10 Best Solar Generators – Reviews and Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Solar Generator?
A good generator can help you keep electrical appliances running smoothly in your home. It will particularly be helpful during a power outage. When you choose one of the best solar generators, you can gain satisfaction. The satisfaction is that you are using renewable and clean energy from the sun to power up your home. On contrary, diesel and gas generators burn fossil fuels. These are highly noisy in operation besides spewing harmful emissions into the environment.
Solar-powered generators work alongside solar panels for providing automatic backup power to your home. Not only during power outages at your home, but these generators can also help you power up your appliances when you are off the grid camping. The best solar generators work when a solar panel changes sunlight into a direct current or DC. The power it generates will pass through the charge controller. Then, the generator will store the power generated inside the battery. The electricity is then changed by the inverter into accessible AC power.
Quick Summary
If you plan for a portable power station in your home, solar-powered generators that perform at the best in different angles are available in the market. We have reviewed the top 10 and here is a brief on how they specialize:
- The best quick charging generator: ECOFLOW DELTA 1260Wh Solar Generator with 110W Solar Panel
- The best generator for powering most of our kitchen appliances: RIVER Pro 720Wh Portable Power Station with 160W Solar Panel from ECOFLOW
- The best for pass-through charging: Explorer 1000, Solar Generator 1000 and 2X SolarSaga 100W from Jackery
- The best generator that takes the biggest input: SolarSaga 100W 1800W Generator Explorer 1500 Generator from Jackery
- The most durable generator: AC200P Portable Power Station with 2000W Solar Panel from BLUETTI
- The best generator For quickly recharging your laptops and smartphones: AC50S 500Wh Solar Generator with Solar Panel from BLUETTI
- The best solar generator for homes: Generark Solar Generator For Homes
- Good solar station with aesthetic appeal: 100W Solar Panel with 300W Power Station Portable from ROCKPALS
- Generator with excellent battery management system: FlashFish 300W Solar Generator
- The best generator with tough exteriors: Yeti 500X Outdoor Solar Generator Portable Power Station from Goal Zero
Top Rated Solar Generators
Now, you know how these top portable power stations for house stand out from the rest. Let us get into a more detailed review and evaluate their pros and cons now:
1. ECOFLOW DELTA 1260Wh Solar Generator with 110W Solar Panel
This generator is offered as a complete kit with not only the generator and its accessories but also 110W foldable portable solar panels and their accessories. Are you wondering why this product is one of the top options on our list? It is the best when it comes to the quick charging feature. Yes, the generator can be charged from 0 to 80% just with an hour. Are you wondering how this is possible for this generator? It is powered by the patented X-Stream technology from Ecoflow. This technology powers the Delta to be charged at 10 times the speed of most power stations out there. Above all, it does this charging with a standard AC Cable without any brick-like bulky adaptor. The MPPT Controller also ensures quicker charging.
This unit has been designed especially for charging mini space heaters, mini-coolers, laptops, and other outdoor electronic appliances. It has four USB-A, two USB-C, and 6 AC outlets. Also, it has 1 carport for powering the car fridge or vacuum cleaner. With this generator, you can power up 13 devices simultaneously. The chainable feature of this kit allows you to connect 4 of EcoFlow 110W solar panels. You can do this using the MC4 cable. With this feature, you can produce more power with the panel.
Pros:
- Encompasses 4 30W Monocrystalline panels
- Made using durable waterproof IP67
- High conversion efficiency of up to 22%
- Quicker charging
- Recharges 13 devices simultaneously
Cons:
- It is very temperature-dependant.
2. RIVER Pro 720Wh Portable Power Station with 160W Solar Panel from ECOFLOW
This portable generator can power a maximum of 10 devices at the same time. This becomes possible because of the multiple outlets it houses including three pure sine wave AC outlets. The total rated wattage of the AC outlets that this unit powers should be under 600W. With a weight of only 16.8 lbs, this unique unit offers up to 720Wh power, which enables adventure on the go for users like you. You can charge it completely within 1.6 hours.
