Introduction
If you have a solar panel system, then a solar generator is equally essential for you. Portable Solar generators are crucial for any solar system. A solar generator will enable proper storage and use of solar power.
To get the best portable solar generator, you have to understand the best features to look for and how to buy them. Understanding what features are crucial when choosing a solar generator enables you to get one that will suit your needs, serve you for a long and provide much-needed additional features.
The market has many solar generators, different features, and different companies. This makes it difficult for a buyer to choose the right item. As a result, this product review results from the scrutiny of the market and will give you a review of the top 5 best portable solar generators.
- ALLWEI Portable Solar Generator
Best for outdoor adventure and camping travel power needs.
Specifications
- Brand: ALLWEI
- Wattage: 600 watts
- Voltage: 110volts(AC)
- Weight: 5 Pounds
Features
Suppose you are looking for a lightweight yet powerful portable solar power generator to handle all adventure, camping, and off-grid traveling power needs. In that case, ALLWEI will be the right pick. The generator offers 600 watts and a voltage of 110 volts(AC), making it ideal for your appliances.
The ALLWEI 600watts generator will charge a laptop up to 8 times, a smartphone 40 times, sustain a mini-refrigerator for more than 5 hours, and light up other small appliances.
Since the generator has a lithium-ion battery, it makes it safe and clean as there are no fumes, noise, or gasoline.
It is a convenient solar generator with multiple power output ports making it easy to connect various devices. The ports include; 3 DC ports of 9V-12.6V, 2-110V AC ports, one type-c PD 60W charge port, and a 12/8A port for a cigarette lighter.
The ALLWEI portable solar generator fits the travel needs for it weighs just 6.5 pounds and measures just 9 x 4.7 x 7.8 inches. To enable one to handle outdoor emergencies easily, it comes with an LED flashlight.
It is easy to charge the generator as it offers four charging options: a car cigarette lighter port, solar panel, gas generator, and AC socket.
To keep the generator functioning at optimal levels at all times, it comes with an in-built silent fan that turns on when the temperatures increase.
Pros
- It offers four different charging options for easy charge
- It comes with a flashlight for outdoor convenience
- Durable construction for a long-lasting outdoor service
Cons
- Low power for heavy household power needs
- Prone to overloads
Bestseller (lists)
ALLWEI Portable Power Station, 280Wh Backup Lithium Battery, Regulated DC for mini Cooler, USB-C PD60W, 300W Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet Solar Power Generator for Outdoors Camping Travel Emergency Patio, Lawn & Garden
2. FlashFish 60000mAh
Best durable solar generator
Specifications
- Brand: FlashFish
- Wattage: 300 watts
- Voltage: 110 volts
- Weight 6 pounds
Features
The FlashFish portable solar generator features strong silver materials that give it a simple but strong body durable even under harsh conditions.
It is a generator equipped with a 60000mAh battery enabling it to store and supply high amounts of power suitable for emergencies. The generator gives an output of 110V AC and has outlets for laptops, tablets, TV, fan, CPAP Machine, car refrigerator, car chargers, and car vacuum, making it ideal for everyday power emergency needs.
The FlashFish solar power generator has a 2.4A USB port and 2 QC3.0 USB ports and can charge devices such as GPS, iPad, drones, phones, cameras, and other devices commonly used.
With just 5.6 pounds, the generator is lightweight and portable enough to carry even when traveling. It has a small body design that easily fits in a backpack.
It is a solar generator with three charging options: solar panel charging, car plug, and wall socket plug charging making it easy to recharge. The Flatfish generator has several safety features such as low-voltage, overheat, over-current, over-voltage, and short-circuit protection, keeping users and appliances safe.
Pros
- Strong silver material makes it durable.
- Small design and lightweight; hence it can easily fit in a backpack
- Has a strong handle for easy lifting
Cons
- Low power output when compared to others in the market
- Lacks a flashlight
Bestseller (lists)
300W Solar Generator, FlashFish 60000mAh Portable Power Station Camping Potable Generator, CPAP Battery Recharged by Solar Panel/Wall Outlet/Car, 110V AC Out/ DC 12V /QC USB Ports for CPAP Camp Travel Patio, Lawn & Garden
- ... Read More
3. NECESPOW Portable Generator
Best small-sized solar generator
Specifications
- Brand: NECESPOW
- Wattage: 150 watts
- Voltage: 110watts
- Weight: 5 pounds
Features
The NECESPOW portable solar generator is designed and made small, making it very portable and easy to carry and pack when traveling. The generator measures 6.7 x 5.3 x 4.95 inches only.
The generator is equipped with a lithium iron phosphate battery giving it up to 2000 cycles for a period of 10 years. It makes the generator provide a longer service time than other generators.
The NECESPOW is also made with several output options: a 110V output port, a Type-C QC 3.0, 2 -2..4A USB ports, and 2 DC channels. It can power several devices in a home, such as phones, tablets, fans, air appliances, drones, and cameras.
To charge the generator, one can exploit five different ways, which include solar panel, car charging, PD charger, wall socket, and PD and AC.
The battery's temperature monitoring mechanism displays the temperature on the generator's screen.
Pros
- One year warranty
- Has five different charging mechanisms
- It has a small body size and is easy to carry in a bag.
Cons
- Low power output
- No smart features.
Bestseller (lists)
NECESPOW Portable Power Station,161Wh/50400mAh Solar Generator,Lifepo4 Battery Power Supply AC Outlet 150W with USB-C (PD 65W Input/Output) Quick Charge for CPAP Camping Outdoor Home RV Emergency Musical Instruments
4. Takki Solar Generator
Best low-powered, lightweight, portable solar generator
Specifications
- Brand: Takki
- Wattage: 25 watts
- Voltage: 110 Volts(AC)
- Weight: 98 pounds
Features
Takki is the lightest, small-sized, portable, and low-powered solar generator you will find in the market. If you are on a budget and looking for a solar generator that is both small and lightweight, then this is what to go for as it weighs just 1.98 pounds and measures 3..78, by 2.87 by 7.52 inches.
