Ranked: 5 best solar generators that will keep your lights on
Having a solar generator is one of the best ways to make sure you have power right when you need it.
If your power goes out at home, or you want backup power for your next RV camping trip. a solar generator will have you covered.
With their lightweight, portable design, solar generators give you reliable access to energy without having to worry about pollution, noise, or fuel costs like you do with conventional gas generators.
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What is a solar generator?
Solar generators aren’t really generators at all. they’re portable battery storage systems. However, because they are used for the same purposes as traditional generators, the name stuck.
The main components of a solar generator are the solar panel and the rechargeable solar battery. Simply place the solar panel in the sun, and let it do its work! The panel turns the sunlight into electricity that is then stored in the battery.
Then, you have stored solar energy ready for when you need it!
best solar generators ranked
There are many different solar powered generators on the market. We’ve compiled a list of the 5 best solar generators to help you find the right one for your individual needs.
Renogy Phoenix 200
The Renogy Phoenix 200 is ideal for shorter camping trips. Image source: Amazon
Best: Portability
Price: 128.99 Buy Now
Key features: Perfect for charging small devices, small and lightweight
Capacity: 189 Wh
The Renogy Phoenix 200 is the smallest solar generator on this list, making it perfect for short overnight camping trips or a movie night in the backyard. At just 4.6 pounds, the Phoenix 200 won’t weigh you down.
It’s the perfect solar generator for charging devices like phones, laptops, and cameras. However, the Renogy Phoenix 200’s small size means it isn’t the best choice for whole-home emergency power.
The Phoenix Renogy 200 includes a 110 V AC outlet, three USB-A ports, one DC power output port, a USB-C port, and a carport. The battery also acts as an LED Flashlight, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
Jackery Explorer 500
Jackery’s Explorer 500 is a great mid-sized solar generator that won’t break the bank. Image source: Jackery
Best: Value
Price: 529.99 Buy Now
Key features: Very powerful despite its small size, ideal for traveling, serves as a great emergency backup power supply
Capacity: 518 Wh
The Jackery Explorer 500 all-in-one solar generator will give you the most bang for your buck.
It includes a high-quality, pure sine wave inverter, as well as an MPPT charge controller to ensure your battery recharges safely. Its compact size makes it great for traveling.
Just because it’s small, doesn’t mean it isn’t mighty. the Jackery Explorer has enough energy stored to power a minifridge for 27 hours, charge an iPhone 53 times, or run a television for 7.5 hours!
So, not only is it great for camping and boating trips, it is a great emergency backup power supply, as well.
When paired with a 100-watt solar panel, the Explorer will charge in 9.5 hours. The portable power station includes three USB ports, an AC power outlet, and a 12-volt car charger. It also has an LCD display to help you monitor the charge and discharge status of your battery pack.
Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium Portable Power Station
Goal Zero’s Yeti 400 is ideal for camping and boating because of its compact size. Image source: Goal Zero
Best: For camping and boating trips
Price: 449.95 Buy Now
Key features: Powerful enough to run small appliances, can fully recharge using various sizes and types of solar panels, can be charged with a wall outlet or car
Capacity: 396 Wh
Goal Zero’s Yeti 400 is a great mid-sized solar generator that’s perfect for extended off-grid camping and boating trips. It can also serve as a backup power source to charge your electronic devices in case a grid outage occurs.
What’s great about this solar power generator is that it can fully recharge in about 6 to 12 hours using a 100-watt solar panel. If you pair it with a higher-wattage solar panel, it may charge faster. It can also be charged by plugging into a wall outlet or using a 12-volt adapter for your car.
The 396 watt-hour (Wh) battery stores enough energy to recharge a smartphone over 20 times, a laptop up to 5 times, or a small television for 3 hours. It also delivers enough power to run small appliances, like minifridges. Larger appliances will not be able to run on the Yeti 400.
