The demand for solar generators continues to grow. Among the damage so often caused by hurricanes is the disruption of power supplies in many affected areas. This has only made the desire for a backup portable power generator more urgent, especially one that is not dependent on fuel and is not connected to the grid. Something like a solar generator. You’re already aware of the sustainability and eco-friendliness of solar power, so we won’t say any more. We want to help you find the best solar generator, whether it’s for emergencies, for the convenience of taking it with you whenever you want, or to reduce dependence on the power grid.

This review focuses on the features that are important in a solar generator. The type of battery and its capacity, the power output and the sockets to which it can be connected top the list. All of these are important. For example, the type of battery determines how long the generator can be used before it has to be replaced. The battery capacity determines how much power you actually get from the generator when it is fully charged. The output determines which devices the generator can power. The supported outlets indicate where you can charge the generator and the types of power sources you can use.

No research is ever complete until we have spent several days analysing the equipment in the hot seat and trying to sort out its faults. That’s what makes it exciting for us to compile this information. We are careful to gather only the information that will be useful to you and to ask the questions that matter on your behalf. We hope you’ll be enlightened as you browse the table we’ve included, the detailed reviews of each product and our buying guide. All for a good day’s work, trying to identify the best solar generator from the pile of mediocre units.

Goal Zero Yeti 1000

Does the combination of a compact but sturdy backup power supply that is light enough to carry and perform well appeal to your practical mind? If so, you need a portable solar generator with a large capacity, and a model like the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 is no less. This small but powerful station has a built-in inverter with a capacity of 1500 W continuous output and can be connected to 10 devices. With such power, you can comfortably charge large appliances and devices such as refrigerators, medical equipment, power tools and even sump pumps. This makes the Yeti 1000 one of the best generators for off-grid living.

You can charge this Yeti in one of three ways: by plugging it into an AC wall outlet, by connecting it to a solar panel using the Goal Zero connectors, or by connecting it to a solar panel using the Anderson power pole connectors. It is possible that the Yeti could work with other connectors, but the connection with the two types of connectors above is flawless and optimised from what we have seen. It wouldn’t hurt to experiment with other connectors, but take precautions before doing so and at least ask the manufacturer to confirm the compatibility of the station with the connectors. Send an email to Goal Zero’s helpdesk, and their reply will certainly come with a set of free efficiency tips.

When considering the purchase of this station, it is crucial to include a solar panel. This is because if you rely on AC power to charge it, the generator may not be of much use to you, especially if you have to use it on the road or in environments where there is no DC power source. Another reason why AC charging is not the best option is that it takes 25 hours to reach a full charge. Imagine all the tasks you usually accomplish in the same amount of time, which is the industry standard for high-capacity generators, but makes no sense when there are faster options. With the solar panel, the full recharge time is reduced to about 4.5 hours.

ECOFLOW RIVER mobile power plant

EF EcoFlow may have been late to the party, introducing the EcoFlow River mobile station at a time when the market is full of competing products. However, it has made a grand entrance, fully aware that it is presenting a tantalising new flavour, something different. And there are many things different about the River, as enthusiastic fans like to call it.

The first is that it really holds its own. Forget the budget purchases you’ve used in the past that have struggled to get you through two cycles for essential gadgets like your iPhone and laptop. The River keeps on working, surging forward to keep your devices connected when your normal power supply is interrupted, and giving you at least 500 charge cycles throughout its lifetime.

The manufacturer claims it can hold its charge for up to a year. Well, we haven’t kept ours for a year yet, mainly because we can’t live without it, but we got it back after months of storage and were surprised by how much charge the station still had. For us, this is the sign of a solid energy station.

The tiny size of this station might lead you to believe that it is just another low output emergency gadget that can power your devices for a few minutes in an emergency. Far from it, the River has been used for field activities in remote locations, during late-night basketball games on makeshift courts, at home, as a reliable backup power unit for offices, and as a wise investment for camping and other outdoor events.

With 11 charging outlets and matching ports, you couldn’t find a better partner for your diverse power needs. Just make sure none of the items you connect draw more than 500W.

Goal Zero Yeti 400

Looking for a true off-grid lifestyle without having to sacrifice all the little devices you love? Plug into the Goal Zero Yeti 400, a lithium battery powered solar generator that will power your devices up to 428Wh. This is a mega-capacity powerhouse for people who enjoy the delectable taste of freedom to travel and work anywhere, but don’t like leaving their precious devices behind.