The Takki solar generator is suitable for people with low power needs as it has 83.25 watts. It is able to charge cameras, speakers, iPods, laptops, mobile phones, air conditioners, and other low-power consumption devices.
The generator has 2 QC3.0 USB ports, a Type C USB port, and a 110V AC outlet, even with its small size.
The generator's design is simple and small, making it easy to fit in a small backpack. It is equipped with a powerful LED flashlight that can last for a maximum of 94 hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, emergencies, and hiking.
Pros
- Lightweight hence suitable when traveling
- Good at low budget
- Equipped with a powerful LED light
Cons
- Low power output
- Small storage battery
Bestseller (lists)
Takki 83Wh Portable Power Station, Solar Generator Power Bank with 110V AC Outlet Peak 120W Battery Backup Camping Lights for Camping, Home Use, Laptops, Fan, School, Road Trip, Emergency, Gifts Patio, Lawn & Garden
- ... Read More
5. ZeroKor Solar Generator
Best mid-sized portable laptop.
Specifications
- Brand: ZeroKor
- Wattage: 300 watts
- Voltage: 110 Volts (AC)
- Weight: 2300 grams
Features
ZeroKor is a solar generator with a peak output of 600watts, equipped with a lithium-ion battery able to power a laptop up to 4 times, smartphones 23 times, and a mini-refrigerator for more than 5 hours, headphones, lamps, CP-AP machines, and smartphones.
The solar generator is designed with several charging outlets to enable easy use with various devices. It comes with two outlets for 110V AC, a standard USB port, 3- 5V USB ports, and a flashlight for emergency use.
The ZeroKor is made using strong and durable materials, making it suitable for outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. The generator also has a good ventilation system that improves cooling making the generator safe.
It has four charging mechanisms to make it easy to charge the generator. Using a solar panel, wall AC socket, gas generator, and cigarette lighter port, one can charge the generator.
ZeroKor is one of the best portable solar generators and has over-current, overload, overheating, and over-voltage protection.
Pros
- It comes with a smart cooling system.
- No gas or fuel makes it clean and environmentally friendly
- Mid-sized and portable for traveling purposes.
Cons
- Small handle making it difficult to carry
- Small battery capacity
Bestseller (lists)
Portable Power Station 300W,ZeroKor Outdoor Generators 280Wh/75000mAh,Lithium Battery Backup Power Source with Flashlight,inverter Generator with DC AC Outlet for Home Use Camping RV Travel Emergency Patio, Lawn & Garden
Things to Consider When Buying a Portable Solar Generator
The market has several solar generator brands and types, making it difficult for a potential buyer to know the right one to pick. This guide will look into the factors to consider when buying a portable solar generator.
- Purpose/Electricity Needs
The first factor to consider is the purpose of buying a solar generator. The electricity needs will help you match with the right generator. To do this, you have to know how many devices you have and how much they will consume. Some people may have just a few devices, such as a phone and camera, while others may even use a refrigerator.
The purpose may be camping, traveling, or in-house use. This will affect the size and capacity of the solar generator to buy.
Charging Options
Different solar generators will have different charging options. Make sure you check to ensure you get convenient for you. It is bad to buy a solar generator without a wall socket charging port, yet you may need to charge it at some point when going for an adventure.
- Solar Generator Capacity
Capacity is one of the most important features to consider when getting a solar generator, affecting its performance. The capacity is calculated in watts. The higher the number of watts, the better the ability of the solar generator to power your devices.
When checking the capacity of a solar generator, also remember it will affect the cost. As the capacity increases, so does the cost. As your needs increase, the capacity of a solar generator you get should be higher. To power an entire camp, you may need a generator with 400 watts, but for a home, you may need over 600watts.
- Smart-Features
Many manufacturers include smart features in their solar generators to offer the customer an extra service. It is a factor to consider as it will improve the whole experience. Some of these features include a flashlight which will come in handy when responding to emergencies at night.
Other features include LCD screens, cooling systems, and safety mechanisms which increase its efficiency. Always go for solar generators with safety mechanisms and cooling systems as they are safer.
- Battery Type
The type of battery in a solar generator is a factor you should consider before buying. There are different types of batteries in the market, and they all affect the performance and durability of a generator differently.
Lithium-ion batteries are the latest in the market. They are lightweight and have a long lifespan compared to traditional batteries.
- Size and Weight
To get the best portable solar generator, size and weight are a must factors to consider. Lithium-ion battery-powered solar batteries will be lighter than traditional batteries, with the capacity remaining the same.
Light and small batteries are easy to carry when traveling or out camping. The purpose of the generator may also affect the size and weight you select. A generator for use while traveling should be as small and lightweight as possible as long as it meets your power needs. For home use, size and weight is not a problem.
- Cost
The cost will affect the type of solar generator you pick. Different generators are priced differently due to their features, brand, or specifications. However, make sure you first identify a budget you are comfortable with and compare it with your needs before deciding on the type of generator you would like to buy. You can forgo some extra features such as a flashlight to get a good generator when on a budget.
Conclusion
A solar generator is crucial for power backup and emergency power needs. However, the process of looking for the right solar generator can be difficult for people without enough knowledge of the market. As discussed in the above review of the top 5 portable solar generators, carefully study features before deciding.
Always make sure that you take your time to go through several brands and types of solar generators and compare their features, pros, and cons to make sure you get the right one. Consider all the factors listed above the get value for your money.
