10 Best Solar Generators

Contents

Having a backup power supply is always needed for fun activities such as fishing, hiking or camping, but also for emergency situations such as blackouts, or car malfunctions on the road.

Traditional gas or gasoline generators are too big for carrying to opened outdoor areas, not to mention that they are a contaminating source for the environment. Solar generators offer a very useful alternative for this purpose, inexhaustible, reliable and extremely portable.

These solar generators are capable of charging multiple appliances that you may use in an RV, electronics and even some will be as reliable as to power CPAP machines. Take a look at the top 10 models available for this excellent solar-powered choice.

10 Best-selling Solar Generators

1. SUAOKI Portable Power Station

The Suaoki portable solar generator is one of the most compact solutions that you can find in the market as it only weighs 2.90 lbs and has two handles.

This product has as many as 10 output terminals. Four of these output ports are intended for USB devices (5V at 2.1A), one of these ports is a QC3.0 port which increases the output current and reduces charging time. Moreover, it also has the possibility to charge up to 4 DC components such as mini coolers and LED lights with up to 180W and 15A power requirement. Finally, it also accounts for charging AC loads such as laptops and fans with an output socket with 2 prongs or 3 prongs.

Some of the loads that you can charge with this solar generator are cameras, drones, Gopros, laptops, smartphones, iPads, tablets, lighting bulbs and more.

Another valuable feature is that the Suoaki solar generator has three charging methods: solar energy (requires 7-8 hours with a 40W solar panel), car cigarette socket (12V/24V output requires 11hours) and AC wall output (7-8 hours).

As a portable power station intended for travel and camping, it also includes built-in LED flashlights intended for emergencies that are bright enough as to light an area up to 50 feet away. Moreover, the lithium-ion battery features a built-in battery management system (BMS) that enables voltage and temperature control.

2. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500

The Jackery solar generator is a higher storage portable power station. With up to 518Wh of energy available inside this small device, you will be able to charge drones, LEDs, laptops and even TVs at any time.

This portable power station integrates a pure sine wave AC output rated at 500W with a surge capacity up to 1000W which is more than enough to charge most travel appliances.

Among other charging outputs, you will have three USB ports at 5V/2.4A that will allow you to charge phones, tablets, cameras, GoPros, speakers and other electronics. Moreover, the Jackery solar generator also holds a DC output, suitable for charging a car fridge up to 40 hours and charging a drone up to 9 times. Besides, there is also an AC output which will allow you to connect blenders, a projector for movies, a small LED TV for nearly 7hours and also charging a laptop up to 9 times.

This device also has a BMS system that integrates over-voltage, over-current, and over-temperature protection for all loads and for the product itself.

Regarding the charging methods, the Jackery power station holds multiple options: solar power (14 hours using a 100W module), car cigarette socket (16 hours), a diesel generator (16 hours) and you can also charge it from a wall output (taking 7.5 hours for charging). This ensures that no matter where you are, in an RV travel experience, in a hotel or camping in the forest, you will always be able to charge your solar generator.

3. Audew Portable Power Station

Another valuable power station based in solar power is the Audew 500Wh solar generator.

This LiPO4 based battery has a capacity of 156Ah and a compact size of 11.5 x 7.1 x 6.4 inches that only weighs 14 lbs. The Audew solar generator has been equipped with two AC outputs at 110V intended mainly for the US market and has the capability to charge devices up to 200 W with a 250W surge capacity.

This generator also has 4 USB output ports at 5V and 2A suitable for charging almost any electronic that you can take to a trip in the wild. The product also has a DC output at 12V and 10A, there is also a car jumper output that will be very useful in case that you find yourself in a situation with a dead or discharged car battery.

The Audew generator features an advanced system control unit that prevents short-circuits, over-temperature, over-loads and over-current as well. It also includes an LCD screen that indicates the status of the power station, either charging, any possible failure or battery state of charge.

The power station can also get charged via solar power, AC wall outputs or 12/24V car adapters.

4. Anker Powerhouse, Compact 400Wh / 120000mAh Portable Outlet

The Anker Powerhouse is intended for emergency situations or camping as well. With a 434Wh capacity and a high-density lithium-ion battery, the solar generator has multiple outputs for charging different loads.

The power station includes a 12VDC socket, an AC outlet for charging laptops up to 15 times and 4 fast-charging USB ports that are powered by fast charging PowerIQ technology intended for electronics such as smartphones, tablets, and cameras. This product also includes a 10ft AC adapter and a 2 ft. the micro USB charging cable that will be useful for placing devices close to the power station.

The Powerhouse also has a BMS system that regulates temperature, voltage, provides surge protection and prevents short-circuits for any device that is connected to the product. A unique feature of this product is that it can be used for CPAP machines.

5. Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium Portable Power Station

Goal Zero is one of the most popular brands in the solar industry and develops maybe the most recognized power stations available in the market.

