Skip to content

Best Solar Generator | Top 10 of 2021 Reviewed - Giving the Grace of Infinite Power Anywhere

Best-Solar-Generator

Are you looking for the best solar generator on the market to power your laptop, phone, or camera when outdoors? Some of you may also need a generator for indoor use. That’s where a portable solar generator can come in handy.

A constant supply of electricity is of great importance to people today. In addition, our dependence on electricity is increasing as many new appliances just run on them. They also use gasoline or liquid propane. Therefore, fuel must be purchased when you need to use it. In addition, these generators can be very noisy. Therefore, they should be stored at a distance from you.

So, if you’re looking for an alternative energy source, a quiet and handy solar generator can be a good option to consider. In fact, the best solar systems produce no noise or exhaust fumes and require minimal maintenance.

But finding the best solar generator to meet your needs can be tricky. We’ll help you in your search with our solar generator reviews, comparison charts and buying guides. We cover a variety of sizes and models from different brands. We assure our information is independent and is intended to help you find the best power generator for your specific needs. We are confident that they are all excellent products. Take a look at the following ten models.

One of the best solar generators on the market today is the “Jackery Explorer 1000”.  Despite its size, it delivers a higher output. Compared to this solar generator, many competing products are larger, heavier and more expensive.

Since it can support a large capacity of up to 1,000W continuous load, small microwaves, blenders, coffee makers, and other high-powered appliances can be handled without difficulty.

Equipped with two USB fast charging ports, two USB-C ports, and three standard outlets, it offers plenty of options for keeping different kinds of devices charged.

Despite its large battery capacity and high-quality construction, it weighs only 22 kg. This power pack also has an LED display indicating typical power and consumption, making it an excellent product that is worth the price.

Features

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000
Pros
  • 1000W power and 1002Wh battery make it compatible with most household appliances
  • 22lb weight makes it easy to carry to camp
  • Fan noise is not bothersome
  • Can also power a portable refrigerator
  • 3 AC outlets and 4 USB outlets
  • Fast charging function
  • LCD display
Cons
  • USB-PD maxes out at 18 W.
  • 22 lbs may be little heavy to some people.

With its extremely fast charging time, the EcoFlow Delta is one of the most popular solar-powered generators. Charging at the wall socket takes only 1.6 hours, and take 4 hours to charge with the 400 W solar panel.

At just 31 pounds, this solar power station built to be reliable and durable. Its aluminum housing designed to hold all the necessary electronics, including six power outlets, four USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and a 13.6-volt car port. At just 31 pounds, its total weight.

A large LED display is also featured on the front of the generator. The screen is easy to read and accurately shows current power consumption and estimated runtime, allowing you to avoid being surprised when the battery is running low.

Combining a 1260Wh capacity with an 1800W inverter, the EcoFlow DELTA is the ideal solar power generator configuration for both household use and for living off-grid. It can power microwave ovens, washing machines and air compressors for one to two hours and refrigerators for seven to ten hours. Thanks to its unbeatable battery life that can be used for camping, indoor and outdoor travel applications.

Features

EcoFlow DELTA Power Station
Pros
  • 13 output ports – you can charge all your devices simultaneously.
  • Can be recharged from 0 to 80% in 1 hour using AC wall outlet
  • Two fast-charging USB-A ports
  • Very good battery life.
Cons
  • Battery degrades quickly
  • Generates noise on full load.
  • It’s pricey

When camping or travelling in areas without electricity, the Jackery Explorer 500 is essential for staying in touch with the world and powering all your electronic devices.

The Explorer 500 is the ideal backup power source, weighing just 13kg and with a sturdy built-in handle for easy carrying.

It supports three different outputs: three USB ports, one AC port and one DC port. It also has a powerful 5W LED light that can operate in different modes. Battery status can also be checked at any time on the LCD screen.

The unit can be charged in three ways. The cable can be plugged into an outlet. If you’re travelling, you can charge the battery using a 12V car socket or, if there is no socket, you can use a 100W solar panel.

