Hey there ! I am Jon K and I run the MySolarHome.us Youtube Channel and MySolarHome.us website. I am a Solar and Energy Storage professional with over 15 years of industry experience.
Hey there ! This is an exciting time for Solar and Portable Power Tech. Whether you are an RV owner or an avid camper or a boat enthusiast or looking for home power backup; Solar Generators offer a great variety of choice and options. Here are my recommendations of the best Solar Generators in 2022.
The first section looks at the best Home Solar Generators; these units have the most energy and can provide LIMITED home backup power and are excellent for RV and Marine applications. The Camping Solar Generators are next, they are portable and have slightly lower energy capacity. And there is a bonus section on the best Portable Power Stations; these are the smallest energy capacity Portable Battery Generators.
Now some of you may be looking to have whole home power backup. An Energy Storage System or a Whole Home Generator is likely a better solution for your. Watch this video to learn about both those options.
Table of Contents
Best Home | RV | Marine Solar Generators
See the top Solar Generators in my video. Or if you prefer to read, scroll below.
The Bluetti EP500 has everything you could ask for. A whopping 5199 watt hours of stored energy and huge AC power output at 2000 watts.
And this exquisitely designed unit fits right into your living room and can run everything excluding your central air conditioner, water heater and electric oven.
Packed with charging outlets including 2 wireless charging ports, a 100 watt USB C port and dual 120/240 volt AC outputs, the Bluetti can charge 15 devices at once.
A touch screen display and remote App control through your smart phone round out this futuristic Solar Generator.
It is expandable and the included charger is super fast. Moving the 167 lb unit around on 4 wheels is not too difficult.
PROS
- Huge energy capacity and fair AC output power
- Charge upto 15 devices at once
- Wireless charging and a 100 watt USB C port
- Phone app, Touch Screen & great looks
- 3 year warranty
CONS
- Expect to pay more than other units
- Limited Availability
- Long charging time
The Yeti 6000x comes with a huge 6071 watt hours of Energy capacity. Thats the largest in the market.
With 2000 watts of AC power output the Yeti 6000x can run everything in your home excluding your central air conditioner, electric oven and water heater.
Superb design and an excellent LCD display panel with 9 power outputs including AC, DC 12 V, USB, USB C and a cigarette lighter charger round out an impressive personality.
It is heavy, but with an excellent set of wheels this can be moved around by one person. It has the looks and build quality of a top consumer durable.
Unfortunately the unit is not expandable, you cant add more batteries.
PROS
- Largest energy capacity amongst all Home Solar Generators
- Excellent US based warranty and service
- Owned by US energy conglomerate NRG
- Monitoring with Yeti phone app
CONS
- Heavy at 106 lbs
- Not expandable like most of its competitors
- Difficult for one person to move the unit
- Charging takes a long time
The Renogy Lycan 5000 is the king as far as energy capacity and AC power output go with 4800 watt hours of energy capacity and 3500 watts of continuous AC power.
You can run everything in your home including your central air conditioner ( with a soft start installed) with the Lycan 5000 Power Box.
However, it has just 2 AC outputs: 20 Amp and 30 Amp outlets. No other outputs period. Its best to permanently connect the unit to your main panel
Super fast charging and excellent expansion capability. Super heavy and requires a two man lift.
PROS
- Lithium Ferrous Phosphate Batteries with over 10 years of life
- 30 day return policy
- Inbuilt Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) to protect electronic devices from brown outs and surges
- Monitor with a phone App
- Fast Charging
CONS
- V Heavy and clunky - definitely not portable
- Poor design and finish compared to peers
- Only available in the Renogy Store
- No USB, USB C or DC outputs
- Just 2 AC outputs
The Inergy Flex 1500 is a versatile well designed powerful Solar Generator. It is modular with upto 5, 1000 watt hour Flex battery packs that can be plugged on at the bottom of the unit. Thus one vertically stacked unit's capacity can go up 6000 wh.
It will power most household appliances except for central air conditioning units. The Inergy Flex 1500 will power you your kitchen, dining room and living room during an outage without breaking a sweat.
Super fast charging with an optional MPPT charger and with Solar panels is ultra convenient. A multitude of AC outlets, USB C, USB QC and DC 12 v output ports will keep every family members devices and appliances fully charged.
PROS
- Amongst the lightest heavy duty solar generators
- Expandable : add more batteries to increase capacity
- Great modular design and looks
- Great value pricing
CONS
- Only available in the Inergy store
- Great capacity and features, but expensive
- Often unavailable and out of stock
The modular Lion Safari ME from Utah based Lion Energy is an excellent product. A powerful 2000 watt inverter gives it the ability to power everything in your home except the central AC.
The default battery capacity of 922 watt hrs is smaller compared to others in the category, but you can always add more battery packs (2084 wh each); thats a big advantage.