Point Zero Energy Titan 1000 solar briefcase generator kit
Point Zero Energy’s Titan 1000 briefcase solar generator kit is one of the most powerful solar generators on the market, making it great for home power backup. Image source: Point Zero
Best: For home power backup
Price: 5,645 Buy Now
Key features: Very powerful, includes a built-in inverter and charge controller, foldable solar panels, high-powered AC output charger allows for quick charging
Capacity: 2,000 Wh
Point Zero Energy’s Titan 1000 briefcase kit is a top choice among homeowners looking for home backup power due to its large size.
With 1,000 watts of solar panels and a battery capacity of 2,000 Wh, this is one of the most powerful portable solar generators on the market. It also includes a built-in inverter and charge controller. The Titan solar generator system can be paired with more batteries if needed.
The Titan solar generator has enough power to run even your largest appliances, like your fridge or washing machine. When the sun is out, the 1,000-watts of solar panels can run your electronic devices without draining the battery, and it’s able to charge in as little as 4 hours thanks to its high-powered AC output charger.
The Titan 1000 battery weighs in at 35 pounds and includes five foldable monocrystalline solar panels, so it can be used on the go but is also well suited as a home power backup system.
Does solar-plus-backup battery storage make sense where you live?
Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium with Wi-Fi Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Kit
The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 and Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Generator Kit’s versatility makes it our pick for best overall solar generator. Image source: Goal Zero
Best: Overall
Price: 2,199.95 Buy Now
Key features: Lightweight, can be charged by solar panels or wall outlet, includes an app that helps you monitor your energy use
Capacity: 1,425 Wh
Goal Zero is one of the most popular solar generator manufacturers around.
Their Yeti 400 is a great choice if you’re looking for something to back up your home in the event of a power outage. It has 10 total ports that guarantee you’ll be able to power all of your devices. It can even power a fridge for 32 hours!
Despite having 1,425 Wh of storage capacity, the Yeti 1400 lithium-ion battery weighs just 43.7 pounds. So besides being a great source of emergency power, it’s portable enough to be brought on long camping trips.
The Yeti 1400 can be charged using solar panels or with a wall outlet. A 100-watt solar panel is recommended if you will only be using about 10-20% of the energy stored within the battery. If you anticipate your power consumption to be more than 20%, consider getting additional panels.
You can monitor exactly how much energy you use from the battery with the Goal Zero app when you are connected to Wi-Fi.
How to pick the right solar generator for you
There are a few key things to consider when shopping for a solar generator. The most important thing to think about is the intended use of your solar generator.
If you want a solar generator for extended camping trips, mid-sized solar generator battery banks like the Goal Zero Yeti 400 and the Jackery Explorer are great choices. They have enough storage capacity to charge devices multiple times while having a high enough continuous power output to run small appliances for a few hours.
If you want to be able to power entire areas of your home in the case of a power blackout, you’ll probably want a larger battery to meet your power needs, like the Titan 1000. Not only does it have enough battery capacity to charge devices, but it delivers enough power to run your refrigerator, as well.
Also, keep in mind what size solar panel you need. Larger solar generator batteries can oftentimes be paired with solar panels that have a higher wattage than those used for small batteries. Small to mid-sized batteries can be paired with 100-watt solar panels for a charging time between 8 and 9 hours.
Final thoughts on solar generators
Solar-powered generators are a great alternative to noisy, gas-guzzling conventional generators. The days of being tied down by wires and plugs are over. you can head out on your next camping trip anywhere with solar-powered generators.
Solar generators can also give you peace of mind in emergencies. Even if the grid goes down, when the sun comes up, you’ll be able to run your devices and appliances.
However, the best way to keep your lights on in the event of a power outage is to install a rooftop solar power system paired with solar battery storage. Not only will the battery keep your lights on when the grid goes down, but the solar system will power your home and save you money every day of the year.
CleanTechnica Tested: The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Solar Generator
EcoFlow seems to be on ‘a can’t stop, won’t stop’ mission to transform not only the world of portable solar generators, but is also starting to develop a host of appliances that take advantage of these portable power sources.
