There’s no better way to create energy than by turning to green methods. One of the most efficient and effective forms of green energy is solar power. Using the sun’s rays for power is not only an eco-friendly habit, but it’s also a great way to cut back on energy bills.
The common misconception is that investing in solar power is a costly endeavor, but this all depends on how you choose to do it. When you purchase the best solar powered generator money can buy, there’s no need to break the bank. Read through this list of top solar generator reviews if you’re up for saving money on your utility bills, but more importantly, practicing eco-friendly habits.
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How Do Solar Generators Work?
A solar generator draws energy from the sun through a set of panels. As the panels collect energy, it is stored within a high-capacity battery. A solar inverter generator can be used to power a variety of electronic devices, like smartphones, lights, TVs, Bluetooth speakers, even large home appliances.
There are three essential components of a solar generator: the battery, the charge controller, and the inverter. Most solar generators come with lithium-ion batteries and a high capacity for storing energy. The charge controller is often called the "brain of a generator" since its main job is to protect the battery and keeps it from overcharging.
The inverter is responsible for converting battery power from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). This conversion is necessary because most home devices use AC power. For devices that use the DC power type, the energy will simply bypass the inverter, traveling straight from the battery to the device.
Solar Generator Comparison Table
Image | Model | Full Charge | Panel Wattage | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
MAXOAK BLUETTI EB150 | 10 hrs | Up to 500W | ||
Jackery Explorer 240 | 10 hrs | 240W | ||
ROCKPALS 500W | 6-7 hrs | 100W | ||
Goal Zero Yeti | 16-30 hrs | 50W | ||
ROCKPALS 300W | 8-10 hrs | 60W or 100W | ||
No products found. | ECO-WORTHY | 6 hrs | 120W | |
Nature's Generator | 10-15 hrs | 200W | ||
Renogy Phoenix | 6 hrs (with 20W panel) | 20W to 100W |
Advantages of Owning Solar-Powered Generators
Owning a solar-powered generator means that you’ll literally be able to channel the power of the sun. There are a lot of benefits that come along with using a solar generator, like the fact that you’ll be able to use free, clean energy captured from the sun’s rays. No more will you have to pay for heating your house or lighting your bedrooms with costly fossil fuels.
Another perk is that the best solar generator comes with very little maintenance. As long as you follow the directions for use for the panels, batteries, and controllers, it's doubtful that you'll have to pay for any repairs. The only potential drawbacks to owning this type of device are slow recharging times and reliance on the sun. On rainy/cloudy days, you can rule out the idea of a battery recharge.
Buying a High-Quality Solar Generator
Type of Solar Panels
The first step to buying a high-quality solar generator is to decide on the type of solar panel that’s right for you - yes, there’s more than one. There are three primary solar panel types, including:
- 1Mono-Crystalline
- 2Poly Crystalline
- 3Amorphous Crystal (Thin Film)
Monocrystalline panels are the most effective and the highest in quality, which also makes these the priciest. The high cost is worth it, though, since they have a high-efficiency rate between 15 and 20%. Polycrystalline panels are the next best choice, with an efficiency rate ranging from 13 to 16%. Amorphous crystal panels rank the lowest in efficiency (7 to 13%), but they are also the cheapest. They cost less, but they also require a much greater surface area to compete with the likes of mono/polycrystalline.
Battery Capacity & Type
A solar generator is only as good as the battery it contains. Most of these products use lithium-ion batteries, but some still use lead-acid. A lithium-ion battery uses a lithium-ion chemical composition for storing energy, while lead-acid uses a lead-acid composition lithium-ion is by far the better choice since they are more reliable and have a longer lifespan, but lead-acid batteries are much cheaper.
Aside from battery type, you should also be thinking about battery capacity. This is a huge deciding factor since it determines how much solar energy can be stored at one time. The battery capacity of solar generators is measured in watt-hours (Wh); the higher the Wh, the more battery power you'll get before needing to recharge.
Generator Size
Solar generators come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small and serve as the ideal solution for an extra charging source for an iPhone or tablet. Others are large enough to power an entire house. When deciding on generator size, think about how much energy you use on average and exactly what you plan on using this generator for. The more energy you need from your solar power source, the larger the generator will need to be.
Power Inverter Rating
A generator's power inverter rating is the maximum number of watts that can be pulled from the generator at any given time. For individuals who foresee themselves using lots of power, look for a high inverter rating. When considering the inverter rating, it's also important to compare it to the battery capacity. A good rule to follow is that the ratio of battery capacity to inverter rate should be between 1.5:1 and 2:1.
