6 Best Solar Generator Kits – Reviews and Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Good Solar Generator Kit?
A solar generator kit is an excellent innovation, particularly for those traveling and camping a lot. In general, the best solar generator kit will include everything required for generating and even storing solar energy. Yes, it will have a portable power station, one or more solar power panels, and multi-functional USB Cables. Even, some of these kits come with LED lights. Also, a solar generator part of a good kit can be charged not only from solar panels but even from an AC Outlet.
In the present situation, most of us are aware of the importance of renewable solar energy. Many of us know that this is a green energy source that can stay with us for long. As we use the energy from the sun for charging the portable generators, we can save our power charges as well. Different from a portable inverter generator, with these solar generator kits, we can easily charge our handheld devices on the go.
Quick Summary
Solar generator kits can be used as home back batteries, camping generators, and reliable power supply. It produces clean, rechargeable power that meets your needs on any occasion. Here are high-quality solar generator kits that are worth every dollar you spend:
- Kit with the Quickest Recharging Generator: 1260Wh Delta Solar Generator With 110W Solar Panel from EF Ecoflow
- The most portable kit: 2 x SolarSaga 100W, Explorer 1000 and Solar Generator 1000 from Jackery
- The safest solar generator kit: Generark Solar Generator and Solar Panel
- Best Solar Panel Kit with LCD Light: BLUETTI AC50S 500Wh Portable Power Station with Solar Panel
- The best kit with super long lifecycle: BLUETTI AC200P Portable Power Station with Solar Panel
Top Rated Solar Generator Kits
Now, you will be interested in getting into our solar generator kit reviews of the top 6 options that we have shortlisted:
1. Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Generator 1500 and 1800W Generator Explorer 1500
Yes, you have guessed it right. Not only solar generator, this kit has solar panels part of it. So, you need not have to buy them separately. As everything is part of this kit, you can quickly start generating and even you can store the power generated by the panels into the portable power station.
You should consider the capacity of the solar power station part of any solar kit before buying. With its 1800 wattage and 1534 Wh Capacity, this kit will help with powering most of your appliances. Not only practical handheld devices, you can use this kit for powering up even larger appliances like refrigerators, AC units, electric microwave ovens and electric stoves.
At the same time, you can use the portable power station part of this kit to power 7 devices. You can plug your appliances and phones into the Jackery Explorer 1500. The reason is that it comes with different outlets to comfortably support your outdoor life. Not just for outdoor use, you can use this kit for powering up your home during power outages.
The 4 SolarSaga solar panels part of this kit uses Solarpeak Technology. It will help with boosting nearly 30% more recharging efficiency. With the power station and panels part of this kit, you can stay confident about owning limitless solar power around your home and during your outdoor adventures.
Pros:
- Quick charging with 4 hours to 80% from solar panels to the generator.
- Utmost solar efficiency
- Upgraded MPPT Controller
- Battery Management System protects the Explorer 1500 with 6 layers of protection.
Cons:
- The portable power station has only two USB-A ports.
- A bit on the expensive side.
Related: 10 Best Jackery Portable Power Stations Reviews
2. 1260Wh Delta Solar Generator With 110W Solar Panel from EF Ecoflow
When it comes to battery-powered generators, the EcoFlow Delta power station that is part of this kit has set a new standard. The reason is that it has been designed to stay compatible with a wide range of devices. Irrespective of the time and place you need, you can stay powered once this power station is fully charged.
One of the biggest advantages of this kit is that the generator part of this unit can be recharged from 0-80% just within an hour. With a total capacity of 1260Wh and 6 AC outlets with a total of 1800W of the generator, you can use this solar generator kit for charging many devices. You will be surprised to know that you can power up nearly 13 devices at the same time with this generator. It assures the fastest recharge via solar panels and even from cars.
The power panel part of this kit is the EcoFlow 110W Solar panel. It has been made up of the most efficient monocrystalline silicon cells. It means that with this panel, you can recharge your Delta generator part of this kit and even you can recharge your electrical devices. The good thing about this panel is that it is compatible with most generators in the market. The panel comes with a kickstand and it is portable and foldable as well. Further, it has been created as a durable and waterproof panel.
