Best Solar Generators: Buyers Guide (2023 Updated Review Guide)
This review guide has helped thousands of homeowners save time and money when searching for a reliable, clean source of backup energy that they can use to remain worry free during power outages.
Each product and or company featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Written by Josh Hurst
Writer and editor with more than a decade’s experience in journalism. Josh worked for Christianity Today for seven years, and has contributed to special assignments for Apple Music and iTunes. Josh lives in Knoxville, Tennessee with his wife, Kati, and two sons, Henry and Dylan.While he mainly focuses on musical journalism he is excited to save the earth on article at a time through sustainability best practices articles as well. Learn About This Person
Reviewed by Irma Omerhodzic
Irma joined the EcoWatch team in August 2015. She holds a Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She is a member of Kappa Tau Alpha – a national honor society of journalism. Learn About This Person
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What Are The Best Solar Powered Generators In 2023?
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
There are a number of factors we considered when choosing which solar power generators to recommend, including:
Battery Capacity
Battery storage capacity is an important ranking factor. A greater battery capacity means the generator can store more energy, which ultimately means it will last longer without requiring a recharge. This is measured in watt-hours (Wh).
Power Output
When your generator is up and running, it will put out a certain amount of energy, measured in watts. It’s important to select a generator that offers enough watts for you to power your essential home appliances.
Inverter Rating
The inverter is a critical part of any backup power generator. Basically, this is the component that turns solar energy into AC (alternating current) electricity. Inverter rating, along with battery capacity, determine how much power you can get from your home backup generator.
Expandability
In order for your backup generator to function, you’ll need some way of charging it. And if you plan to rely on solar energy, that means using solar panels.
Expandability means that you can add solar panels to your generator as needed, making it easier to absorb more sunlight for energy. You will typically need a special solar adapter cable to facilitate this, which may need to be purchased separately.
Number of Outlets
How many devices, power tools, or appliances do you need to plug in? The functionality of your backup generator will be determined by how many outlets are available.
The type of outport ports is equally important. The most common types that buyers check for include mobile device charging ports (USB-A and USB-C), AC ports (the normal household wall outlet), and even 12-volt DC ports (what you probably have in your car).
Price
Of course, as you look for the best home backup generator, one of the most crucial considerations of all is your budget. We’ve sought to emphasize generators that offer maximum value.
Based on these criteria, we’ve determined the solar backup generators that offer the most consumer value. Check out our complete list of recommendations below. You can also read our complete review of the best solar energy companies for rooftop home solar systems. If you’re interested in learning more about going solar, fill out the form below to get connected with a local solar installer in your area.
Our Complete Reviews of Solar-Powered Generators
Best Overall: Renogy Lycan Powerbox
Renogy produces several different power stations and chargers, but we especially like the Lycan Powerbox, a solar power solution that’s only a little bit bigger than a suitcase. It comes with an easy-grip handle and heavy-duty wheels, making it one of the most portable solar generators around while still offering 1200W of output, which is enough power for most electronic devices and some appliances.
Why buy: The Lycan Powerbox can provide 1075 watt-hours of continuous power without the noise or fumes associated with gas generators. It offers great portability and includes an LCD display and easy, intuitive controls that allow you to switch between DC power and AC power as needed, as well USB ports and 12 volt car charger ports.
Best All-Purpose: Goal Zero Yeti 6000X
The Yeti 6000X is actually a portable power station that can be used for off-grid camping or powering an RV. With 6,000 watt-hours and two 2000W AC charger ports, it will give you plenty of power for your home. With a home integration kit, it’s easy to use the Goal Zero Yeti 6000X to power essential circuits.
Why buy: Though it isn’t exactly cheap, the Yeti 6000X power station is a great all-purpose backup generator, including a top-of-the-line charge controller and two robust AC outlets that make it easy for you to keep your household essentials up and running. It can even power a full-size refrigerator or microwave.