The Lion Safari ME Solar powered generator has 8 power output options which makes it super convenient for a variety of uses indoors and outdoors including power backup.
I am a fan of the its long lasting LiFePO4 batteries as well since they last twice as long as Li Ion batteries.
PROS
- Long lasting LiFePO4 batteries
- Add more batteries to increase energy storage capacity
- Modular design, US based company
CONS
- Low energy capacity at 922 wh, though expandable
- Only two AC outlets
- Unavailable / out of stock often
The Titan Solar Generator from Idaho based Point Zero is a popular model with excellent reviews. The Titan generates 3000 watts of AC power. Additional batteries can be added by vertically stacking them increasing energy capacity by 2000 watt hours per battery pack.
The unit will power all household appliances except for central air conditioning units and Electric ovens. USB C and USB A support is not standard and are available through an optional accessory cable.
Fast convenient charging is included and the 6 AC outlets plus the RV outlet make this a RV and marine favorite.
PROS
- Amongst the lightest heavy duty solar generators
- Expandability : Add either Li or LiFePO4 or AGM expansion kits to increase capacity
- Great modular design and looks
- Fast Charger included
CONS
- Only available in the Point Zero store
- USB Ports are optional and you have to pay extra
- Sometimes out of stock
- More expensive that competitive models
Launched this new year the newest Ecoflow Delta Pro Home Solar Generator is hot off the factory floor and was named in TIME's 100 best inventions of 2021.
Sleek design and ergonomic lines define this 3600 watt hour capacity unit with a stupendous AC inverter providing 3600 watts of AC continuously. It is powered by a LiFePO4 long life battery and will run almost everything in a home including small central air conditioning units with a soft start attachment.
This will be an RV favorite with both an AC and DC RV outlet producing 30 amps of continuous current. The Ecoflow Delta Pro can charge 15 devices at once.
It is expandable and the included charger gets the unit to full charge in 2 and a half hours. A smart LCD display with durable wheels that make the unit portable.
PROS
- Top line energy capacity & AC output power
- Expandable battery capacity
- 100 watt USB C
- RV DC and AC charging outputs
- Long lasting LFP batteries
CONS
- Just launched still awaiting customer reviews
- No wireless device charging
- Availability is an issue
The Bluetti AC200P is the predecessor the the new EP500 which was reviewed earlier. A very popular model with 2000 watts of AC output and 2048 watt hours of stored energy.
Another stylish, compact and portable addition to home or RV, this solar generator can run almost everything except your central air conditioning units and oven/hot water heater.
Packed with charging outlets including 2 wireless charging ports, a 60 watt USB C port, 6 AC outputs, and 4 DC ports including an RV port, the Bluetti can charge 17 devices at once.
It is expandable and the included charger gets the unit to 80% charge in a couple of hours. It also has a touch screen LCD display and remote App control through your smart phone.
PROS
- Excellent energy capacity & AC output power
- Expandable battery capacity
- Wireless charging and a 60 watt USB C port
- Monitoring with phone app and Touch Screen
- Fairly light for its energy capacity
CONS
- It has to compete against its next generation EP500 which has better specs
- Without wheels it is heavy to carry around
This is Goal Zero's lite version Home Solar Generator with 2000 watts of AC power output and 1516 watt hours of Energy capacity.
That make the Yeti 1500x powerful enough to run most household appliances and tools except larger Air Conditioners, Water Heaters and Ovens.
Fairly well equipped outputs with 2 AC outlets and 5 USB ports including a 35 watt fast charging USB C port.
Superb design and looks are another plus. The only drawback is it is slightly overweight at 43 pound.
