Last Updated on December 3, 2024
Solar energy has emerged onto the scene in recent years as a simple form of natural power that is not only sustainable but incredibly long-lasting. If you’re currently in the market for the best solar generator or are simply considering your options, you have most certainly come to the right place.
Quick Comparison
If you don’t have time to read the complete article, check out our favorite products below.
We put together the following detailed reviews of the best solar generator on the market today, along with a helpful buyer’s guide for your shopping ease.
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Best Solar Generator Reviews For 2022
1. Jackery Explorer 500 watts Portable Solar Power Station
Powering most small and medium-sized electronics with ease, the Jackery Portable Power Station has proven itself in the back country and during front country emergencies. With the ability to charge with an AC wall outlet, a solar generator, a carport, or Jackery’s 100Watts solar panel, it is easy to always have this power station ready to go.
This power station can keep the whole family charged while camping or provide emergency electricity when the power goes out during a hurricane or other natural disaster. This machine can keep a CPAP going for over 13 hours, which can be life-changing for those reliant on the machine but also want to get outside. With Jackery’s industry-leading innovation and technology, they have truly created a power station at the top of its class.
Most commonly used for camping trips, the Jackery Portable Power Station is excellent to keep phones, speakers, computers, cameras, and other electronics charged. While it should not be used often as a flashlight due to its bulk, one is included on the side near the handle. It takes 5 hours to fully charge with a regular AC cab.
The Jackery Portable Power Station balances rugged looks, has ample energy output, and versatility for charging with ease. Recommended as a quiet alternative to a generator when you’re out and about, this power station is ready to power any piece of equipment under 500 watts.
PROS
- This solar generator can power items with its 12V/10A carport and 3*5V/2.4A USB power ports
- 5 hours to fully charge with a regular AC cable
- LCD Screen provides updates of both power in and out
- Ability to power a small blender, grill, or TV for evenings outside
- Pure sine wave inverter assures safe charging for any device
- Rugged and sturdy build
- 2-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Heavy, weighing in at 13.32 pounds
- Cannot power devices over 500 watts
- Expensive
2. Paxcess Solar Generator
Paxcess portable solar generator provides a small, portable power unit for simple electronic power needs in their 100-Watt Portable Power Station. Whether users choose to go off-grid or find themselves in a power outage, this power station is reliable and straightforward to use. With three 12V DC ports, two 110V AC ports, and 2 USB ports, users can charge just about any small or medium electronic device when this is powered up.
The Paxcess 100Watts Portable solar generator or Power Station will recharge in 7 to 8 hours from a generator or a wall outlet. If you are already away from power, though, it can be charged with a solar panel in approximately 10 hours. When this is paired with its barely 3.3-pound frame, this portable power station is one of the smallest and most comfortable options to bring just about anywhere.
When users have a converter to DC power, they have powered their CPAP machines for 2.5 to 3 nights, depending on the settings. Cell phone users can recharge their phone 18 times with a fully charged station, while tablets get about five full charges.
While it is small, the Paxcess Portable solar generator or Power Station does everything it claims to do, and it does it well. It is also backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee within the first 45 days after purchase. If it fails in the first year, they will replace it for free, too. From the warranty to the straightforward usage, this power station is a solid choice. We feel this is one of the best solar generator out there.
PROS
- Lightweight, weighing 3.3 pounds
- Quickly recharged up to 3 different ways
- No gasoline required, allowing it to be used in small spaces
- Battery Management System (BMS) controls voltage and temperature for safe control
- 0 Decibel sound output
CONS
- Limited power: 100 watts output, can take surges up to 150W
- No three-prong AC power output
- No cigarette port
3. Prymax Portable Station
Prymax portable solar generator succeeds in delivering one of the industry’s best power stations for a reasonable price with its Prymax Portable Power Station. The battery itself takes 8 hours to charge regularly or up to 10 hours by a solar panel. Once fully charged, it can fully charge a cell phone over 40 times, a laptop 7 times, and a CPAP machine for multiple nights depending on your settings.