Best for Camping: Jackery Explorer 1000
The Jackery Explorer 1000 portable power station is one of the best all-around options, equally suited for outdoor activities and for emergency power readiness. Though it’s rated for 1,000 watts, it can actually get closer to 2,000. The lithium battery pack offers a capacity of 1,200 watt-hours, and Jackery’s professional MPPT technology makes it easy to get your unit fully charged in a relatively short span of time (usually just eight hours if you have two panels going).
Why buy: Jackery is one of the leading names in outdoor equipment and in clean energy products. This portable power station is a great pick for campers and can also be a very effective home backup power solution for small appliances and electronics thanks to its pure sine wave inverter AC outlets.
Most Affordable: Westinghouse iGen600s
Westinghouse Outdoor Power
Westinghouse is another company that specializes in solar powered generators, most of which are more ideally suited for camping trips. Their iGen600s portable generator, however, offers a wattage of up to 1,200 peak watts, which can certainly function as a decent emergency backup for certain household appliances and small devices.
Why buy: For a portable yet still very versatile solar generator, Westinghouse is a company to keep on your list. The iGen600 power system can run a mini fridge for up to 42 hours or a CPAP machine for up to 46 hours thanks to its lithium-ion battery that offers 592 Watt-hours of energy and a long battery life.
Fastest Charging: EcoFlow DELTA
The EcoFlow DELTA power station is a wonderfully rugged, dependable backup generator that can help meet your power needs during a blackout. For one thing, the charging time is incredible; you can potentially go from zero to 80 percent in under an hour with a wall outlet. Should you ever find yourself facing a power outage, this is an emergency energy solution you’ll be really thankful for.
Why buy: The DELTA station from EcoFlow offers a lot of value and usability; in particular, it has one of the fastest recharging times of any solar generator, which may be reason enough for you to choose it over the competitors. The DELTA unit offers 13 ports, meaning it’s compatible with pretty much any device or appliance you could ever need to charge.
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.
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).
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.
Specs
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
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)
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)
Why the Titan Solar Generator is a GAME CHANGER:
In a world where natural disasters, power outages, and emergencies are becoming increasingly common, it is crucial to be prepared and self-sufficient. A reliable and sustainable power source is an essential component of any prepping strategy, off-grid living plan and backup power supply. The Titan Solar Generator stands out as a top choice for addressing these needs, offering a range of features that make it an indispensable tool for anyone seeking a dependable and eco-friendly power solution.
Impressive Power Output
The Titan Solar Generator boasts a 3000-watt continuous pure sine wave inverter, providing twice the capacity of many other solar generators on the market. This remarkable power output ensures that you can run essential appliances and devices, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, even during emergencies or while living off the grid. With the Titan Solar Generator, you can maintain a comfortable and safe living environment no matter the circumstances.
Versatile Charging Options
The Titan Solar Generator is designed to accommodate a variety of charging methods, including solar panels, wind power, and standard AC wall chargers. This flexibility allows you to harness multiple energy sources simultaneously, ensuring that your batteries remain charged and ready to use in any situation. The Titan Solar Generator’s ability to accept up to 2,000 watts of solar input also means that your batteries will recharge faster, providing you with more power when you need it most.
Expandable and Modular Battery System
One of the standout features of the Titan Solar Generator is its expandable battery system. Unlike other solar generators with fixed battery capacities, the Titan Solar Generator allows you to easily add or replace battery packs to meet your specific power requirements. This modular design offers unmatched flexibility and ensures that your investment in the Titan Solar Generator remains future-proof.
Portability and Ease of Use
The Titan Solar Generator is designed with portability and ease of use in mind. Its detachable components make it simple to transport, and its intuitive design ensures that you can set up and start using the generator with minimal effort. Whether you’re bugging out during an emergency or setting up a long-term off-grid living situation, the Titan Solar Generator provides a convenient and user-friendly power solution.
Eco-Friendly Power Source
As a solar generator, the Titan Solar Generator is an environmentally friendly power solution that reduces your reliance on non-renewable energy sources. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can minimize your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. This is especially important for those who are prepping or living off the grid, as it enables you to maintain your independence while also promoting environmental responsibility.
