
It will take only one hour for charging it up to 80% and 1.5 hours to the full. Fast charging is indeed one of the key selling points of all the new EcoFlow power stations.
As you see, the River Mini is a handy and lite power station. With a weight of only 6.3 lbs and a size of 9.8 x 5.5 x 5.2 in, you can take it anywhere on your trips and travels and make it your companion for various outdoor uses.
In the River series, EcoFlow offers a wide range of high-end models to the Mini. They include River Original, River Max, River Pro, River Plus, and more.
over, the brand has a line-up of mid-range and heavy power stations in the Delta series. Some of the popular Delta power stations are Delta Original, Delta Mini, Delta Max, Delta Pro, and more. Overall, EcoFlow is one of the leading competitors to both Jackery and GoLabs with an amazing portfolio of solar power stations.
Compatible Solar Charger
EcoFlow sells compatible solar panels for the River Mini in multiple variants.
You get 60W, 110W, and 160W foldable solar panels from the brand with higher conversion efficiency to charge its small and compact power stations quite faster.
The solar charger comes up with different types of connectors. So, you can use it to charge power stations from any brand other than EcoFlow.
It features a waterproof profile and solid kickstands to let you handle it easily out in the wild. Even in the roughest outdoor conditions, you can use a solar panel with a longer lifespan.
- 210Wh Compact and Mini Solar Power Station.
- 300W Inverter with 600W X-Boost Power.
- Dual AC Sockets and Multiple USB Ports.
- Perfect for Campers and Outdoor Lovers.
- Lightweight and Highly Portable Device.
- 110W Highly Efficient Folding Solar Panel.
GoLabs R300 Vs Jackery 300 Vs EcoFlow River Mini
These are indeed three cool options if you are looking at buying an entry-level and compact solar power station. All the products are actually 300W power stations with a surge of over 500 watts.
Coming to the storage capacities, they fall into almost the same range as the GoLabs R300 and Jackery Explorer 300 having a small edge over its River Mini with 299Wh and 293Wh battery packs respectively.
It is when the little River Mini is carrying a 210Wh battery.
But GoLabs R300 has a clear edge over its Jackery alternative with an ultra-safe LFP battery pack.
When it comes to the price, you get the most powerful GoLabs R300 at the best price. It is almost 60 cheaper than its Jackery replacement and 160 cheaper than the River Mini.
That is, the GoLabs R300 is the cheapest of the trio and you can check out the current price of the models on the links above to Amazon.com.
Final Thoughts
That has been our take on the GoLabs Vs Jackery Vs EcoFlow solar power stations. We have covered the mini solar power stations from the brands and they are indeed some of the best-sellers of the segment for a while. Share your thoughts about the products in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев below.
Vahid Vee is a full-time blogger who is highly passionate about off-grid and sustainable power systems and is an expert at researching and exploring new topics, checking facts, and presenting things in simple language. As an avid observer of the global off-grid power and battery market, he is really excited to share with you the latest trends, fresh products, and other developments in the markets. #Contact Email @ veevahid@gmail.com – LinkedIn – Full blog profile.
How to Connect 2 100 Watt Solar Panels. Everything You Need to Know
Connecting two 100 watt solar panels is an effective and simple way to increase the power output of your off-grid solar installation.
Solar panels, like batteries, have negative and positive terminals. How these terminals are used to connect solar panels determines whether the connection is in series or parallel.
Before teaching you how to connect two 100 watt solar panels in series and parallel, we will tell you about the difference between these circuits.
We will cover the equipment needed to install and connect 100-watt solar panels. You will also find out more about the uses of series and parallel circuits, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Series and Parallel: What does it mean?
Why does it matter if your circuit is in series or parallel? How your solar panels are wired directly impacts your system’s performance. It also plays a role in which inverter to use.
Ultimately, you want to wire your solar installation to give you a better return investment and the best possible savings. This is when knowing how to install 100-watt solar panel arrays becomes crucial.
Series
A series connection is created by connecting the positive terminal of one solar panel to the negative terminal of another solar panel. Connecting two or more panels like this creates a PV source circuit.
A circuit in series has only a single path for current to flow along. A series circuit is a continuous, closed-loop where all the circuit’s current has to flow through all of the circuit’s loads.
This is why your entire series circuit would stop working when a single panel is affected. Christmas lights are a great example of a series connection: when one bulb breaks, the entire string stops working.
When panels are connected in series, the voltage of the panels adds up, but the amperage stays the same.
Parallel
A parallel connection is created by connecting the positive terminal of one panel to the positive terminal of another panel and connecting the negative terminals of the two panels.
The positive wires are connected to the positive connector in the combiner box; the negative wires are connected to the negative connector in the combiner box. Multiple panels wired this way are called a PV output circuit.
There are multiple paths for the current to travel along in a parallel circuit. When one panel in a parallel circuit is defective, the current will ignore the broken path and keep moving along other paths.
Parallel connections are used for household electrical wiring. That is why you can turn your TV off, but your lights will stay on.
When panels are connected in parallel the amperage increases, but the voltage stays the same. As the amperage increases, the thickness of your wires will increase too.
Make sure you are clued up on what gauge wire for 100-watt solar panel installations would work best.
Series-Parallel
Series-parallel circuits are not simple series or simple parallel circuits – they combine both elements.