Portability
Taking your solar generator along for a weekend camping trip? You’ll want to invest in a high-quality portable solar generator that is lightweight and easily transported. A heavier generator should come with mobility features like carry-handles or rolling caster wheels. No matter the size of the generator, a manufacturer should provide you with tools and features to help make the device more portable.
Extra Features
Our world is becoming more high-tech by the day, and the best solar generators are not immune to these techy innovations. Modern solar-powered generators come with all the bells and whistles to make power generation simple and convenient. Some of the most common extra features include LCD displays, wireless connectivity, charge controllers, and additional outputs/inputs.
Of all the extra features mentioned, wireless connectivity is the handiest. With a WiFi-enabled generator, a user can connect to a mobile device and monitor battery levels, even from a remote location. Some of the products mentioned on our list of best solar generators reviewed even come with their own smartphone app.
Build Quality & Durability
Solar generators are very self-sufficient, requiring very little maintenance. Unlike gas generators, you don't need to tend to them regularly and refill them with fuel. They are, however, susceptible to bad weather, especially if you have installed on-grid panels to the roof of your home.
While you can always find the best Chicago roofing contractor to help with roof problems caused by solar generators, you can avoid further damage from bad weather by properly securing installation of panels and connections.
Price & Warranty
We're not going to flat out say that a higher price tag means a better product, but in many cases, a generator's quality is directly related to how much it costs. The best solar generators are all over the board when it comes to price. The higher-end models come with more features, better durability, and yes, a loftier price. The good news is that a generator that costs more will often come with a more extended warranty period.
8 Best Solar Generators Reviewed
1. MAXOAK BLUETTI EB150
Best Solar Generator
Weight | 37.9 lbs |
Battery Life Cycle | 500-2000 Cycles |
Battery Storage | 1500Wh |
Full Charge by Solar Panel | 10 hrs |
Solar Panel Wattage | Up to 500W |
Ports | AC, DC, USB |
Warranty | 1 year |
Out of all 8 products reviewed on this list, our top pick for the best solar generator is the Maxoak Bluetti EB150. This model is often used as an off-grid camping solar generator, but the options for generating and harnessing the power of the sun are endless with the EB150. This 1500Wh lithium-ion battery is the perfect backup power source, no matter if that means at-home or off-the-grid use.
This is the highest capacity portable power station on the market. It has a 1500Wh rating and a 1000W peak power rating, making it ideal for powering electronics like blenders, hairdryers, and power drills (any device that has a max power of or less than 1000W). Aside from the impressive power capacity, reviewers love the Bluetti’s 2 AC outlets, 1 DC outlet, and multiple USB ports. This allows you to charge or power several devices at a time.
Maxoak says that with the "built-in top-brand LG battery cell, safety and quality is rest assured." It also comes with a "battery management system (BMS), protects from overvoltage, overcurrent, short-circuits, temperature control & more safeguards" to protect the generator from damage. Moxoak has thought of everything, even included a side panel LCD screen that monitors the remaining battery level.
Another great feature of the Bluettie is its quick charging. When plugged into a wall outlet, it can charge in 10 hours. This might sound like a good chunk of time, but 10 hours is fast when compared to the massive 1500Wh battery storage capacity. The charging time when connected to a solar panel depends on the power of the panel you choose. For a high-quality 300W panel, you’re looking at a 5 to 5.5 hour charge time.
There is just one critique for the Bluetti generator, which is that the solar panel is not included. For users who plan on channeling the sun’s energy, you’ll need to purchase the compatible solar panel. The generator is already high in cost as it is, so spending another few hundred dollars isn’t ideal. Unlike a full solar generator kit, this one requires you to purchase extra accessories and add-ons separately.
Pros
Cons
2. Jackery Explorer 240
A good portion of solar backup generator reviews come from avid campers who need an outdoor power source. According to these reviews and our own honest opinions, the best solar generator for camping is the Jackery Explorer 240. This portable power station specializes in providing green outdoor power solutions for adventurous individuals.
The Jackery generator creates eco-friendly clean power through its 240Wh lithium-ion battery pack. No fuel, no gasoline, no fumes...all you need to produce clean, quiet, green energy is the power of the sun when you invest in the Explorer 240. This product was designed to charge electronics like laptops, phones, mini coolers, even drones. It is equipped with 1 AC, 1 DC, and 2 USB-A ports for device charging.
“Recharge the power station with AC outlet and compatible solar panel,” says Jackery Power Outdoors. “Whether used as a camping generator, or emergency power supply during an outage, this all-in-one power station has you covered."