The Titan Solar Generator is a must-have for anyone seeking a reliable, powerful, and eco-friendly power solution for their prepping, backup power and off-grid needs. Its impressive power output, versatile charging options, expandable battery system, portability, and eco-friendliness make it an invaluable addition to your emergency preparedness kit or off-grid living plan. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to invest in the Titan Solar Generator and secure a dependable power source for any situation.
For a more in-depth review of the Titan Solar Generator, check out this blog!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Titan Solar Generator:
Can I Charge an Electric Vehicle with the Titan Solar Generator?
You can charge an electric vehicle with the Titan Solar Generator, however you can only use a 120V charger(Level 1). Also as for many electric vehicles, the input needs to have a ground bonded to the neutral (The Titan uses a floating ground). There are adaptors you can buy to plug into the outlet of the Titan to bond the ground and neutral to make this work. This is actually easy to fix with a 10 adapter. However we don’t give electrical advice, so you should talk to a certified electrician to verify this will work safely in your situation.
The other issue is that with a level one charger it will take 4 days (24 hours per day) to charge a Tesla (hybrids like a the Chevy volt will not be nearly as long), and even with 2,000 watts of solar you could only charge for about 4-5 hours per day which means it would take about 19-24 days to charge. This makes it a little impractical to use all the time for a Tesla.
Can I use a Wind Turbine with the Titan Solar Generator?
Yes, you can use a wind turbine with the Titan Solar Generator. There are several ways to use one depending on the turbine.
1- If the output of the turbine is 35-145VDC, you can connect the output directly to one of the MPPT input ports (using an Anderson powerpole connector).
2- If the Turbine has its own charge controller and the Voltage output is for 24V (charges up to 29.2v or lower), you can plug the output of the charge controller into the AC charging port using a red Anderson sb50 plug. If the charge voltage is under 29.2V, the battery (batteries) will not get 100% charged, however, it will not damage the batteries and they should still get charged to 95% or more.
3- If the output of the wind turbine is AC, you will need to convert it to DC voltage in the range of 35-145VDC. This can be done with a bridge rectifier, however, I would suggest contacting your wind turbine manufacturer to see how this would best be done.
Can I use my own solar panels with the Titan Solar Generator?
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 Solar Generator and a Voltage over 145V DC can damage the MPPT controller.
Can I wire my Titan Solar Generator into my home electrical system?
The Titan Solar Generator 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 include the transfer switch to make it impossible to have the grid on at the same time as the Titan Solar Generator. If you don’t do this, you could electrocute a lineman working on the grid, or damage the Titan when the power comes on.
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 as directed in our User Manual.
Can you combine two Titan Solar Generators to get 240V Split Phase power?
Our current Titan Solar Generator does not have this ability, however, the next version we’re working on will have this capability. At this time, we don’t have a definite release date or price for the Titan 2.0. That information will be released closer to our pre-sale.
Do your solar kits include everything I need for the Titan Solar Generator to work?
Yes, all of the Titan kits include everything you need to get your Titan generator working. However, they do not come with solar panel stands or panel mounting hardware. If you are planning to permanently mount rigid panels or using a stand for the flexible panels, you will have to make or purchase those separately.
- (1) Titan solar generator with one 2000 watt hour battery Mc4 extension wires
- Cigarette to SAE wire (for charging from a car)
- MC4 to SAE (for resetting battery with solar)
- MC4 to anderson adapter (for connecting solar panels)
- 30 watt USB adapters (2 with two USB, and 2 with 1 USB, and 1 usbc)
- (1) 20A AC charger (to charge the Titan from an AC outlet)
- (1) User Manual
- branch connectors to wire panels
- Standard 25 feet of solar panel wire with a choice to upgrade to longer wires (50 feet, 75 feet or 100 feet) if needed.
Does the Titan Solar Generator have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?
Our current Titan Solar Generator does not have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, however, our Titan 2.0 will have Bluetooth. We don’t have a specific release date or price for this newer model. information will be released before pre-sale.
Price Guarantee
We care about our customers and want to offer the best available for our top notch products.