Two or more components in a series-parallel circuit may be connected in series to form one “group” of series components. There may be two or more “groups” of series components. These “groups” can be connected in parallel to each other.
If one component in a series “group” fails, the other components in that series “group” also fail. But, the other “groups” of series components will keep working, because they form part of the larger parallel system.
How to Connect Solar Panels in Series
Assembling a series circuit is quite simple and no additional equipment is needed. When you wire solar panels in series, you only need a single wire to connect the panels.
To set up your panels in series you must connect the positive terminal of the first solar panel to the negative terminal of your second solar panel.
The wire runs from the negative terminal of one panel and is connected to the positive terminal of the next panel – this creates a string circuit.
You would be left with one free positive terminal and one free negative terminal. These need to be connected to either the input of the inverter or the input of the charge controller.
How do you know where to connect it? Off-grid solar systems and grid-tied systems with a battery backup need to be connected to the charge controller.
Grid-tied solar systems without a battery backup need to be connected to the inverter.
Power Output of Solar Panels in Series
When two solar panels are wired in series, the voltage of the panels adds up, but the amperage remains the same.
How to Connect Solar Panels in Parallel
Wiring your solar panels in parallel is a bit more complicated since you need more than a single wire.
To wire two solar panels in parallel you join the positive terminals of both panels together, and you join the negative terminals of both panels together.
All the negative terminals need to be connected to each other, and all the positive terminals need to be connected to each other.
In smaller systems, you can accomplish this in different ways, but a branch connector is usually used. Y-shaped branch connectors have two inputs for positive (that changes to one), and two inputs for negative (that changes to one).
You will be left with one common negative terminal and one common positive terminal. This needs to be connected either to your charge controller or your inverter.
How do you know where to connect it? Connect it to the charge controller if you have an off-grid system, or a grid-tied system with a battery backup.
Connect it to the inverter if you have a grid-tied system without a battery backup.
When installing a parallel circuit, you or your installer would need to install a combiner box. Combiner boxes transfer the combined output of multiple panels’ strings to an inverter
Afterward, the charge controller can be installed.
Power Output of Solar Panels in Parallel
When solar panels are connected in parallel the amperage will increase, but the voltage will stay the same.
If you have two 100 watt 12V solar panels and a 12V battery bank, your system needs to be parallel to keep the voltage the same.
Apparatus and Equipment You May Need
When you install solar panels and connect them either in series or parallel, there are some apparatuses that you may need.
Make sure to check your 100-watt solar panel specifications to make sure these devices are compatible.
Solar Charge Controller
Solar charge controllers regulate the flow of current, charge batteries, and run electrical loads. They manage the flow of current between batteries and solar panels for optimal power output.
You may be wondering: What size charge controller do I need for a 100-watt solar panel? A 10-amp charge controller would be suitable for a 100W solar panel with a 12V battery bank.
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controllers are used in series circuits, while Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) charge controllers are used in parallel.
Inverter
Inverters convert the current flowing from your battery from direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC).
But what size inverter do I need for a 100-watt solar panel ? A 12V 200 Watt inverter would be suitable.
Batteries
Batteries store excess electricity. Without batteries, for your solar installation, you may find yourself without power on cloudy days or during the night.
What size battery for a 100-watt solar panel would be suitable? You would need a 100 Ah 12V battery for a 100-watt solar panel.
When Are Series and Parallel Circuits Used?
Series
Series circuits are rarely found in common household electrical wiring. Usually, Christmas lights and landscape luminaries use series connections.
Power strips and single ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles which are found in electrical circuits also utilize series connections
Parallel
Parallel circuits are much more common than series circuits. Standard household circuits (120V) are parallel circuits.
Your household branch circuit that runs your lights, appliances, and outlets is a parallel circuit.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Series and Parallel Circuits
Pros
- One defective branch of a parallel circuit will not affect the other branches or stop the flow of current in the system.
- Appliances can be connected and disconnected without affecting the entire circuit.
- The voltage remains constant across the entire circuit.
- Constant voltage means that all the components function at the same capacity, regardless of the addition or removal of components. (i.e. light bulbs have the same brightness.)
- Parallel circuits are safe and reliable.
Cons
- It is difficult to transport energy over long distances with parallel circuits due to high amperage.
- Parallel circuits are more expensive to build than series connections.
- Parallel circuits require additional equipment and more wiring.
- You cannot increase the voltage of a parallel circuit without decreasing the circuit’s resistance.
Pros
- Series circuits act as current regulators.
- Series circuits cost less than parallel circuits to build.
- The voltage of the solar system increases.
- It is easier to transfer energy over long distances with series circuits.
Cons
- If one component fails, the entire circuit fails.
- If more components are added the resistance decreases.
- Less current flows through each component when resistance decreases. (i.e. bulbs burn less bright)
Did you find our blog helpful? Then consider checking:
- Solar Panels: Everything You Need To Know
- Top 4 Portable Solar Panels
- 300 Watt Solar Panels
- 500 Watt Solar Panel System
- DIY Solar Panel System Installation Guide
- 1000 Watt Solar Panel Systems
- What Equipment You Need for a Complete Solar Panel System?
- 60-Cell vs 72-Cell Solar Panels
- How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
- Top 4 Grid-Tie Inverters Definitive Buyer’s Guide
- Solar Power Inverters: Do I Need One?