Pros:
- Facility to recharge 13 devices simultaneously
- The quickest charging generator
- Charges 0-80% in one hour and remaining 20% in 0.6 hours.
- Panels compatible with most solar generators
- Durable and waterproof panels.
Cons:
- Cable for charging the generator from the solar panel is short.
RELATED: Best EcoFlow Portable Power Stations Reviews
RELATED: Best EcoFlow Solar Generators Reviews
3. 2 x SolarSaga 100W, Explorer 1000 and Solar Generator 1000 from Jackery
This is one of the best solar generator kits from Jackery because it has a lot included. Yes, it has the Solar Generator 1000 and two packs of Solar Panels of 100W each named SolarSaga. With these parts, this kit aims at developing convenient, quiet and green energy solutions for your needs.
With 1000W running wattage, larger 1002Wh capacity and 2000W surge wattage, this kit features three Pure Sine Wave AC outlets. Also, it has a quick charge 3.0 port along with a couple of USB type C ports. So, it can help you charge not only your mobile devices but also your home appliances like a coffee maker and a refrigerator. Even, the pan features one USB-A and one USB-c port each.
With its MPPT Controller, this generator can get the utmost efficiency when it is solar charged. Apart from charging through the solar panels part of this kit, you can charge the solar generator using your car outlet and wall outlet too.
The Explorer 1000 power station that is part of this solar generator kit comes with a larger capacity and higher wattages. It carries 2000W surge power, 1000W rated power and 1002Wh lithium battery capacity. Also, it carries multiple output ports with three AC outlets, one DC carport, and a couple of USB and USB-C ports each. It means that you can power your electric grill, computers and cameras with this solar generator. It weighs just 22lbs and also its easy-carry handle makes it travel-friendly.
Pros:
- Wide range of ports to charge and power many devices.
- Impressive endurance and huge capacity
- The generator has 6 protective layers for safely charging and discharging
- SolarSaga has a longer life span with ETFE Material.
Cons:
- The solar panel is not waterproof and weather-proof
Related: 5 Best Jackery Solar Generators Reviews
4. Generark Solar Generator and Solar Panel
This solar bundle has been created by Generark as a portable and versatile kit for a dependable power supply for homes. This kit comes with a HomePower One backup battery power station. Also, it includes SolarPower One Solar Panel. It has been designed in such a way that the kit can provide you with a continual emergency power supply to not only charge your electrical appliances but also to operate your home appliances just in case of a power outage during an emergency.
This kit has passed industry-leading reliability and safety tests and it has been designed with electric-vehicle-grade battery cells. To ensure the best safety to users, each unit undergoes 52 safety and reliability tests and comes with a 5-year warranty.
With a 1002Wh or 278400mAh battery, this kit can provide a power supply for up to 7 days to your crucial home appliances and devices after a single charge. The power station part of this kit has three AC Outlets with Pure Sine Wave. At 110V, it can support a 2000W power surge and 1000W rated power. Each panel in this kit emits 100W of power for up to 200W power output. In turn, the power station can recharge your appliances quickly.
Also, the kit has a couple of USB-C outputs and 2 USB-A ports with one of them supporting Qualcomm Quick Charge. Also, it has a car outlet with a 12V/10A battery. You have different options to power the solar generator. Yes, you can recharge it from your AC, car outlet or even using the SolarPower One panel that is part of this kit.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable panels with adjustable kickstand
- Easy setup within 30 seconds
- Safety assured with multiple tests.
- 32-cells solar panel ensures 50% higher efficiency.
Cons:
- The power generated by this kit is not enough to power a refrigerator.
RELATED: 10 Best RV Generators Reviews and Buying Guide
5. AC50S 500Wh Portable Power Station with Solar Panel from Bluetti
This kit encompasses a 500Wh/300W portable power station and a 120W solar panel. As the kit has regulated 12V DC Output, it can run your 12V Appliances without any reduction. Also, the kit can help you power your phones, laptops, cameras and power drones. Apart from charging via the solar panel included, you can recharge the solar generator part of this kit using the AC wall output and Car charge as well.