Similar to the Bluetti, the compatible Jackery solar panel is sold separately, but it's a necessary purchase if you plan on capturing the sun and converting it to useable energy. Because of its relatively low battery storage capacity, the Explorer 240 solar generator for camping is not designed to operate high-power devices over 200W, like blenders and hair dryers. But do you really plan on blending a smoothie or drying your hair on a camping excursion? Probably not, but when it comes to charging your electronics and having an emergency backup power supply, the Jackery generator is a great choice.
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3. ROCKPALS 500W
Best Portable Solar Generator
Weight | 12.13 lbs |
Battery Life Cycle | 500+ Cycles |
Battery Storage | 540Wh |
Full Charge by Solar Panel | 6-7 hrs |
Solar Panel Wattage | 100W |
Ports | AC, DC, USB |
Warranty | 18 months |
If you’re only interested in browsing through portable solar generator reviews, add the Rockpals 500W to your list of considerations. This is the best portable solar generator thanks to its compact, lightweight design. It weighs just over 12 pounds and comes with a sturdy carrying handle. The 540Wh lithium-ion batteries are powerful enough to charge a smartphone up to 58 times on one single charge. Rockpals is also capable of charging devices like laptops, GPS devices, drones, and cameras.
This portable solar power generator can be recharged using three methods, including from the Rockpals compatible solar panel, from a wall outlet, or from a car charger. When charged from a solar panel (which is sold separately), the battery will be fully charged after 6 to 7 hours of direct sunlight. The same goes for using a wall charger or car charging port. It comes with safety features like overheat protection (over 65 degrees Celsius), short circuit protection, and overload/overcharge protection.
This might not be the highest capacity battery pack on the market, especially when compared to the Maxoak Bluetti. Still, it offers plenty of power storage for camping trips, RV adventures, or emergency power outages. For emergencies, there's an ultra-bright LED light so that you’ll never have to fumble around in the dark during a severe storm or hurricane.
All in all, the Rockpals 500W generator will get the job done if you're looking for a portable power solution. Like most models on the market, you'll have to purchase the solar panel separately. If you want to give this generator a try without the solar panel, by all means, go ahead with the included wall and car charging cables. But you'll quickly realize that the addition of a compatible panel makes all the difference.
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Cons
4. Goal Zero Yeti
Best Solar Power Generator Kit
Weight | 16.3 lbs |
Battery Life Cycle | 500 Cycles |
Battery Storage | 428Wh |
Full Charge by Solar Panel | 16-30 hrs |
Solar Panel Wattage | 50W |
Ports | AC, DC, USB |
Warranty | 1 year |
So far, we have yet to talk about a generator that comes with the solar panel included with purchase. For an all-in-one solution that doesn’t require multiple purchases, invest in the best solar power generator kit like the Goal Zero Yeti solar generator. This kit includes everything you need to start utilizing the sun's energy, including the panel itself.
Our Goal Zero solar generator review could rave for days about the fact that the panel is included in this solar generator kit. But this manufacturer isn’t just about convenience and all-inclusiveness.
The Goal Zero team says that
“whether you’re looking to keep tablets and phones charged up, or running lights and camera equipment, the Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium features a variety of upgraded outputs, including a pure sine AC inverter, to ensure you have the power you need, when you need it.”
The Yeti generator contains lightweight lithium-ion batteries that yield long run times and are guaranteed extended shelf life of 18 months. The battery's high-quality cells come with additional monitoring electronics for superior management, ultimate safety, and better performance. On the generator's side panel, you'll find a backlit screen that displays input and output wattage, hours to empty, and remaining battery capacity.
Enough about the generator, let’s talk about the included solar panel. The panel is the Boulder 50 model and comes with an 8mm cord and kickstand. It is constructed from strong tempered monocrystalline glass and an aluminum frame that comes with added corner protection for installation. The only downside of buying this kit is that the solar panel is just 50 watts, so fully charging the generator can take anywhere between 16 and 30 hours (charging from a wall outlet takes only 5 to 7 hours).
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Cons
5. ROCKPALS 300W
Best Solar Generator for RV
Weight | 7.3 lbs |
Battery Life Cycle | 500 Cycles |
Battery Storage | 280Wh |
Full Charge by Solar Panel | 8-10 hrs |
Solar Panel Wattage | 60W or 100W |
Ports | AC, DC, USB |
Warranty | 18 months |
The best solar generator for RV use is the Rockpals 300W portable power station. Rockpals has done it once again by manufacturing a high-quality, low-cost generator that is perfect for charging laptops, tablets, phones, fans, and TVs in an RV camper. Of course, the Rockpals product can be used in other locations as well, but its lightweight, portable design is ideal for adventures on the road.
