The solar industry is an ideal alternative to traditional forms of energy. However, with scientists regularly conducting research showing the average consumer how their actions could affect climate change and other environmental issues, the industry has become increasingly popular.
Solar generators are an inexpensive and sustainable way to charge your electronic devices. Solar generators are now cheaper than ever. It makes the public aware of how these devices can reduce our negative impact on the environment while reducing the costs.
Older solar generators use lead-acid batteries. As the world continues to develop its highest standards of technology and innovative improvements, modern ways of life are increasing dramatically, and portable solar generators have become a popular market due to the many precautionary measures to prepare for emergencies in the face of a global pandemic in 2020.
We have researched, ranked, and selected the best solar generators available today. Here’s our guide to the best solar generators of 2020 with an information section that answers many of the most common questions about solar generators in 2020.
What do you need a solar generator for?
Table of Contents
Solar generators have proven to be more than small power plants. They are manual powered generators that are available when you least expect it too much. They are lifesavers on outdoor adventures, hunting, camping, fishing, and the like. It is also ideal for power supplies during a blackout. Today, innovation in this industry has led to some significant improvements to ensure high capacity and compactness, and high reliability.
In what cases do you need these solar generators?
Our need for a portable solar generator can be as great and extensive as our need for electrical power overall.
However, a solar generator is a very flexible and dynamic device.
It is so versatile and adaptable that it is useful even in conditions that conventional power sources cannot imagine.
Situations where the need for a portable solar generator is probably inexhaustible, but some of them will be discussed below and in no particular order.
Why should you definitely have one of these solar generators?
You may be wondering why you need a solar generator for your home. You hear solar energy and “green energy” all the time, but you might think that doesn’t apply to you. This alternative energy source applies to everyone who uses electricity, hot water, heating, or cooling in their home. For anyone to cook their family’s food at home, they need clean, safe, and green energy. If you own a pool and want to heat your water, you will need alternative electricity sources to make it affordable for everyone. As you can see, every home can benefit from using a solar generator.
Earth’s limited supply of fossil fuels is being depleted at an alarming rate. We don’t think much about turning on the light switch or setting the thermostat to a comfortable temperature. When they take a relaxing hot bath, most people don’t even think that their actions are consuming valuable resources. However, indeed, the rising cost of conventional energy sources is not merely an attempt by utilities to generate more money and more profits.
The new fuel sources’ location and development needed to produce the facilities that we believe will require little year after year. The resources used are running out, and unfortunately, these resources are not renewable. One day utilities simply won’t be able to take energy and buy energy from us.
Why should you decide to install a solar generator system for your home now?
Aside from saving resources, there are many good reasons. One of the most important reasons is that you can save money over a while. After the initial investment in a solar power generation system, which can range from a few years to ten years or more depending on the solar system you choose, you’ll get years of free electricity with virtually no maintenance or hassle. Solar generator systems have almost no moving parts and are not prone to frequent failures. This gives you a permanent source of energy that is free or inexpensive to you. As fossil fuel prices continue to rise, this could pay off sooner if prices continue to rise.
Another great reason to choose to install a solar generator now is the fact that you may receive a grant to pay for a portion of your system. A grant is spending money for a specific purpose that does not need to be repaid, other than a loan. They often receive grants from the federal or state governments to pay for the solar system.
Tax credits are available to people who use solar power generators. The federal income tax exemption and, in some states, the federal income tax exemption is only available to those who install and use alternative energy systems to reduce their dependence on traditional energy sources. To find out how installing a solar power system can help you with income taxes, contact the Internal Revenue Service, either online or by phone, and the state income tax service to find out what Incentives, if any, are available in your state for alternative energy installations. The tax savings can be substantial and can cover the cost of installing a system.
Installing a solar generator can increase the resale value of your home. If you plan to sell your current home to move to a larger home in the future, adding solar energy will increase the value of your property and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Now is the time to get a solar generator. Reduce your dependence on fossil fuels, and it will benefit you and your family in many ways.
What are the advantages of solar generators?
- It is a reliable backup.
When the power goes out, you want a backup generator you can trust. If the power goes out, you will probably have to rely on another power source, such as solar power, to run a backup generator. This means that even if the power is off, you won’t have to wait long for your personal electronic equipment, like a computer or TV, to work again. This is extremely important for those who also rely heavily on medical equipment.