Considering the heavy loads it’s capable of, this powerhouse looks like a heavy and cumbersome machine. Not quite. It features a solid construction in a compact design that makes the generator easy to carry, with a thick handle for easy lifting.

With the Yeti 400, you have constant power for a range of devices that can include laptops, phones and tablets, drones and drone batteries, camera batteries, small refrigerators, CPAP machines, camping lights, coolers, running lights, speakers, a TV, and more. As long as you do not exceed the 400Wh threshold, the generator will work optimally.

Goal Zero recommends connecting no more than seven devices. This is four more devices than many people need to power themselves at the same time, although some people involved in production work use this station to charge their machines. This group and others like them obviously have higher usage requirements, but they should be fine even with the seven-device cap.

For devices that use pure sine wave technology, the Yeti 400 has a built-in pure sine wave inverter with a peak capacity of 1200W. For small devices like phones, use the 2.4A USB ports for charging. Larger devices, such as laptops, should be charged using the 12V DC ports.

The power station will fully charge in seven hours when charged from the wall. If you charge it using the solar panel, it can take as little as four hours to reach full charge, although this largely depends on the size of the solar panel. Best of all, you can continue to use the station while it’s charging.

 

SUAOKI G500 portable power station

The SUAOKI G500 is designed as a high capacity power station capable of charging a mini army of electronic devices. Whether it’s smartphones, laptops, speakers, projectors, mini fridges, hair appliances or other small household devices, this power station allows you to run your gadgets when there is no electrical connection. If you want to run an appliance in the garden or gazebo where there is no electrical connection, the G500 can provide the necessary power.

One discouraging thing about many portable power stations is that they seem to be designed to work better with some gadgets than others. This is not something the manufacturer proclaims loudly and clearly, and only becomes apparent when you’ve tried unsuccessfully to cajole the power station into doing what you want it to. But not the G500. Any device consuming up to 500W can be connected to the station. It even has two sinusoidal outputs for modern, technically advanced devices such as CPAP machines.

The best power stations offer a variety of DC outputs and charging ports, and the G500 does not disappoint. You get multiple DC ports with a 12V/3A output, a 12V/10A car port, three USB QC3.0 ports, two USB-A ports and a USB-C port. An amazing variety that allows every device to connect to the G500. An amazing variety that allows any device, no matter how unique, to connect to the G500.

The G500 has built-in power tracking technology, Maximum Power Point Tracking technology, which improves the efficiency of your solar charge.

In an age where product warranties are like a rare but potent drug with a low and fast dosage, it’s a relief to find a brand that gives you a detailed, no-nonsense 2-year warranty.

It takes between 8 and 10 hours for the station to be fully charged, and you can continue to charge it on solar power while using the AC output.

Its three charging modes and high power make it particularly suitable for camping and motorhoming, where you can use either a 2V cigarette lighter socket or a solar panel to charge.

Paxcess 100W power station

If our hectic lives were to slow down enough for us to take a quiet holiday whenever we want, as often as we want, and without life’s stressors tainting our happy lifestyles, the Paxcess 100W Power Station would be our faithful companion on the warm seas.

The Paxcess has a peak AC output of 150W and will easily charge your laptop, camera batteries, lamps and other small appliances that draw less than 100W. It works equally well with car-powered devices that draw less than 180W, such as a 12V fan, car hoover, car fridge and CPAP machine. Connect them to one of the three 12V DC outputs to power them. For your phones, cameras and MP3 players, use the 5V USB ports. There are two of them.

To charge the power bank using solar power, simply connect it to a solar panel. You have to buy it separately as it is not included in the package when you buy the generator. You do not need an adapter when using the solar charger, and the power station will be fully charged in 7 to 9 hours. When charging via AC power by plugging directly into the wall, it will take about 8 hours for a full charge. Full charging using the car’s 12V adapter takes about 9 hours.

The integrated battery management system (BMS) optimises battery performance and enhances safety by ensuring that temperature, voltage and current levels remain under control. The power bank is designed to shut down when devices consuming more than 100W are connected. Good news for your safety and the protection of your devices, but sudden shutdown is not desired when trying to power a device quickly. Just avoid using large machines with the power bank.

Renogy Phoenix portable generator

Unlike the majority of solar generators that use a standard solar panel, the Renogy Phoenix uses 20W monocrystalline solar panels to store energy. Monocrystalline solar panels, made from pure silicon, have the highest efficiency of any solar option currently in use. They also take up minimal space, which is one of the reasons why Renogy is compact and lightweight, not bulky. Their performance and longevity are also first-rate, so anyone who wants a generator that can be used over a long period of time will benefit.

