Best Solar Generators Reviewed & Rated
There are manifold advantages to purchasing a solar generator as opposed to its conventional gas-powered counterpart. It’s economical to run and because it harnesses the power of the sun, it’s eco-friendly, easy to maintain, grave quiet, and of course cost-effective. They are a source of clean, reliable power and considering their small footprint and lightweight design, you can also use them on several outdoor adventures such as camping where you are no longer connected to the grid.
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The ubiquity of these devices on the market an understandably make it difficult for a person to choose one that best meets their power requirements. That’s where we step in with objective and in-depth reviews of 10 of the best solar generators currently on the market. All you have to do is decide which one of them is suitable for you and your loved ones or fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
10 Best Solar Generators
1. Renogy Phoenix 210Wh/150W
The Renogy Phoenix packs an incredible amount of power to provide the user with flawless and efficient performance. The efficiency of its two Renogy 20W Monocrystalline Solar Panels capable of expanding up to 100W and the high-capacity 16Ah lithium-ion battery provides the user with the capability of unlimited power. Because it comes with four high-speed USB ports and two DC outlets and is to run continuously, the solar generator is a perfect choice for powering or charging all your favourite electronics including mobile devices such as laptops, mobile phones, cameras, drones, and mini fridges and just about any electronics you have.
The Renogy Phoenix is efficient, powerful, and cost-effective. On top of these, it features an exceptionally robust and resilient design and craftsmanship. For the next several years, you'll be prepared to venture outdoors or keep your essential electronics running in a moment's notice.
Perfect for off-grid uses
Durable water-resistant construction
Chargeable 3 different ways
Versatile
Nothing significant
2. Paxess 100-Watt
A reliable source of cheap, clean power, the Axess is an indispensable addition to your outdoor arsenal. You can as well resort to it for clean power in case of a power outage. Irrespective of application, the solar generator comes with dual 110V AC for charging various mobile devices including laptops, box fans, camping lamps, and cameras among several others. There are also 3 12V DC for car powered devices under 180W and another 2 high-speed 5V USB ports for phones, iPads, GPS, MP3 players, and cameras.
Another feature we find profoundly endearing is the simplicity of the machine’s design and the attendant ease of use. Its lightweight design considerably enhances portability. The ergonomic handle minimizes hand fatigue and strain while the LCD display helps you keep tabs on its performance.
For all intents and purposes, the Axess would make for a great choice. It’s a simple, easy-to-use, and reliable solar generator.
Lightweight and highly portable
Can be charged three different ways
Long-lasting, high-capacity battery
Long-lasting construction
Doesn’t come with solar panels
3. Suaoki 222Wh
Patently, it comes with several head-turning features but the one that stands out the most is its output of a pure sine wave enabling it to power up several electrical devices with remarkable efficiency and versatility. The technology enhances safety by eliminating power disruptions and overloads, which makes it a perfect source of clean power for emergencies and outdoor adventures like traveling, camping, fishing, and picnicking. It comes with a beastly 60,000 mAh battery packing enough juice for powering your smartphones, laptop, and a few appliances. To put this in perspective, you can charge your smartphone more than 20 times and the laptop up to 4 times.
Besides reliability, the Suaoki is also renowned for its quiet operation, and safety. The efficient and pure sine wave output is all the more reason to go with it.
Lightweight and easy to use
Comes with several outputs for versatility
Attractive design
Works reliably and quietly
A tad heavy
4. Anker Powerhouse, Compact 400Wh / 120000mAh
If you literally take the power with you wherever you go, and always be prepared for rampant power outages, this heavy-duty and powerful device should be up your alley. It houses up to 434-watt-hours of power. This means you'll never miss that important business email even when you go off-grid. It's capable of recharging your laptop up to 15 times and your smartphone up to 40 times. The inclusion of 4 high-speed USB ports incorporating the innovative PowerIQ technology means you won’t have to wait for other phones or appliances to fully charge before plugging in yours.