It comes with a built-in 600W inverter. So, it can make devices functional up to 1800W. This becomes possible because of X-Boost mode. This feature ensures that you can power nearly 80% of essential devices including DIY tools and kitchen appliances. Also, this unit has a high conversion efficiency of between 21 and 22%. Even, it helps with improved solar charging on cloudy and cold days by combining it with a 160W solar panel. It is water-resistant with an IP67 rating. The unique feature of this unit is the one-piece design that makes it a friendly companion for outdoor uses. To prolong the life of the unit, it comes with ETFE film that provides additional protection against UV light.
Pros:
- Solar charge control takes care of real-time monitoring
- Three AC Outlets
- X-Boost Technology to power most kitchen appliances
- Compact and portable design
Cons:
- The 12V Car Cable’s performance is not satisfactory
3. Explorer 1000, Solar Generator 1000 and 2X SolarSaga 100W from Jackery
This is one of the best among the solar panel kits because it has an impressive endurance associated with a massive capacity. With this capacity, this unit can power a full-size refrigerator, blanket, electric grill, a heater and even your television. It can also meet your other outdoor and household electricity needs. The Explorer 1000 comes with three standards Pure Sine Wave AC Outlets. They will provide more power for your appliances and devices.
As against other kits, the unique feature of this kit is that it supports pass-through charging while protecting your battery life. Also, it gets protection in 6 layers with the Battery Management System that the unit uses. Further, this unit gets higher light transmittance capability with its durable ETFE material. It provides the utmost solar efficiency and comes with an upgraded MPPT Controller. When it is charged through solar power, this generator can get the utmost efficiency. However, it is possible to charge it through other sources like car outlets and wall outlets. It comes with foldable solar panels with a kickstand for easily gathering the sun’s energy. Solar panels are also equipped with USB ports to recharge your mobile devices.
Pros:
- Professional MPPT Technology ensures quicker charging
- Compact and portable design
- Multiple output ports
- Higher wattages and larger capacity
- High conversion efficiency
- Solar panel with kickstand
Cons:
- The solar panel is not waterproof
4. SolarSaga 100W 1800W Generator Explorer 1500 Generator from Jackery
As a layman, you might not be aware of the time and position that can bring the biggest input to your home backup battery. This is where this generator can help you. Yes, it has been designed with Solarpeak Technology. This technology helps this unit to truly identify the biggest input available in real-time. In turn, it can maximize power extraction. As a result, you can recharge the battery from 0-80% within just four hours. The algorithm of Solarpeak technology helps with maximizing, monitoring and identifying the greatest possible inputs available.
You will feel impressed to know that this unit comes with a massive 1534Wh capacity along with 1800 running wattage. In turn, it can power nearly 85% of your appliances including refrigerators, microwaves, power tools, lights, home devices and even it can meet other larger power demands. For multiple charging from this generator, it is equipped with one 12V carport, one USB-A port, a Quick Charge 3.0 port, a PD 60W USB-C port and three AC Pure Sine Wave AC outlets. The generator comes with a high conversion efficiency of 23% and it also has a USB C port and USB=A port to help charge your mobile devices easily.
Pros:
- Easy to setup
- Intuitive interface
- Comes in handy for emergencies and CPAPs
- Gets the biggest input from solar energy
Cons:
- The charging time is longer
5. AC200P Portable Power Station from Bluetti
This solar kit comes with 3 camping solar panels and they are of 200W capacity and foldable. These panels are made of high-quality monocrystalline silicon cells. They are 5% higher efficiency as compared to traditional monocrystalline. Above all, the panels feature ETFE lamination, thereby ensuring the better transmission of light. Also, this feature makes them more durable and scratch-proof. Above all, you can easily clean the panels using a wet cloth. The panels come with a handle and weigh only 14.3 lbs, thereby making them easy to carry and place in an area that provides the utmost sun exposure when you camp. The kickstands part of these panels ensures that you can adjust the stands with ease for better absorption of the sun’s energy.
