Do you want a RELIABLE and ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY portable power source? Solar-powered generators could be an excellent choice for you.

These generators use the sun’s energy to produce clean, sustainable power, making them perfect for traveling, disaster preparedness, and battery backup.

 

What Is a Solar Generator?

A solar generator is an electronic device that turns sunlight into electricity. This energy can be used to power electronics and appliances in your home.

In most cases, solar-powered systems do not require any fuel, and adding fuel during use is NOT NEEDED.

As solar panels were first presented to the market in the early 1990s, the solar generator concept was born.

However, because of the high prices and other difficulties involved in their construction and repair, these systems were never widely used.

 

Why a Solar Generator?

Solar panels can be costly, but there are various low-cost solar-powered generators in the industry.

Such generators can run small appliances and other gadgets, making them a GREAT CHOICE for camping or disaster prevention.

This guide will look at some of the top solar-powered generators. We’ll also go over how they function and what to think about when buying one.

Thus, continue reading if you want to go greener and use renewable energy.

 

What to Look For in a Solar Powered Generator

Before looking at our most recommended solar-powered generators, these are the following traits that you have to consider:

 

Solar Panels

Monocrystalline panels, polycrystalline solar cells, thin-film, or amorphous crystal panels are the three most popular forms of solar panels. They all have varying efficiencies.

The MOST COMMON panel type is monocrystalline, which is somewhat more powerful than polycrystalline cells.

Thin-film panels are an improved technology that is lighter, more elastic, resilient, and less expensive than the others, but only about half as functional.

They are often supplied with the generator and other times sold individually.

 

Electrical Power

You’ll need to determine exactly what you want to operate when you’re off the grid before comparing portable power stations for camping.

Operating a portable fridge or running a camper will use significantly LESS energy than recharging your phone and camera many times.

If you are into numbers, create a list of almost everything you want to use and try to figure out how much power each device will draw.

Also, go to the power station company’s website and look at the specs section to estimate how many times you’ll be able to charge certain gadgets.

 

Solar Generators’ Features

Assess other features you want, such as USB charging connections and rechargeable batteries, assuming you know how many watts you’ll need.

Choose a generator with qualities that improve operational efficiency instead of more cost to prevent busting your budget.

 

Battery Capacity & Power Rating

The BATTERY CAPACITY of a solar-powered generator is the MOST CRUCIAL FACTOR to consider. Higher efficiency will cost more.

But typically, generators with a specified level of roughly 40 amp hours, or 500 watt-hours, should be sufficient for most people for a camping weekend.

It’s preferable to buy a solar-powered generator with far more capacity than you believe you’ll need and a bigger solar panel so you can rapidly recharge it.

We suggest looking for a solar-powered generator with at least 100 amp-hours and 200 watts of solar panels.

That is if you’re trying to power a camper or serve as a backup in your house during an outage.

You should note the total electrical power for starters since solar-powered generators run on stored energy.

You should also know about the power rating or how much power is being transmitted. A battery with high capacity and low power rating may even save electricity.

 

Portable Power Station Price

Solar-powered generators range in price based on their ability, but you’ll also need to factor in the cost of a solar panel, which is typically not included with the generator.

 

Weight/Size

Because lithium-ion batteries are LIGHTER and SMALLER than typical deep-cycle batteries, some solar-powered generators are easily portable.

They will, however, weigh more than 10 pounds, and if you need a lot of capacity, they will rapidly become heavy.

If you have a tiny car plug or camper port and don’t want to lug about a large generator, it can be worth it to go with a smaller charging capacity.

 

Battery Type of a Portable Power Station

The MOST POPULAR types of batteries are lead-acid and lithium-ion.

Lead-acid batteries are commonly used to power automobiles, whereas lithium-ion batteries are frequently used to power heavy machinery.

Because of their small weight, they’re becoming more used in solar-powered generators.

While they are more pricey than lead-acid batteries, they often last longer, saving money on maintenance costs and keeping them out of dumps.

 

Charging Ability

Because no solar generator can retain a charge indefinitely, you’ll want one that can charge rapidly and easily. This is where “renewable energy” gets its “renewable” part.

All of the solar-powered generators can be charged using solar panels. However, it’s important to also look for other sources that can charge your solar-powered generators.

