Solar Generators for Camping and Van Life
At Goal Zero, we’re big fans of solar power, but solar is only really useful if you have a way to store and use all that power you collect. That’s why we love solar generators. They combine the clean energy of solar power with the convenient portability of battery power stations so you can do more and stay out longer.
What is a Solar Generator?
A solar generator is a combination of solar panels and a power station. You can use solar panels to collect and convert energy from the sun. The power station lets you store the energy you collect and then use it to power your devices.
Choosing a Solar Generator
A solar generator is the perfect addition to your next camping trip or van build. And when you aren’t on the go, they’re great for home back up. There are three key factors to consider when deciding which solar generator is right for you.
Capacity
Solar lets you recharge more or less indefinitely, but the capacity of your power station will impact how much you can run at a time, how long you can keep things running, and how often you have to recharge. For example, if you’re choosing a solar generator for camping, you can get away with less capacity than you’d need for home backup.
When considering capacity, you’ll also need to think about the amount of solar input you want. A larger power station has more capacity but requires more solar panels to fully charge it. This increases the cost of your solar generator and means it will take up more space.
Portability
Portability is a huge benefit if you’re taking your solar generator camping or on a road trip, but it may not be a priority if you’re installing it at your off-grid or in your home. All of our solar generators can be moved and taken with you, but the smaller solar generators are much easier to carry and move around.
Versatility
The beauty of a portable solar generator is that you can use it however you’d like. If you want the option to run high-energy appliances in a power outage and the option to recharge your laptop while camping, versatility will be a priority. We offer solar generators that are light enough to move but powerful enough to run a TV, grill, or refrigerator for hours.
The Best Solar Generators for Camping
Our favorite camping solar generators are small and lightweight, making them easy to set up and move around.
Taking your solar generator camping lets you recharge phones, laptops, camera batteries, and other small devices, but it also gives you enough power to run a portable fridge and power cooking appliances so you can enjoy good meals throughout the whole trip. These solar generators are easy to move so you can set up near your cooking station in the morning, then move things over to your tent while you recharge your phone during a midday nap, and simultaneously also charge your portable speaker so you can listen to music around the campfire in the evening.
Yeti 200X solar generators for camping
The Yeti 200X is only 5 pounds, meaning even your kids can carry it as they help pack up the car. We offer it in 3 different solar generator bundles, depending on how much solar power you want to pair with it.
We think the Yeti 200X Boulder 50 is the perfect solar generator for camping because it’s incredibly portable and easy to set up. The Boulder solar panel comes with a convenient kickstand so you can set it almost anywhere. It can completely recharge your Yeti 200X in 4-8 hours.
Yeti 500X solar generators for camping
Upgrade from camping to glamping with a little extra power. Need a few more ports so you can blow up your air mattress and plug in the portable fridge at the same time as your grill?
Another favorite solar generator for camping is the Yeti 500X Nomad 100. You get the Yeti 500X which comes with more ports and more power plus the foldable Nomad 100 solar panel that weighs just over 10 pounds, making it easy to move around throughout the day to get the best sun.
The Best Solar Generators for Van Life
Versatility is key when choosing a solar generator for van life. Space is limited so it’s Smart to get something compact, but since you’re living there long term, you need something robust enough to run lights, fridges, power tools, and more while keeping your devices charged.
We offer a lot of great solar generator solutions, but one excellent van life option is the Yeti 1500X (4) Boulder 100. This gives you a power station that can run high-energy appliances and four solar panels you can mount to your vehicle roof or set up on the ground when you find a good stopping spot.
Solar generators can help you get more out of your next adventure whether you’re headed on a weekend camping trip or a month-long van trek. And when you aren’t hauling it around, they provide home backup power for emergencies. Choose from Goal Zero’s wide selection of solar generators to find one that’s best for you.
Powerstation Anker 757 and solar panel Anker 625 in hands-on: Stand-alone system for on the road
solar charging power please. 1,229 Wh energy storage, 5-year warranty, 1,500 W AC output power, 1,000 W AC charging power. the Anker 757 power station has some impressive buzzwords in its luggage. We test how the 1,700 Euro (~1843) solar generator performs in everyday use, from charging via the Anker 625 solar panel (370 Euros/~401) to using the self-produced electricity.
Christian Hintze. Enrico Frahn. ✓ Brian Burriston (translated by DeepL / Ninh Duy), Published 01/20/2023
I have already tested two powerstations, the small, handy, Anker 521 (256 Wh) and the large, heavy, Bluetti AC200 Max (2,048 Wh). The Anker 757 now ranks in the middle with its 1,229 Wh. Is it the best compromise between performance and mobility? What makes it better and what makes it worse than the other two models?
In addition, Anker has sent me its 100 W folding solar panel, the Anker 625, so I will check how well and how fast the Powerstation (PS) charges on it.
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Power Functions. 1,500 W, LiFePO4
The Anker 757 stores 1,229 Wh of energy. The maximum output power is 1,500 watts at the two 230 V sockets. Thus, most devices should be operable with it.