In this case, the Yeti 400 lithium-ion power station can power up to 7 devices at the same time thanks to its 428Wh storage capacity. This power station has a pure sine wave inverter integrated to the device that can provide a 300W nominal power output and a 1200W surge capacity for any device that uses motors for running. The Yeti 400 features three 2.4A USB ports along with two 12VDC ports.

This generator can get charged either by solar power or by an AC wall outlet. Goal Zero features multiple portable solar panel options available for this purpose, using the Nomad 100 solar panel provides a good power output that can get the solar generator charged between 8-16 hours depending on the location. Moreover, if using an AC wall outlet, you will be able to get it charged in less than 5 hours.

6. SUAOKI 400Wh/120,000mAh Portable Generator Power Station

The Suaoki 400Wh portable solar power generator is another popular choice from this brand, quite known among solar fanatics.

With a continuous output of 300W and a surge capacity of 600W, the Suaoki 400Wh power station can charge home electronics using its 2 DC ports intended mainly for LED lighting, along with its 4 USB ports that are intended for charging smartphones, tablets, and other simple electronics.

You will also have the option of a cigarette lighter socket for powering a mini-fridge or an air compressor. Besides, a useful feature for emergency situations in which your car´s battery runs out of power, the Suaoki 400 includes a jump starter that will boost your car to take you out of the emergency.

The product can get charged by DC power from a 12V/24V car adapter, from an AC wall outlet and also from a solar panel that can be connected anywhere during daylight to charge the portable generator. It also integrates a BMS system that prevents over-current, over-voltage or over-temperature.

Since it is intended for outdoors, the Suaoki solar generator has an aluminum alloy shell that protects it from dust conditions. Finally, an LCD screen is also integrated that will display battery consumption along with charge or discharge status.

7. SUAOKI G500 Portable Power Station

The Suaoki G500 solar generator is the ultimate power station from the brand intended for camping, traveling or even for CPAP backup power option.

This power station features an astonishing 500Wh energy capacity, large enough as to charge CPAP machines like the Resmed S9, Phillips system one or the HDM for nearly 40 hours. This energy capacity stands among some of the highest in the market and equals 45.9 Ah at 11.1V or 137.7Ah at 3.7V.

The solar generator also integrates a pure sine wave inverter that features two 300W AC outputs along with a 600W surge capacity output intended mainly for computers, TVs (nearly 3 hours), fans (4 hours), or laptops. The product also has three Quick Charge 3.0 USB ports for smartphones, Macbooks, lanterns, GPS, or GoPros. Finally, other outputs are the 12VDC ports (2 at 3A and 1 at 10A), intended mainly for the CPAP machine and other devices that can work on DC such as mini coolers (9 hours) or lights.

Charging methods are varied, ranging from car adapters (requiring 6-8 hours), wall chargers (8-10 hours) or solar panels (demanding 6-8 hours of sunlight while using a 100 module).

8. Pinty Portable Uninterrupted Power Supply 300W

The Pinty power station is a valuable and uninterruptible backup supply that is extremely portable, measuring only 9” x 4” x 5” and weighing 5.5 lbs.

Moreover, the Pinty solar generator has a 300W AC power output. Thanks to the integrated pure sine wave inverter, you will enjoy having 2 or 3 AC outlets to connect multiple appliances such as fans, printers, or laptops to the power station, useful as well as a UPS backup for your PC when a blackout occurs. The Pinty generator also includes four USB charging ports that have up to 6.2A total and that can be used to charge any electronics, along with four 12V DC suitable for medical equipment up to 10A.

The Pinty power station uses a 12V and 18Ah lithium rechargeable battery to store energy coming from a solar panel, AC outlet (included) or car adapter (included). It also features an LED flashlight and multiple indicators related to charging sources (red for charging and green for full) and to AC loads (green for normal operation and red for faults). There is also a display that shows the battery capacity in percentage.

This product focuses on providing good protection to its loads as it features overcurrent, over-discharge, over and under-voltage, overpower and over-charge protection devices that guarantee perfect operation of your backup supply for any important load.

9. ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station

The Rockpals RP300 solar generator is another excellent choice for the average camping experience, but also for any home emergency or blackout situation.

Featuring a 300W continuous output, along with a surge capacity up to 600W, the RP300 can charge a MacBook up to 5 times, a CPAP machine for nearly 7 hours, a 32’ TV for 4 hours and a drone for over 10 times with its single AC outlet output.

The model also has four 12VDC ports with different current outputs. Three of them have a 4A output (useful for outdoor lights), while the remaining one has an 8A output (useful for medical equipment and car refrigerators). There is another DC port with 24V/3A.

USB ports are also available, two of them with 2.1A output and two of them with Quick Charge 3.0 design. These USB ports are perfect for Gopros, iPhones, tablets, and iPads as well.