This solar generator has undergone a recent upgrade with its AC output. It can handle a continuous power rating of 300 watts and a peak power surge of 600 watts. It comes with 5 DC ports, 1 AC output, and 4 USB charging ports. The 7.3-pound design is easy to transport and store, especially thanks to the sturdy carrying handle at the top of the device.
When fully charged, the 300W Rockpals can charge a smartphone 25 times, a laptop 3 to 5 times, and a wide range of additional small appliances that are commonly used in an RV. There are 3 options for charging the generator: (1) with a wall charger, (2) with a car charger, or (3) by the sun’s rays. For solar-generated power, you’ll need to buy the compatible Rockpals 100W solar panel. You can also use the 60W panel, but for better charging performance we recommend the 60W product.
What customers love most about the Rockpals 300W is its pure sine wave inverter. Rockpals describes this crucial component perfectly:
"Better than modified sine wave and clean power like utility-supplied electricity. Inductive loads like microwaves and motors run faster, quieter and cooler. Reduces audible and electrical noise in fans, fluorescent lights, audio amplifiers, TV, fax and answering machines."
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6. ECO-WORTHY
No products found.
Best Off-Grid Solar Generator
Weight | 26.5 lbs |
Battery Life Cycle | 2000 Cycles |
Battery Storage | 200Ah |
Full Charge by Solar Panel | 6 hrs |
Solar Panel Wattage | 120W |
Ports | N/A |
Warranty | Up to 25 years |
With off-grid solar power, the generator is not connected to the electricity grid, so it requires more capable battery storage. Off-grid generators are used all over the place in homes, boats, businesses, and even industrial settings. The best off-grid solar generator is the Eco-Worthy 600W complete solar kit. And when we say the word complete, that’s exactly what we mean.
Not only does this off-grid generator come with the necessary solar panel, but it also includes a 60A charge controller, a combiner box, solar cable, Z brackets for attachments, and a 200Ah 12V battery. At first glance, the parts and pieces that make up this solar generator might seem confusing, but assembly and installation are actually very simple.
Eco-Worthy says that “an off-grid solar power system is the most common method to power cabin, caravan, RV, boat, watering system, and other off-grid applications. ECO-WORTHY off-grid solar package contains high-quality eco-worthy brand solar panel, solar charge controller, and customized MC4 cable, which makes it easier and more fun when building the off-grid application."
The Eco-Worthy solar panel has a wattage of 120, which means it can charge the battery pack relatively quickly compared to other lower-watt panels. It is constructed with a heavy-duty aluminum frame, and its large size is ideal for flowing electricity to the battery. This is an excellent choice if you're looking for an intricate off-grid solar power source. But it's not a system that you can benefit from if you’re looking for something portable to bring along on a camping trip.
Pros
Cons
7. Nature’s Generator
Best Whole House Solar Generator
Weight | 92 lbs |
Battery Life Cycle | 1000 Cycles |
Battery Storage | 720Wh |
Full Charge by Solar Panel | 10 -15 hrs |
Solar Panel Wattage | 200W |
Ports | AC, DC, USB |
Warranty | 1 year |
If you're looking for a solar panel generator that is large enough to power an entire house, check out Nature's Generator 1800W model. It comes with 3 solar panels, 1 generator, and 1 power pad - a complete system that is ideal for whole-house power. The generator can be powered using three methods - sun, wind, and wall charging. This solar-powered generator for home use offers several charging ports for a vast range of devices. These include USB ports, 12V DC outlets, and an AC outlet.
The manufacturer says that it
"uses state-of-the-art electronics that convert 12-Volt power to 120-Volt everyday household power. Nature's Generator does not require gas to run and can be used indoors as it does not emit any toxic fumes like standard gas generators do. An additional perk is that it is whisper quiet when in use.”
The estimated recharge time is between 10 and 15 hours, depending on panel placement and solar strength. The generator is large and heavy, but NG has made things easier by creating a portable trolley design. To transport the generator, just use the handle and wheels to roll it to your desired location. The large size is not ideal for portability, but the perk is that you’ll be able to store more energy and enjoy a longer battery life.
Pros
Cons
8. Renogy Phoenix
Best Value for Money
Weight | 12.78 lbs |
Battery Life Cycle | 1500 Cycles |
Battery Storage | 190Wh |
Full Charge by Solar Panel | 6 hrs (with 20W panel) |
Solar Panel Wattage | 20W to 100W |
Ports | AC, DC, USB |
Warranty | 25 years (80% efficiency rate) |
A high-quality solar generator for home doesn’t come cheap, which is why the affordable cost of the Renogy Phoenix solar backup generator is a refreshing change of pace. This product was specifically designed for mobile off-grid applications and has been described as a "lifesaver" in many emergencies. This all-in-one solar system comes with 20 watts of built-in power and can expand up to 120 watts with additional panels.