The generator can charge a mobile phone 40-50 times, a 32-inch TV plugged into a 110-volt outlet can run for 7 hours. And with a mini-fridge, it can keep drinks cold for over 39 hours.

If you read the reviews of people who bought this generator on Amazon, you’ll find that most people agree that this generator is a great choice.

Features

Jackery Explorer 500 Solar Portable Generator
Pros
  • Multiple outputs organized in an organized manner
  • Increased battery capacity.
  • Silent operation with cooling fans.
  • Can be charged via solar, AC and DC power.
  • LCD display
Cons
  • It doesn’t have a USB-C PD port.
  • Do not produce any signal when charging completed.
  • Only has 1 AC output.

Suaoki’s portable solar generators have caught the attention of consumers looking for a reliable source of power in emergency situations. Although the device is quite large, it has a 13500 mAh battery, a built-in sinusoidal inverter and a torch.

The battery can be recharged in three ways: using a 60-watt solar panel or other compatible solar panel outdoors, using a power socket at home or with a DC outlet in the car.

The 444 Wh portable solar generator is a small power station. It weighs just over 12 lbs, making it ideal for camping, outdoor adventures, fishing, hunting and even office use. Unlike traditional portable gas generators, it does not emit toxic fumes and can be used indoors.

Made of high-quality aluminium alloy, the housing is therefore extra durable. It also has a button for switching between AC and DC power and a small LCD display to monitor the input signal, output signal and battery charge level.

Features

SUAOKI Portable Solar Power Station
Pros
  • High wattage
  • Good choice of charging outlets
  • Decent charging time
  • Lightweight at 12.35 lbs thus portable
  • 110V inverter to handle overloads efficiently
  • LCD display to show charging and dispensing progress
Cons
  • Handles are bit uncomfortable
  • Cannot charge and use at the same time
  • Boxy design

For an affordable backup generator under 1,000 watts that can power a range of small devices such as smartphones, laptops and GPS cameras at home or at camp, the Aeiusny is the device for you. There are products like the Aeiusny 500W UPS power supply on the market that you can consider buying to fulfill your energy bill without breaking the bank.

You can recharge the generator system through three different ways. For the quickest charging speed, use the mains AC adapter ar wall. A full charge takes 7-8 hours.

The second fastest way is to use the car adapter provided, which has a charging capacity of 12 V/2.0 A and can be fully charged in 8-9 hours.

A solar charger with less than 100 W is the third option to charge the battery, though the charging time depends on how powerful the solar charger is.

Hence, for those who are looking for a portable solar system with 500 W continuous power and no requirement for a heavy commercial product, the Aeiusny battery pack gives you all the power you need for a long outdoor holiday, and can be enjoyed even more by purchasing the optional solar charger.

Features

Aeiusny 500W UPS Power Station
Pros
  • Built-in safety features ensuring full protection for all devices.
  • Portable, and offers 400W of power at affordable price
  • In-built flashlight helps navigate while camping
  • pure sine wave inverter
Cons
  • Loses charge quicker than expected
  • Battery can be unreliable at times

Powered by a 1500Wh lithium-ion battery with a maximum output of 1000W, MAXOAK portable solar generators is sufficient to run most small and medium-sized devices such as refrigerators, lamps, laptops, and even drills, televisions, or CPAP machines.

In addition, the battery management system prevents the device from being damaged by overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuit. Its temperature monitors the temperature of the device to ensure that it remains below a safe level.

It has all the necessary connectors, including an AC output, a 12 VDC output, a TYPE-C PD connector, and four USB-A connectors. This transportable power generator can be recharged in about 8 hours from a wall outlet or 5 hours from a solar panel. 

Unlike a solar panel, the MAXOAK BLUETTI portable station features an automatic shut-off function to power off the unit when it is fully charged.

Weighing only 38 lbs, the MAXOAK BLUETTI is the ideal choice for those looking for an economical and durable solar power generator.

