Best Solar Generators : Buying Guide Solar Powered Generator

Solar Generator Calculator

To use the Calculator – Answer Question 1 : Enter the power rating in watts for your solar powered generator.   For example, it is 1100 watts for the Inergy or 434 for the Anker or 150 for the Yeti 150.  Look up the figures in the Comparison Table.

The answer is pre-filled as 150 watts,  – just overwrite it with the power of your Solar Generator.

Next, select the appliances you plan to use. Now, scroll to the bottom of the calculator – you will see the number of hours you can operate your selected appliances before your solar generator runs out of power.

Once the Solar Generator runs out of power, you will need to recharge it.

Click here to see a real example calculation of what devices a Solar Generator can power that appears at the end of this article.

Customer Reviews

Here are reviews, both good and bad, of the best in class solar powered generators available today. This comprehensive listing of solar generator kits for homes and houses includes smaller solar powered generators as well as larger solar generator kits.

You can use the comparison table above to go to a specific model to get a snapshot of the most important features.

Most of the featured units have stellar reviews from customers. You just can’t go wrong with any them. Read on for performance, specifications and real customer reviews of the large selection of home, house, RV and camping solar powered generators in the US market today.

Goal Zero Yeti 150

Multiple Charging Inputs : All Goal Zero Yeti generators including the Yeti 150 can be charged from a wall outlet or a car charger or using the solar panel provided in the kit.

Small AGM Battery : The Yeti 150 is the smallest model from the Goal Zero stable producing  150 watts of power from its 12V,  14 Ah AGM battery. An AGM battery is is like a regular car battery.  It requires to be charged and topped up regularly.

Charge Display Indicator : If you let the battery drain completely, it will no longer work. Fortunately, the Yeti 150 Solar Powered Generator comes with a built in battery charge display indicator with 5 bars to keep you informed of the current charge level of the battery.

Safety First : A nice safety feature is a chirping sound to indicate low charge level of the battery. You should quickly get the battery charged.  The Goal Zero Yeti 150 Portable Solar Generator will work just fine without solar panels since you can charge the generator from a wall plug or a car charger.

Lower Price Option : A kit without solar panels is substantially lower priced – see the price without the panels here. The unit has 3 outputs: a 2 Amp USB port, a 12V output which is the traditional car charger type of outlet and an 80W AC socket which is a normal wall AC outlet.

AC Outlet : The AC outlet of the Yeti 150 is able to provide 80W on a continuous basis (modified sine wave AC) so its good for a laptop but you have to be careful to not to attach heavier loads. The unit will trip and stop working if you put a heavier load, but it will not be damaged.

Car Charger : The car charger outlet providing 12 volt has a little more juice and can produce 120 W of continuous DC power.  Here are the latest prices on the Yeti 150.   Back to the comparison table

Yeti 150 Video Review

See the Goal Zero Yeti 150 and the Goal Zero Nomad 20 Solar Panels on Amazon.

BEST Portable Solar Power Supply

Paxcess 100W Portable Solar Generator : The Paxcess 100 watt Portable Solar Power Supply is designed to be carried about. With its integrated handle and 3.5 pound weight, it handily beat out the competition as the best portable solar power supply.

Smart Power Control : The 3.5 pound Paxcess 100W  with  smart power control to prevent overcharging or over discharging is a good looking solar powered generator at the lower end of power spectrum.

2 AC outputs :The Paxcess generates 150 watts of continuous power. The in-built AC inverter provides two AC outputs with a total 100W of modified sine wave power for regular household devices.

USB and DC output : Additionally there are 2 USB ports (3.5 A each) and three DC outputs providing 12 Volts at 15 amps maximum.

Expandable : The unit is expandable and you can add additional solar panels and batteries (you will have to buy them separately) to be connected later for even more charging and powering capability.

Light  Portable : This portable unit is handy for emergencies or for  your next camping trip or for a tailgate party and more. Its compatible appliances include: laptop, TV, smartphone, lights, etc. At 3.5 pounds you can move it around easily in your home or otudoors.

