Portable solar generators are ideal for having electricity wherever you go thanks to their ability to harness the sun’s energy and convert it into electrical power. With a solar generator, you don’t have to choose between clean energy and efficient food. A solar generator allows you to have an electricity supply at any time while enjoying cleaner energy than that offered by conventional generators.
If you love traveling to remote areas where you can sit in the lap of nature and unwind yourself, then you should buy a portable inverter generator. However, if that portable generator works on solar energy, then that’s even better. Consumer reports best solar generators reviews provide you with a great option to buy the most suitable solar generator, so make sure you go through the reviews of the 5 best solar generators along with buying guide that follows them.
Reviews Of 5 Best Solar Generators
1. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500
Camping without electricity can be boring and sometimes, dangerous, so make sure you have a reliable generator at your disposal. A camping generator needs to be portable and long-lasting, something that this solar generator from Jackery is. The solar generator has a capacity of 518 watt-hours, which is good enough to power several appliances such as an air pump, cooling fan, mini-fridge, lamplight, projector, and TV, etc. The power station features 1 AC outlet, 1 carport, 2 DC ports, and 3 USB-A ports, thus letting you connect different appliances to it at once.
The battery management system of the generator manages each cell, thus improving the battery life cycle while powering the connected devices. The size of this generator is similar to that of a basketball, thus letting you carry it anywhere outdoors, be it on the RV, camping and road trips, etc. With this generator, you will get an AC adapter, car charger cable, and user manual.
2. FF FLASHFISH 330W Portable Power Station
What makes this solar generator unique is its large AC output and large capacity, which allows it to connect a wide range of powerful devices such as TV and portable freezer, etc. With a 300Wh capacity, this generator can power a variety of your electronic appliances such as light, camera, laptop, smartphone, tablet, fans, drones, and in-car appliances. Coming to the outputs, then this generator has got several of those too, which include 1 carport outlet, 2 DC outlets, 2 AC outlets, and 4 USB outlets. The generator can power up to 9 devices at once.
If you love going outside for camping, fishing, RV trips, hunting, and more, then this solar generator is your ideal companion. The carport outlet can be used to connect the CPAP machine if it is Airsense 10. The camping battery pack in the generator comes with an illumination function, which you can use to read light and SOS light. You can check the wattage of input or output along with battery status, charging and AC/DC output status in real-time on the LCD that is integrated into the generator. The company provides a 1-year guarantee on the product along with round-the-clock customer service.
3. BALDR 500W Upgrade Portable Power Station Pioneer
This is one of the powerful solar generators on the list, which has a 461Wh capacity. It comes with a variety of ports to let you connect different appliances with it. You will find 2 AC outlets, 2 DC Ports, 1 Type-C, 3 USB ports, 1 10-watt wireless charger, and 1 cigarette lighter on the generator. You can connect a wide range of appliances to the generator, which includes a mini-fridge, projector, air mattress, holiday light, travel mug, phones, and laptops, etc.
The unit produces pure sine waves, so you don’t have to worry about your appliances being damaged by voltage fluctuations because it won’t just happen. The generator has a 12-volt DC regulated output, which keeps the output voltage constant, thus ensuring stable charging all day. The generator features an LCD as well where you can check the remaining usage time, charging time, and low voltage warning. You will also get to know input/out state, temperature, and battery level on the LCD.
It takes 6-8 hours to charge the solar generator when connected to 120-watt solar panels in parallel whereas the generator takes 4-5 hours to charge when connected to the wall outlet. The generator delivers stable voltage to your devices, so you don’t have to worry about short circuits, overcharging, overloading, and low/high voltages. The solar generator incorporates a cooling fan that helps regulate its temperature to prevent overheating. You will also like the inclusion of flashlights and SOS for emergencies.
4. BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC200P
Have a look at this portable solar generator from Bluetti, which has a 2,000-Wh capacity that allows it to power up a wide range of appliances including microwave oven, window air conditioner, fridge, coffee maker, hairdryers, electric grill, heater, and drill, etc. The solar generator can be fully recharged in 3 to 3.5 hours via solar panels while it takes 4.5 hours to recharge it by connecting it to a 500-watt AC wall outlet and 2.5 hours by dual AC adapter.