PROS
- Light & Portable
- Excellent Power and Energy capacity
- Monitoring with phone app
- Goal Zero is an NRG company with great support
CONS
- Not expandable, you cant add more batterie
- Lithium Ion based, some of the competitors use newer LiFePO4
- Limited AC outputs
Comparing the Home Solar Generators
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|---|
Yeti 6000 ($5,399) | Lycan 5000 ($4,299) | Bluetti EP500 ($4,699) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Capacity : | 6071 watt hrs | 4800 watt hrs | 5100 watt hrs |
Battery : | Lithium Ion | Lithium Iron Phosphate | Lithium Iron Phosphate |
AC Power : | 2000 watts | 3500 watts | 2000 watts |
AC Outlets : | 2 | 1 + 1 RV | 4 |
USB C : | 2 , 60 watt & 18 watt | None | 1, 100 watts |
USB A : | 2 quick charge | None | 2 QC, 2 USB |
DC Outlets : | 2 DC 12 v + 2 Cigg Charger | None | 2 12 v + 1 Cigg + 1 RV |
Weight : | 106 lbs | 265 lbs | 167 lbs |
Warranty : | 2 year | 5 years | 2 years |
Other : | Not expandable | Expandable batteries | Expandable batteries |
| Slow charging | Super fast charging | Super fast charging |
 |  |  |
|---|
Lion Safari ME ($2,350) | Inergy Flex 1500 ($1,350) | Titan ($3,395) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Capacity : | 922 watt hrs | 1000 watt hrs | 2000 watt hrs |
Battery : | Lithium Iron Phosphate | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion |
AC Power : | 2000 watts | 1500 watts | 3000 watts |
AC Outlets : | 2 | 6 | 6 + 1 RV |
USB C : | 2 , 60 watt & 18 watt | 2 , 60 watts each | No - optional |
USB A : | 2 quick charge | 2 quick charge | No - optional |
DC Outlets : | 1 RV + 1 Cigg Charger | 2 12 v + 2 Cigg Charger | 4, 12 volt |
Weight : | 46 lbs | 29 lbs | 67 lbs |
Warranty : | 1 year | 2 years | 2 years |
Other : | Expandable batteries | Expandable batteries | Expandable batteries |
| Super fast charging | Super fast charging | Super fast charging |
 |  |  |
|---|
Ecoflow Delta Pro ($3,599) | Bluetti AC200P ($1,699) | Yeti 1500x ($1,995) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Capacity : | 3600 watt hrs | 2048 watt hrs | 1516 watt hrs |
Battery : | Lithium Iron Phosphate | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion |
AC Power : | 3600 watts | 2000 watts | 2000 watts |
AC Outlets : | 4 + 1 RV | 6 | 2 |
USB C : | 2 (100 watts) | 1 , 60 watt | 1 (35 watt) |
USB A : | 2QC + 2USB | 2QC + 2USB | 2QC + 1USB |
DC Outlets : | 2 12 v + 1 Cigg + 1 RV | 2 12 v + 1 Cigg + 1 RV | 2 12 v + 1 Cigg Charger |
Weight : | 69 lbs | 61 lbs | 43 lbs |
Warranty : | 2 year | 2 years | 2 years |
Other : | Expandable+Wireless chg | Expandable+Wireless chg | US Support |
| Fast charging | Fast charging |
Best Camping | Portable Solar Generators
The 1002 watt hour Jackery 1000 solar powered generator is a combination of power and excellent value; at around a $ 1000, it is very good value for money and performance in this category.
And there is a lot more going on; 3 AC outlets ( max AC power 1000 watts) , 1 USB C (35 watt), a fast charging USB QC port, a regular USB port and a Cigarette Charger port.
Optional Jackery solar panels are available as well.
At 22 pounds, this 1000 watt hour battery generator is portable and powerful. Great for group outings, parties and long camping trips.
PROS
- Powerful yet Portable
- Excellent Power and Energy capacity
- Good US based support
CONS
- Not expandable, you cant add more batteries
- A little short on USB and DC output ports.
The Generark HomePower solar generator is a direct competitor to the Jackery 1000. It also has a price point of around $1000.
The Generark has 3 AC outlets ( max AC power 1000 watts) , 2 USB C (18 watt), 1 USB QC, 1 USB and a cigarette charger output.
The Generark and the Jackery are almost identical as far as specs go. The Generark has one extra USB port, but the Jackery 1000 has a higher powered USB C outlet.
An excellent choice for group camping and a long evening of beach partying. Enough power and lightweith at 23 pound the Generark is gaining good reviews.
PROS
- Powerful yet Portable
- Excellent Power and Energy capacity
- Good US based support
CONS
- Not expandable, you cant add more batteries
- The USB C ports are a little underpowered at 18w.
The $600 Bluetti EB70S Camping Solar Generator is another rockstar from the maker of Bluetti. Super value and super performance.
Long lasting Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries power the unit (perhaps the only one in this category). It has 2, 100 watt USB C output ports that are usually found in Home Solar Generators.
Wireless charging for the latest smart phones is a bonus and the unit charges very fast with the included fast charger.
An excellent choice for group camping and a long evening of beach partying. Enough power and lightweight at 23 pounds, the Generark is gaining good reviews.
PROS
- Powerful yet Portable
- Excellent Power and Energy capacity
- Good US based support
CONS
- Not expandable, you cant add more batteries
- The USB C ports are a little underpowered at 18w.
Roadtrips and Camping with the Milin 600 are a pleasure since you never have to worry about power for your devices.
A 622 watt hour Lithium battery generates 600 watts of AC power from its inverter. It has 1, 100 watt USB C and 3 regular USB ports. DC outputs are regular 12 volt and cigarette charger outlets.
Retail price is around $500, very reasonable for its better than average energy capacity.
Light and well designed, the Milin 600 has overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon.