This kit part of our solar generator kit reviews will help you keep your gears running not only outdoors but also indoors. With a large battery capacity of 500Wh, the generator part of this kit has been designed to provide you with a backup power supply in the case of a power failure in your home or even when you are outdoors off-grid. You can use this generator for charging different electronic appliances or you can also use it for powering different home appliances. You can power appliances under 300W. The lightweight and compact design make it a friendly companion when you camp.
The unique feature of this generator is that it has an LED lighting setup to light up your camping site. You can get three modes of lighting with this facility. You can keep the light full-bright, SOS flash or half-bright option. Changing the mode is also easy just by pressing the LED lighting button. You can get broader coverage of illumination at night with this light. The 11 output ports in this generator help you power different devices. The LCD screen in the generator will help you know the level of battery available and the level charged when you recharge the generator. It has two AC 220V-240V outlets, a couple of DC 12V/3A outlets, one DC 12V/10A cigarette lighter, 4 USB-A 5V/3A ports, and one 45W Type-C port.
The battery management system in this solar generator ensures low-battery protection, temperature control, voltage control, and short-circuit protection.
Pros:
- The solar panel part of this kit comes with high-qualified monocrystalline silicon cells.
- The panel is easy to clean using a wet cloth and it is scratch-proof and durable
- ETFE lamination ensures better light transmittance as well.
- The panel has a foldable design with a handle and it weighs only 9.48lbs.
Cons:
- It can power appliances of less than 300W alone.
Related: 10 Bluetti Portable Power Stations Reviews
6. AC200P Portable Power Station with Solar Panel from Bluetti
The Bluetti AC200P Power Station is a high-power solar power station with a large capacity. It can power your appliances irrespective of whether you are at home or outdoors. When at home, it will come in handy during power outages. With its huge capacity of 2000Wh and high AC inverter load and surge load, this generator has been designed for powering your high-power devices. Yes, unlike other portable solar generators, it can help with powering your coffee makers, kettle, drill, window AC units, and even electric grills.
With quality and safety as the top priority, this unit is powered by a LiFePo4 battery cell. Also, it has a higher discharge rate and impresses with its super-long life cycle.
Pros:
- Multiple outputs of AC and DC Ports
- Five flexible ways to recharge
- Smart touch display
Cons:
- Not powerful for full home electrical loads.
Related: 5 Best Bluetti Solar Generators Reviews
What Is Solar Generator Kit?
A solar generator kit is a combination of tools that will help with not only harvesting solar energy but also storing this energy and converting it into usable electricity. The good thing about the best solar generator kit is that it is portable, durable, plug and play and most importantly, it is free of maintenance. In terms of clean energy, it offers better options than other normal portable electric generators, such as dual fuel generators, gas-powered generators, and portable propane generators.
Above, you can scale a good unit based on your power needs. These kits are simple machines that work because of the combination of 6 different components. They are:
1. Portable solar panels – They gather the solar energy
2. Solar charge controller – It will control the solar charge generated by the panels
3. Battery – A battery will store the energy stored
4. AC/DC inverter – An inverter will convert the solar energy into usable AC energy
5. Case – A case will help with carrying all the components of the kit safely together for power generation when you camp outdoors.
6. Breakers and electrical wiring: These are required for distributing the power generated to power your devices.
Presently, with the increasing energy costs, most of us know that a solar generator is an excellent investment to save on energy costs. But, how does this kit work? Let us find out here:
How Does A Solar Generator Kit Work?
The power generation work in a portable power station starts with solar panels. They are responsible for gathering the energy from the sun and converting the sunlight into Direct Current. Then, the generated power is passed through the charge controller. It is the charge controller that regulates the voltage of the electricity. Then, it sends the electricity into the battery that takes care of the power storage task. Nowadays, most solar generator kits come with lithium-ion batteries.
