Top Overall Pick
Goal Zero Yeti 400
Premium Choice
MAXOAK BLUETTI EB150
Best Value
EF Ecoflow RIVER370B
Solar power is clean, green, and entirely sustainable.
Do you need a secondary power supply at home to cope with regular power outages?
Perhaps you’re looking for backup power when you’re camping or heading out in the RV?
Whatever your energy needs, finding the best solar generator is a fantastic solution, even if you’re off-the-grid, miles from anywhere.
Not only can you do your part for the environment, but the energy won’t cost you anything. What could be better?!
We’ll highlight 10 of the finest solar generators on the market today.
Contents
- Our Favorite Solar Generators on the Market
- 10 Best Solar Generators - Reviews
- 1. Goal Zero Yeti 400 Solar Generator - Best Overall Pick
- 2. EF Ecoflow RIVER370B Solar Generator - Best for the Money
- 3. MAXOAK BLUETTI EB150 Solar Generator - Premium Choice
- 4. Sungzu SKA1000 Solar Generator
- 5. Jackery Explorer 500 Solar Generator
- 6. nrgGo 400 Solar Generator
- 7. Kyng Power 540Wh Solar Generator
- 8. SUAOKI G500 Solar Generator
- 9. Renogy Phoenix 246.24Wh 150W Solar Generator
- 10. Kalisaya KP401 Solar Generator
- Final Verdict: Our Overall Winner
- Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Solar Generator the Easy Way
Our Favorite Solar Generators on the Market
10 Best Solar Generators - Reviews
1. Goal Zero Yeti 400 Solar Generator - Best Overall Pick
Key Features
This iteration of the Goal Zero Yeti 400 packs a 400Wh lithium-ion battery. An alternate version comes with a lead-acid batteries, but we prefer this model by some distance.
With Goal Zero Yeti portable solar generator, you can simultaneously power up to seven of your phones, tablets, laptops, or other devices. Whether you’re out camping, on the road in the RV, or you’ve got a power outage at home, the Goal Zero Yeti ensures you’ll always have some juice on tap.
The intuitive LCD of Goal Zero lets you see all key metrics at a glance. From power input and output through to runtime, the operation is extremely user-friendly for this portable solar.
If you want an alternative power source that doesn’t belch out fumes or create an infernal noise, this is our overall pick for the best solar generator.
Pros
Cons
2. EF Ecoflow RIVER370B Solar Generator - Best for the Money
Key Features
Besides raw value for the money for this portable solar generator, the leading advantage of the EF Ecoflow is its swift charging time. If you hook up a pair of 100-watt solar panels, you’ll hit 90 percent in three hours or so. This charging time extends to seven hours if you use a 45-watt input.
Whether you want to keep your phone and laptop topped off when you’re camping, or you need to power lights or a mini-fridge, you’ll be able to charge nine devices at the same time.
You could run lights for more than 100 hours or benefit from 30 smartphone charges with this portable solar. Considering the tiny footprint, you’re getting a great deal of firepower per square inch.
Thanks to flow-through charging, you’ll still get output when you’re charging your generator with a solar panel. Versatile, straightforward to navigate, and keenly priced, the EF Ecoflow River delivers exceptional value without compromising quality.
Pros
Cons
3. MAXOAK BLUETTI EB150 Solar Generator - Premium Choice
Key Features
The Maxoak Bluetti is the ideal device if you want to harness the sun’s rays and make use of sustainable energy. This is a lightweight but deceptively powerful solar generator for running intensive appliances at home, on the campsite, or out on the road in the RV.
You can run a fan or fridge all night long or watch TV most of the day. Blenders, drills, and similar devices present no problem for the Bluetti. The 101 Ah battery has a 1,500 Wh capacity with 1,000 watts of pure sine-wave inverter power.
This powerhouse runs up to eight devices at the same time and takes about four hours for recharging with solar panel. (These don't come with the solar powered generator.)
For all-day use with big power devices to 1,000 watts, the Bluetti might not be cheap, but it’s a great option if you have deep pockets and exacting tastes.
