A complete guide to solar power generators

Solar isn't just for rooftops – you can use portable solar products like solar generators as a backup power source if the grid goes down or as a source of electricity for your campsite, RV, or boat. But what is a solar generator exactly? And how does it compare with typical fossil-fuel-powered generators? In this article, we'll break down the key things you need to know about solar generators so you can decide if they're right for you!

Based on watts (W) and watt-hours (Wh), we've compiled a list of some of the top-rated solar generator products available for $1,000 - $5,000. All of the batteries on our list use lithium-ion battery technology but vary in their specific chemistry – check out our article on comparing lithium-ion (LiFePO4) battery chemistries to learn more about the differences.

NOTE: these prices do not include the cost of the solar panels.

Goal Zero Yeti 1500X

Goal Zero's Yeti 1500X is a solid generator with good – but not great – storage capacity, so (like most generators) it'll be good for recharging devices and keeping a few appliances running, but not for too long.

• Battery capacity/Power output: 2,000 W

• Storage size: 1,516 Wh

• Battery chemistry: Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC)

• USB Ports: 2 USB-A, 18W USB-C, 60W USB-C PD, 6mm, 12V, 12V Power Port, 2 120V AC Inverter

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Jackery Explorer 1500

Looking for a solar generator for around $1000? Jackery's Explorer 1000 is a great option! A little smaller in both output and storage capacity than Goal Zero's Yeti 1500X, this solar generator is a great rugged option for powering a few essential devices on a camping trip.

• Power output: 1,000 W

• Battery capacity/Power output: 1,000 W

• Storage size: 1,002 Wh

• Battery chemistry: Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC)

• Ports: 2 USB-C ports with PD, 1 USB-A port, one quick charge 3.0 port, 3 110 Volt AC wall outlets, one 12V DC outlet

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BLUETTI AC200P 200WH/2000W Portable Solar Power Station

The biggest option of our three featured solar generators is BLUETTI's Portable Power Station, a portable solar generator featuring 2,000 W output – that's even enough to keep a fridge or window air conditioner running for some time. More than the above two options, the BLUETTI solar generator can actually be used as a backup device in emergency situations, albeit for a short period of time.

• Battery capacity/output: 2,000 W

• Storage size: 2,000 Wh

• Battery chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)

• Ports: 6 120V AC outlets, 1 12V/25A RV port, 2 15W wireless pads, 1 PD 60W USB-C, 4 USB-A, 1 12V/10A car port, 2 12V/3A

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Renogy Lycan 5000 Power Box

Renogy's Lycan 5000 is an all-in-one energy storage system. Compared to other generators, it is extremely sturdy. Its cost, however, makes it less accessible than other options. More than ten devices can be powered using AC and DC ports, meaning it can be used for blackouts or home-powering services.

• Power output: 3,500 W

• Storage size: 1,075 Wh

• Battery chemistry: lithium-iron-phosphate

• Ports: 110V AC port, 60VDC~145VDC Input

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EF Ecoflow Delta Max (2000)

The EF Ecoflow Delta Max can be used for many applications, including powering an RV and providing blackout coverage. It charges quickly but does not have a comparatively long battery life. EcoFlow also provides a 24-month warranty.

• Power output: 3,400 W

• Storage size: 2,016 Wh

• Battery chemistry: lithium-ion

• Ports: USB-A Output: 2 ports, 5V, 2.4A, 12W max per port, USB-A Fast Charge: 2 ports, 5V, 2.4A / 9V, 2A / 12V, 1.5A, 18W Max per port, USB-C Output: 2 ports, 5/9/12/15/20V, 5A, 100W Max per port, DC Output: 2 ports, 12.6V, 3A, 38W Max per port, Car Power Output: 12.6V, 10A, 126W Max, AC Charging Input: 1800W max, 15A

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At its simplest, a solar generator is a portable battery storage system powered by solar panels. The keyword you'll want to focus on here is portable – unlike solar-plus-storage systems, which are the best option to provide backup power for your home, solar generators don't require an electrician for installation and can be transported to different locations. They're a great solution if you want electricity while boating, on road trips with your RV or camper, camping, powering small devices, or providing a small amount of emergency power in the event of an outage. To find the best portable generator for you, it is important to evaluate how much you will be using the generator and the type of appliances you will need to charge.

Solar panels can’t act as generators on their own – the electricity they generate needs to be stored somewhere. So, solar generators typically consist of two main products: solar panels and a battery storage system. When you place your solar panels out in the sun, they generate direct current (DC) electricity. A component called a charge controller regulates the power output from your solar panels so the DC electricity can be easily stored in the storage system's battery pack. There are two types of charge controllers: MPPT controllers (those that are tied to the grid) and PWM controllers (for off-grid or DIY solutions).

Later on, when you want to use the electricity you've stored, it passes through an inverter which converts DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity – the type of electricity used by most appliances. You'll be able to plug your devices directly into the generator and use this newly generated AC electricity to power them. When comparing inverters for solar generators, you may want to look for pure sine wave inverters, which are typically quieter, provide more reliable electricity, and enable you to connect to the grid.

Some solar generators sold today come as complete all-in-one kits; however, there are always options for buying components like panels and batteries separately. Here are some of the things you'll want to consider when buying panels and batteries to design your own solar generator system:

Solar panels for a solar generator

When searching for solar panels, it's important to understand that the panels used for solar generators are not the same as typical solar panels you see on rooftops or on solar farms. Portable solar panels used for solar generators tend to be smaller (both in physical size and in battery power/wattage) and are much more portable – meaning you can easily move and position them to maximize their sun exposure.