Weighing in at 6.5 pounds and about the size of a bag of flour, this portable power station can easily be packed for a week of camping or stored away to use during power outages and other emergencies.
This portable solar generator or power station does have a built-in, quiet cooling fan that turns on when the station gets hot. This, combined with the gas-free power, makes it safe to run inside small spaces like RVs, tents, and cabins. With this, it is a great choice for those needing to power medical equipment in the backcountry.
The Prymax Portable solar generator or Power Station has the following charging ports: 2 USB, 2 AC (1 Pure Sine Wave), 1 Type-C, 1 12V, 1 24V, and 1 18V/8A port also known as the cigarette lighter port. It is important to note that the AC out ports cannot be used while this unit is being charged. But, all of these power out options allow for a variety of power needs to be met with this reliable, sturdy, and lightweight compact solar power station. We feel this is one of the best solar generator out there.
PROS
- 3 ways to charge: AC outlet, generator, or solar panel (not included)
- Provides steady 300W output, capable of 600W surges with enough power.
- 2 pure sine wave outlets for safe charging
- Easy to read LED screen shows input, output, and battery life
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Large flashlight with SOS programming for emergency use
CONS
- Mid-range price
- May overheat with heavy usage
- No quick-charge ports
4. Rockpals Solar Generator
While looks don’t affect the actual output of the machine, the Rockpals 500-watt Portable Power Station is just as pretty as it is practical. With a large, scratch-resistant LCD screen walking you through the power going both in and out, users can be prepared for trips to the cabin or during emergencies. We feel this is one of the best solar generator out there.
The Rockpals 500-watt Portable solar generator or Power Station can be charged by a 110V wall charger, a 12V car charger, or an MC4 cable. Each of these options can fully charge the station in six to eight hours, allowing for a quick turnaround if needed. A full charge can repower a MacBook Pro seven times, a drone over ten times, or a projector for 6 – 7 hours. With this station, it is easy to confidently go camping without losing handy electric-powered tools like your camera or smartphone.
While many use this to keep them connected when having fun, the Rockpals Station is well-liked for natural disasters, power outages, and CPAP machine use. With an LED flashlight that can shine for over 50 hours, this station can keep you going even through emergency situations.
The Rockpals solar Power Station is accessible on a budget while still providing the power, options, and warranty of other well-known brands. A small thing of note, however, is that it does have a 10-hour automatic shut off if it has not been touched for that long. This may pose issues for CPAP users who sleep for long periods. However, for almost any user, this is a reliable power station very worthwhile.
PROS
- Pure sine wave power for safer charging
- 18-month warranty
- Quiet cooling fan
- Ten different charging ports to plug into
CONS
- Hefty to carry at 7.3 pounds
- No USB-C port
- Not waterproof
5. Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium (Silver/Black)
This Portable solar generator Power Station by Goal Zero is one of the best solar generator. The goal zero yeti is a powerful enough solar machine that you can charge as many as 10 devices at one time with its 1425Wh capacity.
Charge everything from your blender and TV to phone and tablets with the Goal Zero Yeti 1400. This makes Goal Zero 400 an impeccable alternative power source for people who do want to deal with the maintenance of gas generators.
Specs :
- 1425 watt-hour capacity
- AC, 12V, and USB outputs
- Run up to 10 devices at the same time
- Easily recharged
- Weighs 45 pounds
- Two 120V outlets
- Four 2.4A USB ports
- One 12V electrical port
- Two BNC connectors
- Large LCD display
The great thing about the Goal Zero Yeti 1400 is the fact that it operates on lithium power, which has an extended battery life, is more compact, and offers a wider range of usage options than typical generator varieties. With its ultra-high-capacity battery-powered portable generator, it can run your high-power household appliances such as sump pumps, fridges, and power tools among others
We like the lightweight design of the goal zero Yeti 1400, featuring helpful handles to make it even easier to navigate from place to place.
