The 7 Best Solar-Powered Generators of 2024
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Plug the unit into the wall and you’ll go from zero to 80 percent in just 1.1 hours, which is still fairly speedy when it comes to soaking up electricity. That extra time can make a huge difference if you only have limited opportunities to top off your solar generator. We managed to get above 80 percent in just under an hour without perfect sun conditions here in Upstate New York. Shoppers choosing the appropriate size solar generator for their needs will need to keep in mind battery capacity and power requirements so that they avoid overloading it. Most solar generators can keep portable electronics, smartphones, tablets, power tools, small appliances, and cordless tools powered up for hours. However, buyers may need a separate generator, say, to keep a refrigerator running for an entire day.
Portability
Each Bluetti EP500Pro also comes with four 120V 20A AC outlets plus a 30A outlet for large appliances. But you cannot use these outlets when the two units are connected. It also has expandable capacity, optional 240V power output and UPS functionality. If you have access to a gas generator, you can also get AC power from it to charge the Delta Pro.
Best For Camping
Of course, you can also just stick to one or two units to power select appliances in your home. Here’s an estimate of how long a single Apollo 5K solar generator will power various appliances and electronics. The 220W solar panel is a good start, especially if you don't want to spend a lot of money on a solar generator kit. You can combine the smart generator (or a wall outlet) with 800W solar charging to get up to 3400W input for faster charging. Depending on what you plug in, the Delta Max will last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
What Is A Solar Generator?
However, charging it using solar power takes longer than other options on our list, with charge times between three and a half to seven hours for a full charge. With a 3,600-watt AC output, it provides more power than many other options on the market, and it can also be paired with another for 7,200 watts total. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures like camping or you just like to be prepared for emergencies, a solar generator will make a great addition to your arsenal. Over the years, we've tested several models and right now, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro is our overall favorite solar generator. Its light weight means it's easier to move than competitors with similar battery sizes. If the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro isn't what you're looking for, we've got plenty of other options for any budget.
With two straight hours of direct sun, it could likely get the job done. Portable solar generators are lightweight, so users can take them anywhere. They are ideal for homes, cabins, campsites, RVs, cars, and boats.
Can a Solar Generator Power My Entire House?
From there, the lithium-ion battery can handle coolers, grills, and other camping appliances. At 32 pounds, it’s an easy addition to your car camping setup or bug-out kit. Westinghouse is another company that specializes in solar powered generators, most of which are more ideally suited for camping trips. Their iGen600s portable generator, however, offers a wattage of up to 1,200 peak watts, which can certainly function as a decent emergency backup for certain household appliances and small devices. Like many of the solar generators in the Jackery family, the unit can be recharged from an AC wall outlet or with a Jackery SolarSaga solar panel (sold separately). The 518-watt rechargeable battery will need replacing after about 500 uses, but that’s after a lot of camping trips.
Ecoflow Delta Pro — Best for Offgrid Living
Weighing in at 17.8 pounds and with 768 watt-hours (Wh) of energy storage, the RIVER 2 Pro packs the most energy per pound of any power station we tested. That’s a great data point, but this battery has a lot more to offer. Most standby solar backup generators come with the charge controller built in or included separate from the main unit. Check that the solar generator comes with solar panels that can charge the battery in at most 6-8 hours.
More isn’t necessarily better; make sure to figure out how much power you really need before maxing out your budget. People began using the sun’s energy long before the solar generators we think of today came into being. A lens or piece of reflective material can be used to focus solar energy to create heat. Magnifying glasses can be used to start a fire; reflective panels can boil water in the field. Linear concentration systems like the one found in the Gosun Go camp stove can generate enough heat to cook a meal without any fuel except for daylight. The kinds of solar generators we’ll focus on, though, are ones that turn sunlight into electricity.
EcoFlow River Pro
Backup power for the home has become critical because of our increased reliance on connected devices including phones, and laptops. While it does have a handle and wheels to make it easier to transport with you, this choice weighs over 60 pounds, making it more difficult to lift when you are moving it. This option is not bluetooth compatible, so it cannot be controlled remotely and it also has a two-year warranty, which is shorter than other options on our list.
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To keep the lights on, then, you must constantly resupply a gas, diesel or propane generator with fossil fuel. Doing so costs money to buy the fuel, unlike solar power which is free. Gas, diesel and propane generators have been relied upon for years for home power backup and emergency standby power for everything from hospitals to houses. If you are looking for a portable generator, then you will want to look into a lighter one. Even with features like wheels, you will still be required to lift your generator in and out of a car, so a more cumbersome one can be tedious to move.
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Customers praised this generator for its ease of use and portability. However, we noted that negative reviews sometimes complained about the fan not working properly and the manufacturer providing poor customer service. As our experts found during more than 100 hours of testing for this roundup, the longer you own a solar generator, the more uses you'll discover.
And if you plan to rely on solar energy, that means using solar panels. A greater battery capacity means the generator can store more energy, which ultimately means it will last longer without requiring a recharge. A Smart Control Kit will perform well for those needing backup power for everyday and emergency use. The Smart Control Kit will also save you money by regulating your peak-hours energy usage and allowing you to tap into free solar electricity.
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