Features

MAXOAK Bluetti Portable Power Station
Pros
  • Large 1500Wh battery at an affordable price
  • Features all the necessary charging ports and a 1000W pure sine inverter
  • Efficient MPPT charge controller.
  • High-quality LG cells are used in the battery.
  • 12 V regulated port.
Cons
  • Doesn’t come with the car outlet.
  • At 37.9 lbs, it’s not very portable

Think of a portable solar unit that is built to accommodate power needs for everyone. The Bluetti AC200P with its performance and versatility fall in this class.

With a powerful battery system, AC inverter, 2000 watts of clean power, Bluett offers to back up most of your appliances either at home or in a trip for camping.

It weighs just over 6 kg and has enough capacity to power air conditioners, heaters, coffee makers and refrigerators overnight and to charge most household appliances. It can also be used as a power source for powerful equipment such as chainsaws and drills.

With weighs just over 6 lbs., the unit produce enough power without ever running out of outlets: six AC outlets, a 60W USB-C PD port, two 12V 3A ports, a 12V 10A DC port, and now a 12V 25A DC port and four USB-A ports, are all for keep you plugged in.

On the front of the device is a LED display that shows important real-time data such as current, voltage, power and charging status.

In addition, the Bluett AC200P always provides a reliable backup solution. It is ideal for use in the home and as a backup power source for camping, boating and other outdoor activities.

Features

Pros
  • Tons of power outlets.
  • Massive battery capacity.
  • 2000 W high powered inverter.
  • Smart technology.
Cons
  • Can’t supply the whole house.

The Baldr330 portable generator is a compact and lightweight solar generator with multiple charging ports. This station is ideal for camping and home use. Thanks to its packaging and handle, it can be taken on a camping trip or picnic and used to power small speakers or colorful lights.

This small solar generator is equipped with a 330W pure sine wave inverter. It is sufficient to charge many electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops, and is also convenient for charging several single devices several times during a trip.

The device also has a capacity of 297Wh, which means it can last for over 6 hours if used with care. In the case of a CPAP device, it can last for several days. And the remaining battery charge can be inspected with an LED indicator.

Despite its small size, it has all the necessary ports: USB-A, 1 USB-C and a car plug. The DC port can also be used while charging.

A 5W wireless mobile charger is also available. So, in case of unexpected power loss, you will still be able to charge all your electronic devices simultaneously.

On the lookout for an affordable portable power supply, the BALDR 330W is for you.  Having an excellent battery capacity and a bunch of other features, it offers a good value for money

Features

BALDR Portable Power Station
Pros
  • Highly portable unit
  • Plenty of power outlets
  • Built-in LED light.
  • 5W wireless charging
  • Overcharge, Overvoltage, Protection.
Cons
  • It won’t stop charging when it is full.
  • It cannot charge or power gadgets that are more than 330 watts in capacity.

One of the most popular brands among portable generators, the Goal Zero Yeti 400 Is the most robust and durable solar system on the market.

It has a built-in 1.5A USB port for connecting devices with a 12V output and a 300W inverter that can convert solar power to AC. Up to seven electrical devices can be connected simultaneously.

It is also equipped with an LCD display that shows useful real-time information such as operating hours, solar power input and output. This allows you to determine whether the solar panels are perfectly positioned and whether the generator needs to be plugged into a household outlet to charge.

Weighing 29 pounds, the Goal Zero Yeti 400 is robust but not too heavy to carry for those who travel a lot by car.

There are three ways to charge the Goal Zero Yeti 400 battery. If you charge the battery from the mains using the charger provided, you can charge it in less than 5 hours. If you use the Gold Zero monocrystalline solar panel, you can charge the battery in about 8 hours. And if you use a car charger, you can finish charging in about 13 hours.

All in all, the Yeti 400 portable solar power unit is the ideal alternative energy source for many people who don’t want the emissions, noise and hassle of a petrol generator.