A wall outlet is doable and so is an AC wall outlet. A car plug with 12 volts can be considered an option. A car plug is beneficial to anyone who’s constantly traveling.

USB ports regardless of the source device are also a GOOD ALTERNATIVE aside from a wall outlet if you want to get your portable power station charged.

 

Additional Guide

You should also look at the charging input capacity of a device, which is indicated in WATTS (W).

For example, a solar generator with a maximum input of 100W can accept a continuous flow of up to 100 watts, which is roughly the least you’ll want to search for.

When charging by solar, most of the generators listed below provide an input capacity of at least a few hundred watts, thus a few 50- to 200-watt solar panels will be sufficient.

 

Output

Solar generators must keep the electricity flowing in and out.

The best solar-powered generators can continuously charge all of your targeted devices using whichever plugs are required.

Every portable power station worth its weight will have a large output capacity, allowing you to charge multiple gadgets, even if they are power-hungry.

The power capacity of a generator should be significantly more than the maximum input.

While a specific model may only be able to take in a few hundred watts at any predetermined hour, it will almost always put out much more.

 

The Importance of a Portable Power Station Output

You’ll need a generator that can output at least 300 watts at a time, while you’ll need at least 500 for larger operations.

The best solar-powered generators should be compatible with varying plugs like USB ports, dc ports, a wall outlet, a car outlet, and AC outlets.

12-volt DC ports can be found in your vehicle dashboard as well. This is to prove that the best solar-powered generators should gain access to many charging ports, regardless of the location.

 

Portability

The best solar-powered generators have been available for a long time, but they’ve always been bulky and unwieldy.

The truth that the newest generation of solar generators has become much more physically compact is one of the most fascinating characteristics of them.

Size and weight become key factors if you plan on taking a generator camping or incorporating it into a van conversion where every square inch counts.

Many of the best solar-powered generators are the size of one or two shoeboxes, at the very most three.

The least weighs approximately a 24-pack of Pepsi, while the heaviest weighs 100 pounds or about an extra-large bag of dog food. Most people weigh between 30 and 60 pounds.

 

Why Portability Matters

For the best solar-powered generators, portability isn’t a concern whether you’re going to use your generators as a somewhat stationary source of reserve power at home.

Still, weight and size are important considerations; because rarely know when you’ll need it for something other than a spare.

Plus, if they don’t have to, who wants to lug around a heavy and awkward portable power station?

An ADDITIONAL FACTOR to consider when it comes to mobility is the need for attachments, which can make moving and using your generator more difficult.

An electric generator, for example, needs a large number of detachable battery packs, which might be inconvenient while traveling or loading a vehicle.

All of the items on our list involve additional components. You can’t get solar power without attaching cables and solar panels, but they all operate well with only a few.

 

The Durability of a Portable Power Station

STRENGTH and OVERALL QUALITY are crucial in any product you expect to last. This is particularly true if you intend to take your generator camping or on road trips.

Many poor power stations are constructed of low-cost parts and fragile plastic that does not appear to withstand the strains of the road.

You can’t judge a product’s durability by looking at a spec sheet on the internet. You’ll have to take the generators out and put them through their paces to see how it stands up.

You can try testing out the generators with the help of a professional and reviews from dozens of real product owners to verify the longevity of these generators.

 

The Best Solar-Powered Generators

While you’re searching for a way to save money on your energy costs while simultaneously being eco-conscious, keep reading our top solar-powered generator recommendations.

These are the BEST SOLAR-POWERED GENERATORS that we have picked for you:

 

Jackery Explorer 1000 Solar Generator – Best Overall

Source: Jackery.com

The Jackery Explorer 1000 is, in our opinion, the best overall solar generator.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 is a powerful solar-powered generator. One of the best features of this solar generator is its portability.

It barely weighs a little more than 20 pounds, making it easy to transport. The Jackery Explorer 1000 also has a solar panel integrated, allowing you to charge it wherever you go.

Unlike other solar-powered generators, the Jackery Explorer 1000 is quiet and ideal for outdoor and indoor emergency cases.

But it’s the six layers of security for your comfort and security make this solar-powered generator so appealing.

Check the availability of this product on Amazon.