Although only capable of 20W, the monocrystalline cells are expandable to 120W. With this capacity, it will comfortably charge all your small appliances and devices, including laptop, phone, camera, mini cooler, mini fridge, TV and CPAP machine. Renogy has equipped the Phoenix with a ton of input and output ports. There’s an AC input port, a CiG input port, two solar input ports, an AC output port, a CiG output port, two DC output ports and four USB output ports – one for each of your devices and three charging options for the generator.

Maximum Power Point Tracking Technology (MPPT) extracts the maximum possible charge from the battery, providing you with power for longer. It is the most advanced technology for improving the charging efficiency of solar panels today. The fact that it is built into the Phoenix means you get more hours of energy.

Suaoki 220Wh portable solar generator

The Suaoki generator contains 220Wh, which is more than enough to keep your laptop powered for four cycles. If you’re regularly on the road, this power station will keep you connected to all your devices and provide you with the power you need to get things done. With the 220Wh, working on the go means no more tedious hours spent in hotel rooms and lounges, because that’s where the power source is. Now you can travel with your own power source and do all the other things you want to do without restrictions on where you can go. In addition, there are many solar panel options that the generator is compatible with, so you are not limited to just a few.

The Suaoki 220Wh has a built-in sine wave inverter, which eliminates the risk of harmonic distortion and power damage to all your appliances. The inverter ensures that all devices that use sine wave technology can operate optimally, quietly, and without heating up.

This device is one of the strongest solar generators on the market with a battery management system. The last thing you need when you’re stuck in the countryside is for your only power source to fail. By integrating the battery management system into this station, SUAOKI aims to increase battery efficiency and improve battery usage. The BMS system helps to prevent surges, overcurrents, overheating and overcharging, thus soothingly protecting your battery and extending its life.

You can always tell when the battery is running out of power. When the battery is fully charged, five LEDs light up to indicate the maximum charge. As you use the battery, the lights go out one by one, until only one light remains on. That’s when you know it’s time to recharge the battery.

SereneLife SLSPG20 Portable Generator

The SereneLife SLSPG20 portable solar generator comes in a neat travel design, making it an easy choice for anyone who doesn’t want to haul a heavy power plant every time they need to use it in the garden or when camping.

Small in size, it is therefore practical and an ideal choice for use at home during emergency power cuts. Although it only has a capacity of 155Wh, this is enough to power small electronics and most communication devices, ensuring you stay connected to the world at all times.

You can charge it on a standard 3-prong wall socket or use your car’s 12V socket. You can also use a solar panel to charge it. Unfortunately, you will need to purchase the solar panel separately, but this should not be a problem as there are many compatible and affordable solar panels on the market.

SereneLife has included USB, 12V DC and AC outputs to ensure variety and compatibility with various home devices. This means you can charge your smartphones, laptops and tablets, cameras, lights, and even power a small TV. In all, there are three 12V DC ports, three 5V USB ports and a cigarette plug cable.

The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty, and we have to say that they respond to customers with a warmth and sincerity that you don’t see very often these days. If your power pack has a problem, contact them and they will be happy to fix it. We have had someone receive a new unit from the manufacturer when something broke in the unit they bought after a month or so of use. However, as with all warranty contracts, make sure you don’t mess with the power station before rushing to make a claim.

Suaoki S270

The Suaoki S270 portable power station is a small 150W power station. Apart from its obvious practicality due to its compact design and size, it is a solidly built unit with solid performance. Although it doesn’t power large appliances, it is effective at powering small appliances within its energy capacity. It has three USB ports for your smart devices, two AC outlets and four DC ports. This is enough to connect several small devices at the same time.

Make sure you keep the power consumption below 100W. You don’t want the power station to switch off on you just as you start to get comfortable, although this protective measure will keep your devices safe and protect you from an electrical accident.

To enhance safety, efficiency and performance, Suaoki uses the Battery Management System (BMS) and Mobile Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solar technology. Together with the BMS, this intelligent technology constantly monitors voltage, current and temperature and strives to keep everything under control, eliminating the possibility of damage due to power surges. MPPT solar technology ensures maximum efficiency while charging, which is what you want when you go camping or fishing at the weekend.

The S270 is equipped to function as a torch and will provide the illumination you need when you can’t find your torch or light. Two status lights tell you when the battery is low and when you need to recharge it.