When you need the energy stored in the battery to be used, the inverter does the job of converting the energy into usable alternating or AC power. The best solar generator kit will also have generators with USB ports, AC outlets, and 12V carports to permit you to charge different devices.
Now, you might think why you need a kit and you can shop for a solar generator alone. But, the thing to remember here is that when you go camping or when there is a frequent power outage in your area, a kit with solar panels attached will help you. These camping solar generators should be lighter and easier to carry.
Yes, the solar panels will attract energy from the sunlight. But, you cannot power your devices directly from the solar panels as they get the energy as Direct Current that cannot help with charging your devices. There should be a charge controller in the panel to control the DC current. Also, you need an inverter to convert the energy into usable AC power to power your devices. Also, these three units cannot alone store the generated power. So, for energy storage so that you can use it later, a battery is essential. All these requirements can be met by a solar generator kit.
Are you still not convinced about opting for a portable power station powered by solar energy? Then, you understand its benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Solar Generator Kits?
1. Everything Included for Solar Power Generation
When you build a portable power station yourself, you will have to shop for a generator, camping solar panels, controller, battery, and wires separately. But, thanks to solar generator kits. They have everything included for generating and even using solar power that is converted into AC power. So, you can start powering your electrical appliances quickly without having to spend time gathering each component required.
2. Panel Compatibility Ensured
When you build a solar generator yourself, you will have to check and buy one or more solar panels compatible with the generator. But, when you buy the best solar generator kit, you can get the compatible panel together. So, you need not have to worry about finding a compatible solar panel for your generator.
3. Bulk Pricing
Another important advantage of a solar generator kit is that you can get it in bulk pricing. When you buy each component required for generating solar power, you will have to spend a lot. But, as the kit has every component included, you can save money as well.
4. Clean and quiet operation
When you choose a portable fuel generator (such as a gas-powered generator, dual fuel inverter generator, portable propane generator), you know that the noise produced by these conventional generators will be more. But, solar generators are popular for clean and quiet operations. They are clean because they rely on the sun’s energy and do not produce harmful substances to the environment as done by gas and diesel generators. So, if you are conscious about the environment, you will find a solar-based portable power station a good investment though.
5. Flexibility and Convenience
A solar generator kit is also known for convenience and flexibility. The reason is that it will generally be smaller and lightweight. It means that you can carry a kit to any location easily. Above all, they come in cases that you can easily carry. If you plan for a camping trip or if you plan to host a birthday party of your kids outdoors, you will find this kit to be the best companion. The solar generators for RV can meet your electricity needs at any place once the generator part of this kit is fully charged. It can power small speakers, radios and lamps and even your small gadgets and cameras. Even when you are on a backpacking trip, this portable generator will come in handy to keep your mobile phone and camera fully charged to take some stunning pictures.
6. Customization Option
Your needs when it comes to generating power using the best solar generator kit will differ from that of your friend. Understanding this, most manufacturers of these kits offer customization options. For instance, you can go for add-ons to improve the power generation capability of these kits. For instance, you can add more solar panels. Even, you can add solar lights and fans to these kits to help during power outages when you are at home.
Now, with these benefits known, you might be wondering how to buy the best solar generator kit? Let us find out here:
How to Choose Solar Generator Kit?
1. Estimate your Needs
You can start your shopping for the right kit once you estimate your needs rightly. Let us consider that you are planning to buy this kit for camping. Your energy needs, in this case, will be as follows:
Energy needs when camping:
- 2 LED Lights of 10W power to be lit for 6 hours: In this case, the total energy requirement will be 120 Wh.
- 2 tablets and phones of 30W for three hours – 90Wh
- A drone and a speaker of 30W for two hours – 60Wh
- A laptop of 60W for three hours – 180Wh
- A mini fan of 10W for five hours – 50Wh
- A mini cooler of 60W for eight hours – 300Wh
In this case, the total power required is 200W and the total daily energy consumption will be 800Wh. In this way, you should calculate your energy requirements before you shortlist a solar generator kit based on its capacity.