PROS
- Powerful yet Portable
- Good price for the Energy Capacity & Power
CONS
- Not expandable, you cant add more batteries
- A few additional output ports would have been nice
Goal Zero's 3rd generation Yeti 500x is the perfect combination of power and portability. With 505 watt hours of energy and a light 13 pound footprint, its easy to carry every where.
The new high power USB C input output port gives out a blazing 60 watts for quick charging of your Mac Laptop and other devices.
Like all mid sized units you are limited to devices with power draws of 300 watts or less. Its currently retails at about $699.
Super reviews and performance make this a winning product in the Camping Solar Generator category.
PROS
- Very light and good energy capacity
- Great design and looks
- Warranty backed by NRG group USA
CONS
- Not expandable, you cant add more batteries
- With 300 watts of power, you cannot use this to power tools or appliances like a blender, microwave etc.
Ecoflow's solar generators lead with the fastest recharge (less than 2 hrs). Thats big since most competitors take 5 or 6 hours to recharge their batteries.
Amongst the most stylish solar generators, the $500 price tag is extremely attractive; great value and top gun features.
Powers upto 10 devices simultaneously, 3 AC outlets, 1 100 watt USB C and 3 USB's plus 3 DC ouptus including a cigarette charger..
600 watts of AC power is good for everything except AC's, Microwaves and Ovens.
With a detachable battery at the bottom, the unit becomes more portable albeit with less energy (288 wh)
PROS
- Fastest recharging under 2 hrs
- Top power output upto 600 watts AC
- Detachable battery / Mobile App
- Very good price to value
CONS
- Not expandable, you cant add more batteries
- Cant use with power tools or larger home appliances like microwaves and blenders
Comparing the Portable Solar Generators
 |  |  |
|---|
Jackery 1000 ($1,000) | Generark HmPowr ($1,000) | Bluetti EB70S ($600) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Capacity : | 1002 watt hrs | 1002 watt hrs | 716 watt hrs |
Battery : | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion | Lithium Iron Phosphate |
AC Power : | 1000 watts | 1000 watts | 800 watts |
AC Outlets : | 3 | 3 | 2 |
USB C : | 1 (35 watts) | 2 (18 watts) | 2 (100 watt) |
USB A : | 1QC + 1USB | 1QC + 1USB | 2USB |
DC Outlets : | 1 Cigg | 1 Cigg | 2 12 v + 1 Cigg Charger |
Weight : | 22 lbs | 23 lbs | 21 lbs |
Warranty : | 1 year | 1 years | 2 years |
Other : | US based support | US based support | Wireless QC charging |
|
| US based support |
 |  |  |
|---|
Milin 600 ($500) | Yeti 500x ($699) | Ecoflow River Max ($500) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Capacity : | 622 watt hrs | 505 watt hrs | 576 watt hrs |
Battery : | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion |
AC Power : | 600 watts | 300 watts | 600 watts |
AC Outlets : | 2 | 2 | 3 |
USB C : | 1 (100 watts) | 2 (60 w & 18w) | 1 (100 watts) |
USB A : | 3USB | 2USB | 1QC + 3USB |
DC Outlets : | 2 12v + 1 Cigg | 1 Cigg | 2 12 v + 1 Cigg Charger |
Weight : | 21 lbs | 13 lbs | 13 lbs |
Warranty : | 1 year | 1 year | 2 years |
Other : | LED Flashlight | US based support | super fast recharging |
|
| Mobile app & detachable battery |
Best Portable Power Stations
Bluetti's EB55 is arguably the best portable power station. With a long lasting LiFePO4 battery the EB55 can power 13 devices simultaneously.
Super fast recharging is standard, the unit will be fully recharged in less than 2 hours. It has a wireless QC charging pad on top for the latest smartphones.
Running a fridge and a smaller microwave are also possible with the 700 watt AC power output.
Construction Tools and high wattage devices are not supported.
PROS
- Great power and energy at an excellent price
- Huge number of device charging options
- US based support & fast recharging
CONS
- Fixed size, cannot add more batteries
- Not suited for power tools and larger kitchen appliances.
The Jackery 500 competes head on with the Bluetti EB55. At an approx $500 price, it is great value without compromising on performance.
Power upto 7 devices simultaneously. 518 watt hours of energy is big enough for a long weekend trip with friends.
Supporting upto 500 watts of continuous power output, this can power a kitchen and all its appliances including a fridge easily, albeit for a short while.
Power Tools are beyond its range and best left for its more powerful cousin the Jackery 1000.
PROS
- Super light and portable
- Great power output upto 500 watts
- US based Jackery support
CONS
- Not expandable, you cant add more batteries
- Limited use with lower power tools and appliance
Maxoak 500 is a reliable Portable Power Station with an affordable $399 price tag. It has a lot to offer with the capability to charge 11 devices at the same time.