Recharge it using a 13V-22V solar panel, which you need to buy separately, using an AC adapter directly into your wall socket, or using a DC car adapter. It comes with a DC car charger adapter and a DC cigarette lighter adapter. The best solar panels to use with this device for optimum input are 60W and 100W panels. Many panels on sale are compatible, but for seamless compatibility you can buy Suaoki solar panels. They have a variety of 60W and 100W. It takes about 8 hours to fully recharge the generator from a mains socket, and you can continue to use the power station while it is charging.

What we liked:

SereneLife SLSPG10 portable rechargeable power generator

This device supports an output of 120W, although when using a DC power supply it has a maximum power of 180W and a modified sine wave output of 100W. This range is ideal for normal, regular use. If you regularly need to charge larger, high capacity devices, this station may not be suitable. A larger capacity solar generator would be more suitable in this case.

SereneLife presents the SLSPG10 in a portable, stylish and compact design. The wide handle makes it easy to lift and carry. Plus, it only weighs about 3.3 pounds, which is light enough to carry in a backpack. Speaking of backpacks, this generator is ideal for outdoor use, whether by the ocean or in a mountain cabin. It will power your CPAP, lights and lamps, a mini fridge, cooler, camera battery and many small devices you take on trips or camping trips.

Most people who have used various solar generators over a long period of time advise turning off the humidifier if you don’t want the CPAP to consume all the power from the generator. But in the SLSPG10, connecting a CPAP does not seem to consume much of the energy tank. Could it be a question of branding? The jury is still out, but we’ll post an update once we’ve compared some popular brands on the effect of the humidifier. Try it with the humidifier on and off and see if it makes a difference to you. If it does, choose the option that conserves more energy.

Benefits of a solar generator

When we think of the market penetration of solar energy, we think of a rough, parched country road, with long stretches of rocky terrain, shorter stretches with narrow ditch-like gullies scattered all over the road, and even longer stretches of dusty terrain disappearing into the horizon.
As valuable as solar energy is, humanity has yet to find a way to harness its wealth and make it widespread and affordable. Yet we have come a long way from where we were 40 years ago, and the growing popularity of solar generators is the proof you need to believe it. Solar generators may still be far from mainstream, but they have come a long way. Here are some of the benefits of using a solar generator.

1. It is easy to use
   Unlike electrical connections that require adherence to specific wiring diagrams, setting up your solar generator is relatively simple. The generator comes ready to use, so you only need to plug in the charging cable to charge it and then connect the cables from the generator to the devices you want to charge.

Even the process of harnessing energy from the environment is fairly simple. The solar panel collects the energy and transmits it to the generator, which then stores it in the battery. When you connect your appliances to the generator, the stored energy (direct current) is converted into alternating current and powers the appliances. This is the most simplified explanation of this four-step process you will find, deliberately designed to mimic the easy connection process of a solar generator. The whole process relies on complex technical systems and procedures, but for you, the end user, everything is simplified.

2. Reduces electricity costs
   The effect of using solar energy on your finances becomes obvious when the electricity bill arrives and is lower than what you were paying on average before you started using the solar generator. Stick to this habit and you will spend less on electricity over time.
3. It is virtually maintenance free
   A solar generator requires no special handling or intensive maintenance. It has built-in automatic processes that protect it against power surges and drops and manage the performance of the batteries and the charging and discharging processes.
4. It is portable
   You can take your solar generator anywhere you go if you need to. It allows easy access to energy anytime, anywhere.
5. It gives you access to widely available solar energy.
   A solar generator gives you easy access to clean and cheap solar energy.
6. It provides regular backup power
   A solar generator can offer backup power during outages, providing a reliable way to keep important devices and appliances powered up when the grid connection is lost.
7. It is a renewable product
   Renewable energy like solar power is readily available and does not harm the environment. Double win.

How solar generators work

Solar generators are powered by solar panels, which obtain energy directly from the sun through a photovoltaic process. This energy is transmitted to the generator where it is stored in a battery. An inverter built into the generator then converts the energy into alternating current for your end uses.

Features to consider before buying a solar generator
There are several factors that should always guide your decision to buy a solar generator. Here are the most important of them.

Battery capacity

The size of the battery determines how much energy is stored and then available for use. A small battery will store a proportionally small amount of energy. Similarly, a large battery will store more energy.

Wattage

The wattage refers to the maximum output that the generator can handle. A 100 W generator can only connect devices with a power consumption of 100 W or less, alone or in combination. So if you connect five devices, the total power consumption must be less than or equal to 100 W for the generator to work.