- It costs nothing to operate.
Non-solar generators still cost money to run, and you’ll see the result on your next electric bill! However, running a solar generator is completely free and doesn’t cost you a penny. The only maintenance cost you will have to pay is cleaning. Other than that, the solar generator is only as good as a one time cost of electricity for life.
- Works without noise
The old school generators worked fine but were very loud. A power outage can be frustrating, but the constant annoying noise only makes it worse! On the other hand, the solar generator works silently. So that you, your family, and your neighbors can get through your days without hearing the whistle of the solar generator, how good is that?
Why not want to go without a solar generator again if you have one?
In an emergency, he will be your best friend.
Solar generators are useful in emergencies for many reasons. Especially if you live in a natural disaster area where hurricanes and tornadoes can pose a threat to your home, a solar generator is an excellent component in your emergency kit, allowing you to handle any storm or situation more safely and efficiently.
Solar generators are an excellent investment for any home. You never know when you’ll need backup power, and it’s a dependable item to be ready at all times.
Review of the best solar generators
1. Jackery Explorer 160
Jackery Explorer 160 is a great little portable power generator. It’s a compact unit that weighs only 3.84 pounds. You can easily carry it with one hand. It is an ideal choice for camping trips and other outdoor uses.
It takes 8 hours to charge in the full sun fully. A full charge is enough to provide enough power to charge:
Laptop (twice)
GoPro (20 times more)
Smartphone (12 times)
Drone (twice)
As you can see, a full charge can charge portable electronics for you and your camp friends.
It has a 110v AC socket with 2 USB-A, 1 USB-C, and 1 DC.
The generator generates pure sine wave power, just like it does with plugs.
It is 100% safe to operate sensitive electronic devices.
You need to buy the solar panels separately.
These folding panels from the same manufacturer do their job well. They only weigh a little over 8 pounds.
On the other hand, you don’t have to rely solely on solar energy to charge this power plant. You can also use the mains plug or carjack without any problem. This will reduce the charging time to about 5 hours.
Please note that you cannot connect a device that requires more than 100 watts of power. You cannot operate a portable refrigerator or freezer.
One thing I didn’t like is that you can’t take it on the plane. However, this is only a general TSA safety requirement, and there is nothing wrong with this particular generator.
If I were to spend a few days in the wild and get some great GoPro and drone shots, I would use the Jackery Explorer 160. It is an efficient power and does its job very well. That is why I have put it at the top of my list of favorite solar generators.
Benefits
- Ultra-compact and lightweight – Less than 4 pounds!
- fast charge
- Great value for the price
- Perfect for camping
Disadvantage
- I can’t take it on the plane.
2. Goal Zero Yeti 400
The Goal Zero Yeti 400 is a compact and portable solar generator powerful enough to power laptops, CPAPs, lights, mobile devices, and even some small appliances.
It has a 1.5A USB port, a 12-volt jack to connect your devices, and a built-in 300-watt inverter that converts solar energy into AC power.
The 396W lead-acid battery can power up to 7 devices simultaneously.
Not only can the Goal Zero Yeti 400 be used to charge solar panels, but it can also be fully charged with a standard wall outlet or a car charger (not included in the solar generator set). The best solution is to use custom Yeti solar panels to increase charging capacity. Connecting to the device is very simple.
Weighing in at 29 pounds, the Goal Zero Yeti 400 is strong enough to feel durable but not too heavy to move. It is challenging to travel for several days. However, for those who primarily travel by car, this is a viable solution.
The hinged handle and stackable shape make it an excellent choice for camping trips. The futuristic design includes the shiny metallic green we love.
Benefits
- Good for CPAP
- A great selection of loading ports
- high performance
- Strong structure
- Excellent brand reputation
Disadvantage
- It takes a while to charge fully.
3. Renogy Phoenix Solar Power Generator
All-in-one Solar Power Kit for Renogy Phoenix Portable Generator
This model is one of the most exciting portable solar generators I’ve seen so far. Most generators and power plants come with separate solar panels. Renogy Phoenix incorporated them into his body. The whole thing feels like a bag that you can easily carry from place to place. You will agree that this is a great idea. But how does it work in practice?
First of all, with its 150W power, it will surely be powerful enough to charge most of your portable electronic devices. This includes cameras, laptops, iPhones, drones, etc.
Just a full charge is enough for the Renogy Phoenix to provide enough power to charge smartphones multiple times, for example.
