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Best Solar Generators

Updated March 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Power Station Solar Generator
Jackery
Explorer 240 Portable Power Station Solar Generator
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Versatile & Affordable
Bottom Line

This portable and versatile charger comes at an affordable price point and earns our DIY expert's top recommendation.

Pros

Charges via solar panel, AC adapter, or 12V port. Useful for powering various low-wattage items, and effective at charging smartphones and tablets. Great for CPAP machines, too. Decent price. Weighs less than 6 pounds, making it easy to carry.

Cons

Solar panel that pairs with it must be purchased separately. Some longevity concerns.

Best Bang for the Buck
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 160, Solar Generator
Jackery
Portable Power Station Explorer 160, Solar Generator
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Quiet Operation
Bottom Line

Made by a trusted brand, this generator possesses a signature built-tough construction.

Pros

Designed to charge phones and small electronics, and it has 2 USB ports. Pairs easily with Jackery Solar Saga 60W/100W panels. Has a built-in flashlight and SOS mode if you need help. Lightweight at less than 4 pounds.

Cons

Limited to small devices, so it's not ideal if you intend to charge larger items. Solar panels are sold separately.

EcoFlow Portable Power Station DELTA, Solar Battery Generator
EcoFlow
Portable Power Station DELTA, Solar Battery Generator
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Most Powerful
Bottom Line

An outstanding solar generator that our expert recommends for a home that experiences frequent power loss.

Pros

Stands out for its ability to reach 80% charge in as little as an hour via AC adapter. Also charges by solar and carport. Can power 13 items at once, including small appliances. Has built-in overload protection. Both powerful and portable.

Cons

Expensive. Doesn't come with solar panels. Customer service isn't very attentive.

Generark HomePower ONE Series Solar Generator
Duromax
5,500 Watt Dual-fuel Portable Generator
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Powerful and Versatile
Bottom Line

This electric-start camping generator with dual-fuel technology runs on both gasoline and propane.

Pros

A 5,500-watt workhorse generator with long battery life for camping trips in RVs. A pair of 120V outlets and a twist lock 120/240V 30A twist lock. Some users report up to 48 hours running time for smaller items. Great for power outages and RV camping.

Cons

It's quite noisy while it runs. Some complaints about its function during cold weather.

Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Solar Generator
Rockpals
250-Watt Portable Solar Generator
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Compact Design
Bottom Line

An excellent generator that has a solid runtime combined with versatility that our expert praises.

Pros

Weighs in at a little under 6 pounds, making it easy to carry wherever needed. Can be charged with panels or with a normal charger. Runs appliances with inverter technology so that it stays quiet even with heavier electronic loads.

Cons

Doesn't have individual power on/off switches for outlets.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
125
Consumers
Consulted
16
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best solar generators

Our high-tech society relies on electricity to power so many things, from lights and computers to air conditioners, refrigerators, and even some cars. When we go without power voluntarily, such as on camping trips, we still want access to many of those electrical conveniences. And in an emergency situation when the power goes out, we still need a reliable source of electricity for essential devices. A solar generator is a pollution-free alternative to a regular generator that runs on gas or other fuel.

Depending on the size of the solar generator, you can charge anything from smartphones to household appliances.

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One of the great things about solar generators is that they don't emit noxious fumes, unlike those that run on gasoline and other types of liquid fuel.

Benefits of solar generators

A solar generator is a bit like a power bank. It uses solar panels to gather energy from the sun, which is stored inside a battery. This power can then be used to run lights or appliances like a small refrigerator or charge portable devices like tablets and smartphones.

People have been using generators powered by gasoline or other liquid fuel for years, but solar generators have a few benefits over standard generators.

  • More environmentally friendly: Solar generators are much kinder to the environment than standard generators because they harness the power of the sun rather than use fossil fuels.

  • Cheaper to use: Since there are no fuel costs, solar generators are cheaper to run than traditional generators.

  • Better in an emergency: In situations where the power goes out, such as after an earthquake, you may not have access to fuel, making a solar generator an ideal alternative.

  • Quieter: Solar generators are completely silent, unlike gas-powered models, which can be extremely noisy.

  • Smaller and lighter: Most solar generators are small and easy to transport.

  • Better for camping: Solar generators are excellent for use on camping trips when you'd be unlikely to want to lug a standard generator, plus the fuel to power it.

Solar generator features to consider

Battery life

How long your solar generator will power your devices depends on the size of its battery (larger batteries can store more power) and how much power your devices require.