With the importance of safety and stability, Bluetti has made this generator with a built-in LiFePO4 battery cell. This feature ensures that the generator can get super long life cycles at 80%. The power station supports dual AC Adapter fast recharge with a total of 800W capacity. To easily connect the panels and the power generator, this unit comes with a solar charging cable. Also, as the power station has a built-in MPPT Controller, you need not have to buy it separately.
Pros:
- Rugged design ensures durability
- Advanced Battery Technology
- Better Battery Capacity
- High Power Output
- 3500 charging cycles
Cons:
- The LCD screen is hard to read when outdoors
6. AC50S 500Wh Solar Generator With Solar Panel from Bluetti
Among the solar generators, this is the best for recharging your laptops and smartphones because it has a USB Type C output with 45W of power. It also has a plate for charging your devices wirelessly. You can charge this unit either using an auto adapter, a solar adapter or an AC Adapter. Also, it can be charged using a 120W Solar panel, which will take around 4-5 hours for charging. It has LED lights that can provide both static and SOS illumination. It has been designed using flame-retardant and soft glue design. These features ensure better durability.
For safety reasons, this unit features a management system. This system takes care of short-circuiting, overcurrent and overcharging. It actually prevents these things from happening to your battery. The system uses Ternary Lithium NMC Nickel-Manganese Cobalt Battery, which is ultra-safe to use. It has a module that functions as the utmost power point tracker or MPPT. This technology speeds-up the solar charging by about 40%. The solar panel in this kit has been made using monocrystalline silicon cells. They make sure that the panels have 5% higher efficiency as compared to traditional cells.
Pros:
- This kit has solar panels with a foldable design and is easy to handle
- Kickstands to enable the right absorption of solar energy
- The powerful generator charges within 5-6 hours.
- In the case of better sunlight, it will charge even quickly.
- LED Lighting presence
Cons:
- The handles give a flimsy feel
7. Solar Generator for Homes from Generark
This solar-powered generator for homes has been designed to provide 7 days of emergency power supply to homes for a family of one to two people. It can generate 1000-2000W at 110V power. It brings the most reliable emergency power supply to homes with industry=leading reliability and safety features. Even though it has been designed to meet the off-grid power needs of homes, it uses electrical-vehicle-grade battery cells. Every unit from Generark undergoes 52 safety and dependability tests and comes with a 5-year limited warranty. The portable power station has a 1002Wh or 278400 mAH battery. So, it can power up your crucial home appliances and devices after a single charge.
Generark power generator has three AC outlets that use pure-sine waves. Also, the generator supports 1000W-rated power and 2000W surge power at 110V. To ensure better compatibility with devices, it has 2 USB-C ports, 1 USB-A port with 5V/2.4A, and one more USB-A port with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 along with a car outlet with 12V/10A. You can recharge this generator from your AC or car outlet or with solar power using the solar panel that is part of this set.
Pros:
- 30-Second Hassle-free setup
- Foldable panel with lightweight and portable design
- The solar panel has a kickstand for hassle-free sun exposure
- Can provide power supply immediately in any emergency.
Cons:
- When charging, the battery gets hot
8. Portable Power Station 300W with Solar Panel 100W from Rockpals
The latest Rockpals 300 is one of the best solar generators because it is equipped with a 280Wh lithium-ion battery pack. The pack is efficient enough to power up your iPhone 12 about 28-29 times. In the same way, it can charge your iPad Mini about 14 times. In the case of a 12” MacBook, it can handle around 5-6 charges. To your surprise, it can also power up your mini car refrigerator with a capacity of 40W for about 5-6 hours after a single charge. How about Gopro? It can be charged about 40 times with this generator. Not just for home use, this generator can also meet all your camping needs and emergencies as it can be charged with the solar panel 100W that can take charge from the sun when you camp.
This power station features a pure sine wave 110 AC outlet along with a carport. When it comes to powering your CPAP, you can use a DC converter that you will have to buy separately and not part of this pack. It also has one QC Charge 3.0 USB, two USB 3.1A, a couple of DC Ports and one USB-C PD output port. All these ports can help you recharge your smaller devices.