Following on the heels of a successful lineup of portable power stations and solar panels, EcoFlow has introduced the DELTA 2 Max portable power station. This two kilowatt-hour unit packs a punch with its ability to push out nearly 2,800 watts of continuous AC power output.
We pushed this thing harder than we had pushed any portable power station we’ve tested, and it simply refused to die. With 2,800 watts of AC power output capability, it can easily power just about any appliance in the house, including power tools, 110 volt welders, and EV car chargers, in addition to the usual assortment of refrigerators, cameras, drones, and the like.
Charging The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max is well equipped to pull power in and push it back out again. When plugged into an AC wall outlet, it can absolutely gobble the power down. It features a choice between slow charging at around 400 watts, or fast charging at up to 1,800 watts. Recharging in fast mode translates to about an hour and a half for a full charge, with the charging speed tapering off as the battery pack fills up.
When pulling down 1,800 watts of power at a time, the cables to the wall start warming up, and it’s especially important to be sure you’re using the cable supplied by EcoFlow, as the cables made by mere mortals won’t likely hold up to this amount of power draw for very long.
EcoFlow has also continued to build out its array of solar panel options, and sent along its 220 watt bifacial folding flexible solar panel for us to test. This is the first portable folding bifacial panel we’ve seen, and sandwiches the bifacial solar cells between two layers of clear durable plastic.
Bifacial solar panels still produce the majority of their electricity from sun hitting the top of the panel. This means the panel itself is directional, and as such, it is important to ensure that the side labeled as “sun facing” should be oriented appropriately. This is the side with the wires coming out of it, which is a bit confusing, but the cables have plenty of length to make it work with minimal fuss.
The back side of the panels harness light reflecting up from the back of the unit. This is helped along by the stand for the panels, which doubles as the padded case for the unit. The inside of the stand is a bright white surface, which helps reflect some of the light passing through the panels and from nearby areas back up to the rear of the solar panel. In our testing we did see production over 200 watts, although it was difficult to achieve on the grassy surface we tested it on. It performed slightly better on lighter colored cement, which is in line with EcoFlow’s estimates in the image above.
Discharging
We spent an entire day using this as the power source for our heat gun as we vinyl-wrapped a car, running the heat gun, music, and our devices off of it. The realization that these portable power stations can not only be used when the power goes out, but also as portable power sources in the home for situations where an extension cord would normally be needed was eye-opening. It almost felt like it was bopping along with the music as we worked. Granted, our heat gun only pulled between 500 and 900 watts, depending on the temperature and throughput volume, but that was just the start.
We ran it through the normal gamut of kitchen appliance tests, ranging from our 800 watt kettle up to the full complement of 1,500 watts worth of blenders, mixers, and kettles, and again it hardly noticed. The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max boasts 6 AC outlets on the rear of the unit, as well as two 12 volt, 3 amp barrel connectors, and a standard 12 volt automotive outlet. On the front of the unit, four USB-A outlets and two USB-C outlets make it easy to charge all your devices without the need for an extra AC adapter.
We ran a small automotive refrigerator unit from the 12 volt barrel outlet, and pulling between 5 and 55 watts depending on whether the compressor was running or not, the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max kept up without missing a beat. This is a minor task in terms of output, but mirrors real world scenarios customers will likely use it for.
It’s easy to imagine this unit being put to task as a backup power station for a home. Granted, with just two kilowatt-hours of storage capacity, you’ll need to tightly manage how much power you’re pulling. With 2,400 watts of continuous output and a staggering 4,800 watts of peak power output, this unit would have no issue supporting a compact tiny house or RV setup by itself. Adding in a solar panel or two further extends that capability.
Overall
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max is an extremely capable portable power station, though it is a bit on the heavy side at 50 pounds. That calls into question the portable nature of the unit, though. With something of this size, it’s likely you’re not going to be moving it around a whole lot. That holds true for most large battery systems, as their weight and the relatively fragile nature of the battery cells themselves makes it a good idea to leave them stationery as much as possible.