Features

Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium Portable Power Station
Pros
  • Plug-and-play setup
  • Can charge with regular outlet
  • Good for CPAP
  • LCD display
  • Long lasting rechargeable battery
Cons
  • Wears out quickly despite proper charging and storage
  • Takes a while to fully recharge

 This model is one of the most interesting portable solar generators by far. You see, the majority of generators and power packs contain a separate solar panel. With the Renogy Phoenix, it is integrated right into its casing. The entire unit looks like a suitcase, making it easy to carry around.

As the unit folds down, it reveals two pre-installed 10W monocrystalline solar panels, one AC output, two DC outputs, three USB ports, and one CIG port. However, the charging time may vary depending on the usage conditions of the unit.

The fastest way to charge the battery is through the socket, but it will take at least 8 hours to reach 100%.

150 watts of power is enough to charge most portable electronic devices. This includes laptops, Apple phones, cameras, drones, and more.

The Phoenix generator from Renogy uses very efficient components and is worth the purchase.

Features

Renogy Phoenix Portable Solar Generator
Pros
  • Extremely portable & compact
  • Quick recharge when expanded
  • Sleek modern design
  • Large 16 AH Battery Capacity
  • Pure sine wave
Cons
  • Overheats in temperatures over 104F
  • Only suitable for light use
  • Solar charging is a bit slow

Buying Tips: Choose The Best Solar Generator

Before you start to think about buying a portable solar system, you should consider how the technology will be used in the future.

As mentioned above, there are dozens of different options to suit almost any need. It’s shocking to see all these options if you don’t know exactly how to use a solar generator to power your home.

It is important to understand the main uses of solar generators. If you’re looking for a device that will provide backup power for your property or camper while you’re camping, you need to buy a generator that isn’t a ready-made device to help you manage your property 24/7 Offline.

The only way to know if you’re buying the right solar generator is to first figure out your energy need, and then get started. A lot of people approach the buying process by focusing on other details, not realizing that if they get started and back up the final idea, everything can go much faster.

It’s also important to think through what kind of budget you will need in the future.

The price of solar may be coming down (thanks to some incredible factor), but that doesn’t mean solar will still be cheap. Especially if you need a more modern and advanced system, you will need to save a lot.

Consider the capital required to invest in the technology, the configuration of the system and the costs before choosing a system.

Things To Consider When Choosing A Solar Generator

If you want to buy and install the best solar generator for your needs, check the list of options below.

Battery Type and Capacity

When buying a solar generator, the first thing to consider is the battery type and capacity.

It is advisable to choose a generator with a larger battery capacity than the power consumption of the unit. For this reason, make sure that there is a mains connection between the two charging units when the sun is not shining. However, if you need to power and charge a digital camera, smartphone, laptop, mini TV or projector at the same time, you may want to use the Goal Zero Yeti 400 generator instead of the Bluetti AC200P 2000W. However, the larger battery capacity means you can use your device for longer before the generator needs recharging.

Length and Weight

Another thing to consider when storing a generator is its weight. We recommend choosing a comfortable carrying strap. Note that if you choose a lithium-ion battery generator, it will be much lighter than an AGM or gel battery generator of the same capacity. The weight of a portable solar generator matters a lot when it comes to move the unit from one place to another. So lesser weight is much preferable, in fact, you can have models weigh only 7 lbs, such as the BALDR 330. They are ideal for travelling, especially by plane.

Inverter Rating

An inverter is the part of a solar generator that converts the DC current of the battery into alternating current. The capacity of the internal inverter usually determines the maximum power that the generator can use at any given time.

In addition, the rated capacity of the inverter usually indicates the maximum power the inverter can handle. The rated capacity of the inverter must be greater than or equal to the maximum power that the generator can produce.

There are two types of inverters for photovoltaic generators. These can be pure or modified sinusoidal inverters. Sinusoidal inverters are expensive but can reduce wear and tear on appliances such as microwave ovens and televisions.

Modified sinusoidal inverters are cheaper but cost about half as much as pure sinusoidal inverters.