500 watt hours of energy capacity is at the top of the class for portable power stations. The only compromise is on AC power output; its slightly lower than its counterparts at the top end, at 300 watts.
300 watts of AC power is good enough for communication devices, X boxes , Drones and similar devices. You will run short for a fridge or other larger kitchen appliances.
A 10 watt wireless QC charging pad for smartphones is an added bonus.
PROS
- Compact light and portable
- Good 500 watt hrs of energy
- wireless charging pad
- Great Price
CONS
- No battery expansion
- Limited to devices using 300 watts or less
Baldr 330 is the best portable power station at the 300 wh capacity range. Affordable with $229 price tag, it can charge up-to 9 devices at the same time.
Power output for its capacity is excellent at 330 watts. 297 watt hours of energy gives you enough stamina for longer outdoor trips.
Power your camera, phones, laptop, drones, CPAP machine, game box and other similarly sized devices easily with the Baldr 330.
Desktop Computers, Kitchen appliances and the like are out of its power range.
The wireless QC charging pad for smartphones is a good to have bonus.
PROS
- Ultra Portable at 7 lbs
- Robust 330 watt AC power output
- wireless charging pad
- Great Price
CONS
- No battery expansion
- Limited to devices using 330 watts or less
Rockpals has a range of Portable Power Stations and the Rocpals 300 is the most popular model.
Ultra portable at 8 lbs and fairly good battery capacity at 280 watt hours. The AC inverter delivers 300 watts of continuous power : very respectable for the category.
The Rockpals 300 can power laptops, cameras, phones, drones and game boxes over a weekend of heavy usage.
Hi speed recharging is a nice bonus, you don't have to wait hours waiting for it to be a 100% charged.
PROS
- Ultra Portable at 8 lbs
- Robust 300 watt AC power output
- Fast recharging to get going fast
CONS
- No battery expansion
- Limited to devices using 300 watts or less
Comparing the Portable Power Stations
 |  |  |
|---|
Bluetti EB55 ($500) | Maxoak 500 ($399) | Jackery 500 ($500) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Capacity : | 537 watt hrs | 500 watt hrs | 518 watt hrs |
Battery : | Lithium Ferrous Phosphate | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion |
AC Power : | 700 watts | 300 watts | 500 watts |
AC Outlets : | 4 | 2 | 1 |
USB C : | 1 (100 watts) | 1 (45 watts) | |
USB A : | 4USB | 4USB | 3USB |
DC Outlets : | 2 12v + 1 Cigg | 2 12 V + 1 Cigg | 2 12 v + 1 Cigg Charger |
Weight : | 17 lbs | 14 lbs | 13 lbs |
Warranty : | 1 year | 1 year | 2 years |
Other : | super fast recharging | wireless qc device charging | US Bases Support |
| wireless qc device charging |
|
 |  |
|---|
Rockpals 300 ($285) | Baldr 330 ($229) | |
|---|---|---|
Capacity : | 280 watt hrs | 297 watt hrs |
Battery : | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion |
AC Power : | 300 watts | 330 watts |
AC Outlets : | 1 | 2 |
USB C : | 1 (30 watts) | 1 (60 watts) |
USB A : | 2USB + 1QC | 3QC |
DC Outlets : | 2 12v + 1 Cigg | 2 12 V + 1 Cigg |
Weight : | 8 lbs | 7 lbs |
Warranty : | 1 year | 1 year |
Other : |
| wireless qc device charging |
|
|
|
How does a Solar Generator work?
Solar Powered Generator : A Solar Generator stores Solar Energy as Electrical Energy inside an in-built battery. They are clean, non polluting, portable and environmentally friendly backup power storage devices.
The image below is the Yeti 500x Solar Generator from Goal Zero. It is one of the more advanced mid sized products in the market.
Looking at the front of the unit we see almost everything you are likely to encounter in any top line solar powered generator.
On the top left you have a 12V Regulated Output Port and a 6 mm Output Port. These are the two DC output ports of the unit. The 12V port is exactly like the cigarette lighter charger in your car, anything you can plug in your car charger can be plugged in here.
The 6mm Output Port is for connecting DC lights - usually great for camping or christmas lights.
Right below that is the 8 mm Charge Port (this is an Input Port) for the Yeti. Here's where you connect external solar panels to charge the internal battery of the Yeti. Remember Solar Panels are usually a separate purchase. Many users never buy panels and get by regular wall AC charging.
Different Solar Generators have different input connectors for the power flowing out of Solar Panels - Andersen Connectors, 8mm, EC8, DC7909 etc.
And solar panels themselves have different output connectors; MC4, 8mm etc. You have to match the cables to correctly connect to the Solar panels on the one hand and into the Solar generator on the other side.