Pros
Cons
4. Sungzu SKA1000 Solar Generator
Key Features
At the midpoint of our solar generator reviews, the Sungzu portable power station works well as a battery back-up for home or outdoor activities.
You’ll be all set to charge pretty much any electronic device or appliance rated at less than 1,000W.
A range of inbuilt safety mechanisms keep you protected against overheating and overcharging.
The high battery capacity can run lights for 30 hours and recharge your phone, tablet, and laptop repeatedly.
Pros
Cons
5. Jackery Explorer 500 Solar Generator
Key Features
The squat and lightweight Jackery Explorer 500 gives you emergency power back-up in a portable footprint, perfect for camping or heading out on the road in the RV.
This lithium-ion battery can charge your phone, laptop, and camera several times on the bounce, so you need never run out of juice.
If you want to hook the Explorer up to solar panels, you need at least 14 to 16 hours to impart a full charge.
The dinky Explorer does not support devices rated at more than 500W, so be sure you’re clear about that before committing to purchase.
Pros
Cons
6. nrgGo 400 Solar Generator
Key Features
The nrgGo 400 is a highly portable solar generator that makes a great addition to your camping kit and acts as an emergency back-up if you have a power outage at home.
As with most of the models in these solar generator reviews, you must make separate provision for the solar panels, also produced by nrgGO.
The inverter means you can use common household appliances, even if the power is down. Whether you’re at home during an outage, on the camping trail, or heading on a lengthy RV journey, the nrgGO ensures you experience no service interruptions.
Pros
Cons
7. Kyng Power 540Wh Solar Generator
Key Features
The Kyng Power is another highly portable solution to keep things ablaze when the power goes down.
You’ll get three DC outlets and four USB charge ports, along with a pair of AC outlet operating on a pure sine wave, which allows you to boost up to nine devices at the same time.
Kyng throws in some solar charging cables free of charge. But you will need to buy the panels separately. With a standard-issue one-year warranty, you can buy this unit with complete peace of mind.
Pros
Cons
8. SUAOKI G500 Solar Generator
Key Features
Suaoki features a reasonable range of solar generators, and this portable model is great if you need emergency back-up power when you’re on the road. Since this model kicks out very little noise, you could easily use it indoors, too.
You can see all the data you need – including battery consumption levels and the state of charge or discharge – on the display.
As with most of the generators we have highlighted today, you’ll need to invest in solar charging panels separately if you want clean, sustainable backup power supply.
The two-year warranty is lengthier than what most of the competition offers.
Pros
Cons
9. Renogy Phoenix 246.24Wh 150W Solar Generator
Key Features
As we reach the end of our solar generator reviews, we’ve got another all-in-one unit for you. Arguably the best portable solar generator kit, the Renogy Phoenix is perfect for outdoor applications and off-grid living.
You get 20W of total solar power from a pair of 10W panels built right into the suitcase. Despite containing everything you need for power on the go, the kit tips the scales at just 13 pounds.
If you want to build out your kit further, you can add up to 100W of additional solar panels, minimizing your dependence on grids.
For an all-in-one kit from a brand you can trust, the Renogy Phoenix is the optimum outdoor companion.
Pros
Cons
10. Kalisaya KP401 Solar Generator
Key Features
The Kalisaya is an all-in-one bundle, giving you a charging device with a single solar panel included. Our solar generator reviews deliberately include an array of models with and without panels because many people like to choose their own panels or already have some in place.
This model differentiates itself from much of the competition with its remote access. You can control and monitor your power source from a distance with a free app on your smartphone for remote control.
Despite offering such heavyweight performance, the KP401 weighs in at just 13 pounds, which helps make the Kalisaya a strong candidate for the best portable solar generator for camping trips.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict: Our Overall Winner
Goal Zero Yeti 400
With so many strong generators glutting the market, choosing an overall winner was tough.
Despite stiff competition from Renogy and Kalisaya, we stand with our selection of Goal Zero 400 as the best solar generator. You’ll need to budget for the solar panels because they don’t come with the generator. Hitting the perfect sweet spot of price, performance, and build quality, the Goal Zero Yeti delivers across-the-board.