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| 1,229 Wh | 256 Wh | 2,048 Wh |
| 1,500 W | 200 W | 2,200 W |
| 2,400 W | 400 W | 4,800 W |
| 1,000 W (1,400 W bypass) | 65 W | 800 W |
| 300 W (11. 30 V, 10 A) | 65 W (11. 28 V, 5.5 A) | 900 W (10-145 V, 15.2 A) |
| 2 AC outlets, 4 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 1 car | 1 AC, 2 USB-A, 1 USB-C, 1 car | 4 AC, 4 USB-A, 1 USB-C, 1 car, 3 DC, 2 charging pads wireless |
| 3 charging cables (1x AC, 1x car, 1x solar), manual | Power supply, PV cable, manual | Power supply, PV cable, car cable, adapter, manual |
| 20 kg | 3.7 kg | 28 kg |
| 463 x 288 x 237 mm | 216 x 211.4 x 144 mm | 420 x 280 x 386.5 mm |
| 5 years | 5 years | 4 years |
Power Station Anker 757
Of course, the 757 also uses long-life LiFePO4 batteries. They don’t mind a few cold nights, and the capacity drops less quickly.
A small (approx. 12 x 4.5 cm/~4.7 x ~1.8 inches) color display does not shine with a touch function like in the Bluetti AC200 Max, but it does show the most important values such as charge status, active ports, a temperature warning as well as charge and discharge performance. The outputs are enabled via extra buttons.
The warm white LED bar is practical. The light brightness can be adjusted in 3 steps (2-4 W consumption), the lamp has it ahead of the larger Bluetti. If you press the button for two seconds, the lamp flashes in an SOS mode.
Anker 625 solar panel
The panel can supply a maximum of 100 W with its monocrystalline cells, which are composed of a maximum of 26.5 V and 3.77 A. It is foldable and equipped with a carrying handle resulting in a package size of 525 × 470 × 85 mm (~21 x 19 x 3.5 inches) and about 5 kg (~11 pounds) weight.
The solar panel is equipped with two s, the larger one stores the necessary cables and the optional adapter, while the narrower houses the microconverter with the associated charging cable attached. There is also a USB-A (5 V / 2.4 A) and a USB-C output (5 V / 3 A) for directly charging small devices like the smartphone.
Anker advertises a Suncast Technology for the best possible alignment of the panel to the sun.
The pompous term merely refers to a mini window with a dot that projects a shadow onto the white surface underneath.
If the shadow of the dot is in the red circle, the panel is optimally aligned to the sun. practical, but my goodness, the name!
Inputs outputs: Integrated power supply, solar charging limited
In contrast to the Bluetti, where all ports are fitted with rubber caps to protect against dust and dirt, the ports on the Anker, with the exception of the car port, are all exposed.
Inputs. AC Solar
The 757 really only has two inputs, an AC input for standard PC or printer power plugs, and an XT-60 DC input port for the solar panel, or rather solar panels.
The great thing about the AC input plug is that the power supply is already integrated into the Anker 757. Whereas with the more expensive Bluetti AC200 Max you still need a clunky power supply to charge the box with at least 400 W and would have to buy another one to charge with 800 W AC. For the 757 you connect a simple PC power cable to the Anker. The power station then charges with up to 1,000 W, great! Thus, it is fully charged in only 1.5 hours, and it is already at 80 percent in one hour.
The DC input for solar panels, on the other hand, is a bit less impressive: The port can only handle 300 W, divided into a little variable input voltage between 11. 30 V and a maximum current of 10 A. For comparison: The larger Bluetti can handle between 10 and 145 V and up to 15 A.
I currently still have a 350 W solar panel lying around, this panel overwhelms the Anker 757 in both power and voltage (37.5 V), which is unfortunate. I can even connect two of them to the Bluetti!
Anker itself primarily sells the included 100 W Anker 625 panel. My experience with it is below, but it takes three of them to charge the 757 at the maximum possible power of 300 W. A 200 or 300 W panel with the right voltage is currently not available from Anker.
Due to the input voltage limitation of only 11. 30 W at a maximum of 10 A, it is also not possible to simply connect the three panels in series (series connection = voltage increase). Instead, you have to operate them in parallel, for which you need another solar charging cable (enclosed), where the three panels are brought together in parallel. With the large Bluetti you can simply connect two 350W solar panels in series (it can handle up to 145 V), so you don’t need an extra cable.
Outputs. 1,500 W output power
On the one hand, two 230 V sockets with 1,500 W output power each are available as outputs. However, the 1,500 W is also the maximum power, so it is divided when connecting several devices.
In addition to the AC sockets, there are also four USB-A ports with 2.4 A at 5V each, so 12 W. In addition, there are two USB-C slots with different output power, namely one with a maximum of 60 W and one with a maximum of 100 W.
Last but not least, there is a car DC plug that offers up to 10 A at 12 V, i.e. a power of 120 W.
