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In order to collect solar energy and store it as electricity in a portable power station, a solar generator typically comes in a bundle with some solar panels. Solar generators are cleaner, quieter, and need little to no maintenance compared to gas generators.
In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 5 best solar generators in 2023.
- BLUETTI AC200MAX
- VIGORPOOL Captain 1200
- Jackery Explorer 1500
- EcoFlow DELTA
- Goal Zero Yeti 1500X
Depending on the quality, a solar generator usually lasts for many years. A battery management system (BMS) can assist extend the battery’s lifespan. The battery, which is often a lithium-ion battery or a lithium iron phosphate battery, will endure for a few thousand life cycles.
If you want to live off the grid or just want to be ready for blackouts, a solar generator is a necessity. Being unduly dependent on the grid can severely hinder you, especially at a time when energy costs are rising globally. Having a portable solar generator that can provide you with backup power during a power outage is unbeatable.
There are a few crucial elements to take into account when searching to buy the best solar generator for your home:
Capacity
The battery’s capacity is the amount of energy it can hold. Watt-hours are the unit of capacity (Wh). The battery’s capacity directly affects how many devices it can power and for how long.
To guarantee you have enough power in the event of a protracted blackout, it’s a good idea to get a solar generator with twice the capacity you require.
Solar input
The rate at which solar panels can charge your solar generator is known as solar input. Watts are used to measure solar charging input (W).
Continuous output
The amount of watts that the battery can deliver continually is known as continuous output. Watts are used to measure continuous output (W).
Life cycle
The battery’s life cycle is the number of discharge cycles it can withstand before degrading and losing some of its capacity to store energy. For instance, after 1000 life cycles, a lithium-ion battery with a 1000 Wh capacity might only contain 800 Wh.
Today, we will contrast some of the top solar generators available based on a number of criteria, including:
- Capacity
- Scalability
- Input
- Continuous output
- Output ports
- Life cycle
- Connectivity
- Safety
By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to select the solar generator that best suits your needs based on the qualities and characteristics that appeal to you the most.
There is a useful list of Common Household Appliances Power Consumption at the end of this post if you need to know how much power your solar generator needs to create in the event of a power outage.
What are the 5 Best Solar Generators in 2023?
My top picks are BLUETTI AC200MAX, VIGORPOOL Captain 1200, Jackery Explorer 1500, EcoFlow DELTA and Goal Zero Yeti 1500X.
1. BLUETTI AC200MAX
Capacity
With 2,048Wh lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cells and a 2,200W pure sine wave inverter, the BLUETTI AC200MAX offers an extensible power source.
Scalability
It may add up to two BLUETTI B230 (2048Wh each) or B300 (3072Wh each) battery modules to increase the overall capacity to 8192Wh thanks to its two expansion ports.
Input
Up to 900W of solar input and 500W via the adapter are supported by the AC200MAX solar generator. The device can therefore be charged at up to 1400W when using both a wall outlet and solar panels at the same time. The power station can be recharged in less than 120 minutes at this pace of charging.
Continuous Output
The solar power generator has a continuous output of 2200W.
Output Ports
With a whopping 16 outlets, the AC200MAX is a sizable solar generator that can power all of your electronics when you are at home or on the go. For RV aficionados, there is also a built-in 30A NEMA TT-30 outlet and a 12V 30A super strong DC outlet.
Connectivity
The solar generator can be controlled and monitored via the BLUETTI App.
Life Cycle
The capacity of the battery of the solar generator deteriorates to 80% after 3500 life cycles.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 2048Wh
- Solar input: 900W
- Continuous output: 2200W
- Battery: Lithium iron phosphate
- Life cycle: 3500+ life cycles to 80%
- Outlets: 16
- Expandable up to 6,144Wh with 2×B230, or 8,192Wh with 2×B300
- 7 ways to recharge (AC/Solar/Car/Generator/Lead Battery/Dual AC/AC+Solar)
- 1400W fast dual charging (Solar + AC Adapter)
- Smart control and monitor in BLUETTI App
Visit their website for more information.
2. VIGORPOOL Captain 1200
Capacity
Alone, the solar generator has a capacity of 1280Wh.
Scalability
You can connect two Captain 1200 portable solar generators in simultaneously to increase your power and capacity. You get a battery capacity of 2560Wh and a maximum output power of 2400W from this.
Input
The power station offers quick solar charging of up to 400W. The device can be fully charged in 90 minutes thanks to its dual rapid charging capabilities.
Continuous Output
The solar generator has a continuous power output of 2400W.
Output Ports
The power station has 12 outlets for plugging in appliances and other devices, but the Captain 1200’s X-factor is its wireless charging feature, which enables you to charge any item that supports wireless charging while freeing up the other outlets.
Connectivity
The solar-powered generator is linked to an app that lets you manage, tweak, and keep an eye on your energy usage from any location at any time.
Life Cycle
The lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery in the VIGORPOOL Captain 1200 solar generator maintains 80% of its original health after 3500 full charge cycles.
Safety
The battery management system (BMS) comprises seven layers of security: high/low temperature protection, short circuit protection, overload protection, overcharge/discharge protection, and overload protection.