Solar generation for home backup power

If you're looking for backup options for your home, you've probably come across home solar battery systems in your search. These are designed to be installed as part of your solar system by a qualified electrician and are not the same as the storage system in a solar generator setup. Most are also not designed for long-term use for those looking to go off-grid. Solar generator batteries are typically smaller, more portable, and include built-in outlets to plug in your devices.

Additionally, home solar batteries are generally made using lithium-ion technology. Batteries used in solar power generator setups can be lithium-ion but are also often made with lead-acid technology. Both technologies can often be combined with other battery units through "chaining,” – meaning you can add extra batteries onto your generator system for more robust storage capacity.

When comparing solar generators, two important metrics to keep in mind are Watts (W) and Watt-hours (Wh).

Watts

Watts is equivalent to the amount of power a generator can output at one time. Devices and appliances you'll want to power with a solar generator have a wattage rating, and you need to make sure your generator can support that rating. To understand how long a generator can supply a certain amount of W, you'll want to take a look at the generator's Wh rating.

Watt-hours

Watt-hours are analogous to the amount of energy the generator can store. For example, a generator that has a capacity of 1,000 Wh can supply 1,000 W of power continuously for one hour. This also means that the same generator could supply 100 W of power to a small device like a lightbulb for 10 hours. As a point of reference, a TV might use somewhere around 100 W, meaning a 1,000 Wh generator could power that TV for 10 hours.

When deciding between a solar generator and a fossil fuel generator, there are definitely some factors you'll want to consider. We'll explain some of the key pros and cons of solar generators to help you make your decision:

Pros of solar generators

There are many benefits that come with owning a solar generator for home use in comparison to fossil fuel options:

1. Free energy from the sun

When you get power from a solar generator, you're harnessing the sun's energy for free instead of using costly fossil fuels. You can continue to get free energy from the sun throughout the lifespan of the solar panels you're using.

2. Low maintenance costs

Unlike fossil fuel generators, solar generators have no moving parts and don't use liquid fuel, which significantly lowers the likelihood you'll need to pay for repairs on your generator.

3. Clean and quiet operation

Aside from potential monetary benefits, choosing a solar generating system over a fossil fuel system has environmental upsides. Importantly, using fossil fuel generators leads to air pollution and added carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which contributes to global climate change. Additionally, gas generators are often loud when they're running – with no moving parts, solar generators don't make any noise when you're using them.

Cons of solar generators

Solar generators aren't without flaws – here are some potential drawbacks to keep in mind if you're purchasing a solar generator:

1. Limited power supply

Storing solar energy with a solar generator has limitations when it comes to energy capacity. If you're looking to power your entire house on a backup generator system, solar may not be the way to go. You can easily recharge small electronics and operate certain appliances with a solar generator but don't expect to be able to keep your fridge, TV, and lighting systems all operational for very long.

2. Higher upfront cost

Although the operating costs associated with solar generators are much lower than those associated with fossil fuel options, you can safely expect a higher upfront price tag for solar generator products. Don't be surprised when you see solar generators costing a few hundred dollars more than comparable fossil fuel products. You will also need to buy additional products like panels and inverters, which have significant costs.

3. Slow recharging

Unlike fossil fuel generators, you can't instantaneously get more power from your solar setup. Recharging takes time and needs to be done during the day. Therefore, solar generators may not be your best option if you aren't able to take the time to recharge them. With a gas generator, you can simply hook up a fresh gas tank.

What is the best solar generator to run a house?

The best solar generator for you depends a lot on where you live and your power needs. If you are looking to power larger devices, you will need one with a high capacity such as the EcoFlow Delta Pro.

How long will a solar generator power a refrigerator?

With a solar generator with a high enough capacity, you can definitely power larger devices like refrigerators. Refrigerators generally are 400-800W. Larger generators like the EcoFlow Delta Max can power devices up to 3000W and can power a refrigerator for up to 14 hours.

What will a 2000 Watt solar generator run?

2000 watts of solar energy is enough to power a lot of larger appliances such as a refrigerator, freezer, or microwave.

How long will a solar generator store power?

Solar generators have significant longevity depending on the technology they use. Most rely on lithium batteries that will store power for 2-3 years.

How much will a solar generator cost?

As with lots of products in the solar industry, solar generator cost varies widely. Smaller generators can start at around $300 with higher capacity generators costing upwards of $5,000.

If you're looking to charge small appliances when camping, traveling in an RV, or boating, a solar generator might be right for you! Given their portability and ease of operation, solar generators offer a unique energy solution for those on the move who need some extra electricity. That being said, the limited power capacity, slow recharge time, and dependence on the sun limit the usability of solar generators as whole home power backup systems.

For property owners interested in a backup energy supply from a renewable power source, the best option is to install a rooftop or ground-mounted solar system with a home solar battery attached. During the day, your panels will produce energy and store anything unused in your battery so that you can draw from that power bank when the grid goes down. Importantly, a solar energy system without a battery usually cannot operate during a power outage, so installing a solar-plus-storage system is a great way to up your property's resilience against electrical grid issues.

The easiest way to shop for solar-plus-storage systems and save money at the same time is by comparing multiple quotes on the EnergySage Marketplace. By registering your property, you can begin receiving solar quotes from high-quality local solar professionals so you can go solar with confidence. If you're interested in receiving quotes that include a storage system, simply indicate your interest in your preferences when setting up your account.