Practical experience. Super practical for on the go
Of course, the 757 with its 20 kg (~44 lb) is not as handy and light as the small 521, but it is still much more mobile than the massive 38 kg (~84 lb) of a AC200 Max. While 20 kg is not light either, the practical handles make the 757 easy to carry around. The same applies to the panel with its approximately 5 kg (~11 lb).
On the other hand, extended walks are not advisable. This is especially true when you buy the three recommended panels, because then you will be carrying 15 kg in one hand and 20 kg in the other, which makes you wish for a vehicle (cargo bike, car).
The Anker 625 solar panel
When setting up, you should note that the center stand is somewhat hidden, as it is located below the large !
Otherwise, the panel reliably charged all devices, except for the 757 (see below), be it my smartphone, the Anker 521 or the small Bluetti BE3A, which I will soon still test. The 4 metal eyelets at each corner, are also practical allowing you to set up or hang the panel with the help of cords, etc.
Purpose of use
Of course, the Anker 757 with 1,500 W has somewhat tighter limits in use than the Bluetti AC200 Max with its 2,200 W. But I did not feel this limitation during my use. Because let’s be honest: For devices over 1,500 W, operation only makes sense for short use, such as coffee makers, kettles, etc.
If you operate such power-hungry devices permanently, even the big power station is emptied in a very short time. Warming a room with a 2,000 W heater is not practical as it would only last an hour.
And here the Anker 757 comes into its own. It is charged super fast from the mains, can operate almost all machines, thanks to its power, and is reasonably easy to carry due to its acceptable size and weight.
Drilling something outside on the cargo bike? No problem, bring the power station over, connect the drill, problem solved.
Sawing through wooden boards in the yard without a power supply? With the 757, the jigsaw is ready for use even without mains power. after all, since you’re not sawing continuously, it’ll last a while.
Can you run a SIM router for days on end in the middle of nowhere? Sure can. Enjoying your favorite movie with friends via projector on the wall of your house on balmy summer nights? Just take the power station with you, plug in the projector, and it works. super practical!
Of course, you can also use the 757 at home in the event of a power outage.
Charging. Great AC input
You should fully charge the power station from the mains the first time. It is great that you simply plug in the power plug and it takes just 1.5 hours until the energy storage is full, since almost 1,000 W are available.
Of course, charging via a (foldable) solar panel is more satisfying. The Anker 625 offers 100 W and thus unfortunately only a third of the possible charging power for the Anker 757. On the website, the station is actually advertised with three of these panels, which is the ideal case, but it is then no longer quite as mobile and rather cumbersome. And secondly, I just have one panel. Unfortunately, Anker does not offer a 200- or 300-W panel. Alternatively, you can buy a panel from a third-party manufacturer, but you have to pay attention to the small voltage range.
With the 100 W Anker 625 panel, I initially did not get the PS to charge at all. Of course, the panel only charges with about 60 W in the October and November sun and is undersized for the 757, but the fact that the PS does not show any charging progress at all is evidence of a fault.
On the PS, I get a solar input power of about 60 W when the sun is good and the capacity is 88 percent. Even when calculating the remaining charging time, the 757 gives highly different values on different days, see pictures.
The bigger problem is that the capacity did not increase in all cases (three different days) even after more than an hour, it is still at 88%.
It cannot be the panel’s fault. A test with a smartphone connected directly to the panel’s USB-A output shows that the Anker 625 works flawlessly. The small PS Anker 521 can also be charged super well with it.
The problem was finally solved by resetting the 757. To do this, press with a needle or similar into the reset hole on the front. After that, the capacity of my 757 went up to 93 percent and it could finally be charged via the Anker 625. great!
Last but not least, I hung the panel on my balcony railing and secured it. Of course, you actually have to ask the landlord for permission beforehand but this time I didn’t due to the short test time and my ultra-good, non-invasive securing methods. I have since taken it down.
My balcony gets slanted afternoon sun, so the location is not ideal, but should at least fill the power station slowly on sunny afternoons.
With the small Anker 521 it is recharged in two consecutive, half-sunny afternoons. Of course, it takes much longer with the 757, but it works as well.
Conclusion. Super practical, but with a small solar weakness
The 625 panel works great and has reliably charged all my powerstations, with about 60 of the 100 W possible during October/November.
I also basically liked the 757. The box has a great mix of capacity and mobility. Also really great is the integrated power supply and the super-fast charging on the mains with 1 kW.
The Anker 757 has to take some criticism for the rather weak solar input power in this capacity class. 300 W maximum input power is a bit low for my taste.
The Anker 757 can be charged super fast from the mains and is the ideal companion to be independent of electricity on the road. However, if you want to charge the box autonomously via solar panel, you will quickly encounter power limitations, so charging via the sun just takes a bit longer.
Disclosure: The PowerStation and solar panel were provided to the author of this review free of charge by the manufacturer.
and availability
On the Anker website, the Anker 757 regular price is 1,699 Euros (~1842) and the 100 W Anker 625 panel costs 369 Euros (~400). Note:100 W panels without a folding mechanism are available for 100 Euros/~108 and up! However, Anker is currently offering a hefty discount, namely 200 Euros (~217) off the 757. Amazon charges around 1,700 Euros (~1843) for the 757 and around 370 Euros (~401) for the Anker 625 panel.