Uninterruptible power supply
The power station’s quick switchover time of less than 10ms enables linked devices to continue operating even when incoming power is disrupted.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 2560Wh
- Solar input: 400W
- Continuous output: 2400W
- Battery: Lithium iron phosphate
- Life cycle: 3500 life cycles to 80%
- Outlets: 12
- Over Charge/Discharge Protection, Overload Protection, Short Circuit Protection, High Current Protection and High/Low-Temperature Protection
- Smart App Control
Visit their website for more information.
3. Jackery Explorer 1500
Capacity
The Jackery Explorer 1500 solar generator offers huge 1534Wh capacities and 1800W AC outputs.
Scalability
The solar power station is not scalable.
Input
Up to 400W of solar input power can be supported by the solar power station. Utilizing the Solarpeak Technology, which can identify, monitor, and maximise the greatest available input to boost 30% more recharging efficiency, you can upgrade the Explorer to a Solar Generator 1500 with 4 SolarSaga 100 solar panels to reduce the charging time to 4 hours (0-80%) under direct full sun.
Continuous Output
The Jackery solar generator provides a continuous output of 1800W.
Output Ports
7 devices can be powered by this power station simultaneously. A variety of outlets are included with the portable generator so you may live comfortably outside or get some relief from the power outage. A vehicle outlet, an AC outlet, and USB-C and USB-A ports are among them.
Connectivity
The portable power station has no connectivity feature.
Life Cycle
The battery capacity degrades to 80% after 500 life cycles.
Safety
The BMS offers heat protection, short-current protection, over-discharge protection, over-charge protection, over-voltage protection, and over-current protection in terms of safety.
This system will keep track of the health of each individual cell and battery pack, protecting the system and battery safety level while extending battery life.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 1534Wh
- Solar input: 400W
- Continuous output: 1800W
- Battery: Lithium ion
- Life cycle: 500 life cycles to 80%
- Outlets: 7
Visit their website for more information.
4. EcoFlow DELTA
Capacity
The EcoFlow DELTA packs a 1200Wh capacity.
Scalability
The solar generator cannot be extended.
Input
The solar generator offers solar charging of up to 400W. Utilizing X-Stream charging technology, which EcoFlow claims to be the quickest portable power station charging technology in the world, it charges from 0% to 80% in under 1.6 hours.
It can be charged in as little as 3.5 hours by connecting up to three 160W solar panels.
Continuous Output
Its continuous output is 1800W.
Output Ports
There are 13 AC outlets to power your devices.
Connectivity
The solar generator does not support app control.
Life Cycle
The battery capacity degrades to 80% after 800 life cycles.
Safety
The DELTA battery management system has a demonstrated track record in difficult settings, real-time controlling current, voltage, and temperature.
Uninterruptible power supply
DELTA automatically enters standby mode when used as an emergency power source during a blackout and gives you electricity in less than 30 milliseconds.
The power station must be in standby mode in order to use this capability.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 1200Wh
- Solar input: 400W
- Continuous output: 1800W
- Battery: Lithium ion
- Life cycle: 800 life cycles to 80%
- Outlets: 13
Visit their website for more information.
5. Goal Zero Yeti 1500X
Capacity
The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X equips you with 1,516 watt hours of clean, portable power.
Scalability
The solar generator cannot be extended.
Input
The Yeti 1500X can receive a full recharge from the wall-mounted 600W power source in 3 hours. It can fully recharge in 6 to 12 hours of sunlight when used in conjunction with the Goal Zero Ranger 300 Briefcase solar panel.
Continuous Output
You can confidently use power-hungry appliances and devices thanks to its 2000W AC inverter.
Output Ports
The solar generator includes 7 various port options, including two 120V AC connections, several USB-A ports, regulated 12V, and fast-charging 60W USB-C Power Delivery.
Connectivity
With the Yeti App 3.0, you can remotely regulate power in and out, get notifications about current power usage, and set up charging profiles to maximise battery life.
Life Cycle
The battery capacity degrades to 80% after 500 life cycles.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 1516Wh
- Solar input: 1200W
- Continuous output: 2000W
- Battery: Lithium ion
- Life cycle: 500 life cycles to 80%
- Outlets: 7
Visit their website for more information.
Common Household Appliances Power Consumption (Maximum)
Incandescent light bulb: 100W
32 inch LED TV: 60W
Air fryer: 1500W
Coffee maker: 1400W
Dishwasher: 1500W
Electric kettle: 3000W
Electric stove: 2000W
Fridge / freezer: 220W
Home air conditioner: 4000W
LED light bulb: 10W
Phone charger: 7W
Table fan: 25W
Wall fan: 60W
Washing machine: 500W
Summary
If keeping your connection and saving money are important to you, solar generators are without a doubt worthwhile. They provide a safe, sustainable alternative for when you need your devices and appliances the most—during a blackout, when going off the grid, or when you’re out of the way. Since they don’t rely on grid electricity, they reduce your utility costs.
Solar generators are becoming more and more common because of their effectiveness, efficiency, and adaptability. Solar generators are a practical way for you to reduce your carbon footprint because they only use renewable green energy that creates no CO2.
We hope that this advice will assist you in finding the best solar generator for your requirements.