Not for your Fridge or Power Tools : Since it is a relatively low powered portable unit you won’t be able to use it to power your home fridge or power tools. For more on this generator including additional images, check this post. And here is a link the Paxcess 100W on Amazon or head back to the comparison table now.

Best Portable AC Power Pack

Iforway Solar Powered Generator : The Iforway is our choice of Best Portable AC Power Pack. Fast Charging Portable AC Power Pack. Small size and just 3.9 pounds. Very capable. Very Popular on Amazon.

9 Reviews

from $388.87

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Portable Solar Generator Power Source 154Wh 41600mAh CPAP Battery Pack QC3.0 UPS Power Supply Emergency for Camping Fishing Laptop TV Refrigerator iPhone Samsung Android Tablet

• CPAP BATTERY GENERATOR: It is one of the best portable generator to power CPAP machine, which is something where you need to carry on when you go thru hiking, camping, the power source comes with 120W pure sine wave power inverter to runs quiet, silent.
• REAL SOLAR GENERATOR: This portable solar generator has huge 41600mAh capacity, build-in QC 3.0 technology to provide quick charge speed. And it supports to recharge by solar panel (not included) or by AC adapter, only takes 5-6hrs to charge full.
• ULTRA COMPACT TO CARRY ON THE GO: The portable solar generator is only 3.9LB, looks like a red white bottle size, easy to take around when you go around to put into your bag.By the way,it will be shut-down automatically if the AC output below 20W, judge as energy-saving, so we suggest not to charge electrical devices less than 20W by it.
• QUIET SILENT GENERATOR: This power source was build-in pure sine wave power inverter, super quiet, silent when you use in the night, and also it is a gas-free source of portable power generator, it runs without noise, no exhaust fumes.
• BMS SAFETY GUARANTEED : Battery Management System (BMS) undertakes voltage control, temperature control and more advanced safety operations, built-in 40 amps fuse and full-protection with short-circuit, low-voltage, over-charge, over-voltage, over-load, over-temperature protection, ensuring complete protection for you and your devices.

Take me back to the comparison table now.

Solar Powered Generator : Most Innovative Design

Renogy Phoenix :  The Renogy Phoenix is an all in one Solar Generator Kit built with great skill and passion by the Engineers at Renogy.

A marvel of design, the solar panels, the battery and the input and output ports are all beautifully packed into a light 12 pound case. This will not only power your devices but get you some admiring glances too.

Compact Superb Design : The Renogy Firefly is compact and completely integrated into a suitcase form and is ready to go immediately. Everything you need is inside the briefcase: solar panels, output AC and DC power and the Lithium battery.

Quick Charging : The 10W panels are doing a decent job charging the battery. However, if you are looking for a quicker charge, the unit can be charged directly from a 110V wall socket as well. The Renogy Firefly  can also be charged with an external panel with a maximum output of 50W at 23V max, using the included  5.5m coaxial power connector (DC to MC4  connector).

Light & Multiple outputs : At just 12 pounds, it’s handy to lug around anywhere. The output options include one 110V AC output providing 120W of continuous power. There are two 12V DC outputs producing 5 Amps plus an 8 Amp, 12 V cigarette socket and two 5V – 2 Amp USB sockets.

Bright LCD Display and Night Time Flashlight : It has an LCD display with information on battery capacity, errors, and DC/AC load on/off. The unit has a cool LED nighttime flashlight with regular lighting and SOS mode. And here is a link to the Renogy on Amazon .

Best New Portable Solar Generator

PowerAdd Charge Center: The PowerAdd Charge Center has created a very strong impression in the Portable Solar Powered Generator market. It leads the new pack of with its sleek design and very light footprint.

Winner – Best Portable Solar Generator

Suaoki 220Wh Solar Powered Generator : In our evaluation of over 7 portable solar powered generators ( power output less than 400 watts) the Suaoki 200 watts won out thanks to its compact size, plethora of outputs and great power to size ratio. The Suaoki 200 is a very stylish well designed and reliable portable solar power supply.

