There is nothing worse than not being able to charge your devices or run a few basic appliances when the power is out or you are away from home. The best solar generator can solve this problem safely, economically and efficiently.
We will take you through some of the leading options on the market and explain the features and benefits of each one. We will also guide you through what to look for when buying a solar generator so that the choice is easier to make.
Overview table
There are many solar generators on the market and we did extensive research to find the very options for you. There is something to suit everyone’s needs and budget. We looked at the power, specifications, features, safety, convenience and a host of other factors to present only the best options for you.
We will take you through each one so that by the end you can make an informed decision and get the one that will be best for your needs.
For a compact and lightweight generator with good power and excellent reliability, the Rockpals 300W is a solid choice. It is well priced and delivers good power for a small portable unit. For a compact and lightweight generator with good power and excellent reliability, the Rockpals 300W is a solid choice. It is well priced and delivers good power for a small portable unit. If your power requirements are not extensive and you want a less expensive and more compact option, the Yeti 150 is a good model to consider. If your power requirements are not extensive and you want a less expensive and more compact option, the Yeti 150 is a good model to consider. This is an ultra-compact and lightweight option that is great for basic power needs on the go. It is quick and easy to use and extremely convenient. This is an ultra-compact and lightweight option that is great for basic power needs on the go. It is quick and easy to use and extremely convenient. This is an extremely efficient solar generator that charges quickly. It offers a good range of 9 outlets and is solidly built from strong materials. This is an extremely efficient solar generator that charges quickly. It offers a good range of 9 outlets and is solidly built from strong materials. Goal Zero is a reputable company and this is a hard-working powerful generator. It produces safe clean power that is great for emergencies or powering multiple devices when needed. Goal Zero is a reputable company and this is a hard-working powerful generator. It produces safe clean power that is great for emergencies or powering multiple devices when needed. The Audew is a safe and convenient generator that is compact, durable and extremely versatile. The Audew is a safe and convenient generator that is compact, durable and extremely versatile. If you want plenty of power as well as the backup of wind power as well as solar this is an excellent choice. It will keep you going with good power in a range of conditions. If you want plenty of power as well as the backup of wind power as well as solar this is an excellent choice. It will keep you going with good power in a range of conditions. This is a compact unit with plenty of power. It is well built and encased in a tough and durable aluminum casing to stand up to all conditions. This is a compact unit with plenty of power. It is well built and encased in a tough and durable aluminum casing to stand up to all conditions. With 5 solar panels you can get the maximum benefit of the sun. This unit is powerful at 1500 watts and offers a range of outlets for all your devices. With 5 solar panels you can get the maximum benefit of the sun. This unit is powerful at 1500 watts and offers a range of outlets for all your devices. If you are looking for a powerful home standby generator that is up to the toughest jobs, this durable model will deliver. It provides good power and is built to work hard as well as last a long time. If you are looking for a powerful home standby generator that is up to the toughest jobs, this durable model will deliver. It provides good power and is built to work hard as well as last a long time. This is a powerful and robust unit with many features. The 12 outlet options make it extremely versatile and convenient and it has a handy LCD display. This is a powerful and robust unit with many features. The 12 outlet options make it extremely versatile and convenient and it has a handy LCD display.