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max is 1,899, which is a slightly higher price than most of the competition in the portable power station space. EcoFlow currently has the DELTA 2 Max on sale and is currently including two 110 watt solar panels free with purchase. That definitely helps the value proposition, but it’s still a premium unit and is priced as such.
For more information about the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max and the 220 watt bi-facial folding solar panel, head over to EcoFlow’s website.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Specs
- Weight: 23 kg
- Capacity: 2,048 Wh
- Battery Chemistry: LFP (LiFePO4 battery)
- Cycle Life: 3,000 cycles to 80% capacity
- Dimensions: 497 × 242 × 305 mm /19.6 × 9.5 × 12 in
Input
- AC Input: Fast Charge 1,800W, 15A
- DC Automotive Input: 12V/24V battery, 8A
- DC Solar Input: 11-60V 15A, single port 500W; dual port 1,000W
Output
- AC Output: 2,400W continuous, 4,800W peak
- AC Outlets: 6
- DC 5521 Outlets: 2 ports, 12.6V, 3A, 38W Max per port
- USB-A Outlets: 2
- USB-C Outlets: 2
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The speed of sunlight: New Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro enables fast solar charging
This impressive power station could be ideal for sustainability.
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Solar charging has been advertised as the technology of the future. And indeed, it’s currently one of the cleanest ways to get the power you need. But solar charging can also be quite slow.
Windows 11 Phone Link for iPhone Send messages, make calls and get notifications on PC! Watch our video to see how you can connect your iPhone with your PC.
Or at least that used to be the case.
On the last day of August, the global solar power leader, Jackery, released a product that may change the game entirely. It’s the Solar Generator 1000 Pro, an upgrade of the manufacturer’s previous model.
The Solar Generator 1000 Pro represents the ultimate solution when it comes to capturing and using solar energy. It’s a revolutionary product that makes solar charging completely safe and, most importantly, faster than ever.
What is the Solar Generator 1000 Pro?
In essence, the Solar Generator 1000 Pro came into existence when Jackery took its famous Solar Generator 1000 and gave it a full upgrade.
The new product can do everything the old one did, only better. The generator consists of two crucial components: the SolarSaga 200W solar panels and the Explorer 1000 Pro portable power station.
The solar panels, four in total, collect solar energy and convert it into power. The electric energy is transferred to the power station which receives and stores it. Finally, the station provides a power output that can be used for various purposes.
All of this might sound familiar to anyone conversant with solar charging systems. However, the strongest point of the Solar Generator 1000 Pro is efficiency and speed.
Ultra Fast-Charging in 1.8 hours
The system can be charged to full capacity in less than two hours – 1.8 hours precisely, according to the manufacturer. This is due to the generator’s advanced Ultra-Charging operation. Due to this technology, the solar panels can produce an input of up to 800 watts which facilitates Rapid charging.
But the Solar Generator 1000 has another advantage: it can be charged via a wall socket. And to illustrate the speed of the solar charging system, wall charging will take the same amount of time as solar.
Completely safe for worry-free use
Jackery has always focused on making its products safe. Of course, the same approach has been taken when building the Solar Generator 1000 Pro.
The power station, Explorer 1000 Pro, comes with a cutting-edge BMS system that provides Smart control over each battery pack and even individual cells. Constant battery monitoring means longer life, but that’s not all this power station has in store.
Temperature control is also included to prevent overheating. The system is built to dissipate excess heat quickly and effectively, making the Solar Generator 1000 Pro even more secure.
In terms of power input and output, the generator features specialized AC ports that provide a steady stream of electricity via pure sine waves. This means that everything connected to the generator is completely safe from surges and protected from damage.
But the Solar Generator 1000 Pro isn’t only safe for use. The casing of the power station is designed to be as convenient and reliable as possible.
In particular, the Explorer 1000 Pro has a highly shock-resistant design, making it function without a hitch on most surfaces, regardless of how uneven they may be. In fact, you can use this solar powerhouse while driving on a bumpy road and its performance won’t change in the slightest.