Battery Management System : The Suaoki 220Wh Portable is a small package with a reasonably strong punch. This 5.5 pound  Suaoki 220Wh has a battery management system (BMS) that prevents over-current, over-voltage and over-temperature, giving your devices complete protection.

200 watts AC power + USB + DC : The Suaoki 220Wh generates 200 watts of running power and 240 watts of starting power.

The in-built AC inverter provides 200W of pure sine wave AC power through two 110 volt AC outlets.

Additionally there are 2 USB ports (1 amp and 2.1 amp) and 2 DC outlets plus an extra cigarette socket cable.

Stylish & Great Brand : The Suaoki 220 is stylish has excellent brand reputation and an excellent power to size ratio. There are very few competitors to this small sized power house.

Detailed Review Suaoki 220W – For more details read this detailed review. And here are the latest Suaoki 220W prices on Amazon .

Aspect SunSocket : Solar Powered Generator Kit

Space Age Design : The Aspect Solar has some cool in built technology. It is compact and has the panels integrated into the suitcase. The automated slide out and unfolding of the panels as they emerge out of the suitcase is very high tech and reminiscent of a satellites panels opening up.

High Efficiency SUN TRACKING Mono Crystalline Solar Panels : The 60W mono crystalline solar panels which work at 19% efficiency track the sun and generate power to charge the built in 20AH LiFePO4 lithium ion phosphate battery.

USB DC and AC outputs : At night you press a button and slide the panels into the suitcase; that really convenient.  Power outputs include four 4 USB ports, a 12V DC outlet and an AC socket.

The Aspect Solar Sun tracker  weighs 25 pounds with dimensions of 20.2 x 4.2 x 16.5 inches and a nice futuristic look.

AWARD WINNER : The 250 watt capacity backup power wizard won an innovators award at the 2014 CES show. Here is a link to the Aspect Sunsocket on Amazon or head back to the comparison table.

ChargeTech

53 Reviews

$315.00

See on Amazon

Portable AC Outlet Battery Pack by ChargeTech - 54000mAh 250W / 110V [8-18 Extra Hours For Most Laptops] - External Power Bank Charger for MacBooks, Laptops, Cameras, Camping, CPAP Machines [BLACK]

• TAKE THE WALL OUTLET ANYWHERE - The ultimate portable battery pack. PLUG is a power supply and mini generator. It's compact size, universal compatibility, high capacity and solar recharge capability (sold seperately) means you can enjoy and charge and provide power to your products anywhere. The PLUG weighs 2lbs 3oz with dimensions of 5.6in x 1.6in x 8.6in
• PASS THROUGH CHARGING TECHNOLOGY - Pass through charging technology allows you to charge your devices while the battery pack itself is charging. The portable ac battery pack can be used just like you would use a USB hub or surge protector. Add a solar panel charger and take your electronics into the great outdoors and off the grid
• POWER YOUR LAPTOP AND CPAP - This battery pack works with all devices up to 250 watts. Power your laptop, CPAP, tablets, phones and other household devices.
• UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY - This portable charger contains 2 fast charge USB port, 2 AC wall outlets and a USB type C outlet. Battery pack is compatible with electronic devices including mobile devices (Apple, Samsung, Google, Android), Laptops (Apple, Dell, Toshiba, Asus, HP), lights, television, stereos, IPhone, iPad, CPAP machines, medical devices, printers, flat screen TVs, PS4, Xbox One, Wii U, drones. Check the device is compatible with the 250 watt surge protector rating
• QUICK CHARGE, HIGH CAPACITY INTERNATIONAL DESIGN - The device has a quick charge high capacity design that quickly charges and powers your electronic devices. It's 54k mAh capacity is built with 16x 3,000 mAh Panasonic battery cells. The international outlets are compatible with Type A, B, C, I, G, E, and L

Take me back to the comparison table now.

Amsu 330WH

Smart Charging : The 6.7 pound Amsu 500W Portable Solar Powered Generator is a medium power capacity portable unit. The Amsu 500W  has 3 Amp smart charge discharge controller built in to protect its batteries from discharging completely.