 

Pros

• This generator runs quietly
• Long life expectancy
• Easy to use even in a power outage
• Contains many safety features
• Lightweight solar generator

 

Cons

• Can be quite expensive
• Doesn’t come with many accessories

 

Generark Solar Generator Power Bundle

Source: Generark.com

Because of its durability, dependability, and versatility, the Generark Solar Power Bundle is among the best solar-powered generator offers currently available.

The SolarPower ONE solar panel power generator and the HomePower ONE backup battery power station are included in the package.

You can use your electronics and home appliances for up to seven days with the Generark Solar Power Bundle in a crisis.

This solar-powered generator has a 32-cell solar panel, which increases its efficiency by 50%.

One of the reasons we chose this solar generator as the best value choice is this.

It also has three AC outlets, four USB ports, and one car outlet, so it can handle a variety of circumstances like a power outage.

The Generark Solar Power Bundle also includes six security units and four quality and security requirements, assuring that you are getting the safest alternative possible.

See if this generator is available on Amazon.

 

Pros

• An adequate technological solution from a free energy source
• The solar panels are flexible
• User-friendly and easy to setup
• Features many charging options
• Its advanced motor makes the machine run quietly
• Its stored energy may last up to a year
• This portable solar generator can be used while charging

 

Cons

• Portable power storage heavily relies on solar exposure.
• Small energy stored is caused by little exposure to the sun, affecting the charging time.
• Heavyweight at 23 lbs.
• Due to limited wattage, a low power rating might not be good for home items like 1800W heaters.

 

Goal Zero Yeti 1500X

Source: Rei.com

The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X is a solar-powered generator worth considering.

That is if you’re a dedicated camper who wants to spend multiple days on average off the grid, has a lot of devices to charge, or is searching for a solar generator to power your camper or RV.

The 1500X has a charging capacity of 1516 watt-hours, or 140.4 amp-hours, which is MORE THAN ENOUGH to keep the lights on.

Scout Campers, for example, is employing this identical technology to replace older and more difficult camper battery and wiring configurations.

 

More About the Goal Zero Yeti

The Goal Zero 1500X is the company’s best-selling big power station, capable of running a portable fridge for 61 hours.

It can power a full-sized refrigerator for 28 hours if the electricity goes out at home, demonstrating how adaptable this solar generator is.

It has enough power to charge a smartphone 127 times, a laptop 31 times, and a CPAP machine for 24 hours.

The user interface will show you how much output, input, and time to empty you’ve used when you’re off the grid.

Check out this item on Amazon.

 

Pros

• Huge energy capacity
• Versatile add-ons
• 1,516W battery capacity
• Can charge phones 127 times

 

Cons

• Its 45 lbs weight makes it too heavy to carry around.

 

Jackery Explorer 240 – Best Budget Pick

Source: Jackery.com

The Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Power Station is a fantastic alternative if you’re on a budget and don’t need a lot of power.

It’s the MOST AFFORDABLE alternative at $200, but it only has a full capacity of 240-watt hours. You can recharge five devices at once.

And according to Jackery, it can recharge a phone 24 times or a camera 10 times, so it should keep your devices charged if you prefer to keep matters simple while camping.

A USB-C port, two USB-A ports, and one 100-watt AC outlet are included. It’s also the lightest option on this list, at only 6.6 pounds and making it easy to carry and travel with.

Check this product on Amazon.

 

Pros

• Lightweight unit
• Perfect for those on a tight budget
• Good for short-term travels

 

Cons

• Not so long-lasting on long trips
• Can’t handle too many electronic devices at once

 

Ecoflow Delta – Best Value

Source: Vannago.com

The EcoFlow DELTA Power Station is also a top recommendation for a portable power station.

It features more ports than any other portable power station on this list, allowing it to charge multiple devices at once.

It has 13 ports in total, including 6 AC ports on the back of the machine if you’re keeping track.

It has a storage capacity of 1260 watt-hours and a maximum output of 1800 watts, which is plenty to power most camping gear and can even charge an electric vehicle in a hurry.

Check for availability on Amazon.

 

Pros

• Quick recharging from a wall outlet or many solar panels
• Consists of 6 AC outlets
• Higher power rating

 

Cons

• Limited overall capacity

 

Dometic PLB40

Source: IFDesign.com

When camping, if your entire aim is to run a portable fridge and possibly charge your phone or other USB-charged gadgets, we recommend Dometic’s PLB40.