The goal zero yeti solar generator also includes multiple, flexible outlet options to charge any device you please. The LCD display makes it easy to adjust your generator, although we found that the screen lights aren’t very bright.
If you want to charge the battery, you can connect it to a 120V outlet. You can also use your car as a charging device. Otherwise, you can use the solar charge control. If you opt for this option, you will need to purchase solar panels in addition to the unit.
The 1425-watt power of the solar generator offers an astounding 118 hours of charge for USB powered devices. You can even charge a laptop from 0% up to 16 times and run a LED light for days on end.
There’s also an expansion port beneath the lid if you need more solar power and decide to link more than one Yeti 1400 together.
PROS
- Impressive 1425 wattage to keep your devices powered for days or weeks
- Multiple charging options
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
CONS
- You’ll need to purchase solar panels separately for solar charging
- LED display is not very bright
See Also: Goal Zero Yeti 6000x
6. Jackery Portable Power Station Generator Explorer 440
The next solar generator on our list weighs just 12.57 pounds and sports a 440-wattage capacity. This one portable machine is best for charging smaller devices from mini refrigerators to tablets and laptops.
Specs :
- A complete portable solar power station
- 440 watt-hour capacity
- Easily portable yet powerful
- Weighs 12.57 pounds
- AC pure sine wave inverter
- Three USB 5V 2.1 A ports
- Two DC 12V ports
- One 12V 10A carport
- Charges a range of small devices
- Powered by lithium battery, fume-free battery pack
- 8 hours to charge by a wall socket
- 8 to 10 hours to charge with a solar panel
- LCD screen
- Indicator light
- LED flashlight
The Jackery Explorer 440 is not only small and highly portable but incredibly easy to use. You can take it out of the box and use it right away without having to waste time on assembly, which is a huge plus in our book.
To power the Jackery Explorer 440 up, all you need to do is connect it to a compatible solar panel to reach a complete charge in 10 hours. If you want a shorter charging time, simply connect it to a wall charger and it will be all powered up in around 8 hours.
We like how flexible the Jackery Explorer 440 is because you can use it for a wide range of devices and appliances and devices. With three USBs, one car outlet, two DC outlets, and one AC outlet, you can keep all your essential units powered up for extensive periods. The LED display is also helpful, letting you check on your battery power to make sure the levels are sufficiently charged.
One downside of the Explorer 440 is its lower wattage levels. So, if you’re looking for a higher watt-hour capacity, this selection might fall short. However, the lithium battery-powered has a 20.4-amp-hour charge with a 300-watt inverter and 500 surge wattage which we feel helps make up for that fact.
We would say that the Jackery Explorer is better for shorter outdoor activities or power outages, rather than extended ones.
PROS
- Flexible charging choices
- Perfect for powering up smaller devices
- Quick 8-hour wall outlet charge time
CONS
- Not ideal for charging larger devices
- Probably not enough power to handle lengthy blackouts or outages
See Also: Jackery Explorer 1000 Review
7. Renogy Phoenix Portable Generator All-in-one Solar Kit
For portable solar power on the go, look no further than the Renogy Phoenix Portable Generator. If you want an emergency backup power source, the 16Ah battery and 20W monocrystalline solar panels are a strong contender.
Specs :
- Compact, lightweight design
- Features two 10W monocrystalline solar panels
- Solar panels can expand to 120 watts
- 16Ah Li-ion (NMC) battery
- Runs at up to 210 watt-hour energy capacity
- LED flashlight
- Multiple charging ports
- 24 x 11.95 x 3.94 inch dimensions
- Charges on AC, car, or solar power
- Minimum 80% inverter power
- Four 5V 2.4A USB ports
- Two 3A 12V ports
- One 12V 12.5A cigarette socket
- One 3-prong 110V AC outlet
- 150W maximum ongoing output
- 60Hz AC output frequency
The Renogy Phoenix definitely stands in a class of its own and is no larger than a briefcase. The solar generator looks just like a portable briefcase, weighing less than 13 pounds if closed. It is a perfect choice for emergency solar power on the go, featuring 10W solar panels to charge under the sun. It also sports a large handle so that it becomes easy to carry.