330 watts of AC power with 500 watts surge : The Amsu-500W generates 330 watts of continuous power. The in-built AC inverter provides two AC outputs with 500W of pure sine wave power for regular household devices. Additionally there are 2 USB ports (3.5 A each) and three DC outputs providing 12 Volts at 15 amps maximum.

Emergency Backup : The Amsu  often serves as an emergency backup unit. It is not necessary to have solar panels to charge the unit.

Plan to Buy Buy Solar Panels : However, if you plan to use it for camping trips stretching to more than a day, then it might be a good idea to consider buying solar panels.

You can read about compatible panels and more specs on this generator here. And here is a link to the Amsu 500W on the Amazon .

Most Popular Portable Solar Generator

Chafon 364 Solar Powered Generator : Chafon 364 is a great combination of power and price. It is relatively inexpensive and has enough power for most solar generator applications. It run away popularity on Amazon earned it the Most Popular moniker in our survey.

Take me back to the comparison table now.

Kalisaya KP 401 : Solar Generator Kit

384 Watts and just 13 pounds : This is the mid tier Kalipak solar generator kit. It has an output of 384 WH and weighs 13 pounds. It has a 4 cell solar panel rated at 40W as part of the kit.

Bluetooth Transmitter : The Kalipak KP 401 has a Bluetooth transmitter and the KaliAPP allows you to monitor consumption levels, ensuring that you will never be suddenly left without power.

Foldable Solar Panels & integrated case : This solar generator kit comes with a mini powerkit—an AC/DC Wall Charger and Car-Lighter Adapter and the foldable 40 W Panel.  The whole unit packs up nicely into its case.

The Kalisaya KP401 is ready to go for your next hiking or camping trip in a jiffy. Its powerful, sleek compact and the inluded solar panels are a great bonus.

It’s only negative is that lack of an AC output.Check out the Kalisaya KP401 on Amazon or take me back to the comparison table now.

Goal Zero Yeti 400 : Solar Powered Generator Kit

Lots of Power Outlets : Goal Zero’s Yeti 400 is a medium capacity unit in the impressive Goal Zero stable of solar generators. The unit has an impressive arsenal of power output: two 1.5 Amp USB ports, a 12V output traditional car charger outlet and two AC outlets providing  300 watts of AC power between them.

Charger Anywhere : The Yeti 400 can be charged from a wall outlet or a car charger or with the solar panel provided in the kit.  The included 33 AH AGM battery is akin to a regular car battery and needs proper care and maintenance.

Low Charge Safety Indicator : The battery should not be drained completely. The built in battery charge display indicator with the chirping sound indicator for low charge levels is a  great safety feature.

With or without panels that is the question? The Yeti 400 will also work just fine without the solar panels since you can charge the generator from a wall plug or a car charger.  The Yeti 400 is substantially cheaper if you buy it standalone, check its price without the panels here.

Family Vacation : The AC outlet is good for a laptop and a regular TV with power rating below 300W. The 400 WH capacity is ample for a family vacation or a brief power blip in your home. The Yeti 400 weighs 29 lbs.

Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium Solar Generator

SOLAR GENERATOR REVIEW : Yeti 400 Lithium Video Review

See the Goal Zero Yeti 400  on Amazon or read a comprehensive review here.

Winner Best Mid Sized Solar Generator

Anker Powerhouse 400w Solar Powered Generator : This tiny powerhouse is aptly named. It is easily the lightest smallest and most powerful mid sized portable solar generator.

Here is a full review of the Anker – or you could head  back to the comparison table now.

Suaoki 400Wh Solar Powered Generator

Read the detailed review here or head back to the comparison table now.

Best Camping Solar Powered Generator

Jackery 500W Solar Generator : The Jackery 500 watt Solar Generator is built for the camping enthusiast. Its power packed , 500 watts will power the most extreme camping and outdoor gear for days on end.

Its easy to carry handle, rugged outdoor design and powerful flashlight make it ideal for the Camper.

Take me back to the comparison table now.