Also be cautious while buying Solar Panels - you will also have to match the power output of the panels (voltage and current) to match what your Solar Powered Generator can accept. If all this is bit much; just stick to charging through a wall AC outlet and forget the solar panels.
The Interactive LED Screen shows battery display with input watts : showing how much power the solar panels or wall charger is pushing into the internal battery, and output watts shows power used by connected appliances.
Right below is the Output panel with 2 standard USB ports with 2.4 amp output in the middle. The 60 watt USB C port on the left is both an input and output port USB C port. On the right is a 18 watt USB C output port.
To the right of the unit are the 2 standard AC outlets - the Yeti output is 300 watts AC pure sine wave. Make sure you buy a unit that produces enough AC power for your favorite appliances.
Don’t be left hanging with a unit that does not have enough power for the Tool or appliance you wanted to use, because the max steady AC output for the solar generator is less than what you needed.
Inside a Solar Generator
And above is my artistic rendition of the inside of the Solar Generator. At the center of it all is the embedded battery, usually a Lithium Ion chemistry based battery, but sometimes Lead Acid as well. The battery shown here is just for representation.
Inbuilt Battery : The battery in the Solar Generator can be charged using Solar Panels or AC power and sometimes a car charger too. Once the internal Battery is charged, the Solar Powered Generator is ready to power your appliances.
The Charge controller is the electronics that ensures the battery is charged correctly (overcharging can lead to over heating) and also to ensure it never drops below a certain threshold charge. All that to extend the battery life to the max.
Finally the Inverter to convert the battery power which is in DC form into usable AC power through the output ports we saw earlier. Converting the DC output of the inbuilt battery into AC to help power your TV or Fridge is the job of the Inverter.
DC output ports like the USB and the 12V ports are directly powered by the battery.
Integrated Electronics : Thus a Solar Generator is a complex electronic device which combines the battery, a solar charge controller and an inverter.
All of that electronic wizardry finally creates a sleek good looking Solar Generator that will be your backup Power source during a power outage, camping trip, Boat, RV or tailgate party.
Pros & Cons of a Solar Generator
PROS |
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CONS |
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Top 5 Reasons to get a Solar Generator
Not sure if a Solar Generator is right for you. Here are the top reasons to consider buying one :
- Completely Silent Operation : Solar Powered Generators are completely silent and a boon at night time campsites, trailer parties or a power outage.
- Environmentally Friendly : Unlike regular generators that release noxious fumes and odors, they are non-polluting and great for the environment.
- Clean AC and DC Power : Solar Generators produce super clean power that is great for sensitive electronic devices like Laptops, Music Boxes, Ham Radio's etc.
- Built for Indoor or Outdoor use : Incredibly versatile, they don't need ventilation or special site preparation making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Ultra Portable : Most models, including the larger Home Solar Generators are light and portable and easily moved around in your RV or ,Boat, Truck or home.
Solar Generator Buying Tips
Planning to use the unit outdoors : You will have to think about how long you plan to be outdoors. If it is a 2 to 3 day trip, you could get by without recharging your unit, so the optional solar panels may not be necessary.
Planning a longer Trip : Buying external Solar Panels might be the way to go. Make sure you match the Solar Panel specs to the Input specs of the Solar Generator. Buying the wrong panels and connectors is a very common mistake.
Planning to us it as a backup power for your AC appliances : Look for a unit with high AC output watts in their specifications. Make sure the AC output watts are more than your devices requirement.
Be extra careful as some units have a high capacity in watt hours but a relatively low AC power output.
Backup Power for DC appliances : If you are carrying just smart phones, a CPAP machine that can work off DC power, a mini fridge that works on DC, Lights that are DC powered etc then you ought to make sure the unit has DC 12 volt outputs.
Solar Generator vs Regular Portable Generator
SOLAR GENERATOR |
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PORTABLE GENERATOR |
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What can a Solar Generator power ?
The larger home solar generators can run a single window AC, a couple of power tools, a small fridge, lights, computers and devices for a few hours, but not for the whole night.
Even the largest Solar Generator cannot power a whole home for heating, cooling (air conditioning) and all the appliances during a power outage - you are better served by a Large Generator.
A smaller load like a couple of Computers, a few lights, an XBox, your phones and Laptops could run for up to 24 hours powered by a mid sized Camping | Portable Solar Generator .
The smaller portable power stations are ideal for USB powered devices, CPAP machines, an electric blanket, a small fridge and so on; perfect for camping and the outdoors.
Most Portable Solar Generators can run the smaller loads for up to 2 days. The Solar Generator Calculator below tells you how long your devices can run on a single charge.
Can a Solar Generator power an Electric Saw?
So will your solar powered generator be able to power the Electric Saw or Electric Heater or whatever ? Easy : you need 3 numbers of make that assessment.