Removable / Expandable Battery
The battery is removable and expandable. This innovative approach will give you greater portability and flexibility in what you can power with your solar generator. By simply adding more battery packs you can expand or replace your batteries quickly and easily. By separating the battery from the other components, you can easily carry each component.
Dual MPPT Charge Controllers (2000 watts total) with a wide voltage range
With the Titan, we only used quality, reliable components. For example, most solar generators use cheap, low quality charge controllers that cannot step the voltage down to produce high amps. Most don’t allow for voltages over 30-50 volts. The Titan on the other hand, can take up to 145 volts. This means your solar panel wires will have very low amps running through them making them much more efficient (they will be cool to the touch where others will be very hot). It also makes wiring up your solar panels much easier and safer.
00 Watt Hour Lithium Battery
The 2000 watt hour lithium battery is one of the largest available in solar generators. It is about twice the capacity of similar systems, with a life span of 10 years.
Fast AC Charging 400 Watts Standard; up to 1450 watts with two 25A chargers
With the Titan we will include one powerful AC charger that will charge your battery pack in around 3 hours (5 1/2 hours if you choose the 14A charger). Other systems on the market can take up to 24 hours. You can also add a second charger to double the charging power (for when you have more than one battery).
00 Watt High Efficiency Inverter
The 3000 watt pure sine wave inverter is extremely powerful- twice as powerful as comparable solar generators. However, it is extremely efficient with a no load power draw of as low as 5 watts, and efficiencies up to 92%! Generally, the larger the inverter the more power it uses just to run- like a large truck burns more gas than a small car. This is comparable to having a 500 HP race car getting better fuel mileage than a geo metro.
We have designed the Titan solar generator to be compatible with nearly every battery type (24V). The Titan Solar Generator uses a lithium Ion battery with a voltage range of 20V to 29.4V (only charged to 29.2V). With this setup, it works perfectly with a 24V LiFePo4 (19.2V to 29.2V) and a led acid battery (20V to 29.2V).
As you can see there is virtually no difference between the 3 batteries voltage range, so they can be used together without any changes to the charging profile without damaging any battery. Note: Any battery connected to the system must be charged to the same voltage as other batteries in the system. See the manual for more instructions.
Battery specs for each battery:
Battery Voltage:29.4V (only charged to 29.2) Battery Capacity:74ah (usable) 2000 watt hours (usable) Maximum charge current:40A (approximately 1000 watts) Maximum continuous discharge:100A (approximately 2500 watts) Suggested continuous discharge (for long life):1500 watts Maximum surge discharge current (10 seconds or less):300A (approximately 7700 watts ) Weight:35lbs approximately Size:12×18.5×4.5 in
Inverter Specs:
Output voltage:120V AC (pure sine wave) Continuous power output:3,000 Watts Peak power output:6,000 watts Inverter no load power consumption:5-15 watts (typical 10 watts) Size (top portion not including the battery):12 x 18.5 x 7.75 in Weight:32lbs (approximate)
Solar MPPT charge controller:
Dual MPPT controllers Input volts:35V to 145VDC Maximum input amps:30 amps per input port Maximum charging amps:80A (40A per port) Charge rate:up to 2000W (using both ports, and with two or more batteries)
Other specs:
AC charging:Up to 1450 watts with two 25A chargers (must have two batteries to use two chargers) Car port charging:85 watts (with optional charger) Number of outlets:6-15A, and one 30A RV outlet USB ports:Depending on options at purchase 12V ports:4. regulated at 13.8V (20A each with a maximum of 20A total) Weight:32lb power module; 35lb battery Dimensions:18.5x12x12 (battery and Power module together)
Optional USB port specs:
USB-Dual type A Output:5V 3.1A Dual port (PD type c USB type a): When charging two-port together, the total output 18WWhen charging single port, the output will be as follows: Type c port output:5V3A, 9V2A, 12V1.5A USB-A output:5V 2.4A
What’s Included
(1) Titan solar generator (power module and one battery) (1) MC4 to SAE (for jump starting with a solar panel) (2) MC4 to anderson adapter (for solar panels) AC Charger
Depending on options chosen at purchase: Extra batteries Car charger for charging from a car cigarette port USB adapters for charging phones, laptops, etc
FAQ- Solar Batteries
Can I use my own solar panels with the Titan? Yes, you can use your own panels with the Titan. You just need to make sure they are arranged in a way to produce a voltage between 35-145V DC. Lower than 35V DC will not charge the Titan and a Voltage over 145V DC can damage the MPPT controller. What is the maximum solar input for the Titan? We have two solar inputs in the Titan, each capable of 1,000 watts or 2,000 watts total with a voltage range of 35V to 145VDC. Can I use a wind turbine with the Titan? Yes, you can use a wind turbine with the Titan power station. What kind of batteries do you use in the Titan? We use Lithium Ion NMC 2,000 wh battery. What is the life cycle of the Titan’s battery? Up to 2,000 cycles How much does the Titan battery module weigh? 35 lbs approximately
FAQ- General