Pros:
- The solar panel has been made using waterproof fabric material
- The generator has a handle for easy carrying
- You can charge the generator in three different ways
- Provides power for emergency needs
- USB Smart Charging Technology in solar panel
- Solar Panel with high conversion efficiency
Cons:
- The solar charging of the generator takes time
9. FlashFish 300W Solar Generator
This portable power station does not come with a solar panel and you will have to get it separately. However, the 50W or 60W solar panels from FlashFish work well with this generator for charging it. Not only from solar panels but also you can recharge this generator through wall outlet and carport. Using a 60W AC adapter, it will take around 5-6 hours to fully charge this generator from a wall socket. When you use a 12V/24V carport, it will take around 6-7 hours to charge. The charging will consume the same time even when you recharge this generator using a solar panel. This generator is the best when it comes to generators with the best battery management system. The reason is that it offers over-temperature, low-voltage, over-charging, over-current, and short-circuit protection.
This generator offers 222Wh backup power for powering Christmas lights, fans, television, laptop, tablet and CPAP Machine using the 110V AC outlets. The 12V DC Ports can help with powering a car charger, car air fan, a car refrigerator, and even a car vacuum. When you take the case of USB ports, they can help with charging your camera, MP3, iPad, drones, and phones. Further, FlashFish 300 weighs only 5.73 lb and it is small as well, thereby making it the best addition to your fishing gear and camping. As this generator has a lot of output ports, it can help with charging 9 devices simultaneously.
Pros:
- The best and dependable battery management system
- Big capacity to fulfill your power demand during a weekend trip
- Three different output ports
- Convenient three-way charging
Cons:
- A solar panel has to be bought separately
10. Yeti 500X Portable Power Station from Goal Zero
This portable power station for house comes with a 505Wh portable lithium battery. It is equipped with the latest charging technology that includes a high-speed power delivery port. This port is capable of charging phones, mirrorless cameras, tablets and USB-C laptops in a fraction of time. Not only for home essentials but also you can keep everything from camping essentials to camera gear charged with this power station. Even, you can keep your medical devices charged with this unit. With its rugged and durable construction, you can ensure that this power generator will stay with you for longer. When you are at home, you do not know when can unpredictable power-offs happen. However, you can stay prepared with this power generator at your home.
To power anything and anywhere, this generator has many ports. For instance, you will find a couple of 120V AC inverters, one USB-C and USB-C PD ports each and two USB-A ports. You can charge this generator through an 8mm AC charger or USB-C PD Port. All GZ solar panels from Goal Zero will charge this generator. But, you will have to buy panels separately.
Pros:
- Tough exteriors to withstand outdoor usage
- Uses the highest quality batteries for durability
- Quickly charges using solar energy
Cons:
- Solar panels not included
What is Solar Generator?
Technically speaking, a solar generator is a solar solution that brings together solar panels and a portable power station. This generator can convert the energy from the sun that the panels capture into electrical power. Once, the power is converted into electrical power, it is then stored by the device in a power station such that it can be used later. The good thing about the power generated by this device is that it is clean and dependable for emergency backup, RVs and campers. Even it will be helpful in homes when the power goes off for an extended period.
On a wide scope, the term solar generator can refer to any technology that is capable of being powered by the energy from the sun. Nevertheless, people often use this term for referring to a portable power station setup. In most instances, the best solar generator will be portable and will not encompass any moving component. This device essentially encompasses a solar panel battery, solar panels and an inverter along with a battery charger. The solar panels that are part of these devices capture the power from the sun and store the captured power in a battery that is part of the generator.
How Does Solar Generator Work?
When talking about this power generator, you can find the answer to the question of how it works by understanding the parts of this system. Also, you should understand how they work with the other components to generate power.
- Battery: A solar-based portable power station will have to store the energy it captures for later use. This work of storing the energy is handled by the battery part of this system. Nowadays, most generators use lithium-ion batteries. However, you can also find systems with lead-acid batteries. The former can bring you better benefits as compared to the latter. Also, in the long run, the former will help you save money.
