The Best Solar Generators – 2024 Buyer’s Guide

It would be pretty helpful to have a solar generator with you on a camping trip if you wanted to charge your electronic gadgets (such as your light, phone, etc.). Or maybe you’re van-living across the country and need to keep your conversion electrified so you can work on the road. In this scenario, a solar-powered generator would be an excellent investment.

Even so, in the technology-based world we live in today, there aren’t many things as valuable as a reliable, renewable power source. We’ve compiled this guide to help you pick the finest solar generator for your home or business.

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Best Solar Generators – Top Six For 2024

Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro

The Explorer 2000 Pro, Jackery’s largest portable power station, offers a massive 2,160-watt hours of electricity, enough to charge a full camping setup for a few days. When connected to six 200W solar panels, an improvement from the four-panel setup available on the Jackery Explorer 1500, this portable power station can be fully charged in about 2-2.5 hours. That is less than half the time required by the smaller model.

Furthermore, it is incredibly user-friendly. You can connect a wide range of gadgets and electrical equipment to the many output connections. Its functionalities are highly intuitive, and the digital display is simple to comprehend. It’s also quite durable, just like the other Jackery generators.

The only potential disadvantage is its weight: It’s a little heavy for its size, at 43 pounds. Nonetheless, given all the power it can store, and its quick charging time, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro will keep the lights on wherever electricity is required.

Key Features

• Storage capacity: 2,160Wh
• Input capacity: 1,200W
• Output capacity: 2,200W (4,400W surge)
• Dimensions: 15.1 x 10.5 x 12.1 inches
• Weight: 43 lbs
• Price: $2,000

Pros

• Rapid charge and exceptional capacity
• Durable and user-friendly
• Numerous ports
• Supports up to six 200W solar panels

Cons

• Heavy

Heavy for its size

Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core

It’s no secret that Yeti makes high-quality outdoor gear, so when their Goal Zero line of solar generators came out, it wasn’t a surprise that they were great. The 1000 Core model is ideal for traveling due to its high storage capacity and small footprint.

The 1000 Core may be a third less powerful than our best pick, but it charges much more quickly when exposed to sunlight, making it an excellent choice for emergency power needs. But it has a lot of power. Depending on the wattage, it can charge 82 phones and 20 laptops or run a small refrigerator for up to 15 hours. Just know that it will efficiently run your essential camping electronics.

The Goal Zero 1000 Core isn’t just an excellent camping device because of its charging capabilities. Its outside shell protects it well and lasts a long time, just like other Yeti products.

Its high price tag is the main drawback. Its price tag isn’t cheap, but neither is anything else Yeti makes. There are cheaper 1000-watt solar generators available, but this one strikes a good balance between storage capacity and portability, so it’s hard to beat.

Key Features

• Storage capacity: 983Wh
• Input capacity: 600W
• Output capacity: 1,200W (2,400W surge)
• Dimensions: 9.86 x 15.25 x 10.23 inches
• Weight: 31.68 lbs
• Price: $899

Pros

• Transportable
• Incredible toughness
• Fast recharge rate
• Numerous plugs

Cons

• The price, given its size/capacity

Bluetti AC200 Max

The Bluetti AC200 Max is arguably the best solar generator for long-term off-grid living. It has a substantial 2,048 Wh capacity, allowing you to power your entire life for a longer period of time than most portable generators.

Even better, multiple Bluetti batteries can be daisy-chained to increase their capacity to an astounding 8,192 Wh. This translates to powering a full-sized refrigerator for more than a day or several hours of air conditioning. It will last a very long time for the modest needs of people who are accustomed to living off a generator.

Moreover, the AC200 Max has an impressive input capacity of 1,400 W. This means that you can quickly fill up its storage by connecting many solar panels. This allows you to continue operating your off-grid system with minimal interruptions. In addition, it has specialized charging options, such as a 30A plug that allows it to be plugged directly into an RV and multiple wireless charging pads for smaller devices.

Key Features

• Storage capacity: 2,048Wh standalone, expandable up to 8,192Wh
• Input capacity: 1,400W
• Output capacity: 2,200W (4,800W surge)
• Dimensions: 16.5 x 11 x 15.2 inches
• Weight: 61.9 lbs
• Price: $1,899

Pros

• Large capacity
• Chaining capability
• Rapid charging
• 30 Ampere RV connector and two wireless charging pads
• Surprisingly inexpensive for what it provides

Cons

• The fan can be loud when the unit gets hot.

EcoFlow Delta Pro

The EcoFlow Delta Pro solar generator has the highest power and output capacity of any other model on the market, making it the best option for power outage backup at home. By connecting additional EcoFlow batteries and generators, the Delta Pro’s power output is increased from 3,600 Wh to 25,000 Wh. That’s a lot of juice, and it has the output capacity you’ll need to power all of your home’s electronics when the time comes.