Finally, there was plenty of FOCUS on making the generator extremely quiet. When charging, the Explorer 1000 Pro power station produces a noise level lower than 46 dB. In comparison, the average loudness of a bird’s call is about 44 dB, while the background noise at a restaurant can reach 60 dB.
In other words, it’s safe to say that the Solar Generator 1000 Pro charges almost noiselessly.
Compact and easy to handle
The Explorer 1000 Pro is a robust power station built to function seamlessly under challenging conditions. However, that sturdy build doesn’t prevent the station from being convenient for handling.
The casing is designed ergonomically with a folding handle that makes it extremely easy to transport. Surprisingly for its power, the Explorer 1000 Pro has relatively small dimensions. The power station measures approximately 340 x 262 x 256 mm (13.4 x 10.3 x 10 inches).
Even better, the station isn’t heavy at all, weighing about 11.5 kg or 25 pounds. While that weight will be restrictive in terms of walking around with the station, picking it up and transferring it won’t present a challenge.
The compact design makes the Solar Generator 1000 Pro ideal for outdoor activities like hiking or fishing trips, camping, and much more.
Next-generation solar panels
The Solar Generator 1000 Pro comes with either four SolarSaga 200W or two SolarSaga 80W panels. SolarSaga 80W has double-side absorption and represents the latest development in solar power technology.
These photovoltaic panels are the first in the world to receive certification from TÜV Rheinland, a leading testing company dealing in quality, safety, and sustainability. That’s why it’s no surprise that the SolarSaga panels provide exceptional performance, boosting efficiency by 25%.
The panels are as impressive on the inside as on the outside. They’re made of a reflective material that further boosts the use of solar power.
Best of all, these solar panels are built to last even in harsh conditions. They are dustproof and waterproof and stay practically intact even under prolonged heavy rain.
Built for long and versatile service
The Solar Generator 1000 Pro is made to gather energy and provide plenty of power for long periods.
Besides being very fast to charge, this solar power station can remain on standby for no less than an entire year. And that’s with its battery level at 80%.
The generator can be fully charged 1,000 times, which means it can last for a decade if used once a week. The upgraded Solar Generator 1000 Pro supports 100W USB input, meaning the 1000 Pro can charge your phone and laptop much faster.
A technological breakthrough right in your home
Possibly the best news about the Solar Generator 1000 Pro is that you can order it right now. This revolutionary product comes with a full five-year warranty and can be pre-ordered from Amazon. There’s even a bonus: the first 300 people who order the Solar Generator 1000 Pro from Jackery’s website or Amazon stores across Europe will receive free gifts.
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.
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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
| 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
✘ Criticized by some customers for dying quickly
✘ Has a low power output of 200 watts
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praised this generator for its ease of use and portability. However, negative reviews complained about the fan not working properly and the manufacturer providing poor customer service.
ROCKPALS Portable Power Station
taken at time of publishing.
The carrying handle on this solar generator is rubberized and textured, making it easy and comfortable to hold onto. With its 300 watts of power and 280 Wh, this generator can handle small home appliances and electronic devices, such as lamps, hair dryers, and laptops.
Pros and Cons
Can be recharged using a cigarette lighter, three-prong wall outlet, USB port, or solar panel
Has one fast-charging USB port
Has enough power to provide about 40 charges to small home appliances
✘ Not sold with the DC converter
✘ Criticized for feeling cheaply made
What Customers Are Saying
Many customers were happy with this portable power station because of its great value for the money, portability, and long battery life. Some said that it met all of the manufacturer’s claims and was easy to use. Negative reviews noted that this model felt cheaply made, not offering much power and struggling to charge devices.
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station
taken at time of publishing.