You'll need to know the watt-hours (Wh) of the generator, as well as the wattage of the appliance you want to run. For example, if you have a solar generator with 150Wh and a 100W appliance, the generator will only run for 1.5 hours before it needs to be recharged.

Inverter

The power stored inside batteries is direct current (DC), but most appliances run off alternating current (AC). Many solar generators have a built-in inverter to convert DC to AC to make things simple, but if your chosen model doesn’t have one, you'll need to buy a separate inverter.

The power ratio between the generator and the inverter should be roughly 1.5 to 1. For example, if you have a 150-watt solar generator, look for a 100-watt inverter.

"Some solar generators give you the option of using either AC or DC power."
STAFF
BestReviews

Charging time

It's important to know how long it takes to charge your solar generator before it's ready to use. Charging time is hard to average because it can vary widely depending on the size of the solar panels and the size of the generator’s battery.

Check the product specifications of any models you're considering. If your chosen model can be charged via an AC power outlet, check how long that charge time is, too.

Reliability

Solar chargers tend to be very reliable, though not all models are created equal. Because there is no motor, a solar generator doesn't need regular servicing. And because solar panels last for around 30 years, you won't need to worry that they'll stop working any time soon. Look for a solar generator with a metal or heavy-duty plastic case. Some models with flimsy plastic cases may not stand up to heavy use.

Portability

Because a solar generator doesn't have the fuel tank and moving parts of a standard gas-fueled generator, it tends to be much more compact, lightweight, and portable. That said, some high-output solar generators are quite large and wouldn't be suitable to take on a camping trip, for instance.

If portability is important to you, check the size and weight of any solar generators on your shortlist before buying.

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Expert Tip
Read directions regarding how much power your unit can provide. Don’t overload it, or you will be disappointed and powerless quickly. Check device label for output wattage.
BestReviews Home Improvement and DIY Expert

Solar generator prices

The price of a solar generator is based primarily on its wattage or watt-hours. Don't forget to factor in the cost of the solar panels if they aren’t included. You can expect to pay between $100 and $2,000 for a solar generator.

Basic

Solar generators up to around 200Wh cost between $100 and $200, usually without solar panels included.

Mid-range

Solar generators up to around 600Wh cost roughly $200 to $500. Some include solar panels, but many do not.

Expensive

Solar generators offering up to 1,250Wh and including solar panels cost anywhere between $500 and $2,000.

Expert Tip
Be prepared to locate the beeping when chargers die. We own the Yeti by Goal Zero, and we couldn’t figure out the chirping for over an hour.
BestReviews Home Improvement and DIY Expert

Tips

  • Check if solar panels are included with the generator. You don't want to unbox your solar generator only to realize you're missing a vital component.

  • Decide if you want an expandable solar generator. Some models allow you to add extra solar panels and batteries should you want to charge more quickly or store more power.

  • Know the wattage of the devices you’ll hook up to your solar generator. Without this information, you won't be able to tell if your chosen generator will power the devices for the length of time you need.

  • Choose the sunniest location when charging your solar generator. It can be tricky if you live in an area where sunny days are few and far between, but many solar panels can absorb power even on mostly overcast days.
Expert Tip
Clean solar panels with soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.
BestReviews Home Improvement and DIY Expert
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Solar generators aren't as powerful as gas generators, but they're cheaper, quieter, and excellent for anyone with smaller power requirements.

FAQ

Q. Can I recharge the battery in my solar generator using standard household electricity?

A. While it’s amazing to be able to charge your generator al fresco and without any source of power other than the sun, it's not always practical. If it's raining, snowing, very overcast, or you're pressed for time, it might be more practical to use a power socket. While not all models allow you to do this, most do. And you can even recharge some generators via the 12V charger port in your car.

Q. How durable are solar generators?

A. Since solar generators are perfect for camping trips and other outdoor situations, most of them are designed for use on the go. This means they're made of durable materials that won't break if you chuck them in the trunk of your car or they suffer a few knocks and bumps. That said, the most basic models don't tend to be as durable as the more expensive options. Whether or not you want to pay extra for increased durability depends on how often you'll use your generator and how rough on it you're likely to be.

Q. Are adapter cables included with a solar generator?

A. While most solar generators come with a range of ports for plugging in various appliances, you may find you need an adapter cable for some appliances, or you might need an adapter to charge the generator from a 12V socket or regular AC power outlet. Some solar generators come with all relevant adapter cables, but others don't. If you know you need a particular type of adapter, check whether or not it's included so you’ll know if you need to purchase it separately.

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