(Best portable solar generator)
(Best small solar power station)
(Best all-in-one solar generator)
(Best solar generator for outdoor camping)
(Best solar power station for larger appliances)
(Best solar generator for fast charging)
(Best solar generator with wind power)
(Best small solar generator for durability)
(Best solar generator for emergencies)
(Best heavy-duty solar generator)
(Best solar generator for power needs)
This is an extremely popular and well-loved solar generator that is often the first choice for campers, tailgaters and a range of other activities. The ROCKPALS RP300W Portable Generator is also perfect for back-up at home to charge your gadgets in the event of an emergency or power outage. It provides a surge power of 600 watts and a running power of 300 watts. Rockpals have been in the business for a long time are known for quality well-priced products that are also extremely durable. The 300W model is a good balance between size, weight, and power. Any compatible solar panels from 60 to 100W can be added for solar charging. You would have to purchase the solar panels (https://amzn.to/2NsdB4b) separately but this gives you the freedom to get the one that suits your needs best. It is a pure sine wave inverter so will not damage electronics. Charge your camera, cell phone, tablet, laptops, drone or whatever device you please. It is completely safe for you and your electronics. It has an AC outlet, a 24V DC and a 12V outlet as well as four USB ports. There is a handy display to show the power condition and battery level. Also by Goal Zero is this lighter and more compact option. It produces less power but is great if you need to charge electronics or small appliances when travelling on foot or during blackouts. It weighs only 12lbs. and measures 7.8 x 6.8 x 5.8 inches so it can easily be taken wherever you go. The Yeti 150 has an AC outlet, 2 12V outlets, and 2 USB outlets. You can safely powerup sensitive electronics such as laptops, tablets and cell phones as it produces safe clean power. It will take 4 to 6 hours to charge on a wall outlet or DC port and 3-6 hours with a decent solar panel. The solar panel needs to be purchased separately so make sure you go for one that suits your requirements. The same good workmanship and customer care apply to this model. If you do not have major power requirements and want a more compact and affordable option it is certainly worth considering. It charges faster and will give you power to critical devices when you need it most. This is a super-light and compact unit that will give you multiple power options in emergencies or when away from power. The 20W Mono-crystalline Solar panels are efficient and additional panels can be added if necessary, up to 100 watts. The generator boasts a 17.1Ah Li-ion Battery which can be charged on AC power, a car charger or using solar power. The maximum running power is 150 watts. It produces pure sine wave power that is safe to use on sensitive electronic devices. You can safely charge laptops, smartphones, GPS devices, and others. The Renogy Phoenix 246.24Wh/150W has an AC outlet, a car charger outlet, and four USB ports. This is convenient and makes the generator versatile. It has a handy LCD display that displays important information including remaining battery power. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPP) charging technology ensure the fastest possible charge time by tracking the ideal position for solar charging. The kit includes 2 10-watt solar panels and these take about 15 hours to fully charge the battery. If charged on a DC outlet or your car it takes 5 hours to charge. One thing the Renogy Phoenix does not like extreme heat so be wary of how and when you use it. Too much heat will cause it to overheat and even damage the panels. For basic tasks where portability is important this is a great option. The ExpertPower Alpha 400 is highly efficient largely due to the SunPower 100W flexible solar panel with Maxeon prime cells. The Maximum Power Point Tracking increase efficiency allowing it to fully charge in 6 hours when there is good sun. That makes it one of the most efficient generators in this category. It can also be charged on AC power and this will take around 7 hours. The panels can flex by 30 degrees and weigh only 4.4 lbs. This makes them not only effective and efficient but also light and portable. The panel’s foundation is solid copper which makes it more durable and resistant to power loss over time. This generator is suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities as well as a handy home back-up for emergencies. The panels have SunPower’s 5-year power and 2-year product warranty and the generator has a 1-year warranty. ExpertPower is an American company, based in California. They have developed a reputation for quality products with good durability at affordable prices. The 120Ah Li-Polymer battery ensures a good power output and will last for many cycles. The ExpertPower Alpha 400 can run equipment up to 400 watts and has a maximum capacity of 444Wh. Another feature that makes this a practical and convenient choice is the 9 outlet options available. These consist of 3 110V AC outlets as well as 6 DC outlets. The DC outlets feature an automatic device detection which allows each device to charge at the fastest speed possible. It is extremely lightweight and compact making it easy to take