Can I wire the Titan into my home electrical system? The Titan is only 120V AC, so it cannot be wired into the entire electrical system of your house. However, an electrician can wire up a 120V sub panel to run emergency 120V appliances. This sub panel can even be put onto a transfer switch (manual or automatic). It is extremely important to follow any necessary regulations during this process. Point Zero Energy is not liable for any loss, cost, expense, inconvenience or damage that may result from use, misuse, or inability to use this product. Can the Titan only be used for temporary backup power? No. The Titan can be used in a variety of situations. We have many customers using their Titan on a daily basis for off-grid power. What can the Titan power? The Titan can power any 120V electrical appliance up to a total of 3,000 continuous watts. What is the Titan’s no load power consumption? 5-15 watts (typical 10 watts) How much does the Titan power module weigh? 32 lbs approximately
Introducing the Titan Solar Power Generator
reviews for Titan
I purchased one of the first units out and it’s still performing well, no issues! I would recommend an extra battery. To be able to upgrade and stack multiple batteries is a great feature of this unit. I live in the US Virgin Islands, the bowling alley for Hurricanes. This unit helped me through Hurricane Maria, allowing me to run multiple fans during the night. It can get real hot after these hurricanes, not to mention the mosquitoes. I was able to get a good nights sleep. This is very important to deal with the aftermath of any natural disaster. Point Zero I give an A. Keep up the good work. I would like to see more US made components in their units however! Thanks Joe US Virgin Islands
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so happy to hear the Titan helped you in a disastrous scenario! I wish we could also help with the mosquitos
My Titan developed an issue after a couple of years use. I was amazed at the quick turnaround! You guys had it for about 48 hours and it was out the door on its way back to me. Received the Titan yesterday afternoon and immediately plugged it back in. Working great! I now have lights and use of power tools and security cameras back in my barn. You guys are the best!
We work hard to support our customers the best way we can so thank you for sharing your positive experience!
Love this soler generator and point zero energy. I accidentally overloaded my generator with too many volts which blew the system and voided my warranty. I was afraid I would get taken advantage of for the cost of repairs and shipping. I did not! Point zero energy did a fast job getting my unit repaired and back to me at a cost much appreciated. Thank you to this company for the fantastic service they provided! I highly recommend point zero energy and all their products!
Titan is a great system ! We purchased and received the Titan and two batteries in 2021. Our main application was a bit unusual since we wanted to use the system in a DIY converted Promaster van/RV. The Knowledge Base articles at Titan’s website were very helpful for acheiving a van configuration. To charge the Titan from the vehicle alternator when driving we used a Victron Orion Tr-Smart 24|12 30, DC-DC converter, and it works great. We also added 400W of solar panels for charging when camping. Other modifications we did to better match our needs were: First was to add a step-down converter (Victron, 70A) to drop the 24V output to a 12V that is more suitable for powering the lights, two refrigerators, two fans and a water pump inside the van. Second, since we had the Titan stored under the bed and the display was not easily accesible we replaced it with a Victron 712 BMV that has Bluetooth and uses a 500A shunt that replaced the original. The Victron app on the phone is very flexible and can be configured for the Titan battery. During the winter we remove the Titan from the van and store it inside the house at room temperature and at 70-80% charge. We highly recommend the Titan to other RVers.
Received my Titan in Jan. 2020, first time I used it during our Texas ‘Polar Vortex’ in Feb. 2021. Initially charged the battery in Jan. ’20, 100% remaining when checked in ’21 prior to needing it when the elec. grid went down for 24 hours. The Titan worked PERFECTLY, used it for frig., elec. blanket, recharge cell phones, lamp. No issues whatsoever. SO happy with product! Encouraged ALL in our 55 community to get one. I remind everyone that traditional generators need liquid fuel, need maintenance, have noise and exhaust issues, not so with a Titan! Great product! Keep up the good work!
Outstanding customer support! Last year I placed a pre-order just before COVID hit. In May 2020 I lost my job. Unfortunately I had to cancel my order. Point Zero Energy gave me a full refund with no hassles and very responsive. I’m just getting back to work and cant wait to place a new order! So many great reviews on the system, and such great feedback from those i know with the system. Thanks Point Zero!!
I recently received my new Titan solar generator with three batteries. I am extremely impressed with the fit and finish, the attention to detail, and the extremely high quality of the Titan. I ran a test today by cutting the main breaker off for my home and connecting the Titan via the 30 amp RV plug to a 6 circuit transfer switch. I was able to power 6 rooms in my house, and a large pond pump for 8 hours and I only used about 50% of the battery. I used two 25 amp AC chargers to recharge and it was back to 100% in just a few hours. I am also able to power my entire RV with a simple 30-50 amp RV plug adapter and it runs everything – even one air conditioner, dishwasher, washer/dryer combo, two TVs, microwave, etc. (not all at the same time). I could not be happier with this product and I would recommend it to anyone in search of the very best portable solar generator money can buy. I have also been very happy with the sales experience, customer service, and tech support I have received from Point Zero Energy. Every time I have reached out to them for anything, they get right back to me and they are always willing to help. Just like most other buyers, I had to wait four months for mine to ship, but it was well worth the wait. It is very refreshing to be able to do business with a company like this.