We like how user-friendly the Renogy Phoenix is, with one solar power switch that turns on the unit and individual control to set DC or AC currents as needed. You can view the display at the top to assess the progress of the device’s battery charge and how strong the sun’s rays charging the battery are at any given point.
The Phoenix also features a wide selection of outlets to meet a range of user needs, with input ports you can use to hook up to extra solar panels. The battery has an approximate 1500 charge cycle life.
One point we noticed is that the unit takes a bit longer to charge than some other products on the market, taking around 15 hours to reach a full charge through solar energy.
PROS
- Extensive port options
- You can power solely through solar energy
- Excellent choice for emergency power situations
- Helpful LED flashlight
- User-friendly display to track battery power
CONS
- USB ports could be more easily accessible
- The device beeps whenever DC or AC switches are selected with no way to adjust
- No visible way to dim light display
- Takes 15 hours to charge with solar energy alone
8. EF ECOFLOW River Portable Power Station
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The quiet solar generator by EF Ecoflow weighs only 11 pounds but sports a 412-watt-hour capacity, making it an ideal choice to charge smaller devices in emergency situations. It comes with 500 watts total AC/DC output.
Specs :
- 412 watt-hour capacity
- 11,400 mAh power
- Weighs 11 pounds
- 8 x 6.3 x 8.3-inch dimensions
- 11 power generator outlets so you can power 11 devices at once
- Two USB quickcharge outlets
- Two USB C-type outlets
- Two AC outlets
- Two DC outlets
- One 12V car port
- 500 watts total AC/DC output
- Provides 100+ hours of light
- 30+ smartphone charges
- 10+ hours of mini fridge use
- 5 to 9 laptop charges
If you think it’s impossible to charge 11 different devices at the same time, EF Ecoflow’s River Portable solar Power Station makes it a reality. Once you fully charge the River Portable solar Power Station, it will keep a positive charge for as long as an entire year!
So, you can keep your mini fridge charged for over 10 hours and charge your mobile device 30 times or more. Pretty amazing!
You can use all 11 outlets at the same time, so any low power appliance or device of your choice will stay fueled for however long you need it to. The River Portable solar Power Station is a great choice for everything from camping trips to emergency scenarios. What’s more, charging the River Portable solar generator is nothing short of a breeze.
It takes about 6 hours to reach a full charge with a wall device, 9 hours with a car charger, and anywhere from 10 to 15 hours if you choose to use solar energy. We also like the fact that the solar generator comes with an IP63 certified case that is resistant to shocks, dust, and water.
The River Portable generator will not only stand the test of time but is a worthy investment to keep all your smaller devices powered for longer periods.
PROS
- Arrives fully charged
- Impressive 60,000 mAh power capacity
- Pure sine waves make the operation less noisy
- Charges smartphones more than 20 times
CONS
- No LED display or flashlight
- Only has a 1-year warranty
9. SUAOKI 222Wh Power Station
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If you want a power station with an extra kick, this next solar generator might be the choice for you. With a 60,000 mAh high capacity, you can charge devices like tablets, laptops, drones, and mini-fridges over and over again without losing a positive charge.
Specs :
- Two 100V/110V AC outlets
- 200W pure sine power inverter
- Two DC outlets
- Cigarette socket cable
- Two USB ports
- 5 LED lights marker
- 1 V, 20,000mAH/3.7V capacity
- Weighs 5.51 pounds
- 8 x 6.3 x 3.4-inch dimensions
- Runs on lithium ion batteries (included with generator)
- 1-year warranty
The lightweight, easy to carry specs of this generator by SUAOKI it an easy win if you’re looking for high octane power in a small station. You can keep it in your closet, your car, or carry it with you on a camping trip without feeling weighed down. We especially like the 60,000 mAh capacity, making this product one of the most powerful on the market currently.