with you on the go. The weight is only 10 pounds. It is solidly built using mostly aluminum which makes it tough and durable. Customer feedback reports that customer service is generally very good. Goal Zero is a trusted name in portable power solutions and they have been going for some time now. The Yeti 1400 delivers 3,000 watts of surge power and 1,500 watts continuous power. This is enough power to run most of your appliances for a while and is a great option for emergency power. It can handle up to ten devices at one time. If you need more power you can chain additional 1—Ah lead-acid batteries. This will extend the runtime. It is a pure sine wave inverter so it is perfectly safe to use on laptops, smartphones, cameras, and other sensitive electronics. It is quiet and there are no fumes. It also requires zero maintenance. It can be charged on AC power or you can use a car charger (sold separately). You can obviously link it to a solar panel (also sold separately) that can recharge this power station in 30 hours. AC charging takes about 25 hours. In good direct sun, the right solar panel will charge the Yeti in 6 hours. It is compatible with a range of third-party solar panels so the size and quality will affect charge time and performance. What’s more you can download the Yeti App to your phone or tablet, connect your station to a WiFi router and control the battery level, turn it on and off as well as control all ports. The Utah based company is known for good customer service and are always available to help. This is an extremely versatile option that delivers a good amount of power without being too large or heavy. It is rugged and easy to carry making it ideal for camping and other outdoor adventures as well as a home back-up for emergencies. It can be fully charged in 8 hours. That is good for a generator with this amount of power. It uses quality Lithium polymer battery technology and has an AC outlet, 2 USB ports, and 2 DC ports. The capacity is 60000mAH/220Wh. The Audew Portable Inverter has intelligent control for maximum effectiveness and efficiency. It also has an intelligent battery management system (BMS) which controls voltage, current, and temperature. This, and the pure sine wave output makes it safe and ensures the durability of the generator. It also protects any electronics or devices being charged. It can be charged from a wall outlet or compatible solar panels. These are sold separately and you can go for a 50W or 100W panel. Audew has a 180-day replacement and 90-day refund policy as well as a 12-month warranty. While solar power is great there are days when there is simply no sun. This is particularly true when there is a storm or poor weather. This is often the time the generator is needed most. The Nature’s Generator GOLD System allows you to charge from wind power as well as solar power. This makes it extremely versatile and useful in many situations. What’s more is that it delivers whopping 1800 max watts which is plenty of power. It can deliver 750Wh of run time and the power panel charges at a rate of 100 watts per hour. Although it is bulkier than most of the solar panels we have recommended, this is needed for the power and versatility. It might not be the most practical option for a short camping trip. For convenience, there are a number of outlets. These consist of 6 x 120V AC Outlet, 1 x 12V DC Outlet and 1 x USB port. This too makes it practical and versatile. You can power or charge a wide number of devices simultaneously. A user-friendly control panel makes the generator easy to manage and monitor. It will display the energy source as well as the remaining power. It has an internal AGM sealed lead-acid battery. Basic assembly is required for the wind turbine as well as the power panel but this is quick and easy. An additional solar panel, purchased separately, is recommended. This is easy to connect in parallel. Moreover, the Nature’s Generator has good safety measures. The 1.5w solar battery maintainer will control the maintenance of the battery to ensure it remains efficient and does not deplete. Nature’s Generator Smartkey consists of a dongle that comes standard with the kit. This will allow you to monitor the use and battery level via Bluetooth. This compact unit delivers 400Wh which is not bad for the size and weight. The Anker Powerhouse has a convenient carry handle. It has a quality high-density lithium-ion battery which keeps the size and weight down. This is a popular solar generator and Anker boast that they have sold in excess of 10 million of these units. It has multiple outlets including a 110V AC outlet (effective up to 120W), a 12V car socket and 4 USB outlets. The Battery Management System (BMS) ensures your safety as it controls voltage and temperature control as well as other protection management. Charge time is pretty fast. What makes it so durable is the quality components and good workmanship as well as the rugged aluminum shell. You can take it with you even in the roughest conditions and it will hold up well. To make the very most of the sun the Wagan EL2546 has 5 solar panels, that need 18 hours of direct sunlight to fully charge the generator. All panels can be positioned independently to optimize the charging. They fold away neatly when not in use. It can obviously also be charged from and an AC or DC source. AC charge will take up to 24 hours. It does not