We’re very happy with the Titan. We have 3 batteries stacked under it and they are being recharged almost every day via Renergy solar panels and we live in Washington.
I purchased the Titan and two additional batteries. The folks at Point Zero have been MOST patient and helpful along the way as I modified my order a couple of times. Technical support is outstanding and amazingly prompt. Great company, great product, innovative features. My purpose was/is to run key household appliances and comm gear such that the load is constantly replenished by the PV panels battery, independent of local utility feed, which goes down with distressing regularity here on Northern California. The gear is really quality and works well. I paired with my own locally sourced PV panels to provide maximum generation in the smallest rooftop panel area. I highly recommend both company and product.
The unit is excellent and appears to be a quality product. the only problem was the delay in delivery but that is understandable considering the pandemic. I haven’t had a chance to use the Titan yet but I will be using it when I go south for the winter. Thank you, Point Zero, for your excellent customer service and hard work. You are a one-of-a-kind!
We bought the Titan and 2 batteries so we can boondock in our rv. Since the rv is 20 years old we didn’t want to mount all the parts of a solar unit plus extra batteries that we have no space for, on a unit that old. If our rv gets replaced we just take the Titan with us. We can also have it for a backup at home if we lose power. We recharge the batteries with the rv generator or with shore power at a campground. We are not using solar panels. We are on a trip in the rv and the Titan has worked great for 6 weeks until I hooked something up wrong and damaged the Titan. Since we were within a few hours of his facility, I called Dave and he said I could bring it there and they would look at it. Dave had one of his guys stop what he was doing and fix my problem the minute I arrived. This was not a warranty issue, nor should it be, but it is great customer service after the sale.
My Titan ran perfectly for just 5 days. I was worried when I ran into a snag in energy discharge and emailed Point Zero. I didn’t know what to expect from a relatively new company, especially after reading a negative review about service. I was happy to get a phone call within 24 hours and pleased with an immediate resolution to the problem. The personal attention, answer to questions both before and after purchase, and quick response to a problem gives me confidence Point Zero. They stand behind their product and promise. I couldn’t ask for more. I’m using the system for a seasonal RV set up. Titan runs everything I need with power to spare.
It’s nearly impossible to find a product that is engineered as well as the Titan. You can tell that Point Zero Energy thought through every detail in order to create a product that will last as well as work in a wide variety of scenarios. If you every watched a review for a “solar generator” and thought “but can it do this”, only to be disappointed by some later revealed limitation…well the Titan probably can do it!
We are super happy with both the Titan and the excellent customer service that they provided us with. They went out of their way with help for our setting it up, and on answering all of our questions. We will be purchasing more items from them as time goes on. We have a lot to learn about solar and they are the perfect company to walk us through the path of being able to camp off grid. We highly recommend them and are grateful to have found them.
My order was complete and arrived without any damage. I installed it, charged the battery and needed to call to better understand the battery meter settings and how to calibrate it. I also watched some videos on the Zero Point channel on YouTube which were very helpful. It has been a pleasure doing business with Zero Point and the people who work there. Definately 5 stars
The Titan is an excellent value. The service at Point Zero is exceptional. Previously, I have added Solar to a VW Rialta using a Goal Zero 1400 lithium. Its 1500 watt inverter worked fine for essential RV living. Refrigerator, LCD lights, water pump, laptop and cell phone. That draw only allowed for about 12 hours of reserve. Your Solar recharge was slow because the GZ 1400 hundred only comes standard (you can purchase an MPPT add on. That brings the GZ 1400 closer to 2000) with a PWM controller. In addition you could only charge with your solar panels in a less efficient parallel array. By investing just a little more than 1000 extra in a Titan, you get two MPPT controllers, the ability to attach your solar panels in a more efficient series (up to 1000 watts with a single battery) array, 2000 watts of Lithium battery, a 3000 watt Inverter that will run the big draw items like a Microwave, electric water heater ,etc. etc., and many many other benefits. To be specific, my Titan with one battery (I did purchase a second battery) will run my efficient refrigerator/4L Freezer and laptop (full time internet) for 70 hours. Amazing! Whether you are purchasing to upgrade or build an RV, or as power for your home…In my opinion, This is the best value and most efficient, beautifully designed Solar generator in the world. It will do it all. When you add the fact that Point Zero, the manufacturer of the Titan, is a family owned American company that is very pleasant and helpful to work with, this is an easy purchase you can make with confidence. At this time, I don’t work with or have any affiliation with Point Zero. I just love my Titan, and am very impressed with the customer service. Best, Louie
I am so very happy to have made this purchase. Not only does the Titan Solar Generator have the most complete and well implemented features I could find on any similar product but the post sale support has been top notch. Multiple e-mail questions have been more than helpful and responded to very quickly.