You can power a wide range of small appliances with SUAOKI’s solar generator, including TVs, laptops, computers, and mobile devices.
With two 110V outlets, 2 DC outlets, and 2 USB outlets, you can charge just about any small device you please without losing a positive charge. The pure sine wave capacity safeguards your devices from being damaged from overcharge too.
You can charge the generator with a wall outlet or by using a solar panel. We feel one downside is that there is no solar panel actually included. So, if you want to charge the device, you’ll need to make a separate purchase.
The SUAOKI generator sports over voltage, over temperature, and over current protection, to keep you safe and secure whenever you operate the unit. It also features an aluminum covering to protect it from the elements, dents, and scratches.
PROS
- Arrives fully charged
- Impressive 60,000 mAh power capacity
- Long lasting power source
- Pure sine waves make the operation less noisy
- Charges smartphones more than 20 times
CONS
- No LED display or flashlight
- Only has a 1-year warranty
More On Solar Generators
Now that you’ve gotten to know some of the top solar generators on the market, we’d like to walk you through the essential facts you need to know before making your purchase. Next, we’ll offer you some considerations to think over so you can choose the solar generator that is best for you.
What Is a Solar Generator & How Does It Work?
Whether you experience frequent power outages or are on the road often, a solar generator could be the perfect solution to keep all your essential devices charged when you need them.
Unlike other types of generators, a solar generator doesn’t need fossil fuel and can help you stay powered totally off-grid power.
In simple terms, a solar generator is an electronic device containing an inverter, a charge controller, and batteries. The generator is powered by the sun, harnessing that energy through solar panels and transmitting it into the battery.
The inverter then emits the energy to power a wide range of devices, such as refrigerators, smartphones, lights, and laptops. If you are concerned about the impact of standard generators on the environment, the good news is that solar generators don’t emit toxic elements like petrol or diesel.
So, how does a solar generator work? We’re glad you asked!
We’ve already discussed the 3 primary elements of a solar generator—the battery, the charge controller, and the inverter. The battery stores the energy taken from the sun. Lithium-ion batteries are the kind that solar generators usually use, but some are also compatible with lead-acid batteries.
The charge controller serves to safeguard and enhance the longevity of the battery of your solar generator. Different charge controllers will have various features to charge and discharge your solar generator’s battery based on the kind of battery powering the unit.
Finally, we have the inverter.
The job of the inverter is to switch the low DC or Direct Current power in the battery to AC or Alternating Current power. Once the power converts to an Alternating Current, you can charge AC units in your house. DC devices simply skip the inverter altogether because the charge does not require conversion.
To sum things up, the solar generator takes energy from the sun through solar panels, keeps it in the battery contained within, then converts the DC energy to AC energy so you can charge everything from mobile devices to household appliances.
Solar vs. Fuel Generator
If you’re stuck between a solar vs. a fuel generator, we’re here to help dissect the differences and make the decision process easier. You already know how a solar generator works as detailed in the section above. There are numerous benefits to using a solar generator besides its obvious effects (or lack thereof) on the environment.
Besides, being eco-friendly, solar generators are an excellent choice because they lack any moving parts. As such, solar generators are quiet and operate with minimal to no noise. They are simple to maintain. They also tend to have greater longevity of use and last much longer than other generators on the market.
Another thing that solar generators have going for them is the fact that after they are fully charged, they will keep operating any time of day or night without you needing to do anything. During the daylight hours, electricity from the sun, transmitted through solar panels will keep the battery charged. At night, the power will charge your devices, and so forth.
A fuel generator, on the other hand, runs on gas. The generator converts gasoline’s chemical energy into mechanical power, then again over to electrical energy. How does this process work? Fuel generators feature an alternator and an engine.
The engine combusts the gas, propelling the alternator’s rotor, which is made from copper wire. The wire goes over magnets in the generator, and the action transmits an electrical charge.