Kalisaya KP 601 : Solar Generator Kit

Kalisaya KP601 : The name Kalisaya comes from the Incan language Aymara. The Incas considered the sun to be a divine entity and the Kalisaya brand picks up on this interpretation.

External Folding Solar Panel : The Kalisaya KP601 comes with an external folding solar module.  The folding panels have 40 watt rating and are able to charge the unit in about 15 hours. The main unit has built in battery and charge controller.

Light and compact :  At 13 pounds the power pack is compact and is just over a foot across and about half a foot tall. Exact dimensions are 6.7 x 13.5 x 13.5 inches and it weighs just 13 pounds.

Dependable Power : A dependable panel with a powerful but light lithium-ion battery gives the Kalisaya generator its signature portability. The Kalisaya KP 601 can charge an average iPhone 93 times.

One caveat though, the Kalisaya range of solar generators don’t output AC – so you wont be able to run a fridge or an AC tool.  Laptops, phones, DC fans and fridges are all good.

Integrated Bluetooth : The inbuilt bluetooth transmitter and KaliAPP app for IOS and Android helps manage energy consumption easily while you are on the go. This product also comes with a mini powerkit—an AC/DC Wall Charger and Car-Lighter Adapter and the foldable 40 W Solar Panel.

This unit makes it to this list because of its compact size, impressive power output and solid reliability. And here is a link to the Kalisaya KP601 on Amazon .  Here is a link back to the comparison table now.

Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Lithium

18 Reviews

$1,299.94

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Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Lithium Portable Power Station, 1045Wh Silent Gas Free Generator Alternative with 1500W (3000W Surge) Inverter, 12V and USB Outputs

• 1045Wh lithium portable power station can power up to 7 devices at once (96,800mAh at 10.8V/290,400mAh at 3.6V)
• Continuous 1500W, 3000W surge pure-sine wave inverter, 2.4A USB ports, 120W 12V ports
• Charge phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and most small devices. Provides power for small appliances, TVs, lights, CPAPs and more
• Recharges from AC or pair with a solar panel (sold separately). Yeti 1000 is also sold as a solar kit with a Boulder 100 Briefcase solar panel
• Gas generator alternative with no noise, no fumes, no gasoline, no maintenance

Winner Best Heavy Duty

Inergy Kodiak 1100:  The best heavy duty generator the Inergy Kodiak 1100 is a monster in disguise. It is light like a portable and it has the power of a Muscle Generator.

Read the more comprehensive review here or  back to the comparison table now.

Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Heavy Duty Solar Generator Kit

Tried and Tested : The Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Powered Generator Kit is one of Goal Zero’s most reliable and tested products in the market. It is not cheap but it will give very reliable service.

Solar Panels : The Goal Zero Yeti 1250 kit ships with Boulder 100 Briefcase solar panel that comes with a stand and installation cords. Adding another set of panels to your Yeti 1250 kit is a good idea. That will reduce charging time significantly.

Plenty of Outputs : The unit has 4 USB outlets each generating 2.1 Amps and thus will charge multiple USB devices like your Apple or Android smart phones very easily. There is a 12 V charging outlet and you can use this for all devices that connect to the car charger outlet of your vehicles.

Serious Power :  The 100 Amp Hr AGM battery with a capacity of 1250 watts gives this generator its serious power capability. You can access this power through three pure sine wave outlets for AC power producing 1200 watts of running power with a surge capacity of 1500 watts.

Devices Galore : You can run a small refrigerator, a laptop and a couple of lights or an oven off these three AC outlets. Power tools are also a cinch and you will see this unit on the pickups of many contractors.

Roll Cart  : The kit has a rolling cart since the unit is heavy at 116 pounds.

Contractor Friendly : The reason many contractors like the Goal Zero Yeti 1250 is because you can easily add additional AGM batteries to increase the capacity of the unit. The larger the daisy chain, the more backup power for your home or work site.

And here is a link to the Yeti 1250 on Amazon or take me back to the comparison table now.

Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium

24 Reviews

from $1,799.95

See on Amazon

Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium Portable Power Station 1425Wh Silent Gas Free Generator Alternative with 1500 Watt (3000 Watt Surge) AC inverter, USB, 12V Outputs

• 1425Wh lithium portable power station can power up to 10 devices at once (Single Cell Equivalent Capacity: 396Ah @3.6V)
• AC inverter (output, pure sine wave): 120VAC 60Hz, 10A (1500W, 3000W surge)
• Charges phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, drones, and more. Powers your refrigerator, blender, TV, lights, power tools, and medical devices
• Easily Rechargeable - Keep your Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium powered up from the wall or from the sun (solar panels sold separately)
• Gas generator alternative with no noise, no fumes, no gasoline, no maintenance

Take me back to the comparison table now.

Kohler Encube Solar Powered Generator

Sale

6 Reviews

$1,094.94 - $77.91 $1,017.03

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Kohler enCUBE1.8 Rechargeable Power Supply 1800 Watts

• Fuel-free portable power for indoors or on the go
• Safe, silent design - with no engine, is a quiet, clean power source with zero emissions
• Battery inverter technology powers 120V, 12V and 5V items such as laptop, TV, cell phone, refrigerator and more
• Charges from a 120V wall outlet or optional solar panel(s.) built-in wheels and telescoping handle for easy portability
• Digital display shows input, output, runtime and battery status

Take me back to the comparison table now.

OG Solar 110

Powerful : The OG Solar Kit is rated to product 1500 watts of AC power continuously with 4000 wats of surge capacity. It is highly scalable as you can add up to 4 additional  batteries to increase capacity to over 6000 watts. That will bring the OG solar kit pretty close to being a  whole home backup solution.

Size is everything : Its got significant power and can keep a small home running for a few hours. It is slightly on the heavier side at 83 pounds but the unit has a small form factor at 10 x 15 x 11 inches.

Lots of Outputs : It has three 110 V AC outlet as output.  The unit produces modified sine wave output and that is a small negative as it puts sensitive electronics at risk. It boasts of a 20 year warranty for the panels and 5 years for the electronics and the battery.

Beast of Burden : This unit does not have the design and aesthetics of the other units in this review. The output and input options are rather limited given the price tag. However, if you are interested in sustained power to keep your electronics and a few lamps going for over a day and night, this  heavy duty generator will gladly be your beast of burden.

And here is a link to the OG Solar 110 on Amazon or take me back to the comparison table now.

Best Backup Solar Generator

Wagan Power Cube 1500 Home Solar Powered Generator Kit : The Wagan eCube is our preferred choice as Solar Backup Generator because of its multi faceted capability giving you power in every imaginable circumstance. In-built Solar Panels, Powerful Battery Backup, Easily portable with wheels and very good customer feedback on Amazon.

Power and Looks : The Wagan Solar Power Cube 1500 Plus Heavy Duty Solar Powered Generator not only generates 1500 watts of continuous power with 3600 watts peak surge, but also generates envy because of its looks.

Pure Sine Wave AC Output : The in-built AC inverter provides pure sine wave output through two 115 volt AC outlets.

Lots of Power Outputs : Additionally there are two 12 volt outlets for powering DC devices, two USB power ports (5 volts, 2.1 amps, combined) and a digital LED battery status indicator.

Fold Out Solar Panels : Unlike most other solar powered generators the solar panels fold out from the top of the unit and roll out from either side. There are 5  16 watt panels which outputs a total of 80 watts of power to charge the  Wagan 100 Amp Hour AGM battery.

For more details : Click here for a more detailed review or take me back to the comparison table now.

Duracell Power Source 1800

Long Lasting Power : The 51 pound Duracell Power Source 1800 is from the Duracell stable lives us to its brand promise of long lasting backup power. But, it is not a traditional solar powered generator as it cannot be charged with external panels.

Uninterrupted Power Supply: It is an uninterrupted power supply source or a battery backup which provides AC power from its built in battery.  Thus the Duracell Power Source 1800 is a packaged solution with batteries and inverter all included in the product.

5 AC Outputs : This Duracell Power Source 1800 generates 1800 watts of continuous AC power. The in-built AC inverter provides five AC outputs with 1800W of pure sine wave power for household devices and electronics. There are no DC outputs or USB outputs.