- Charge Controller: When you get solar panel kits, they will have everything required for solar power generation. Among them, a charge controller will be part of the generator and it will be present within the system in most cases. The main role of this component is to safeguard the battery to ensure longevity. Based on the battery type in the generator, charge controllers have varied characteristics for discharging and charging. You can call this component to be the brain of the entire unit.
- Inverter: The inverter in a generator takes care of the task of converting the low DC it gets from the battery into AC. You might be aware that only AC can power different AC appliances in your home.
To be precise, a solar generator will work by capturing energy from the sun. Solar panels take care of the capturing of energy, while the built-in battery helps with safeguarding the power for later use. Before the stored energy is let into the house for powering your appliances, the act of converting the DC into AC energy is handled by an inverter. When all these components are brought together, they can bring up a portable generator.
What Are the Benefits of Solar Generators?
1. No Fuel
When you choose a portable generator that relies on the sun’s energy, you need not have to feel concerned about buying fuel. So, you do not have to keep stock of diesel at home or when you camp, which is the case only for diesel-powered conventional generators. Of course, you will have to keep recharging this generator by gathering energy from the sun by keeping the panels charged.
2. Noise-less Operation
Have you used conventional fuel-powered generators? If so, you might have noticed the noise they produce. But, the good thing about a solar generator is that it will operate without creating any noise pollution. As there is no moving part in this generator, it does not create any noise. The only noise you will hear is the noise that the inverter creates, which will be minimal as well.
3. Free Energy from the Sun
When you use the best solar generator, you will be harnessing the energy from the sun for free. So, you need not have to spend on fuel. The sun will continue to power your generator free of charge for your lifetime.
4. Environmental Safety
As responsible citizens, we are accountable for keeping the environment as clean as possible. So, if you are environment-conscious, one of the important benefits you can expect from a power generator that relies on solar energy is that it is green energy. Unlike gasoline, diesel, and other fuels, it does not harm the environment.
5. Low-Maintenance Power Source
A solar-based portable power station will help you save a lot as you need not have to deal with maintenance needs, which is common in gasoline-powered generators. In modern generators, you need not have to change fuel switches, air filters, and spark plugs.
6. Means to Off-Set Power Consumption
When you have solar panel kits in your home, you can use them at any time for off-setting energy consumption. You can do this irrespective of whether it is in your home or commercial establishment.
7. Smart Long-Term Investment
One of the biggest benefits of solar panels is that investing in them is a smart move. Naturally, your initial investment will be more. But, in the long run, you will experience a lot of savings as you need not have to maintain these units. Also, you need not spend money to get solar energy. Above all, nowadays, these generators are made durable and sturdy to stay with you longer.
8. Multiple Power Sources
Do you think that a solar-based portable generator should be charged only from the sun’s energy? If so, it is a misconception. During winter seasons, some generators provide the option to recharge from your regular electrical sources. So, the multiple power sources make them a viable choice in all seasons.
Apart from these reasons, the portable power generation capability of these generators, wherever you go makes them the best choice. Also, they will help you meet your sustainability goals without spending much.
How to Choose a Solar Generator?
You can get your intention of finding the best solar generator met when you consider the factors discussed below during your shopping for this appliance:
1. Surge Power Capacity
One of the crucial factors to consider when you shop for a solar generator is its surge pure sine wave inverter rating. With this rating, you can get to know the utmost power capacity that the system can supply to your appliances. It holds particular for refrigerators or motors with an instant electric current surge that lasts only for a few milliseconds. You can find the utmost surge inverter rating in your small motor or refrigerator that you wish to power using the generator. Under this, you can find the surge power demand of these appliances.
2. Consider the Number of Outlets:
You might have an idea of the number of devices you wish to power with a power generator. You can determine the function of the generator only based on the number of ports or outlets available. Naturally, the more the number of ports and outlets, the more device can be charged with the generator.