Using a companion app available for iOS and Android devices, you can monitor energy consumption, customize the Delta Pro’s operation, and keep track of various other features.

Don’t be mistaken. The Delta Pro is a beast in size, but considering the power output, the size is expected. When considering portability and storage when you aren’t using it, it is something to keep in mind. Even though it has wheels and can move around, this is meant to be used in a home or other stationary setting.

At this price point, the Delta Pro can be pricey, especially if you opt for all of the extra features. But it’s worth the money because it’s the best solar generator for powering your whole house when the power goes out.

Key Features

• Storage capacity: 3,600Wh standalone, expandable up to 25,000Wh
• Input capacity: 6,500W
• Output capacity: 3,600W (7,200W surge)
• Dimensions: 25 x 11.2 x 16.4 inches
• Weight: 99 lbs
• Price: $3,199

Pros

• Massive capacity
• Chaining capability
• 30A RV plug with lightning-fast input capacity, 
• 30A RV plug Rapid input capacity 
• WiFi and smartphone compatibility

Cons

• Large and heavy
• Expensive but not over-priced for the value.

Anker 545

The Anker 545 is lightweight and small enough to bring anywhere and has enough juice to power the essentials. Portability is less of a concern than other options because of its small footprint; it is about the size of a shoebox and weighs less than a six-pack of beer.

However, there is a trade-off in strength in exchange for portability. Plenty of juice for your devices can be found in the Anker 545’s 778Wh capacity and 770W output. That’s enough juice to fully recharge a smartphone about 55 times, a laptop about ten times, or a camera about 38 times. However, the outlets only have a 500W maximum power output, so high-draw appliances like hair dryers and electric stoves won’t work.

However, the Anker 545 does have some extra features, such as a built-in flashlight and ambient light. Finally, if portability is a priority, this generator fits the bill. Check back in a few weeks for our verdict on the Anker PowerHouse 767, which is currently undergoing testing.

Key Features

• Storage capacity: 778Wh
• Input capacity: 240W
• Output capacity: 770W
• Dimensions: 11.81 x 8.03 x 7.28 inches
• Weight: 18.2 lbs
• Price: $499

Pros

• Small and lightweight
• Abundant storage space
• Integrated LEDs

Cons

• Slower charging

Jackery Explorer 300

Jackery’s Explorer 300 solar generator is not as powerful as our top pick, but it is very portable and inexpensive. The Jackery Explorer 300 is more of a high-end power bank than a proper mobile power station, but it still has enough juice to keep your electronics charged for a long time when you’re out in the wilderness, in the car, or otherwise far from a wall socket.

Its 293Wh capacity isn’t enormous, but it’s enough to power 31 phones, 15 cameras, six average drones, 2.5 laptops, or a minifridge and TV for a few hours. At $300, this highly portable little power station does a lot for a little, but it would have been nice if it had a built-in flashlight.

Key Features

• Storage capacity: 293Wh
• Input capacity: 90W
• Output capacity: 300W (500W surge)
• Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.2 x 7.8 in
• Weight: 7.1 lbs
• Price: $250

Pros

• Affordable
• Durable
• Portable
• Reasonable capacity

Cons

• Slower charging
• Lacks extras like an integrated LED.

Honorable Mentions

Jackery Explorer 1000

Jackery Solar 1000 is a 100 percent renewable energy system with an intelligent MPPT controller for optimal charging efficiency. Ideal for camping and emergency preparedness.

The design is optimized for portability and mobility; they are reticent and perform as advertised. In addition, a Jackery solar generator is exceptionally resilient. I left mine outside in the pouring rain for nearly 30 minutes by accident, and it continued to function normally afterward.

The power station can be charged via a standard wall outlet or up to two Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panels.

WESTINGHOUSE IGEN 1000S

We’ve written about The Westinghouse IGen1000s solar generator before. Whether you’re living off the grid or just like to take your power wherever you go, this compact and sturdy portable power station is excellent. The 400-watt maximum power point tracking (MPPT) solar panels are supported by the unit. With a standard wall charger, the iGen1000s can be charged from dead to 80 percent capacity in just two hours.

Similar devices to the iGen1000s are the Pecron E1000, Jackery Explorer 1000, and the GoalZero Yeti 1000x. The IGen1000x is solar-panel capable, and we recommend you use the 100W Solar Panel or the 60W Solar Panel.

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Buying A Solar generator – Key Considerations

Solar generators have been more popular in recent years. Currently, there are dozens of brands that, at first sight, seem to be almost identical. There are, in reality, very few originals among a plethora of copycats. Here are some things to keep an eye out for so you don’t end up disappointed.