Integrated with a lithium-ion battery that has a 280Wh capacity (75Ah at 3.7V and 18.7Ah at 12V) that can be fully charged by using solar panels of 100W (8-9 hours to charge, MC4 cable for connection with the panel is included), a car cigarette socket (6-7 hours for charging) and wall outlet (6-7 hours as well).

10. Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium Portable Power Station

Finally, the ultimate solar generator in the market intended for the most demanding but portable load requirements are the Goal Zero Yeti 1400.

Probably the component with the highest capacity available (1425Wh) in the market, capable of powering up to 10 devices at the same time. The pure sine wave inverter provides a 1500W continuous output, along with a 3000W surge capacity output intended for running appliances such as fridges or pumps that have induction motors included in their parts.

It features two AC outlets for connection with these loads. This solar generator also has four USB ports, two traditional USB-A type (5V,2.4A), one USB-C (5V, 3.0A) and a single USB-PD (60W) port, suitable for different electronic devices and charging speeds. There is also a 12VDC output available.

The Yeti 1400 power station can get completely charged easily in 25 hours using an AC outlet. It can also get charged in 14-25 hours by using a 200W solar panel (like the Boulder 200 Briefcase from Goal Zero) or you can also use the 12V car cigarette socket to connect the Goal Zero Yeti Lithium 12V car charging cable. An interesting feature of this product is that it can get connected to the Yeti App and control it remotely by using a Wifi connection.

Which Parameters Should I Consider When Purchasing Solar Generators?

Power Capacity

The first element that you must take into account when selecting a solar generator is the power output that you will have available for AC loads. Here you must make a difference between two elements: continuous power output and surge power.

The continuous power is the actual power that your appliances will have available, in other words, you must check how many watts does your appliance use and verify it is located below the continuous power capacity of the generator. If the power station has multiple AC outlets, the sum of the loads’ power consumption must not be located above the continuous power limit.

Meanwhile, the surge power capacity is usually twice as big as the nominal value since it is intended to provide that extra current output that is needed to power devices with induction motors. Here you must verify the nominal consumption of the load and estimate between 2-3 times the nominal value to obtain the actual surge power needed.

Energy Storage

Besides, along with power capacity, you must also consider the energy storage capacity for each solar generator. This is usually measured in watt-hours (Wh) or ampere-hours (Ah).

Higher energy storage capacity means that you will be able to power your appliances for a longer period of time or charge your electronics many more times. But, this is a trade-off with costs and the charging times required to fully charge the generator, especially if it comes from solar energy.

Your decision must be based on what you intend to use it for. If you will require to power many appliances constantly, then you must select higher capacities, but if you intend to use the generator to power a few electronics, then using a lower capacity solar generator might be best.

Charging Methods and Time

Having multiple charging methods is also important to consider. Keep in mind that solar energy is an inexhaustible source of energy, but it is also quite dependent on the environment and meteorological conditions. If you are a traveler, and the region that you are passing through does not have the best solar resource available (cloudy days, storms or simply bad solar radiation), then having another option to charge your solar generator faster will be very appreciated. Most solar generators will offer you the chance to charge it through the car’s battery or through an AC outlet.

The charging times will vary according to the source of power, AC outlets always being the fastest option to charge a generator. Ideally, choose the solar generator that offers the best balance between capacity and charging times.

Output Terminals and Estimated Charging Time for Appliances

Another factor that should be considered is the multiple outputs that you will have available for powering your appliances. The number of USB ports, DC outputs, and AC outlets matters a lot when selecting a solar generator.

The best product should give you multiple alternatives like different USB port outputs (for charging faster and for normal speed charge) or 12VDC outputs (different current outputs). The manufacturer will generally indicate how much time you will be able to power most common loads such as fans, laptops, iPhone, tablets, etc.

Portability

Finally, portability is essential. Not only weight and dimensions matter, but also the structure and durability of the power station. Keep in mind that the solar generator is intended to be carried on the move when you go camping or trekking. Some will be suitable for this purpose and provide a large capacity as well, but others may not, since higher energy capacity also increases size and weight.

Conclusions

We have evaluated the top 10 solar generators available in the market, where the Jackery Explorer 500, the Suaoki G500 and the Goal Zero Yeti 400 can be considered as the most remarkable options.

We also have discussed how important features such as charging methods times, power and energy capacities, along with output terminals determine the best solar generator for your particular use.

Keep in mind that a solar generator needs to have as many output terminals as possible and that you must select the one that suits your needs more appropriately, under-sizing is extremely undesirable, but oversizing may lead to costs that are not really necessary. Calculate and try to estimate your actual power and energy demands and select the model that offers the best tradeoff between, power and energy capacity, output terminals and price.

How To Combine Wind Turbine And Solar Panels Wiring?

Where Does Solar City Get Its Solar Panels?

How Many Solar Panels Can I Connect To A Charge Controller?

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need To Power A Refrigerator?

How Do Solar Panels Work?