We found this portable solar generator to be the lengthiest lithium battery of any size we’ve tried for many years.

It has a capacity of 40 amp hours (512 watt-hours), enough to power a Dometic CFX3 45 refrigerator for 40 hours—or a camping weekend.

The largest distinction between this model and others on this list is that it’s a 12v portable power source with no built-in inverter.

 

More of the Dometic PLB40

If you’re using 12-volt appliances, such as an electric cooler, they’ll work more efficiently if they’re powered from a 12-volt source.

That’s better than being connected into and changed to a 120-volt source, as the Goal Zero 500X requires.

This is how the Goal Zero 500X, similar in size, gives you greater run time for powering a fridge.

The PLB40 is 16 pounds and can be recharged using a solar panel, an AC outlet at home, or a 12-volt car connection.

Connecting the PLB40 to your vehicle’s 12v socket and then the fridge to the PLB40 is one of the easiest ways to charge the PLB40 lithium battery, particularly if you’ll be traveling a lot.

Check for its availability on Amazon.

 

Pros

• Perfect for running appliances up to 12 volts
• Solid and well-built solar generator
• Weighs 16 lbs only
• Lithium battery capacity up to 512 watt-hours

 

Cons

• Fewer USB ports and other charging ports
• Doesn’t have a plug and play feature

 

Bluetti AC200P Portable Power Station

Source: BluettiPower.com

The Bluetti 2000W Portable Power Station can be charged in five different ways and has 17 distinct output ports, each of which is protected by a high-quality dust cap.

Solar panels (not included), a wall outlet, a car plug, a generator, or a lead-acid battery can all be used to recharge it.

Three charging cables are included, and a lead-acid charger wire can be sold separately.

You can connect numerous smaller devices at once, such as a laptop, camera charger, and several phones. You can also use it as a backup supply for bigger appliances.

Check the product’s availability on Amazon.

 

Additional Features

The LED touch screen is a fantastic feature that can show you how much energy you’re using and how much battery charge is left.

You can also switch it to Eco mode, which will turn off the gadget after several hours if it detects that you are not using it.

Rubberized feet prevent the item from slipping on smooth surfaces.

It’s also pretty hefty, making it unsuitable for camping scenarios where you’d have to carry it, although it’s able to fit in a car trunk.

 

Pros

• Can operate an 800-wall refrigerator for almost two hours.
• LED display
• Switchable to Eco Mode
• Can be charged in different outlets, even via a lead-acid battery

 

Cons

• Tends to be bulky, so it’s not that portable

 

Our Top Picks for the Best Solar Powered Generators

Now, let’s get onto the best solar-powered generators according to their overall quality, value for money, and affordability.

 

Best Overall – Jackery Explorer 1000 Solar Generator

The Jackery Explorer 1000 is an excellent solution for folks who want to power their electronics in an environmentally friendly and effective manner.

Solar generators have a LOW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT because they run on solar energy rather than fossil fuels.

This solar-powered generator is also IDEAL for anybody who wishes to be ready for any event.

it’s good for events such as an emergency, a natural calamity, a power outage, or for anyone searching for a more environmentally friendly alternative to regular generators.

Lastly, this generator is great for campers and individuals who prefer outdoor activities. It provides a steady stream of electricity to keep your devices recharged.

 

Best Value – Ecoflow Delta

The Delta isn’t the lightweight, portable power station, weighing in at 30.9 pounds, but with the capacity to charge so many gadgets at once, the extra weight is a minor price.

The Delta’s finest advantage is its capacity to be recharged pretty QUICKLY.

Wiring it to four 100-watt solar panels will completely recharge it in 4 to 8 hours while putting it into a conventional AC outlet at home will charge it from 0 to 80% within an hour.

 

Best Budget Pick – Jackery Explorer 240

According to Digital Trends, the Jackery Explorer 240 is the “Best portable power station for outdoor use”.

You can bring this anywhere, whether in a tent camping, road trip, or backyard camping due to its awesome 240Wh lithium-ion battery.

You can even charge its lithium-ion battery using solar panels up to the highest efficiency.

 

How Solar Generators Work

Solar-powered generators turn sunlight into electrical current by using solar panels to create energy from the sun.