Storage Capacity

A portable solar generator is available in a vast array of sizes. Still, the size of a generator does not necessarily indicate its ability to store a large amount of energy. In reality, most are disappointingly limited and need help storing significantly more power than a portable charger.

To properly inspect a generator’s storage, you must examine its watt-hour capacity (Wh). One watt-hour means one watt of energy being used over one hour. In some instances, the best solar generators have capacities of several thousand watt-hours. That does not imply that it will provide power for hundreds or thousands of hours. Depending on what is plugged into the generator, the duration of any generator will ultimately vary.

It is easy to predict how long a generator will last when it is only used to power a single device. For example, a 500-watt-hour power station with a 100-watt bulb would remain lit for 5 continuous hours. Add a 50-watt-per-hour portable refrigerator, an 18-watt phone, and a 3-watt mini-fan, and you get the picture. Greater capacity is preferable.

Battery Type

The two most common types of batteries are lead-acid and lithium-ion. There are very few ways lead-acid batteries may be surpassed by their lithium-ion counterparts. Lithium-ion batteries have a longer lifespan, need less maintenance, and can store more energy for more extended periods.

Energy Output

Solar generators must maintain the flow of electricity. The best solar generators are capable of simultaneously charging all of your desired devices via the appropriate plugs.

Any portable power station worth its salt will have a high output capacity to charge multiple devices, even those that require a great deal of power. The maximum output should be significantly more significant than the maximum input. Even though a particular model may only be able to accept a few hundred watts at any given time, it will typically output exponentially more. For larger tasks, you’ll need a generator that can output at least 500 watts, though 300 watts is the bare minimum.

The best solar generators should also include a variety of output plugs, such as AC outlets, USB-A, USB-C, and even 12-volt DC outlets similar to the one on your vehicle’s dashboard. This ensures that multiple devices can be charged simultaneously regardless of their plug type. It should have at least a couple of AC outlets and USB-A ports. The number of ports you require will vary depending on how many devices you need to power.

Inverter

Batteries only produce a small amount of direct current (DC), so you’ll need to convert it into alternating current (AC) before powering most electronics.

12-volt gadgets, such as those connected to a car’s charger or cigarette lighter, are commonly powered by DC. Most common household appliances have either a two- or three-pronged socket that accepts 110, 120, or 130 volts of alternating current (AC).

It’s ideal for locating generators that use a high-efficiency DC-to-AC inverter certified as a pure sine wave inverter.

Charging Time

You would be hard-pressed to find a solar generator that can retain a charge indefinitely. Hence, you need one that can charge quickly and efficiently. This is the “renewable” portion of “renewable energy.”

All the power stations above can be charged via solar panels (hence the name “solar generators”). Still, it would be best if you also looked for the ability to charge via wall outlets and your vehicle’s 12-volt plug. This ensures you can charge while off-grid in the sun, plugged in while cooking at home, or on the go via your dash socket.

Additionally, you must monitor the charging input capacity, measured in watts (W). For instance, a solar-powered generator with a maximum input of 100W can accept a continuous flow of up to 100 watts, which is the minimum you should consider.

Most of the generators listed above have solar input capacities of at least several hundred watts, so a handful of 50- to 200-watt solar panels will max them out.

Durability

Durability and overall quality craftsmanship are essential in any product you expect to last. This is especially true if you intend to transport your generator on camping and road trips. Many subpar power plants are made of cheap components and flimsy plastic that doesn’t feel like it will withstand road rigors.

Durability cannot be determined by reading a spec sheet from the internet. Hence, it is good to research real-world experiences from online reviews (like this one) and customer feedback on the product website. The only way to know for yourself is to put the product through the paces yourself.

We’ve validated the longevity of these recommendations through a combination of our actual field tests and reviews from countless real product owners.

Portability

Although portable battery sources have been around for decades, they have historically been bulky and difficult to use. The decreased physical size of the most recent solar generators is one of the most promising developments in the field.

Size and weight are important considerations when camping a generator or incorporating it into a van conversion where every square inch counts. All of the products we’ve recommended are roughly the size of one or two shoeboxes—at most, three. The lightest weighs about the same as a 24-pack of soda, while the heaviest weighs 100 pounds or about the same as an extra-large bag of dog food. The majority weigh between 30 and 60 pounds.

Portability may not be a priority if you keep your generator in one place for extended periods as a backup power supply. Don’t forget to factor in the size and weight, as you never know when you’ll need it for something other than a backup.

Accessories are an additional aspect of portability to consider, as they can affect how easily your generator can be transported and used. Some generators, for instance, require numerous detachable battery packs, which can be cumbersome when traveling or packing a vehicle. All of the items on our list require some accessories — solar power cannot be generated without connecting cables and solar panels, for example — but they function adequately with only a few extras.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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