Portability

Many commercially available solar generators combine functionality with ease of use. Basically, they can have their cake and eat it too. However, all the necessary functions are available on the solar generator. It’s easy to carry around, so you can easily move it from room to room or install it in your car.

Some of the best portable generators I’ve seen are a little heavier, but they have handles and wheels. Easy to carry, regardless of weight. If you want your solar generator to do the same, look for a portable solar generator that is lightweight or has a handle and wheels.

Low noise

Solar generators do not require heavy motors to generate electricity. This means that the main source of noise has been removed from the image. Also, since there are no moving parts, there is no vibration noise.

The only noise you can hear is the hum of the inverter and the small fan used for cooling, but the noise is very low. Its quiet operation is ideal for outdoor activities.

Price

It is cheaper than the thermal model, but the price of a solar generator is usually compatible with its capacity. Prices range from $ 100 to $ 1000 depending on the model. Remember that this is the only investment that gives you energy. So don’t hesitate! Your market will pay off quickly and the generator will be your best ally for years to come.

Types of Solar Panels

There are three main types of solar panels. Monocrystalline thin film, polycrystalline.

– Monocrystalline blocks are the most expensive because they are of the highest quality. The efficiency of 15-20% and maximum efficiency at high temperatures are the two main advantages of monocrystalline solar panels.

– Polycrystalline panels are made from moulded silicon chips. These panels have a good rating, but their efficiency decreases slightly because the electrons move more freely between the fragments. In most systems, the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels is not statistically significant.

– Thin-film panels use a relatively new technology. They are light, thin, flexible, cheap and reliable modules, but they are small because their efficiency is half that of single-crystal modules and they require twice as much space to produce the same amount of energy.

Choose the type of solar panel that suits you best for future use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size solar generator do you need?

The size of the solar generator you need depends on the power output and your needs. Going back to the three steps, calculate your power needs and the availability of the equipment you plan to use with your solar generator, and focus on the model that can meet these needs. 

Can a solar generator provide electricity for the whole house?

No, photovoltaic generators cannot supply electricity to households. The unit can temporarily power some appliances (e.g. TVs) and mobile devices (e.g. power tools), but will eventually provide solar power to all your devices. 

Do I need a generator if I have a solar panel?

Yes, you need a generator even if you have solar panels on your roof. In the event of a power outage, your home will shut down like a normal chimney. In this case, an emergency generator is the priority.

Can I use the solar generator indoors?

Solar generators do not have fossil fuel engines. This means that the generator does not emit toxic gases. So you can use it at home without having to worry about anything. It is also quiet and silent without any noise problems. This makes it ideal for powering a large number of household appliances without the hassle of cables.

Can I use a solar generator while charging?

Although you can can charge and recharge your generator at the same time, but we don’t recommend it. However, if you use the device while it is charging, make sure that the energy required by the device does not exceed the energy left in your generator.

How long does it take to charge a solar generator?

Depending on the power of the solar generator and the battery capacity, a solar generator can be fully charged in direct sunlight in an average of 6-12 hours.

Can I us sunlight to charge the equipment?

If you can’t count on enough sunlight where you live, you’ll need a portable power plant with alternative charging options. Fortunately, most portable solar power systems can also be charged from a car or a wall outlet.

If you enjoy reading Top 10 Best Portable Generator Reviews and Guides... and figure out the generator that can comfortably handle all your power needs, YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

Wrap Up

Here you go – the top ten best solar generators on the market.

We hope this generator guide will help you choose the best solar power station for your need.

As you know already, a solar generator is the great alternative to gas generators, especially if you are looking for an efficient and environmentally friendly product. If you haven’t bought a generator yet, visit our website to see all generator reviews and buying guides to help you make your decision.

We hope that with our help you can find the right generator, no matter it’s a backup generator for the whole family with a switch or a generator you can use at the park for your child’s birthday party, we have carefully tested and reviewed at that you need!