The best solar generator is quiet, clean, and efficient. It will guarantee you back up power for your appliances and devices in case of power outages. The generators typically act as a battery. It stores power from the solar panel.
In recent years there have been several complaints about the pollution of the environment. Fuel generators like diesel-powered generators hugely contribute to this pollution.
To reduce the issue of pollution, a better alternative which is the solar generator was invented.
Today, the use of renewable and green energy like solar energy is becoming popular. It's because this energy is clean, more reliable, and saves money.
Purchasing a solar generator is surely a noble thing to the universe. However, the trickiest part is always selecting the perfect generator for your apartment or other activities.
To choose the best generator, there are certain factors that you need to look at. Our list provides comparisons of the five best solar generators to help you make the right decision.
1. Goal Zero Yeti 500X
2.Jackery Explorer 1000
3. Goal Zero Yeti 1500X
4. Ecoflow Delta
5. Goal Zero Yeti 400
1. Goal Zero Yeti 500X
Goal Zero has been in the generator game for quite along. The portable power station is easy to use and is portable. It's the perfect choice for those with minimal charging needs during the camping trip.
Specifications
- Weight: 12.9 pounds
- Wattage: 500 watts
- Battery capacity: 505Wh
- Power source: Solar powered, battery-powered
Key Features
The portable generator features a built-in solar charge control and 120v AC converter to plug your standard electronics. The 500X has a great performance battery with a capacity of 505 watt-hours.
It can fully recharge a laptop and phone ten times and forty-two times, respectively. It can also power your portable fridge for around 20 hours.
Its 400 lithium battery is perfect for charging small devices like rechargeable lights, cell phones, and camera batteries.
The Yeti 500X portable generator has several recharging options. You can use the Goal Zero Boulder 100 panels. The recharge period with the solar panel will be 6 to 12 hours.
Another way of recharging is by using the 12v outlet in your car, and it will fully recharge in 4.5 hours. Its built-in 120v outlets usually accept solar charging faster and easier than other portable power stations.
The Yeti 500X has a weight of 12.9 pounds and a dimension of 7.5 x 11.25 x 5.8 inches. It is smaller and lighter, therefore so portable.
Pros
- Built-in inverter
- Easy to use
- Great battery life
Cons
- Expensive
2. Jackery Explorer 1000
Jackery is a popular brand name in clean energy products and outdoor equipment. The Explorer 1000 is another of their portable power stations that has high ratings.
Its maximum capacity is 1002 watt-hours which are quite low. The Explorer 1000 is an ideal pick for campers. You can also use it for small electronics and appliances in your home.
Specifications
- Weight: 22.04 pounds
- Wattage: 1000 watts
- Battery capacity: 1002Wh
- Power source: Battery powered
Key Features
The Jackery Explorer 1000 is among the best-selling portable generators on Amazon. The portable power station has a capacity rating of 1002 watts which can power a table fan for 4.25 hours, a mini-fridge for 17 hours, run an electric grill for 50 minutes, and many more.
The great thing is it can do all these despite having a less capacity rating, light, and cheap. However, the machine cannot be able to power high-wattage tools and appliances.
The Explorer 100 has several outlets for charging or powering your laptop, phone, or mini-fridge. It includes two USB-C ports, two USB-A outlets, three standard AC outlets, and a 12V car outlet.
You can recharge it using your vehicle's 12v outlet or the solar panel AC outlet, and it takes 5.5 and 6.5 hours, respectively.
Pros
- Many charging options
- Affordable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Low build quality
3. Goal Zero Yeti 1500X
Yeti 1500X is worth considering if you are a passionate camper with several electronics to charge and you spend longer of the grid. The portable power station can efficiently run your RV or camper.
Specifications
- Weight: 43 pounds
- Wattage: 1500 watt
- Battery capacity: 1516Wh
- Power source: Battery powered
Key Features
The portable generator is among the best-selling because of its versatility. The solar generator offers 1516 watts which are enough to keep the lights on.
It can power the full-sized and portable fridge for 28 hours and 61 hours, respectively. It also can recharge a laptop 31 times and a smartphone 127 times.
The Yeti 1500X also features a display that informs you about the amount of power you are using and the time remaining to exhaust power. This feature will always keep you alert.
The built-in inverter of the Yeti 1500X portable power station is 2000 watts. It's among the most powerful investors in the market.
You can certainly power any appliance such as the hairdryer, blender as you would with the normal wall outlet. The integrated MPPT charge control does increase its efficiency by 30%.
When it comes to recharging this portable generator, there are two great options. The Goal Zero 100-watts solar panel can fully recharge the generator in 18 to 36 hours.
But if you want a faster recharge, you can buy the Goal Zero 600W power supply. With this device, you will be able to recharge the Yeti 1500X in three hours fully.
An additional feature that makes Yeti 1500X unique is the ability to add other components to it. You can add the Yeti expansion module, which offers more powering options.
The component allows you to recharge the portable battery from your vehicle's alternator as you drive.
Then, another component you can add is the Yeti Home Integration Kit. It allows you to connect the generator with your home circuit breaker.