have the fastest charging time compared to some other units but then you are charging for a good amount of power. Additional panels can be attached for faster charging. Again, all this power means that the Wagan EL2546 Solar e Cube 1500 is slightly heavier and larger than average but it has a retractable handle and wheels to make moving it pretty easy. It has multiple outlets consisting of 2 AC outlets, 2 V12 outlets, and 2 USB ports. The generator has a digital voltmeter allowing you to keep an eye on the battery status. It uses an AGM/Gel Hybrid 100 AH battery. This works well for deep cycle use. As the name suggests this is a seriously heavy-duty solar-power generator. It is built tough to handle extreme conditions. The frame is solidly built from strong welded steel. It is weather-resistant and rust-resistant so it will hold up well to the elements. It is designed to be a home or small business backup generator. For this reason, it operates on 120V and 240V circuits. Naturally, this generator is much larger and heavier than the typical solar generator but it has rubber handles and large 10-inch flat free wheels. It will give you a peak power of 10,000 watts and a running power of 5,000 watts. This should be enough to run a number of appliances in the average house with ease. Unlike some of the smaller options, the HomeGrid 5000HD can run for extended periods. As it comes it can store 3700 watts and the batteries are expandable for additional power. This is another great Renogy solar generator with a good 1075wh capacity. It has a top-quality long-life custom lithium-iron-phosphate battery. This should give you up to as many as 2000 cycles. These durable generators have durability and power to handle a wide range of applications from home back-up, contactors, survivalists and a host of other uses. It can be charged either via solar power, AC power or a 12V car charger. It will work with a wide range of devices and gives you a host of port options. These consist of four 110V universal AC ports, four USB DC ports, a 12v cigarette port, and three 12V DC ports. This makes it extremely versatile and convenient. It is rather heavy but has a strong handle and large solid wheels making it pretty easy to move. It has an interchangeable battery option so you can keep a spare charged battery on hand for a quick swop if necessary. The user-friendly LCD will give you information on the power out type and the battery status.
It uses a high capacity and high-quality lithium power pack that is 280WH (3.7V 75Ah/12V 18.7Ah). This is not only extremely effective and efficient but also lightweight. You can charge on an AC wall outlet in around 6 to 7 hours or it can be charged using a 12V car charger. The car charger is included in the kit.
At a mere 7.3 pounds, the ROCKPALS 300W Portable Generator packs a good punch. It is extremely easy to use and highly versatile.Goal Zero Yeti 150 – Best small solar power station
Renogy Phoenix – Best all-in-one solar generator
ExpertPower Alpha 400 – Best solar generator for outdoor camping
Goal Zero Yeti 1400 – Best solar power station for larger appliances
Audew – Best solar generator for fast charging
Nature’s Generator GOLD System – Best solar generator with wind power
Anker Powerhouse – Best small solar generator for durability
It comes with an 18-month guarantee and lifetime technical support.Wagan EL2546 – Best solar generator for emergencies
HomeGrid 5000HD – Best heavy-duty solar generator
Renogy Lycan 1075WH – Best solar generator for power needs
Buyer’s Guide
There are a number of important factors to consider when selecting a solar generator. Let’s have a look:
Power
The majority of solar generators are designed for short term use to run a few basic appliances and charge devices such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras. That being said, some are much more powerful and capable of delivering much more power. The HomeGrid 5000HD Portable Solar Generator, for example, gives 10,000 peak watts and 5,000 running watts. That is powerful enough to run most of your appliances at home or power tools at a worksite. The Renogy Lycan Powerbox-Portable is also extremely powerful.
If you want to be sure, most appliances should tell you how much power they draw and you can calculate the ideal power for your requirements.
It is important to understand surge or maximum power capacity. The running power is what you need to focus on to keep the various appliances running but the surge power is the maximum the generator can produce for a short period. This is needed for larger appliances such as fridges that need more power to start up.
Battery
The battery is all-important. Lithium-Ion or Lithium Polymer batteries are more efficient and help to keep the weight down. They tend to add a bit to the cost of the generator as they are more expensive than the heavier lead-acid batteries.
The battery will determine the storage capacity which is an indication of how long it can deliver power for. This will determine how often it will need to be recharged after use.
Size and weight
This is another important factor to consider. It is largely based on your intended use for the solar generator. If you are camping in a remote area you obviously need one that is as light and compact as possible. The Renogy Phoenix Generator is an all in one unit that is light and roughly the size of a briefcase. It would be ideal.
