Have you experienced power challenges such as outages, need a clean energy source, need to offset your energy consumption at home or office, or need a reliable power source when you go camping? You can get the best power generator for such here.
For more than ten years, I have enjoyed the life of an outdoorsman, and the greatest challenge I faced in the first three years was getting a reliable solar generator. I tried many solar generators without success, so I researched through my experience, others’ experiences, and customer reviews to find the best solar generators. Although researching for my personal needs, I have grown my knowledge of solar generators. For the last five years, I have used my research to help others who find themselves with the same challenges I experienced. I have decided to write this post to reach a wider group because I believe solar energy is applicable and reliable in our daily living only when you find the best. Read on to know the best solar generators.
Table of Contents
The best solar generators
Product name | Power, it stores | Charging capabilities | Output capacity | Portability | Durability | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jackery explorer 300 | 293Wh | 90W | 300W (500W surge) | Portable 7.1 lbs | durable | Check price here |
Bluetti EB70S | 800Wh | 200W | 800W | Portable 21.4lb | durable | Check price here |
AMPROAD Epic 1000 Portable Power Station | 1000Wh | 200W | 110 Volts AC | 25.7 lb | durable | Check price here |
Goal Zero Yeti 1500X | 1515Wh | 220W | 2000W AC (3,500 surge) | 43 lb | Durable | Check price here |
The best solar generator review
Jackery explorer 300 – excellent for hunting travels, and camping
If you are an outdoor person and like camping, this solar generator will provide you with the best outcomes.
Key features
- Fast charging
- Multiple power outlets
- Power storage of up to 300Wh
This is one of the generators that I am currently using. I have had it for three years now, and despite my heavy usage, it still performs as a new one. It is highly portable because of its size and weight. Its dimensions are 9.1×5.2×7.8 inches, and a weight of 7.1lb. The lightweight and the small size make it easy to transport even in a small car because it only takes up a small space. It stores 293 Wh, which is enough to charge your gadgets, including phones and laptops, and provides enough lighting, especially when you are camping. It can also be used to power a TV and a mini fridge. One of the things that I like about this solar battery is that it takes only 2 hours to charge up to 80% and because it has two AC outlets and a 60W USB port, which makes it quite convenient for charging most devices. My best experiences with this lamp were when I went camping and had a slow puncture. I used it to power my portable tire air pressure pump. My final and important consideration is that it is reasonably priced.
What we liked
- It has a good power storage capacity
- It is durable
- It is portable
- Has multiple power outlets
What we didn’t like
- Only applicable for small power demands.
- It has no flashlight, which is necessary for camping.
Verdict
This is an excellent solar generator that provides enough power for your outdoor camping needs. It can also be used at home as a backup for lighting in case of power outages. It ensures that your work is not interrupted by power outages because it can charge portable devices and provide lighting power for an extended time.
Bluetti EB70S – best for wild photography and camping
Bluetti EB70S is an excellent battery that will support your outdoor activities with no power interruptions. It is portable and highly durable, making it a perfect companion.
Key features
- Multiple output ports
- High capacity to size ratio
- Fast charging
- High power output
This is an excellent solar generator that has 716Wh and is capable of handling devices with a capacity of up to 800 watts. Its converter works perfectly, enabling you to get the best power output. Early last year, I recommended this device to a friend and a renowned photographer who had great challenges when he went to do photography, especially for hikers who would spend several days in the bush. One of the reasons he likes it most is the output ports, wireless charging pad, and the two 100 watts USB ports which make it easy to charge mobile devices. He can comfortably charge his laptops, all the camera and light batteries, and drone and provide enough light at night. When his assignments take him to the hot deserted deserts, he can use it to power a fan and a mini refrigerator.
Although the solar generator is heavy-21.4 lb, it has a perfect handle that makes carrying it an easy task. It has a maximum solar DC output capacity of 200 watts and takes a maximum of four hours to charge fully. Considering its high-power storage capacity, a charge time of four hours is nothing. It is reasonably priced compared to other solar generators with the same capacity. The battery can last for two consecutive days if used over a 100W load, making it quite convenient for camping and prolonged outdoor activities such as photography.
What we liked
- It is portable
- Provides value for money
- High durable
- Great performance
- High power output
What we didn’t like
- Delicate to drop due to its weight
- Lacks expansion capacity
- Lacks app management
Verdict
This solar battery has a large power storage capacity and can be used as a lighting backup at home. It is also a reliable power source for extended outdoor activities such as photography.
AMPROAD Epic 1000 Portable Power Station – suitable for home power interruption backup
This excellent solar generator is best suited for your home if you hate power interruptions and love a clean energy source.