- Capacity of your solar generator that is usually mentioned in watts per hour
- AC Power Output of the unit in watts
- Energy Rating of your Appliance
The Appliance will usually have their energy rating in Watts mentioned on their identification plate/stamp. Or you might have to calculate it by multiplying its rated current with the voltage. e.g. 5 amps x 120 volts = 600 watts
THE CALCULATION
Let's work on an example. We have a 500 watt Power Tool. Our model is the Jackery 500. Can the Jackery run the tool?
If you plan to run a DC Tool or Appliance, go straight to Step 2.
a) Step 1. : Since the Power tool runs on AC, we need the AC output of the Jackery. The AC output of the Jackery is 500 watts.
If the AC Output of your unit is greater than or equal to the Power of your Appliance - you are good to go. In this case the AC Output 500 watts. That is is equal to the power of the Tool, so we are good.
STEP 1 - Make Sure the AC Power Output of the Solar Generator is equal to greater than the wattage of your appliance.
If it is a DC Device - Skip STEP 1 - go to Step 2.
b) Step 2 : We need Capacity of the Solar Generator. This is usually mentioned as a watt hour or watt rating for all Solar Generators. The capacity of the Jackery 500 is 518 watt hurs.
Divide the power rating of the unit by the power of your tool 518 / 500 = 1.04 hrs. This gives you the amount of time you can run your tool. In this case the Jackery would run the tool for about an hour.
STEP 2 - Calculate how much time you can run your device using the unit.
If you are happy with time, you are good to go. But it you think you need more time, look for a larger Solar Powered Generator.
Buying the Right Sized Solar Powered Generator
STEP 1. Look at the table below and make a list of everything you would want your Solar Powered Generator to power. Solar Powered Generators are not suitable for high energy requirements such as whole house heating or cooling or complete home power backup. You will be better served by a Standby Generator.
| TAILGATE / CAMPING/RV/BOAT | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appliance | Running Watts | Starting Watts | Appliance | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
| Fan | 90 | 0 | Laptop | 50 | 0 |
| String Lights | 20 | 0 | 42″ Plasma TV | 240 | 0 |
| RV AC (10000btu) | 1500 | 3000 | Inflator Pump | 50 | 150 |
| Tablet | 50 | 0 | Phone Charger | 15 | 0 |
| EMERGENCY BACKUP | |||||
| Essentials | Running Watts | Starting Watts | Essentials | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
| Sump Pump 1/3hp | 800 | 1300 | Sump Pump 1/2hp | 1100 | 2200 |
| Well Pump 1/3hp | 1000 | 2100 | Sump Pump 1/2hp | 1100 | 2200 |
| Light 60W | 60 | 0 | |||
| HEAT / COOL | HEAT / COOL | ||||
| Space Heater | 1500 | 0 | Furnace Fan 1/2hp | 800 | 2400 |
| Furnace Fan 1/3hp | 700 | 1400 | Window AC 10,000btu | 1200 | 3600 |
| Central AC 2 ton | 2000 | 6000 | |||
| LAUNDRY | LAUNDRY | ||||
| Iron | 1200 | 0 | Washing M/C | 1120 | 2250 |
| Dryer Gas | 700 | 1800 | |||
| KITCHEN | KITCHEN | ||||
| Microwave 625w | 625 | 0 | Microwave 1000w | 1000 | 2250 |
| Coffee M/c | 1000 | 0 | Elec Can Opener | 170 | 0 |
| Dishwasher | 1500 | 1500 | Blender | 350 | 500 |
| Toaster | 850 | 0 | |||
| GADGETS | GADGETS | ||||
| XBox | 150 | 0 | DVD Player | 350 | 0 |
| 42″ Plasma TV | 240 | 0 | 32″ LED TV | 50 | 0 |
| Desktop Computer | 500 | 0 | Hair Dryer | 1250 | 0 |
| Security System | 500 | 0 | Laser Printer | 500 | 1200 |
| POWER TOOLS | POWER TOOLS | ||||
| Circular Saw | 1200 | 2400 | Disc Sander 9″ | 1200 | 1200 |
| Halogen Light | 300 | 0 | Paint Sprayer | 360 | 1080 |
| Electric Drill 1/4″ | 300 | 300 | Cordless Drill Charger | 70 | 150 |
STEP 2. How much AC power does my Solar Generator need ?