To the elucidations provided above, add the fact that the Anker Powerhouse weighs just 9.26 pounds, has multiple charging ports, and comes with a generous 18-month warranty. The warranty is confidence-boosting, giving the user the assurance that any and all deficiencies in material and craftsmanship will be rectified free of charge.
High-capacity batteries
Lightweight and compact
Multiple charging options
Generous 18-month warranty
Operates silently
Doesn’t come with solar panels
Doesn’t support high-power appliances
5. Goal Zero Yeti 400
The capacity of this generator stands at 39,600 mAh at 10.8V though it can go up to 119,000 at 3.6V. Couple this with the pure sine wave inverter and 2 AC outlets, 3 2.4a USB ports, and 2 12V ports and you at your disposal an industry stalwart designed to supply clean, reliable power to up to 7 devices simultaneously. With the solar generator, the days of having to put off assignments, work projects or limit outdoor ventures to daytime are long gone.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use, portable, and powerful solar generator, look no further than this Goal Zero Yeti 400. It’s aptly named, and easily meets and exceeds expectations.
Exceptional quality
Provides remote control
Small prole and lightweight
Multiple charging options
No solar panels in package
6. Kalisaya KP201 KaliPAK
Few solar generators out there can seamlessly combine powerful performance, portability, lightweight design, affordability, and versatility like Kalisaya KP201 does. Despite weighing just about 11 pounds, the solar generator boasts up to 192Wh of raw power you can take with you wherever you go. It has two high-quality, durable solar panels for trapping solar energy whenever the sun comes out. Setting them out is a cinch, and the instructions manual diligently walks you through the entire process. Included in the package is a highly portable and water-resistant 10,400 mAh capacity power bank. The power bank features a rugged, compact profile and features 4 USB ultra-fast charge ports for various mobile devices and 2 other 12V DC ports for lighting.
To recap, the Kalisaya KP201 Solar Generator is a perfect choice for homeowners, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts in search of a reliable and consistent source of clean power. With a Bluetooth transmitter and smartphone app, using it is effortless and straightforward.
Long-lasting, high-capacity battery
Ergonomic handle
Very portable and lightweight solar panels
Works reliably and consistently
Offers remote monitoring system
Nothing significant
7. Jackery Portable Power Station 240
An essential part of any solar generator is the power bank. In the case of this one, it features a high-capacity and long-lasting 240Wh capacity lithium ion battery. It packs enough juice for simultaneously charging several devices several times over. There is a DC input, 2 high-speed USB outputs, an AC outlet, and a car port that conveniently supports several connects at the same time. The best part is that it sport dual charging options. You can decide to plug it into a wall outlet or connect it to a solar panel. In the latter case, you'll have to wait for between 7 and 10 hours before it charges fully.
For the homeowners and adventures in search of a solar generator, here is a reasonably and justifiably priced optionr. Jackery Portable Power Station Generator is light in weight and easy to transport. And of course exceptionally powerful.
A cinch to use
High contrast LED flashlight
Comes with several input and output options
Reasonably priced
Not compatible with 12V car adapter
8. Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium
Boasting an impressive output of up to 1500W and with a surge capacity of up to 3000W, it is a perfect and solid choice for anyone who needs to reliably and smoothly run their high-power electrical devices such as fridges, sump pumps, and even power tools. To ensure seamless and continuous performance, it comes with a 1425 watt-hour capacity with several high-power AC, USB, USB-C, USB-PD, as well as 12V outputs. The latter feature is able to support up to 10 devices at the same time.
If you need power on the go or for powering various home appliances in case of a power outage, it comes highly recommended. It’s easy to use, durable, and outstandingly reliable.
Durable construction
Easy to use
Versatile
An ultra-high capacity power station
Heavy
9. Webetop
The fact that the AC, USB, and 12V DC outputs are evenly spread out allows for the simultaneous connection of several devices. There is a 110V Dual AC outlet with a maximum sine wave output of up to 150W, 3 12V DC ports and another 3 5V USB ports.