Key features
- Battery capacity 1000Wh
- Maximum AC inverter capacity of 1,500 to 2,000 Wx
- More than ten years of excellent performance
- Has a flashlight
- Fast recharging
If you live in a neighborhood where power interruption is the order of the day, you may need this solar generator. Although my area does not have frequent power interruptions, I have come to appreciate the seamless transition this power generator provides in times of emergency power outages. It has a battery capacity of 1000Wh, ensuring a high and prolonged power supply. At the back of the generator are three 12 volts ports, four ungrounded AC ports, two grounded AC ports, and dual 5521 for router and other devices with barrel connectors. Power outages due to storms have never affected my work at home.
Some of the features that I love most about this solar generator are its internal AC power supply which makes cabling easy, and the dedicated AC power cord which makes it easy to connect to an existing home power connection. This makes it more applicable at home even when you have high power needs. It has a flashlight which makes it ideal for camping
The solar generator is sold alone or with 160W/220W panels which are also easy to carry. The solar input for this solar generator is 200W DC, and using two 1000W solar panels makes it charge quickly. It has a charging time of four hours and considering its high capacity; this is pretty little time.
What we liked
- It has a significantly low charge time
- It has many outputs ports
- It is highly durable
- Has a flashlight
What we didn’t like
- Slightly heavy, making it difficult to carry with hands over a long distance.
- Lacks app management
Verdict
This is an excellent solar generator to use at home and outdoors. Its high-power capacity makes it ideal for dealing with power outage emergencies at home or in a small office. It can provide several lamps for several camping tents.
Goal Zero Yeti 1500X – best backup for high power demanding equipment at home or office
This high-quality generator will provide enough power for your home or office in emergency power outages.
Key features
- High power capacity
- A three-way charging system
- Several outputs port
- Long battery life
- App management
This is one of the solar generators I recommend for your home or outdoor activities requiring high power output. When fully charged, it can comfortably provide uninterrupted power for your home even when you have power-demanding devices, thanks to the high-quality lithium-ion battery. Its 2000W AC inverter is perfect for devices with high power demands, including medical appliances such as home ventilators and full-size fridges. Your life never stops.
It has seven different power output ports. One of my favorites is the 60W USB-C port that provides fast charging for devices. It also has multiple USB-A ports to ensure your devices can charge simultaneously. Additionally, it has a 240V port and regulated 12V ports, so you can have a considerable variety of charging options.
You will particularly like the gadget management app that allows you to manage and monitor the solar generator remotely. The app provides real-time notifications on power input and output, allowing you to optimize your power consumption.
What we liked
- High battery capacity
- Remote management using the app
- Fast recharging
- Portable
What we didn’t like
- Heavy and thus difficult to carry
- Relatively expensive
Verdict
Goal Zero Yeti 1500X is an excellent power source for your home needs, especially if you operate devices that demand high power output. It will conveniently provide sufficient power to run high-power demanding devices for up to two days. It can be used as it recharges.
What to look out for when buying a solar generator
Power storage capacity
The power storage capacity for a solar generator is a significant feature to look for when purchasing one. Your intended use will inform this feature of the generator. For instance, if you need to charge your mobile devices such as phones, laptops, or cameras, you will only need one with low power capacity. However, you may need a high-power capacity if you want to use it with power-hungry devices, such as fans, fridges, and medical equipment. A good generator should have a minimum capacity of 300Wh
Charging capability
A fast-charging solar generator is a great advantage because it will allow you to focus on other things during the day, especially when you need to move a lot. This feature is essential if you want a battery to use in photography where you don’t have much time to wait for it to be charged. A generator with an input capacity of 100W should allow a continuous flow of up to 100w.
Output capacity
Energy output determines the number of gadgets you can simultaneously charge without destroying the solar generator’s battery. A low output capacity will limit the number of gadgets you can plug in simultaneously. This is a significant feature to consider, especially when you need a battery that can simultaneously support multiple devices and lighting.
The solar generator should have several ports for power output. The ports are helpful when you have several devices you need to charge. This is a significant feature to consider, especially when you are looking for an outdoor solar generator or when you have activities such as photography. The essential ports include 12-volt DC outlets, USB-C, USB-A, and AC.
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Portability
This feature is essential, especially if you plan to use the device outdoors. Outdoor activities include camping and wild photography. For such activities, you need about 30 to 60 pounds portable device. Beyond this weight, you may have challenges loading it in the vehicle and carrying it with your hands to the final destination. A solar generator heavier than 100 pounds may force you to buy a trolley, especially for outdoor activities.
Conclusion
Solar generators are an excellent source of clean energy. They provide a great power source in emergency outages and where there is no reach of the power grid, such as in the wild and camping sites. If you hate interruptions by power outages, you need to get one.
FAQ section
Are solar generators durable?
Yes, good solar generators can last you more than ten years.
Do solar generators require maintenance?
Solar generators require minimal maintenance.