Two of this solar generator’s six USB ports are fast-charging to ensure your necessary devices and appliances, such as lanterns and phones, stay charged at all times. The generator provides up to 1,260 watt hours for refrigerators,
Pros and Cons
Features patented X-Stream Technology to help it recharge faster
Features two fast-charging USB ports and four standard ports for multiple charging options
Can provide power to a laptop for over 25 hours
✘ Doesn’t have all of the ports and outlets on one side for easy access
✘ Noted by some that the wattage didn’t match the advertised output
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon customers praised this power station for having a lot of power, minimal noise, and responsive technical support. They also loved how lightweight and portable it was. However, dissatisfied customers said that it didn’t provide as much power as advertised and that it broke after minimal use.
BLUETTI Portable Power Station
taken at time of publishing.
This solar generator can run several powerful devices at once with 2,000 watt-hours. It has an intelligent temperature-activated fan that keeps the unit cool and quiet. Plus, all of its outlets and ports feature covers to keep them protected when they’re not in use.
Pros and Cons
Has a touchscreen to control its settings
Includes a car charging cable
Has small carrying handles on either side of its body
✘ Costs the most out of the options in this review
✘ Weighs 60 pounds, making it more difficult to transport than other models
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praised this power station for being an excellent value for the money. Many loved its easy-to-use touchscreen and long battery life. Some unhappy reviewers experienced temperature errors despite the model’s fan.
Goal Zero Portable Power Station
taken at time of publishing.
This generator is a great choice for campers due to its easy operation and 505 watt-hours of operation. It also includes four different port options, including AC, 12V, and 60W USB-C PD, ensuring you can operate several different devices outdoors without worry. Courtesy Amazon
Pros and Cons
Can charge in a 180-watt wall outlet in three hours, a 60-watt outlet in 10 hours, or a 120-watt outlet in 4.5 hours
Is made from rugged, durable material that’s perfect for on-the-go operation
Can recharge a phone up to 42 times and a laptop up to 10 times
✘ Has a long auto shutoff timer
✘ AC outlet is sometimes slow to operate
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who were happy with their purchase of this solar generator commented on how simple it was to operate, as well as its long-lasting battery and its lightweight design. However, others felt this generator had issues powering on large devices, and some had issues with the LCD screen.
MAXOAK Portable Power Station
taken at time of publishing.
This portable power station has an impressive eight ports that include two AC outlets, one car outlet, four USB-A ports and one USB-C port, giving you the flexibility to charge a variety of devices under 1,000 watts. It is also available in numerous color options to match your style.
Pros and Cons
Can be charged up to 80 percent within 10 hours
Features an intelligent cooling fan to prevent overheating
Can charge a laptop up to 32 times
✘ Wall charger has a slower operation than some other models
✘ Is heavier than many other solar generators
What Customers Are Saying
This generator earned positive reviews on Amazon for its high-charging capacity, and several others were also impressed with its durable design and many charging ports. On the other hand, it was docked by some for its LCD display. A handful of reviews noted that it was hard to read and didn’t display the remaining battery percentage. Others were also disappointed in its 1000-watt inverter, which was lower than other solar generators of similar sizes.
ITEHIL Portable Power Station
taken at time of publishing.
This heavy-duty solar generator is made with aviation-grade aluminum alloy, giving it extra protection and impact resistance. It also comes with a convenient carrying handle that makes it easy to transport and a bright LED light to help you use it in the dark.
Pros and Cons
Features multiple input and output ports that can reach over 700 watts
Can be charged via wall outlet, car outlet, or solar panel
Includes an LED display and SOS rescue and warning features
✘ Does not include USB-C charging
✘ Does not feature Wi-Fi compatibility
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who left positive reviews for this product were impressed with its charging imports, as well as its LCD screen and its overall design. However, some customers found it was lacking in the overall power level, while others found that it needed to be frequently recharged to work correctly.
EF ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station
taken at time of publishing.
With 720 Wh and 600 watts of power, this solar generator is a good medium-sized option that won’t break the bank. It can charge up to 80 percent in just one hour, and can power some devices of up to 1800w. Additionally, it features three AC outlets and weighs less than 17 pounds.
Pros and Cons
Features 10 total output ports
Includes a built-in flashlight
✘ Can be difficult to carry and transport
✘ 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
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