You and your friends can quickly drop it off at your campsite to recharge during the day and return later in the evening to recharge all electronic devices at once. This solar generator set contains multiple power outlets to make this possible.
The built-in solar panels work perfectly. These are great designs, not cheap China made folding plastic hardware that won’t work when you need it most.
Benefits
- Sleek modern design
- Large 16 Ah battery
- It is effortless to carry
- Pure sine wave
- Build in solar panels
Disadvantage
- Solar charging is a bit slow.
4. Aeiusny 288Wh 2000W solar generator
This is the solar power generator that needs the most power. While most portable solar kits work in the 100-200 watt range, this animal can provide up to 500 watts in operation. You can use it to charge things that most small solar devices can’t handle, like 32-inch LCD TV.
I found it to be an excellent solution for most of my outdoor electrical needs.
Charging many small electronic devices like iPads or MacBooks are not problems.
On the other hand, keep in mind that this generator is not suitable for construction sites or operating kitchen appliances. You cannot use it for power drills, stoves, kettles, or induction cookers.
I like how the light from this solar generator gives higher performance. 7.05 pounds is not a lot. You can easily lift it with one hand and move it quickly. Of course, special solar modules have to be purchased separately.
Overall, it is a reliable and powerful solar generator that can be used for camping and as an emergency power source for the office.
Benefits
- Suitable for CPAP
- Large battery capacity
- Light
- High performance
- cheap
Disadvantage
- The mango feels cheap.
5. Rockpal 500W Solar Power Plant
In my opinion, the Rockpals Portable Lithium Power Plant is one of the best solar generators money can buy. What is the unique thing that makes me think about it?
First, it is easy. Twelve pounds is not a great deal and makes it easy to use and move. It has a sturdy red handle that makes it easier. It is a great pleasure, especially for people who go camping, but also for everyone else.
Second, it provides a very decent amount of wattage.
300W of pure sine wave power is more than enough to power a laptop, mobile phone, iPad, and portable camping lamp at the same time.
Third, it comes with different cables and charging types, making it more versatile and reducing your need for solar power. This includes a 12V car charger and a 110V wall charger. When plugged into your car or an electrical outlet, you can fully charge this generator in less than 7 hours.
Benefits
- Easy to load
- Durable design
- Good for CPAP devices
Disadvantage
- Slow download time
6. Yeti 150 target zero
The Goal Zero Yeti 150 is a versatile solar power generator.
It’s a small plug-and-play generator for camping, emergencies, or when you need an emergency power source for phones, lights, laptops, or other compact electronic devices.
The power station is easy to set up and operate. You don’t need any technical knowledge to do this.
The system contains a 12V lead-acid battery with 396 watts of capacity and 150 watts / 14000 mAh of charging capacity, which you can set using the supplied solar panel or conventional outlet.
I love that the Goal Zero Yeti 150 unit can be used at home or in the car because it does not emit fumes and is light and compact enough to take anywhere.
The central unit has a practical folding handle that makes it easy to stack multiple units on top of each other. The Goal Zero Yeti 150 also has a single USB connector (2A) and a built-in 80W inverter.
Benefits
- Reliable manufacturer
- Up to 5 devices can be operated simultaneously.
- low price
- Very compact and lightweight
Disadvantage
- Not suitable for charging large devices
7. The EF ECO FLOW Solar Generator
This portable lithium power plant is a bit more powerful than some other models featured in this guide. At 500 watts, it has enough power to not only small power devices like smartphones but also power electronics or fairly large devices.
For example, you can use it to run a small refrigerator for about half a day.
If you need an indoor generator that can produce pure sine wave power for sensitive electronic devices, this could be for you too.
Electric guitarists who want to earn money or just want a chance to practice when a stable power source is not available should give this generator a try. A single charge supplies constant power to an electric guitar for approximately 24 hours. It’s quiet, too, so no one has to listen to the sound of the electric motor coaxing you to lick you and your vocabulary solo.
It has two USB ports, two DC connections, two AC outlets, and a 12-volt garage that you can use to charge while driving. As you can see, connecting multiple devices is not an essential process as long as you do not exceed the full operational capacity.
The EF Ecoflow portable power station has an impressive digital display that clearly shows how much battery is left.