I have had the pleasure of owing a Titan for a little over two months. To say i am thrilled would be an understatement. The performance of the Titan in conjunction with the great customer service i have received makes me a very satisfied customer. Better yet, a customer for life! I have used it for plethora of jobs around the house and even succumbed to temptation and powered my entire 7.2 home theater system that includes, a receiver, Blu-ray player, seven amplifiers and two subs in addition to the flat screen and few other pieces. So far, everything i have thrown at the Titan, the Titan has handled with ease, never suffering defeat in form of a shut down. A great performer in my book and worthy of the name Titan. Kudos!
I recently received my Titan with one extra NMC battery that I purchased through poweredportablesolar.com and I am very pleased with the unit. I do have a few questions about future expandability. 1) When the LiFePo4 battery packs come out, will we be able to stack them with the NMC batteries in parallel; and 2) Can I hook up a 24V 200 ah LiFePo4 battery pack to the external battery connection on the Titan even though my two stackable batteries are NMC chemistry? Thanks again for a great product.
I am a 67 yr old grandma with no technical experience but I found the Titan very easy to set up and use. I have been using it (testing it) for 3 days now, plugging in various items that I might need in a power outage. The Titan has handled everything with ease. I am even able to lift the individual components by myself, so I feel confident I can move it around as necessary. Thanks!
So Happy with my purchase I purchased another, easy to setup and even easier to integrate into my homes generator backup
The Titan is a FANTASTIC product! What a dream come true to be able to be off grid with a system that you can plug your RV 30amp cord right into and be able to run things as if hooked up at a campground! Crazy cool! The owner and creator David is a genius and has been such a help with any questions we had. His company has friendly and knowledgable customer service reps as well when we have called. The instruction manual made set up a breeze and we are enjoying our freedom to go anywhere on our own terms by harnessing the sun through this generator. He truly thought of everything when creating the Titan. It is worth every penny in our book! Please Subscribe to my YouTube channel “Everyday Mama” to see our Titan in action this summer in our RV VLOGS. These videos are not sponsored- we just love the product and want to share all the benefits of it for RVers. We highly recommend the Titan to anyone for home use, RVers, or preppers.
What Size Solar Generator Do I Need? (Power Station Tips)
A solar generator is a highly convenient and versatile power source. You can use one to access power while on the go or as a backup source of energy for your home. Before buying one, you might be asking yourself, what size solar generator do I need?
This is certainly an important question. Buying the right size solar generator will ensure that you have an optimal source of power without paying more for one than you have to.
But perhaps the real question you should be asking is, what size power station do I need for my solar generator?
This is because a “solar generator” can technically refer to a solar solution that combines two (or more) components. A Jackery Solar Generator consists of:
The solar panels – which collect the solar energy from direct sunlight.
The power station – which stores the electrical power converted by the solar panels.
In this article, we will help you figure out what size power station is most suitable for your solar generator goals. Keep reading to learn how to calculate the right power station size, along with other information about solar generators, so that you make the best choice.
How Power Stations Are Sized
Power stations are typically sized in watts (W). This is a measure of power that’s used to calculate the rate of energy transfer. But what you really need to know is that the greater watts a power station has, the more power it can provide you in a single charge. That being said, there are different watt measurements to pay attention to when deciding on a power station.
Continuous Power
The first measurement is usually called continuous power. This is the amount of power that a power station can provide consistently.
Peak Power
The second measurement is usually called peak power. This is the maximum amount of power that a power station can provide in a short burst.
Continuous Power vs. Peak Power (An Example)
Here’s an example. Think of when you turn on your air conditioner. It needs a quick burst of power to get started. That’s peak power. But the amount of power needed to continuously run the AC unit is generally lower. That’s continuous power.
Some appliances, such as refrigerators, need a burst of 3-7 times their normal power needs to get started. Keep in mind, your power station needs to be able to accommodate this peak power requirement to run the appliance. So, if you are looking for a solar generator to run a refrigerator, simply meeting the continuous power requirements won’t be enough.
Continuous power will likely be the more impactful number for you to think about. It’s what tells you how much power you will get from a single charge of your power station under normal conditions.
How to Calculate Your Optimal Power Station Capacity in 4 Steps
Jackery sells power stations to meet a wide variety of power consumption needs. Our products range from 167Wh of capacity to as high as 2,060Wh of capacity.
How Many Watts Do I Need in a Solar Generator’s Power Station?
To figure out which Jackery product offers the right power capabilities for you, you’ll need to perform the following calculations:
Step 1: Select What You Want to Power With Your Power Station and For How Long
The first part of picking the right power station for your needs is understanding what those needs are. This means selecting the specific devices that you want to power with your solar generator, and setting a rough estimation of how long you’d like for its power station to provide that power.
Tip: Be sure to only pick devices that you can plug into your Jackery Power Station. For example, things like water heaters are often hardwired into your home. So, the chances are you wouldn’t be able to power one with a power station. (Unless you also hardwire that device to your home.)