Manufacturers usually include a power protection device that shuts down the generator when a high capacity appliance is connected to it. This is to protect the generator, as well as your device, from electrical damage.

Outputs

In general, a solar generator can be charged by one or more solar panels, an AC wall socket and a 12V DC car charger. Check whether this is the case with the solar generator you wish to purchase. Also check the type of adapters (AC and DC) to be used with the generator and make sure you get the right one.

Size and weight

Some solar generators are small, others are large. They are all portable. Size does not necessarily indicate performance, and a large generator may only have an average capacity. Similarly, you can have a small generator with a large capacity. It is better not to focus on size and not to dwell on the most important properties: performance and capacity.

However, if this is your travel power source, you want it to be light enough to carry with you. If you’re carrying it in the car, you can make do with a slightly heavy generator. But remember that you will probably have to carry it to and from the car, and not necessarily over very short distances. Make sure you can lift and carry it easily, either on your own or with help. If it is too heavy to carry, it will become more of a handicap than the comfort you hoped it would be.

Prices

Solar generators range in price from very affordable to incredibly expensive. As with size, price is not an indicator of quality. Some low-cost generators are very good, while some high-cost models have little to offer.

The devil is in the details. Before you look at the price tag, confirm that the generator has the capacity to deliver what you want.

Guarantee

Of all the solar generators we looked at, only a few meet the 2-year warranty period. Many manufacturers offer a one-year warranty, and a few others extend it to a year and a half.

A longer warranty on your generator means that your peace of mind in using the generator lasts much longer than someone with a short warranty period. However, the warranty period should not be an obstacle, as solar generators are generally robust and can be used for a long time without malfunctioning.

Try to buy from a manufacturer that also offers a separate warranty for the battery. This is the part you will eventually have to replace, no matter how well you care for your generator.

What else do you need to buy to use your solar generator?
You need a solar panel to charge your solar generator. Charging through a solar panel is fast and takes 4-5 hours on average. Compared to charging via a wall socket, which can take up to 25 hours to get a full charge, buying a solar panel makes sense.

Unfortunately, most solar generators do not come with a solar panel. You have to buy one separately. The good news is that these generators are compatible with most solar panels. Many smaller generators are associated with a 13V-22V solar panel. Larger solar generators can use 24V and 48V solar panels.

Always ensure that the generator is connected to the recommended voltage for the solar panel to eliminate the risk of short circuits or other related electrical faults. Many manufacturers also offer solar panels to accompany their generators.

How do I connect and install a solar generator?
To set up your solar generator, follow these simple steps:

Plug the charging cable into the input port and connect the charging cable to the AC wall outlet to charge the generator. If you are using a solar panel, use the connectors shown to connect the generator to the solar panel.
Leave it for the time indicated to get a full charge.
Disconnect.
Connect any devices you wish to charge to the generator. Most generators have three or more output ports for this purpose.
Once the device is charged, unplug and turn off the generator and put it away. The generator will probably still have some charge left. You can store it with the charge. Every time you want to power a device, connect it to the generator.
When the charge is gone, recharge the generator as in step 1 and repeat the process to charge the devices.
Many solar generators can be used while charging, i.e. they can charge and discharge at the same time. Some models do not support this function and only charge or discharge. Be sure to confirm whether the generator you want to purchase can charge other devices while it is charging or not. The ECOFLOW River generator is an example of a solar generator that can discharge and charge at the same time. A generator like the Suaoki 220Wh does not support simultaneous charging and discharging.

Our verdict

We had a lot of fun trying out all the solar generators available on the market. If it were up to our pockets and bank accounts, we would each walk away with two or three solar generators. Frankly, they have some powerful equipment in those solar shops. And now, the part we enjoy most, debating for and against each model and picking a winner, is not so enjoyable today because it’s hard enough to pick just three units out of nearly a dozen that are above the brand in our line of judgment. But it has to be done, so here we go.

The Goal Zero Yeti 1000 comes first. It’s the most expensive item on the list, but you get what you pay for – plenty of power for almost any need and fast charging are the advantages of this unit. It is also robust and safe.

In second place is the ECOFLOW River, a stylish and robust piece of equipment that every natural energy user should aspire to own. It is more portable than the Yeti 1000 and easy to take with you.

The Goal Zero Yeti 400 won third place for its overall balance.

And there’s one little device that blew us away when we first met it: the Paxcess 100W power station. It is efficient, well built and has the capacity to charge several small devices.

We hope you find it easier than we did to choose a generator, but more importantly, We hope you find it easier than we did to choose a generator, but more