Pros
- Option add-ons
- Tons of capacity
Cons
- Heavy
4. Ecoflow Delta
This PowerStation features in this list for a good reason. Of all the listed solar generators, it has the most ports. If you are counting, the exact number of ports is thirteen. Therefore you will be able to charge several devices and appliances at once.
Specification
- Weight:30.9 pounds
- Wattage: 3300 watts
- Battery capacity: 1260Wh
- Power source: battery powered
Key Features
The capacity of the delta is 1260 watt-hours, and its maximum total output is 1800 watts. The power it gives is pretty much power to run anything you carry to camping.
If you own an electric vehicle, you should know that it can also charge it, but in a pinch.
It weighs 30.9 pounds which is not little, therefore exempting it from the list of lightest solar generators. However, its ability to charge several devices makes many overlook the weight.
The best feature of the Delta portable generator is that it recharges incredibly fast. You can charge it from the standard AC outlet.
From the standard AC outlet, it recharges from 0-80% in just one hour. It will fully recharge in 4 to 8 hours from the four 100-watt solar panels.
Pros
- Six AC outlets
- Incredibly fast recharge
- Great output
Cons
- Less total capacity
5. Goal Zero Yeti 400
The Goal Zero brand has been mentioned severally in this list. It's no surprise that our final product on the list is also from Goal Zero.
The company is among the most popular producers of accessories, generators, and solar power panels.
The Goal Zero Yeti 400, our final product, is one of their sturdy and powerful generators and ideal for camping.
Specifications
- Weight: 29 pounds
- Wattage: 600 watts
- Battery capacity: 396Wh
- Power source: battery-powered
Key Features
It has a lead-acid battery with a capacity of 396Wh. Therefore you can charge your devices like phones, laptops, etc., without worries. It has several outputs like USB, 12V, and AC which makes it convenient.
Goal Zero also has an informative LCD. With it, you can know the power output and input and many more.
Its integrated design will allow you to create a chain connection with several other lead-acid batteries of 33Ah. This ensures a stable power supply, and you won't have to stress about frequently recharging it.
Because of all these great features, I vouch for this solar generator for anyone who hates noise, fumes, etc.
Pros
- More power output
- Portable: USB, AC, 12V
Cons
- Low battery output: 33Ah
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Solar Generator
Before purchasing a solar generator, you should consider the types of devices, tools, and appliances that you need to charge.
You should also know how often you won't be using the traditional power source. In this section, you will find tips that will help you make a great purchase decision.
- Battery Type
When it comes to the battery type, there are two popular options. There is the lithium-ion and lead-acid battery.
The lithium-ion battery is commonly used to run power tools, while the lead-acid is common in automobiles. Many manufacturers use lithium batteries in solar generators because they are lightweight.
Plus, lithium batteries have a longer lifespan. However, they are more expensive than their counterparts.
- Solar Panels
There are different types of solar panels. The thin film, polycrystalline and monocrystalline panels each have their level of efficiency.
In terms of technology, thin-film solar panels are the latest, durable, affordable, and lighter. But its efficiency is half that of other solar panels.
The most common solar panels are monocrystalline, which are slightly more efficient than polycrystalline.
- Inverter
The role of the inverter is to control the direct currents to alternating current. The manufacturers usually give the maximum output and watt rating of the inverter.
The common inverter is the pure sine wave which is the most efficient and expensive. However, this type of inverter is only cost-effective if you will be using the generator frequently.
- Weight
This is another important factor you need to consider before buying a portable generator for your home.
For portability, you should go for generators that are lightweight hence easy to maneuver and carry. If you love camping, look for one that is sturdy.
- Power Ratings and Battery Capacity
The battery capacity is the most important factor. The solar generators do run on the energy they store in the batteries.
Therefore you should always check the battery capacity. The higher the battery capacity, the more power it stores.
There is another feature you need to check, the power rating. It is the power amount that a battery can offer at a time.
A Battery can have a high power capacity but a low rating. This type of battery offers less electricity for longer hours.
- Additional Features
Under additional features, there is the LED panel which will always keep you alert. You should also check the number of AC outlets and USB ports. It determines the number of devices you can connect to the portable generator.
You should also check if the product has a manufacturer's warranty. It will be important when you need to do any repairs.
The Benefits of a Solar Generator
Portable solar generators have several advantages. Let’s take a look at some of them.
- Offers Clean Energy
Most traditional generators rely on fossil fuels for power. When functioning, they emit fumes that are not good for the environment.
So, if you love the environment and clean power, then this generator is the best way to go. Plus, the portable generators are not noisy like the traditional diesel or gas generator.
- They Are The Perfect Backup Plan During Power Outage
Power outages can be caused by various factors like floods, storms, and many more. In such periods the backup generator can efficiently power your essential devices and appliances. Therefore you won't have to worry about the issues of power outages.
The best solar generator offers more than just convenience during power outages. It also saves the environment from pollution and your health.
The traditional generators like diesel and gas-powered generators are quite powerful but have several negatives.
They are noisy and produce unhealthy fumes. They also use fuels that might be difficult to find during natural calamities like floods, storms, etc.
This makes portable generators the perfect solution during outages. Its ability to recharge using solar panels makes them more reliable since sunlight is always available. Plus, they have powerful batteries that will be able to meet your energy needs.