3. The Capacity of the Generator
A solar-based portable power station is notorious for being a real diver concerning capacity. So, you should consider capacity as an essential consideration during your shopping. The capacity is measured in terms of Watts. When it is applied to the usage of power, it is converted into Watt Hours. When talking about capacity in Watts, here are the two essential values to know:
- Running Watts: This value indicates the power that the generator is capable of producing continuously. To decide this value, you should tally the wattage needs of the devices that you want the generator to power. But, how to know this value? You can know this value from the device itself. You should ensure that the running wattage of the solar panel kits is more than the total wattage of the appliances that you wish to power.
- Watt-Hours: The Watt-hours of the generator will aid with ensuring that it can electrify devices for the length of time you need them to be powered. This value will tell you how long the generator can provide power with a full battery charge per hour. This value will also help you estimate the value that the generator can deliver before it should be recharged.
4. Portability
Solar panels come in different sizes and even shapes. If you are particular about taking them when you are on trips, you should consider portability as an important feature when you shop for them. For instance, models that you can easily carry like a briefcase are available these days with appropriate handles for easy and hassle-free carrying.
5. Consider the Charging Modes
When you intend to buy a portable generator that is solar-powered, you should check whether it offers different options to charge apart from using solar panels. The charging time differs based on weather conditions and exposure to the sun. At times, it might take time to charge the generator from the solar panel. In these instances, it should be possible to charge it from an AC Source through power outlets.
6. Recharge Time
Recharge time is the time that the solar generator takes to recharge after the fully charged generator has been used for powering up devices. You should check whether the manufacturer has specified an estimated time that the device takes to completely recharge. In other words, the specifications of the device should have information on the charging speed.
7. Consider your Power Needs
To make sure that you end up with the best solar generator, you should evaluate your power requirements. Some need these generators just to jump-start their drying car batteries, while some need them for recharging their mobile devices. However, some might have larger power needs. So, based on the devices that you wish to power, you have the option to choose either a lightweight low-capacity portable solar unit or a high-end generator.
8. Is it Possible to Expand Power Output?
Initially, you might not be able to decide the output capacity of a solar power generator. If this is the case, you can do one thing. Yes, you can go for a generator that offers the facility to expand. For instance, some generators permit the addition of one more solar panel. In this case, the power generation capability of the generator can be improved.
9. Presence of a Display Panel
The presence of a display panel in a power generator will help you know the status of the power. When recharging, you can know how much it has been charged and still, how much percentage should it be charged to get completely charged. In the same way, when discharging, the display panel will help you know how much power is left. With this information, you can know whether the power left will be sufficient for powering your devices. Otherwise, you can recharge the generator immediately.
10. Type of Battery Used
A solar-based portable power station can either come with a lithium-ion or a lead-acid battery for energy storage. The latter will be less expensive as compared to the former. However, the former can last longer. Also, it will be lighter. So, if you look for portability, it can help.
11. Type of Inverter
When you take the case of solar panel kits, they use inverters. The usage is for transforming the Direct Current from the panels to Alternating Current. This conversion is essential as all your appliances need Alternating Current to properly function. A modified sine inverter is the most economical option that can work with any kind of device. Another option is a pure sine inverter, which will be expensive but will be safe for your sensitive electronics and home appliances. When you take the case of a modified sine inverter, it may cause a hum in audio equipment. In turn, it may reduce the life of other devices.
Conclusion
From these top 10 options, you might wonder, which is the best portable power station for house. Even, you might think that it would be better to choose a power station that can meet both indoor and outdoor powering needs. We understand that you need the best and so we have further shortlisted a few generators for you:
- A generator that looks and performs well: 100W Solar Panel with 300W Power Station Portable from ROCKPALS
- Overall best in different angles: ECOFLOW DELTA 1260Wh Solar Generator with 110W Solar Panel
- Generator with the best safety features: FlashFish 300W Solar Generator
So, from these, you can choose the best kit that comes wholesome with portable solar panels to make your job of charging the generator easier even when you are outdoors. Do not forget to talk to previous users or read many reviews before you decide on a specific generator with a solar panel.