2. Consider the Type of Solar Panel Used
When you intend to buy a solar generator kit, it will have one or more solar panels included. Here, the thing to remember is that different types of solar panels are available in the market. Having an idea about these types will help you arrive at an informed decision:
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
This is the best of all three types of solar panels. So, kits with these panels will naturally cost you more. The good thing about this type is that it will yield a nearly 15-20 percent higher efficiency rate. Also, this type of solar panel can operate better in high-temperature situations.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
This type is known for a 13-16 percent efficiency rate. Also, it can perform slightly lesser in high temperatures as compared to the above type. The difference between the above type and this type is that the above type is made using a single crystal, while this type is made using many crystals. This type will be less expensive as compared to the above type, but a bit lower in quality than the previous type.
Thin Film Solar Panels
This type of solar panel is generally known to be less convenient and less efficient as compared to the other two types. It can yield a relatively lower-efficiency rate of between 7 and 13 percent. However, this type will be the cheapest of the other two types.
3. Battery Capacity
When you intend to buy the best solar generator kit, you should know the battery storage capacity of the kit. As a solar battery charger, the kit should have a higher capacity, which means that the generator can keep your devices running for a longer period before they should be recharged. So, look for the highest battery capacity possible considering your budget.
4. Know the Watt Hour Rating
Watts is the amount of power that a generator can output at the same time. We calculated your power requirement as 200W and daily energy consumption of 800Wh in the example above. In this case, you should check whether the solar generator can meet this requirement. When you know the Watt Hour (Wh) rating of the generator, you can judge how long it can supply you with the required power. The battery size will actually decide how long the generator can power your devices.
5. Recharge or input rate from AC/DC and Solar
This value is generally measured in Watts. Apart from how long the portable power station can power your devices, you should also consider how long it will take to recharge itself. Let us consider that you are looking to continuously run many of your electronic devices using solar energy. In this case, you should find a generator rated to swiftly charge your battery using solar panels. In general, most solar generators take a longer time to charge from solar panels as compared to AC/DC input. But, some units assure quicker charging from solar panels too. So, based on your requirement, you should decide on this factor.
Just in case, you plan to charge the solar generator at home by plugging it into the wall socket before you hit an outdoor camping trip, it is better to consider the charging time via an AC outlet. The high-efficiency charging system in both these cases can ensure a better user experience for sure.
6. Inverter Rating
Inverter rating is an essential factor to consider when you buy a portable power station. Let us consider that you opt for a kit with a low inverter rating. If this is the case, you might not be able to use the kit to charge high-wattage appliances and devices. So, if you plan to power bigger devices with this kit, it is better to check that the inverter rating goes with the wattage of items that you plan to power.
7. Portability
Of course, you plan to buy a solar generator kit and no other type of generator mainly because you plan to use it wherever you want. So, portability is an essential feature to consider. Nowadays, most of these kits come not just compact but are neatly cased such that you can carry them as briefcases or backpacks and can use them in places with better solar energy when you camp. Do not forget to know the total weight of the kit so that you can judge whether you can carry it with ease.
8. Surge Power Capacity
When you shop for a solar generator, it is better to look for the surge pure sine wave inverter rating. You can know the utmost power capacity that you can get from the system instantly from this value. This requirement mainly arises from refrigerators or motors that can face an instant electric power surge that lasts only for a few milliseconds.
Apart from these things, added features will always make the best solar generator kit. So, when you compare look for additional features like integrated fuses, BMS protection, integrated flashlight, quick charging capacity and surge protection for sine wave inverter.
Conclusion
From these solar generator kit reviews, you might have got an idea of these two units. However, if you need the list to be even shorter, here are a few:
- Best for powering bigger appliances: Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Generator 1500 and 1800W Generator Explorer 1500
- Best solar generator kit with lights: AC50S 500Wh Portable Power Station with Solar Panel from Bluetti
- Quickest recharging kit: 1260Wh Delta Solar Generator With 110W Solar Panel from EF Ecoflow.
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