So, don’t get caught in the dark next time you experience a power outage at home or on the road. Invest in the best portable solar generator, and you’ll never be without power again.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Solar Generator the Easy Way
After we drill down on individual solar generator reviews, we want to provide you with some simple guidance to streamline your buying decision.
Focus on the following areas when you’re looking for the perfect solar powered generator:
Capacity Counts
The capacity of a solar battery is the total amount of energy it can store. This measurement alone doesn’t indicate how much power supply it can provide, though.
Focus on the rating expressed in Wh (watt-hours) because this will tell you whether you have enough capacity for your needs.
If you’re looking for a backup power source at home, be sure the generator you choose can cope with the type of appliances you want to power. Check that Wh rating to be sure.
Trickle charging allows you to charge the battery while it’s in use and typically is found only on the better solar generators. In our review below, we’ve highlighted those that allow for trickle charging.
If your battery calls for less than eight hours to recharge, a regular portable generator equipped with trickle charging should give you unbroken power. The generator should replenish itself with ease on sun power alone.
What Is a Power Inverter Rating?
A power inverter converts the DC (direct electrical current) coming from your solar panels into the AC (alternating current) your appliances need.
The watt rating on an inverter expresses the maximum power it can handle.
Most of the better solar generators come with pure sine wave inverters. These are more efficient if you want to power CPAP machines, microwaves, and TVs. They also cost significantly more.
Think carefully about your intended use and check that the power inverter rating is correspondingly high.
Design and Portability
Most people who are looking for a solar powered generator prize portability. After all, you're likely to be using this piece of the kit when you’re out and about.
Many of the best solar generators come in a suitcase or briefcase, while others have a simple carrying handle atop the battery.
We have avoided outlining the larger kits with higher energy outputs today. While you’ll get plenty more power, these are not at all portable. The generators in these solar generator reviews are all ideal for use on-the-go.
All-In-One Kit or Components?
You can buy solar generators with everything you need included, though many people find these a little more restrictive than they’d like.
Instead, we’re focusing today primarily on batteries that allow you to attach separate solar panels. You’ll be able to upgrade these set-ups as you go, and you can also repair or replace individual components.
There’s no right or wrong choice here, so be sure you buy in line with your specific needs.
It's All About Convenience
Keep your eyes peeled for the following features, which will all make your life easier:
- AC outlet
- USB port
- Expandability: Can you add more solar panels?
- Replaceable batteries
- LCD (liquid-crystal display)
The Main Types of Solar Panels
The production of solar energy gets rated in watts.
Watt rating x hours of daily sun exposure = the total number of watts produced.
You’ll typically find three varieties of solar panels:
- Monocrystalline panels
- Polycrystalline panels
- Thin-film panels
Monocrystalline Panels
These are the most common type of solar panels. They’re also the most expensive.
Made from single-crystal silicon wafers, monocrystalline panels are more efficient than the other types if you can weather the cost.
Polycrystalline Panels
Polycrystalline panels are fashioned from fragments of melted silicon and are not quite as efficient as monocrystalline alternatives. But they’ll do less damage to your wallet.
Thin-film Panels
These amorphous crystal panels usually are not used on portable units because they require twice the footprint and run relatively inefficiently.
Think about the Charge Controller
A charge controller regulates the current coming from the solar panels so that the battery won't overcharge.
Basic controllers sever the connection as soon as you reach maximum voltage. Although reasonably reliable, this type of controller is inefficient.
Instead, look for a model that uses MPPT (maximum power point tracking), so it handles flow better, and you extract the most from your system.
What Should You Avoid When Shopping for Solar Generators?
Equally as important as knowing what to watch for is knowing what to avoid.
Disregard any generator that doesn’t have entirely waterproof components.
A generator with a short warranty typically suggests that the build quality will be lacking. If a brand can’t stand behind its product, there’s usually a good reason for it.
It’s worth thinking twice about proprietary systems, too. Today, we’re drawing primarily on networks that you can build yourself using a wide range of accessories & add-ons for solar panels. This approach gives you a great deal more flexibility than being locked into an all-in-one system that might be restrictive.