Unlike solar generators, fuel generators contain quite a few moving parts with more complex makeup. They are definitely compact and have the ability to generate large quantities of electrical charge at once to power large scale appliances and devices. They are also easy to use, as all you need to do is fill your fuel generator with gas, switch it on or pull a cord, and you’re good to go.
Solar Generator Buyer’s Guide
Now that you understand the key differences between solar panels vs. fuel generators, it’s time to delve into some important pre-purchase considerations you need to bear in mind before taking the next step.
The first thing you need to consider if you’re in the market for the best solar generator is the battery storage capabilities of the unit. You need a battery that is sufficient to allow you to use the generator at nighttime, when there is insufficient sunlight, and when your energy usage goes beyond the solar charge of the device. For example, a 100-amp battery typically has around 800 watt-hours of life to it.
Part of this will, of course, depend on how much you intend to use your solar generator and for what purpose. Do you need to use your solar generator for camping trips or extra power in your shed? Or do you want to use it for reserve power in case of an emergency?
If you’re going to be using your generator more frequently, you will need to purchase a solar generator with a higher watt-hour capacity to ensure you don’t run out of positive charge too quickly.
A coffee maker uses roughly 1500 watts of power daily, but to use for ten minutes (1/6th of an hour) each morning, will only use a measly 10 watts.
You should also know that solar generators are not designed to power all your home’s large appliances for weeks at a time. Solar generators work best with small devices and lower-power appliances for short-term periods.
A unit with a higher watt capacity could power a large machine like a refrigerator for about a day. If you want to power larger devices or portions of your home, you might need to purchase more than one solar energy unit.
Another thing you should pay close attention to when purchasing a solar generator is the certifications the unit features. The certifications a solar generator has indicates the type of testing that has been performed on the machine.
Certifications are conducted by the manufacturer and/or independent laboratories, so you can depend on the company’s safety measures for any given product.
Conclusion
Finding the best solar generator to meet your needs doesn’t have to be a challenge. If you only want to power smaller devices for shorter periods, and don’t require as significant a wattage capacity, the Jackery Explorer 440, Paxcess 100-watt Portable Solar Generator, and the EF Ecoflow River Portable Power Station are all excellent choices.
If you’re really interested in purchasing a portable generator with a higher charge, the Portable Power Station by Goal Zero or Portable Generator by SUAOKI might be just what you’re looking for. No matter which selection you make, each of the best solar generators reviewed are among the top in their class in terms of features, outlet options, watt-hour capacity, charging choices, and outlet options.
From your next RV trip to a short-term unexpected power outage, solar generators provide a clean source of energy that is safe and easy to use. The lack of moving parts and simple solar charging of these generators make them a highly durable choice to keep your key devices charged and ready to use.
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I really like your post because of it full and useful. By the way, my family is using Goal Zero Yeti 1400 and I think it is working well. Thanks for your blog, I will keep reading your new posts.
Hi Andrew, thanks a lot, love getting feedback like this! Glad the Yeti 1400 is working out. I’ve had really good experiences with Goal Zero stuff to date.
I would like to have a solar generator to power my refrigerator during public service blackouts. Your buyer’s guide says that a solar generator will only power a refrigerator for a day. Why? If there is a solar collector recharging it, couldn’t it keep working longer? Would it not be able to regenerate enough using solar power?
Hi Gretchen. Yes, it all comes down to the result of the following formula: First, how much energy does your fridge use in a typical day, call this A. Second, how much energy can you collect from the sun in a typical day, call this B. If B minus A gives you a positive number, then you will be in good shape with an “unlimited” amount of uptime for your fridge. The solar generator like this one will act as a buffer. So, if you have days that are cloudy or rainy, then it’ll give you some additional capability. In summary, it’s critical to know your fridge’s power draw, your solar system’s power generation (which will be based on time of year, your latitude, weather conditions, etc.), and finally how much of a buffer your generator provides you to smooth things out.