Here are some common devices that people power with solar generators:
- Laptops and PCs
- Phone chargers
- Kitchen appliances
- Hairdryers
- Air conditioners
- Video game systems
Step 2: Find Out How Much Energy Each of Your Selections Uses
Once you know what you want to power, it’s time to figure out how much energy you need to do so.
The starting point towards calculating this is finding out how many watts your devices need to run. This number is often listed somewhere on the device itself. But if you only see a measurement for amps, you can multiply that number by the item’s voltage to convert into watts.
Next, you need to pick how many hours you want to be able to use each of your devices. Then, multiply the number of hours that you’ve selected by the watts of each item. This will give you the total watt-hours you require to be able to power each device.
You want to power two 60 watt lightbulbs for two hours each. To find the total amount of watt-hours of power you need:
- Get the total hours: Multiply 2 hours of power by 2 light bulbs. (2 x 2) = 4
- Get the total wattage: Multiply 2 light bulbs by their 60 watts. (2 x 60) = 120
- Multiply them together to calculate the total watt-hours. (4 x 120) = 480
Then, divide your answer by 0.85 to account for a constant energy consumption rate of 85% when the device is in charge.
This results, in you needing a power station that can provide at least approximately 564 watt-hours to meet your goal of being able to power two 60 watt lightbulbs for 2 hours each.
Step 3: Add All Of Your Watt-Hour Answers Together
You need to perform the calculation shown in the previous step for each item you want to power with your Jackery Solar Generator.
Then, simply add all of the answers together to get the total amount of watt-hours that you need the power station to provide and reach the goals you have for it.
For example, let’s say you need 400 watt-hours to power your lights, 300 to charge your phone, and 300 to charge your laptop. Your total watt-hour requirement would be 1,000 (400 300 300).
Step 4: Determine the Watt-Hours of the Power Station You Want
At this stage, you have all the information that you need to pick the right portable power station.
Simply take your answer from Step 3 and compare it to the wattage offered by each power station that you look at. Just make sure that you pick a power station that has a higher wattage than your total watt-hour requirement calculated in Step 3.
Can a Solar Generator Power a House?
Note that unless you purchase a large Jackery Solar Generator (such as Solar Generator 1500 with an portable power station with 1,534Wh capacity), you likely won’t be able to power everything in your house for multiple hours with a solar powered generator.
If you find that the answer you got in Step 3 is higher than almost every power station you look at, then you may need to go back and reassess what you really need to power with it. If you can lower yourself down to just the essentials, then you will find a solar generator that works for you without having to break your budget to buy it.
The Benefits of Buying a Portable Solar Generator
Portable solar generators are a dynamic backup power option. You can use them both in your home and when you’re on the go. They’re purposefully made smaller than dedicated home backup solar generators to offer this flexibility.
As they feature a power station that you charge with portable solar panels, you essentially plug the portable solar panels into the power station until it’s charged. Then you can use the power that you’ve created on almost any appliance or electronic device that you want.
Many people purchase portable solar generators to get access to clean power while enjoying the outdoors. Then, as an added benefit, they can use the generator as a backup source of energy for their homes whenever they need one. It’s this versatility that’s made portable solar generators so popular.
Power Station Sizing FAQs
Can You Charge Any Device with a Jackery Power Station?
Jackery Power Stations can power a wide variety of consumer devices since they feature USB ports, a DC carport, and pure sine wave AC outlets.
Your device will need to be powered with one of these methods and use a level of power that is compatible with the Jackery Power Station you select.
Can a Jackery Power Station Jumpstart My Car?
No, you cannot jumpstart a car with a Jackery Power Station. But you can charge a car’s battery with a power station. So you can use your Jackery product to get the battery charged enough so that you don’t need to jumpstart it.
How Long Can a Jackery Power Station Power My Device?
This is entirely dependent on the amount of power that your device uses. You need to perform the watt-hour calculation (shown above) and compare that figure to the wattage of the Jackery Power Station model you select. Doing this will give you the answer you are looking for.
What Size Jackery Power Station Is Best for Me?
This will depend on how much power you want to get out of your portable solar generator. If you want to maximize the amount of power you get, then you should consider either our Explorer 1,500 Portable Power Station or our Explorer 1,000 Portable Power Station.
Jackery Power Station Size Options
Jackery provides a wide variety of power stations to make it easier for you to find one that fits your needs. We’ve put together a chart to help you figure out which is right for you.
Check out this table to get a better sense of the type of power you can expect to get from several popular Jackery Power Stations:
Conclusion
Solar generators provide clean, renewable energy as a low-maintenance power source for wherever you need it. Whether that’s in the home, the outdoors, or both. They can be a very worthwhile investment. However, it makes sense to buy the right size for your energy needs.
That’s why Jackery offers solar generators equipped with power stations of various sizes to ensure you find the one that suits your goals and budget. Always keep in mind what devices you are looking to power and for how long.
If you are unsure how much power you need, we hope this article helps you to calculate the right size power station, and consequently, the right size solar generator for you.
For more information on Jackery Solar Generators and the various size power stations they come with, take a look at our solar generators page.
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