The Renogy Phoenix product description says it all
“With the rest of your life being as mobile as it is, it doesn't make sense that your power source shouldn't be too. With the Phoenix Portable Solar Generator, you won't have to compromise your power needs just to spend some time in the great outdoors! Enjoy the best of both worlds with power made portable by Renogy.”
Some of the key features of this product include a multi-mode LED light, the option for additional watts, several recharging methods (AC, solar, and car), and a pure sine wave inverter. The best feature of all, though, is the monocrystalline suitcase design that doubles as the generator. This is a 100W unit that looks just like a briefcase you would take into the office, but it is where the battery, ports, and small solar 20W solar panel is stored.
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What Size Solar Generator Do You Need?
The main thing to remember when choosing a generator size is that every person's sizing specifications are different. The perfect size is based on your typical habits for energy consumption, as well as the devices you plan on powering with this solar battery pack. It doesn't need to be a guessing game, especially since each electronic device comes with a rating for how many watts are required per hour.
You should be able to find a device's wattage and voltage on a white label tag (like the one you would find on a hairdryer or TV power cord). If there's no tag, refer to the manufacturer's user manual. Once you find the numbers you're looking for, there are 3 steps to follow according to the solar generator size guide:
- 1Find the Power Rating (watts per hour) from the appliance’s manufacturer label or user manual.
- 2Calculate the Average Daily Watts by multiplying the Power Rating wattage times the number of hours you plan on running the device each day.
- 3Estimate the Peak Surge Wattage by selecting the largest Peak Wattage
Once these calculations are done, you can determine an appropriately-sized solar generator for your needs. If you plan on using a lot of power with a whole house solar generator, you might need to invest in a supplemental power system aside from just a solar generator.
Setting Up a Solar-Powered Generator
The setup for a new solar-powered generator depends on whether it is an on-grid or off-grid system. On-grid systems are very easy to assemble since the solar panels are installation-ready and just need to be placed in a sunny location. After choosing the best panel location - remember, the sun is key - use the included wires to connect the inverter to the panels.
Setting up an off-grid generator involves a unique set of steps since this type of generator is meant for portability and generating power on the go. There are 4 main components to an off-grid generator, including panels, charge controller, battery, and inverter. A tip for off-grid systems is to double-check the warranty policy; not all manufacturers cover things like panels on RVs.
How to Run a Solar Generator Safely
There’s not much risk involved in using a highly-rated solar generator, but certain precautions should still be kept in mind. The instructions for safe operation depend on the specific type of solar generator you've chosen (on vs. off-grid). According to the user manual of our #1 product, the Maxoak Bluetti Power Station, these are the steps every user should follow for using and recharging the device:
- 1To turn on, hold the master power button for 2 to 3 seconds until the LED indicator lights up.
- 2Once the device is on, activate the AC/DC inverter output by pressing and holding the AC/DC power button until the LED light flashes.
- 3To charge, “insert the solar charging cable or AC adapter into the input port of the product. The display screen would light up and the charging power would be displayed.”
Solar Generator Maintenance
Solar generators are very self-sufficient, requiring very little maintenance. Unlike gas generators, you don't need to tend to them regularly and refill them with fuel. They are, however, susceptible to bad weather, especially if you have installed on-grid panels to the roof of your home. To avoid damage from bad weather, proper and secure installation of panels and connections is a must.
For portable off-grid devices, properly storing the generator is the way to keep it working for years down the road. Smaller devices often come with a protective case, so if this is the case, use it. Avoid storing the generator in extreme heat or cold, and always fully charge the device before storing. If you don’t plan on using it for a while, take it out of storage at least once every 3 months for a recharge.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What are the things I need to avoid when selecting a solar generator?
What are the main disadvantages of solar energy?
Can a solar generator power a house?
What’s the difference between watthours and watts?
How long do solar generators last?
How much does a solar generator cost on average? Are they worth the money?
What are the top brands of solar generators?
Conclusion
Still not sure about which top-rated solar generator is right for you? Go with the highest capacity portable power station on the market, the Maxoak Bluetti EB150. Compared to other solar generators in its class, the Bluetti outshines all other products. It has an impressive battery capacity of 1500Wh - it is even compatible with high-power electronic devices (hairdryer, blender, etc.).