After Step 1, you should have a list of appliances devices that your solar generator must power. Here is an example of what your list might look like :
| MY LIST OF APPLIANCES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Appliance | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
| Fan | 90 | 0 |
| Laptop | 50 | 0 |
| String Lights | 20 | 0 |
| 42″ Plasma TV | 240 | 0 |
| RV AC (10000btu) | 1500 | 3000 |
| Inflator Pump | 50 | 150 |
| Tablet | 50 | 0 |
| Phone Charger | 15 | 0 |
| ADD Running Watts of all your appliances 90 + 2050 +20 + 240 + 1500+ 50 + 15 = 1965 watts | ||
| Choose the appliance with the largest Starting Watts, in this case it is the RV AC with 3000 starting watts. That is the surge capacity you need = 3000 watts | ||
| It needs to produce at least 1965 watts of AC power – with a surge capacity of 3000 watt. | ||
Thus, need a solar generator with an AC output of 2000 watts and a surge AC output of 3000 watts or more.
If you don’t know the surge AC output of your Solar Generator, assume it is about 1.5 times the AC output watts.
How long will my devices run with a Solar Generator?
Answer Question 1 : Enter the capacity in watt-hours for your solar-powered generator.
it is pre-filled as 100 watt hours, – just overwrite it with the capacity 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 the selected appliances before your solar generator runs out of power.
It also shows you how many times you could charge your laptops and phones if you used the Solar Generator ONLY for charging the Laptop/Tablet/Smart Phone.
Once the Solar Generator runs out of power, you will need to recharge it.
FAQ's
How much does a Solar Powered Generator cost ?
PORTABLE POWER STATIONS
The smallest solar powered portable power stations have power capacity of 500 watts or less. These are best for charging phones, laptops, cameras, boomboxes, video play stations, drones, CPAP machines and smaller home appliances. They are typically below the $500 price point.
Almost all models ship without solar panels. Adding Solar panels will add a couple of hundred dollars to your budget.
CAMPING | PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATORS
The mid sized portable solar generators are between 500 watts and 1000 watts in output. These can support additional loads in your home such as Refrigerator, Desktop computers, a small sump pump and even small power tools and power them for a few hours. Median pricing is between $500 to $1,000.
HOME SOLAR GENERATORS: HEAVY DUTY
The heavy duty home units can power larger home appliances like a microwave, refrigerator, Window AC's, Microwaves etc and have run times of up-to 12 hours on a single charge - assuming you don't use all the devices continuously - and assuming you don't run a heavy duty appliance like an AC off it for too long.
Home models have price tags of $1,000 going upto $5,000
Can I use them in my RV or for camping ?
Yes most certainly. They are designed for indoor operations without the racket of a regular generator.
They have less power than a regular generator, but are great for most of your camping and RV power requirements. See our selection of the best Home | RV | Solar Generators.
Will a Solar Generator power my whole home ?
Unfortunately, Solar Generators are not suitable as a home power backup. The largest Home Solar Generators can power a window AC, power tools and the like for a few hours at the most. You will be better served by a Regular Home Generator.
There are only a couple of larger Home Solar Generators that can power a central AC unit provided they are equipped with a soft start.
Are they a good power backup solution during an outage ?
They are a great emergency backup solution. You could use them to run your essential communication devices, a few lights, a fan and use your XBox or CPAP machine.
Power backup for heating or cooling is beyond the pale of these units. Emergency backup for smaller critical loads is their sweet spot.
Depending on the size of your solar generator, you will have to plan your power backup loads. Solar Panels give you a longer time horizon for power backup as you can re charge the unit.
Will a Portable Solar Generator power a refrigerator ?
All the Home and Camping | Portable Solar Generators will be able to power a regular refrigerator for a few hours. However, the smaller portable power stations will not be able to run them.
Will they work on a cloudy day ?
Solar Generators provide power from an internal battery. If the battery is charged they can provide power on all kinds of days including cloudy days.
However, if you charge your Solar Generator using Solar Panels - you might not be able to get upto full charge on a cloudy day and thus have limited power backup.
You can always charge them using a wall AC power socket regardless of weather - of course that won't work if you are outdoors.
Will I have to buy Solar Panels?
Only if you plan to be outdoors, camping or in an RV for long, should you consider buying the optional solar panels along with your Portable Solar Generator.
You will likely have to buy them separately as they are optional accessories with most models. Fortunately, all of them can be charged directly from the wall AC outlet too. So, it's pretty common to use them without panels, charging them directly from a power outlet.
What kind of Solar Panels are compatible with my solar powered portable generator?
Be ultra careful while reading the user manual or specifications. Solar Panels come in a wide variety of voltage and current specifications. Most of the smaller units might require smaller panels under 60 watts and input current of below 2 amps.
60 watt to 100 watt panels would be ideal for Portables above 200 watt hour capacity. But, read the specs - make sure you are buying the correct size.
How long does it take Solar Panels to charge my solar powered portable generator?
Most Solar panels will take over 12 to 15 hours to charge your solar generator. You are better off charging from a 110 volt regular wall outlet.
Regular wall outlets will charge solar generators with fast charging under 2 / 3 hours. Without fast charging be prepared for 7 to 8 hours of wall charging before they reach a 100%.
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