Non Spill AGM : The batteries are AGM and non spill which is standard with most units this size.

Replaceable Batteries : However, you can replace the batteries when they wear out with 3, 17AH sealed AGM batteries. You will need a qualified battery consultant to carry out the replacement.

Compatible Devices : Its compatible appliances include: laptop, TV, power tools, refrigerator, smartphone, lights, etc. For more on this home backup generator including additional images, check this post.

And here is a link to the Duracell 1800 on Amazon or take me back to the comparison table now.

Forty2Max 2000W

ALL in One : The 75 pound Forty2Max 2000W  is amongst the most powerful in the market today and it will serve as a reliable source of clean long lasting power.

The Forty2Max is an all in one Heavy Duty package. It is a solar generator kit with panels, batteries and inverter all included in the product.

Power in the Numbers : This Forty2Max 2000W  generates 2000 watts of continuous DC power. The in-built AC inverter provides two AC outputs with 1000W of modified sine wave power for regular household devices.

USB and Variants : Additionally there are 2 USB ports for your electronic devices. The Forty2Max also comes in two additional variants with smaller battery capacities of 500w and 1000w.

Integrated Built In Solar Panels :  You can’t add additional solar panels to this unit as the panels come built in. That is a blessing and a problem as the solar charging takes longer due to the smaller capacity panels, but is a blessing as you don’t have additional baggage to carry around.

All Purpose : This general purpose unit can pretty much be adapted for any kind of use : camping, emergencies, outdoors, tailgating, home movie party, outdoor cabin etc. Its great backup power for : laptop, TV, power tools, microwave, smartphone, lights, etc. For  a more detailed look at the Forty Two Max Home, check this post.

And here is a link to the Forty2Max at Amazon or take me back to the comparison table now.

Be Prepared 5000 Watt Heavy Duty Solar Generator Kit

Fast Charging Workhorse : The BePrepared Solar is a workhorse with a capacity of 2500 WH. Unlike its competitors it ships with two 100W solar panels making this one of the fastest charging units in its class. It has built in charging option from an AC outlet as well.

Run your AC : It is a heavy duty unit and could potentially run a wall or RV AC unit for an hour or so, but that would drain its battery. It is better to use higher loads very sparingly with all heavy duty solar powered generators.

Design Uh ..huh..: It is not in the same league of design as some of its competitors, but it gives them a run for their money because of its power and the two 100 watt panels that makes recharging its batteries so much faster.

Cables Plus : This BePrepared unit comes with 30 feet of solar cables and weighs just 30 pounds. The main unit has dimensions of 32 x 18 x 18 inches and it houses the batteries inside it. The batteries ship separately and will need to inserted and connected inside the unit.

Good Value : If you are looking for a good looking finished product to enhance your home decor, this unit will not make you happy. This is a work horse and it looks like one and it is good value for money.

Here is a link to the BePrepared on Amazon or take me back to the comparison table now.

Best Home Solar Generator

Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Lithium : A Whole Home Solar Powered Generator has a lot riding on it, it has to power appliances, maybe a small space heater and a window AC. Of course not all at the same time. The new Yeti 3000 Lithium is a perfect choice : the most powerful Yeti generator from a very reliable brand powered by Lithium batteries for really long life.

Here is a link to a more detailed review of the Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Lithium.

Take me back to the comparison table now.

Kisae HS 1800 Watt Heavy Duty Solar Generator Kit

Value for Money : At approximately a $1000, the Kisae HS 1800 is a great value for money.

Serious Power : With 1800 watts of power under its belt, it pretty much will power all the loads you would expect from a solar powered generator.

Solar Panels : The unit ships with a folding 80W solar panel with a stand. However, that is too small for a generator this size. You will have to consider buying atleast a couple of 100 watt panels if you plan to charge using only solar panels. The 80 watt panel will take forever to charge the unit.

Charging & Outputs : The Kisae HS 1800 can be charged directly from an AC wall outlet or with solar panels. It has 4 AC outputs which is a great plus, but it has just one measly USB port and no DC outputs.