Benefits
- Easy to use control panel
- high performance
- A great selection of loading ports
- low price
Disadvantage
- Could be a little easier
8. SUAOKI portable power station
Suaoki is a trusted manufacturer of portable solar power generators, and this model does not disappoint. It contains all the necessary features that you would expect from a portable power adapter. This includes several USB ports for portable electronic devices, as well as 2 DC ports.
Provides 600 watts of discharge and 300 watts of power
This is definitely more than enough power to power most electronic devices that you would like to use on a camping trip, but I would not recommend them for that specific purpose. Why? This is because it weighs a lot at 12.35 pounds. When you add your solar panels’ weight, you quickly discover that this is not the ideal hiking companion.
Benefits
- high performance
- Good choice of charging stations.
- Decent download time
Disadvantage
- The handles are a bit uncomfortable.
- Square design
9. Rockpal 250 Watt Solar Generator
Rockpals is one of the preferred manufacturers of solar generators. The things they make are of high quality, and many people who have had the opportunity to use their solar kits agree with me. It’s almost unbelievable how light your generators are and how much power they can deliver at the same time.
This unique portable solar generator can provide up to 250W of continuous power. To put things in perspective, you will find that it is powerful enough to carry the usual electronic devices that you take with you on the go: laptop, smartphone, camera, whatever.
Unlike conventional gas generators, which generate the so-called modified sine wave, the Rockpals power station provides a 100% pure sine wave suitable for charging sensitive electronic devices.
You may be wondering if it is potentially harmful to a solar generator to charge it for long hours in the sun. Although you have to take a break from time to time, this model has built-in temperature control and a protection system that prevents overheating.
Overall, it is an excellent solar generator for various uses, and traveling is perhaps the most attractive due to its lightweight and small size.
Benefits
- Fast charging time
- You have a variety of outlets to choose from.
- The temperature control system prevents overheating.
- Comfortable grip
- Large battery capacity
Disadvantage
- A bit dated design
10. Yeti 1250 Zero Goal Generator
The Goal Zero Solar Power Generator is very different from the other generator featured in this article.
This is because it is a much larger model that gives you more power.
One thousand two hundred fifty watts is a lot for a portable solar power generator.
This is the limit you can use for the power supply, for example, For the refrigerator.
The Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Power Station is also an excellent option for RV camping.
It has enough electricity to use as an additional source of energy for a caravan.
You can use it to power a 10,000 BTU air conditioner.
Like inverter generators, the Goal Zero Yeti 1250 generates a pure sine wave.
You can use it to safely charge sensitive electronic devices like laptops, tablets, and audio systems.
The control panel contains a large number of sockets that can be used to charge up to 10 devices simultaneously.
Benefits
- Very high battery capacity
- Powerful enough to run more power-consuming electronic devices
- Very compact for its performance
- Good selection of ports and cargo ports
Disadvantage
- Expensive
Which solar generator is better?
Jackery is a well-respected brand in the solar generator industry, and the Jackery Explorer 1000 is the latest model with the highest power capacity.
Besides, it has a battery with a capacity of 1002 watts that can provide 1000 watts of continuous and 2000 watts of discharge. Please note that devices with a power rating greater than 1000 watts are not supported.
This battery contains three standard AC outlets with a pure pocket, two USB-C ports, and a Quick Charge 3.0 port for multiple devices’ simultaneous powering.
The solar panels
Of course, you also need the right solar panels to charge the large batteries in the storage.
Of course, these should be reasonably handy and portable, so we have selected a few models here that fulfill this purpose very well.
Note, however, that the higher the wattage, the faster the battery will be charged.
You can of course also buy several solar modules and simply connect them in series so that two 100watt modules can easily become a 200watt charging source.
When selecting the solar panels, we took care to only list high-quality modules from well-known manufacturers.
Final Thoughts
Solar generators are portable, efficient, and powerful tools. Some people use solar power generators for camping, fishing, or hiking. Others keep a fully charged solar generator at home or in the car. A solar generator can be a reliable source of electricity in tough times.
Similar to the rise of survival kits, first aid kits, and long-term food storage solutions, the best solar generators listed above are the best options to address the harsh reality of power defects and waste of energy in your home or office. Buying a quality solar generator made with an ultraviolet light or air-purifying ionizers online is a smart choice and a calculated scale to take in these uncertain times.
Whatever your power needs, consider the aforementioned solar generators for the best solar charge anywhere.