Conditions of our 100% Price Match Guarantee:
- The item must be purchased from us before we can match it
- Buy one, get one free offers and Rebates are not eligible
- The item must be in stock on the competitors website
- The competitor must be an online store, not a retail location
- The website can’t be a discounter or auction website ( such as eBay, overstock, etc.)
- The company must be an Authorized Retailer of the product in question
- The Price Match Guarantee is based on the final price of the product including shipping and taxes
- We care about you. We don’t want to just sell you something and never hear from you again. We know that in order to get return business, we need to provide not only good products, but good customer service.
- We’re a family owned business! My wife and I run Wild Oak Trail, and when you buy from our store, you’re actually making a difference to our family!
- We LOVE being prepared. In uncertain times, it feels really good knowing that we have backup power, food and water ready to go!
- We source QUALITY. We expect every one of our customers to be happy with their purchase and tell their friends and family about it!
Zendure Solar Generator
A portable solar generator is a combination of a power station and a solar panel. It can convert sun energy captured by solar panels into electrical power and then stores it in a portable power station for later use. It can provide you with renewable clean energy and reduce your dependence on the electrical grid. In addition, a solar generator is also a reliable and clean power source for campers, RVs, or as an emergency backup if your power goes out.
How Does A Solar Generator Work?
A solar generator works by capturing solar energy with solar panels and storing it in a solar battery or portable power station. Zendure solar generators convert DC into AC electricity to power your devices and appliances both indoors and outdoors.
FAQ
Solar generators work by storing the electricity generated by the solar panels. Solar panels convert solar energy into the free electricity which is stored into the battery in a generator via wires.
Of course, the general high-power appliances ratting is between 800-2000W, so it is recommended to choose Zendure SBPSBV, SBP can output 2000W and SBV can output 3800W ,which can completely meet the needs of high-power equipment in life.
Yes, solar generators are safe than fuel generators. First, solar generators don’t produce harmful gases,such an co.Second, they don’t need fuel oil to generate electricity,which is more environmentally friendly.Third, Zendure’s solar generators have a real-time monitoring BMS battery management system to ensure safety.
Solar generators have many benefits. It can use solar panel to get free electricity, saving you money. It’s also not as noisy as a fuel generator, which doesn’t disturb your life. Solar generators provide a safe, renewable way to keep your equipment and appliances running when you need them. whether during a power off, off-grid or a trips to remote areas. Solar generators are clean, efficient,convenient and versatile, which help clarifying their growing popularity.
The Fuel generator is not only noisy, but also produces harmful gas, which with expensive maintenance is not suitable for indoor use. Solar generator without maintenance is low noise, more portable,small and suitable for indoor use.
Some of our solar generators can be used as UPS. For details, you can ask a customer service help. For example, the SuperBase Pro 2000 can be used as an offline UPS that automatically switches to SBP power supply mode within 13ms when there is a sudden power off.
The devices and appliances you can run depend on the generator’s capacity. Lower wattage generators like the portable Zendure SuperBase M with a 600Wh capacity can power your smaller devices, such as laptops and smartphones. To power larger appliances, like a refrigerator, you will need a higher capacity generator like the SuperBase V, which has a starting capacity of 4.6kWh that you can expand up to 46kWh.
Zendure current solar generators support a variety of charging methods. For example, the SBV 4600 can be recharged by grid ,solar panels,satellite battery，EV charging pile ，car charger and generator.
The recharging time depends on the capacity of the solar generator and the power of the solar panel input. For example,Zendure SuperBasePro 1500 has a capacity of 1500Wh, which takes about 1.6 hours to fully charge with three 400W solar panels in series.
When people talk about the ‘size’ of a solar generator, they generally mean its power capacity. The capacity is most often measured via their wattage. A good rule of thumb is to purchase a generator with almost double the capacity you need to ensure you have sufficient power even during a prolonged blackout.
Depending on the brand and the quality of the battery, you can expect a solar generator to last years. For example, the Zendure SuperBase V4600 uses a state-of-the-art LFP battery, which will last for 6000 cycles before reaching 60% of its original capacity.