The generator can also be charged in the car using 24/12-volt charging port, but it will take 10/20 hours to fully charge the generator. Coming to the efficiency of the generator, then it can power 17 devices at once, as it comes with several ports including 6 AC outlets, 2 15-watt wireless pads, 1, 12V/25A RV port, 4 USB-A port, 1 PD USB-C, 1, 12V/10A carport and 2, 12V/3A port. As a result, this generator becomes ideal for camping, parties, tailgating, and as a power backup for emergencies.
Other features of the generator include a smart touchable LCD screen where you can see voltage, power, current, temperature, and charging status. The inclusion of a cooling fan ensures that the generator doesn’t get heat up upon the rise of load. The solar generator features a ‘Bluetti ECO Mode’ to prevent up to 50 percent of the wasted electricity loss. In the package, you will get a 500-watt AC wall charger, car charging cable, PV solar charging cable, XT90 to aviation plug, and user manual.
5. Jackery Solar Generator 1000 For Outdoor RV/Van Camping
I have another product from Jackery, which is ideal for powering your appliances on outdoor trips. The solar generator allows you to unlock the true potential of solar energy to power your appliances when there is no power source available for miles. A key feature of this and all solar generators is that they hardly make any noise, and are very easy to use. The solar generator comes with a 1002 Wh capacity along with 1000 running wattage to power appliances like a mini cooler, electric grill, blender, TV, full-size refrigerator, and many more.
The generator comes with 3 standard pure sine wave AC outlets that deliver additional capacity to protect and power several more AC appliances. A major highlight of this product is its ability to support pass-through charging while its battery life is protected. In the package, you will also receive a car charger cable, AC adapter, SolarSaga parallel adapter, and user manual. The company provides a 2-year warranty on the product that covers all manufacturing defects.
Advantages Of Portable Solar Generator
This new kind of solar generator offers many advantages over the competition.
- The first, of course, is that they can use a renewable and virtually inexhaustible source of energy: the sun. In addition to being inexhaustible, this resource is also free. A good point for the wallet and the environment!
- The other advantage of solar energy is that it does not release Carbon Monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that is extremely deadly for humans. So you can keep your generator indoors without risk.
- Finally, the third essential point, solar power generators are silent. Their non-mechanical electrical generation means that nothing is moving while charging or using your device, preventing unwanted noise. It will thus be the essential ally of your calm evenings.
How To Choose Your Solar Powered Generator?
Let me present you with a quick overview of the elements to take into account when choosing your solar energy generator.
The budget
As often, your budget will be the first step when looking for your solar generator. Note that these devices are generally accessible, but that a high price will often be a sign of greater charging capacity or additional accessories.
Battery capacity
This is one of the most important criteria. This capacity makes it possible to store the energy captured by a solar panel or a 220V socket. The greater your energy consumption, the greater the capacity of the generator battery should be.
To define the amount of energy you will need, you will have to do some simple calculations:
First, you will have to define which devices will be connected to your installation, and their electricity consumption in kWh. Also, estimate how many devices will be connected at the same time. Finally, define the duration of use of each device.
It may sound complicated, but don't panic!
A golden rule is to overestimate your consumption to avoid any unpleasant surprises! So don't hesitate to do a “ladle-up” calculation of your needs by rounding your calculations up.
Outputs
Depending on the types of devices you want to connect, you will need the necessary connections. Also, the number of outputs will determine how many devices can be connected simultaneously. So remember to check what types of connections your devices need!
Transportability
Not insignificant in the choice of your generator, its transportability will play an essential role in your travels. Oftentimes, the larger a generator is in size and weight, the more powerful it will be. However, the compact and lightweight models are easier to carry on your walks. Therefore, it's up to you to judge the best ratio between power and transportability.
Protection
The solar generators are equipped with a protective shell protecting them from shocks and bad weather.
A mix of plastic and metal materials, all are made with your safety as a priority. All you have to do is find a design you like.
Wrap Up
Solar generators are becoming immensely popular in the world due to their ability to charge from sunlight. These portable units are equipped with a variety of ports/outputs, thus letting you connect different appliances to them. However, not all solar generators are the same, as they have different capacities and features, so make sure you read consumer reports best solar generators reviews and choose the best product. If you already have, then you can place your order without any further delays.