As for portability, it comes with ultra-lightweight and compact 155Wh 42000mAh Li-Ion batteries. They weigh a paltry 3.48 pounds with dimensions of 7.67 by 6.73 by 3.54 inches. You’ll be hard pressed anything smaller. Plus, they can fit easily and snugly into a backpack for ultimate portability.
There’s every advantage to going with this options. We’d run out of space listing all of them. The gist of it though is that the generator is reliable, safe, quiet, cinch to use, highly portable, and with a knack for providing powerful, clean energy.
Large power capacity 42000 mAh
Features several high-speed USB and DC ports
Versatile
Multiple charging options
Ultra-lightweight and compact
A little on the expensive side
10. Goal Zero Yeti 1250
The simplicity and efficiency of the Goal Zero Yeti 1250 put it at par with other industry giants. It boasts a high-capacity 1200wh battery with more than 100 amp hours of continuous use. It's capable of powering a few laptops and a mini-fridge. Just because you're off the grid doesn’t mean you have to contend with hot drinks. The battery can withstand years of recharge cycles, meaning that it’ll provide you and your posse with several years of clean, efficient power.
For homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts in search of a rugged, high-performance, and durable solar generator, your search stops with this option. While it can’t power an entire house, it’s a perfect choice for powering essential appliances around the house and on the camping expedition. Plus, it’s a cinch to use and budget-friendly.
Affordable
Innovative design
Powerful performance
Quick charging time
Multiple charging options
Heavy at 116 pounds
Not as powerful as other models
Criteria for Choosing the Best Solar Generators
Performance
The essence of any solar generator is to meet all your power needs in case of a power outage or when you go off-grid. And to effectively harness the power of the sun, it has to have efficient, high-performance solar panels, of which you have a choice of three; monocrystalline panels, polycrystalline panels, and thin film panels.
Monocrystalline panels are up to 20 percent efficient and capable of operating in extreme weathers. Polycrystalline panels fall slightly behind monocrystalline panels considering they have several crystals. The last on this list is obviously thin film panels. Choose in accordance with your power needs.
The capacity of the Battery
A second deciding factor has got to be the capacity of the battery, measured in watt-hours. The higher the battery capacity the more devices you’ll be able to operate, sometimes simultaneously. Operating high wattage appliances such as mini fridges will require a solar generator with a much bigger battery capacity.
It helps to know your total power expenditure and multiply the figure by the number of days you expect to be off-grid to help you narrow down your search.
Physical Dimensions
This refers to the weight and size of the generator, two important features that also have a significant bearing on ease of use. If you want a portable option, go for one that’s both lightweight and compact. It’ll not only be easy to move from one place to another but also easy to store when the sun goes down.
It’ll take minimal storage space in the garage or wherever you decide to keep when the day is done. A lightweight and compact option is also easy to adjust to ensure optimal exposure to the sun. Of course, the physical dimensions won’t be overly important if you don’t want a portable model. And even if it’s going to be static, is it large enough to capture solar power as much as possible?
Additional Features
Look at the construction quality. To get the best out of your generator, ensure its high-quality and durable so it can withstand the test of time and harshest climatic conditions.
Also, if it has several outlets capable of supporting several devices, you’ll be able to charge several at the same time. A fast charging solar generator can also be helpful for those in areas with few hours of sunshine. And of course, the price should be commensurate with its performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are they capable of powering a home?
A: For small homes with average power demands, yes. However, running an entire house on solar power can be an expensive affair in the short run considering the high cost of acquiring and installing the necessary hardware.
Q: What are the different ways of recharging a solar generator?
A: There are up to three different ways of charging it. The most obvious is by using solar panels. The second method is plugging it into a power outlet, and the last option is connecting it to the car’s 12V adapter.
Conclusion
Our list features the industry’s most powerful, efficient, and safe solar generators. There is something for everyone, from the homeowner looking for economical backup power in case of a power outage to the outdoor enthusiast looking for a powerful, portable model.
With these, you can keep the fridge running and your mobile devices running smoothly for as long as it takes. Essentially, this buying guide takes the hard work and time out of the decision-making process, making it easy and quick for you. It covers all the bases and will leave you thoroughly informed.