Size and Weight :  The Kisae HS 1800 weighs 76 pounds and does not have wheels or a strap. So it not particularly portable unless you are Superman. However, it is reasonable small in size at 14.5 x 10.5 x 14 inches.

Conclusion : The Kisae HS 1800 is an excellent value for money home solar generator kit. You will have to plan to buy additional solar panels if that is your preferred mode of charging. The unit is heavy and thus not very portable. But the $1000 price tag with included albeit slightly lower power solar panels is a very yummy combination.

Here is a link to the Kisae HS 1800 on Amazon or take me back to the comparison table now.

FAQ’s

Does the sun power your solar generator?

All Solar Powered Generators have built in batteries. You get power for your appliances directly from the batteries. There are 2 types of batteries  : AGM batteries which are bulkier and less expensive or  the new higher powered lighter Lithium batteries.

So where does the sun come in 🙂 ? The batteries need to be recharged. Solar generator kits come with panels for battery recharging.  However many vendors sell stand alone Solar Powered Generators as well, without the panels .

The Good News, all solar powered generators can also be charged directly from the standard 110V  AC wall outlet.  Some models offer the flexibility of charging from a car charger as well, but be warned they take a long time to charge.

When not to buy a solar powered generator ?

If you want to go off grid or power your homes heating, air conditioning and all your regular home appliances for an extended period during an outage like Sandy, you are better off with a regular whole home generator.

Regular Portable and heavy duty home solar powered generators can provide a few hours of backup for your home without Air Conditioning and minimal or no Heating.

What is a solar generator kit ?

All Solar Generator kits that have solar panels as part of the standard shipping kit.  Even though kits ship with Solar Panels, you may have to buy more panels for quicker solar charging.

What about a whole home generator ?

A whole home solar powered generator is another animal. These are referred to as  whole home solar system with panels on your roof or yard that power your whole home with solar.

A regular Home Solar Generator on the other hand is great as a short term power backup.

Such whole home systems are great to reduce your utility bills, but won’t work during power outages unless the system has additional batteries as backup. The home solar systems you see advertised on TV by big majors like Solar City all power your homes but don’t come with battery backup.

What about whole home solar generators with battery backup ?

It is possible to design a solar powered generator to power an entire household and go off the grid completely. You just cant buy that off the shelf. This would have to be custom built and they are expensive.

You can do it build one yourself if you are a serious DIYer with a good grasp of the electricians skills. Typically such a system would involve installing 15 or more large solar panels on your roof top or on the ground.

You would need a shed for your batteries and charging electronics. The best value option for a DIY solar enthusiast is the solar panel kit.

For those who want to spend a few thousand dollars for a larger solar system; check out Wholesale Solar. If you are not a DIYer and want a large system, call a local installer.  I am in New Jersey and I got my solar system installed by Ampericon without spending anything out of pocket. Here is my post about getting a solar system with no out of pocket investment.

Other cool  facts

If you are curious about the insides : read this post “How do they work?”. If you are the visual kind this video reviews will useful. And click here if you want to know how long your appliances will run with your solar powered generator.

Right Sizing

STEP 1.    Look  at the table below and make a list of everything you would want your Solar Powered Generator to power

Again, Solar Powered Generators are not suitable for high power requirements such as whole house heating or cooling or complete home power backup. You will be better served by a Standby Generator.

After selecting your appliances go to  SETP 2 which is below the table.

STEP 2.    How many watts do you need ?

After Step 1, you should have a list of appliances devices which your solar unit must power. Here is an example of what your list might look like :

The Solar Powered Generator  Sizing Calculator says you need a 1965 watts generator with a surge capacity of 3000 watts.  Your choice is thus narrowed down to the Goal Zero 3000 watt Lithium or the Be Prepared 5000 watt or the FortytwoMax 2000.

Take me back to the Comparison table now.

If you are done exploring solar powered generators, you can look for more in my solar home in these other popular posts. Thank you for visiting MySolarhome.us. You might like visiting this Solar Energy Directory too.

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