For home use, you could go for one of the bigger options such as the HomeGrid 5000HD. If you go for a larger unit ensure that it has a strong handle and sturdy wheels so that it can be moved from place to place when necessary.
If it is for use on a boat or an RV, check the dimensions to ensure it will fit where you intend to place it. Generally speaking, the more power the solar generator has, the larger and heavier it will be.
Charge time
Most of the generators can be charged either by the solar panels or on a wall plug. The larger generators will take a bit longer to charge than smaller ones with less capacity but some are much faster than others. The Goal Zero Yeti 150 Portable Power Station, although a low power generator, charges very quickly.
The quality and efficiency of the solar panels will also affect the charge time when charging with the sun. Go for compatible panels of a good quality to ensure decent charge times. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPP) allows the solar panel to track the sun which will optimize charge times.
While solar power, a wall outlet or a car charger are the three most common ways to charge a generator, the Nature’s Generator GOLD System includes a wind turbine as an alternative way to charge if there is no sun. This can be quite handy in certain situations.
Solar panels
Speaking of solar panels, they are not all created equally and not all generators come with them. Often they need to be purchased separately. Check on this first to ensure there are no surprise extra costs after you buy your generator. Be sure to get a compatible option that will work for your purposes.
Available outlets
The more outlets available the more convenient the solar generator. You want a combination of AC outlets, DC outlets, and USB ports. Generally, the more the better. A 12V cigarette lighter style port can also be useful. The ExpertPower Alpha has nine ports in total making it extremely convenient.
Durability
You want your investment to last a good while so they need to have good durability. For those taken camping or on other outdoor adventures they often get a few bumps and scratches along the way. The materials used are important to ensure durability. The Anker Powerhouse has an aluminum casing making it tougher than many other models.
Even less portable solar generators need good durability as they are exposed to the elements. When they are moved they are heavy so need a sturdy frame. The HomeGrid 5000HD has a solid durable frame that can handle the weather and is rust-resistant.
Warranty
A sign that a generator is tough and durable is a good warranty. It demonstrates that the manufacturers have faith in the materials and workmanship and gives you peace of mind that the investment will last a fair while. The Anker Powerhouse is one of the generators we selected that has a good warranty. The ExpertPower Alpha 400 also has a good warranty.
Customer service
Sometimes it is not a warranty case but a minor issue that simply needs customer support. We have only looked at companies with a good track record but the ExpertPower Alpha stood out as having great customer service.
Safety
Solar generators are by far the safest generators you can get. These are all extremely safe and need no maintenance.
Ease of use
You want the generator to be convenient and easy to use. An LCD display makes it easy to check on the remaining battery as well as other important information. Many of the models we reviewed have this feature.
Quiet operation
Another huge advantage of solar generators is that they operate silently. Some have cooling fans that make a faint sound but they are far from loud.
Expandable
There are a number of ways in which the standard generators can be expanded. Not all share this feature so be sure to check it out if it is important to you. Some allow you to add additional solar panels, some you can add additional batteries to and some will allow you to chain two of the same generators in parallel.
Budget
This is always something to consider when making an investment such as this. We have featured generators that cover a wide range of budgets. Again, the more powerful generators tend to be more expensive so you will need to balance your power requirements with your budget.
The Goal Zero Yeti 150 Portable Power Station is a great option if you need power for smaller devices but have a tight budget.
A good generator will last you many years and give you many hours of power, often when you really need it the most. Make sure you invest in a quality model that will get the job done.
Conclusion
Solar generators can deliver free power from the sun without any fumes or safety issues. They are easy to use and affordable.
The information above should give you a clear idea of what to look for when deciding on a generator. The most important thing to consider first is what you intend to use the generator for. Once you understand that you will be able to look for the features and benefits that are of importance to you.
We have presented only the best solar generators but the one that stands out as the winner is the ROCKPALS 300W Portable Generator Lithium Portable Power Station. It is extremely compact and lightweight yet delivers a decent 600 watts peak power and 300 watts continuous power. It is well made, durable and good value for money. The company has a solid reputation and this is a popular well-loved choice.
Take the time to think about your specific needs and find the best one within your budget. You cannot go wrong with any of our top choices.