Solar panels provide direct current (DC) electricity, which is fed into an inverter, which converts it to alternating current (AC).

Solar generators can power your home’s appliances, lights, and other equipment.

These solar generators are primarily intended for emergencies, as they cannot be used as a main supply of energy or as a backup during prolonged power outages.

Some solar-powered generators have solar energy storage batteries. They can be charged using grid/mains electricity via converters, exactly like a regular solar system.

 

How to Charge a Solar Generator

The greatest solar generators usually come with several charging options. The following are the most common methods for charging a solar generator:

 

1 – AC Outlets

This is most likely the fastest way to fully charge your phone. A 110V AC charging adapter is included with solar generators.

This makes it simple to connect the power station to a wall outlet at home or anyplace else since you can charge your solar generator to AC outlets.

 

2 – Solar Panels

It would be ridiculous to be unable to charge a solar generator using solar panels.

A solar panel may sometimes be expensive, but there are affordable ones available in the market. Even one solar panel can already charge a small device.

Fortunately, today, modern solar panels are quite efficient and a terrific method to keep the power on, especially if you have a lot of sunlight.

Even the best solar generators, however, take some time to charge to full capacity, particularly if they are at zero percent.

With two 100W panels, the Jackery Explorer 1000, for example, takes roughly 8 hours to fully charge from the sun (from 0%).

 

3 – Car outlet

Solar generators often include a 12V car charger, which is ideal for campers and users on the go.

This is a fantastic extra charging option that allows you to send power from your car to your solar generator.

Since solar generators may be charged in a variety of methods, you can rest assured that you will not be left without power for long.

When analyzing items, pay close attention to the charging specifications. When it comes to charging, certain items are superior to others.

Our tests revealed that the EcoFlow Delta Power Station is the quickest recharging solar generator.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s look at the questions people mostly ask about solar-powered generators.

 

Are Solar Generators Superior to Gas?

Although a solar generator has some benefits, it is not necessarily the greatest backup power supply.

Modern gas generators are often less expensive initially, although they have higher maintenance and ongoing expenses.

Over recent years, solar generators have changed a lot. Solar generators, which were once thought to be only suitable for camping, are now growing MORE EFFICIENT.

Producers are always attempting to extend battery life in order to make these devices trustworthy in the event of a power outage at home.

In addition, some of the best solar generators on the market can power major appliances for up to 7 days.

 

How Safe Are Solar Generators?

Solar generators are, without a doubt, the SAFEST PORTABLE POWER SOURCE. You can even use a lead-acid battery and other power tools to charge them.

These machines, unlike standard gasoline-powered equipment, do not create hazardous carbon monoxide emissions. They can be used both inside and outside.

Due to the sheer safety precautions they put their products through, those manufacturers we’ve evaluated here are some of the most well-known on the market.

 

How Long-Lasting Are Solar Generators?

When it comes to determining how long solar generators operate, there are two factors to consider.

Numerous solar generators have a product lifespan of more than 25 years. Finally, taking care of the panel and battery to prevent damage is vital to extending their longevity.

Most manufacturers offer a product guarantee of two to five years. Their durability is based on the generator’s brand, size, and what it’s powering.

On the other hand, some of the greatest solar generators can power appliances and other electrical necessities for up to 7 days on a single battery charge.

 

What Can You Use to Run a Solar Generator?

There are many different types of generators on the market, including a different wattage that defines what you can supply with your generator.

For tent camping, for example, a simple 1,000-watt unit would be sufficient. This amount of energy would be sufficient to charge phones, computers, and other electronic devices.

Most items, such as air conditioners, freezers, and water heaters, would, however, require a much larger generator.

Because of their power capacity and recharge time, solar generators aren’t recommended for long-term use.

These gadgets will not be able to power all of your home appliances for several days.

 

Final Thoughts

On the other hand, solar generators are environmentally friendly, simple to operate, do not require fossil fuels, and are getting more economical as solar technology advances.

They’re especially HANDY IN EMERGENCIES when other fuel sources are unavailable or difficult to obtain.

A solar panel and some power tools should always be paired with every generator.

Solar generators gather the sun’s energy using independent stationery or moveable solar panels, transform it into electric energy, and save it in batteries for future use.