If you live in an area prone to power outages due to storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, or a remote area off the grid, having a solar generator can be very valuable. Either as a back-up power source or as the main power source for an off-grid property, having the best solar generator at your disposal means an effective power source that harnesses solar power.
In this article, we’re going to review the following Solar Generators.
- Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Ki
- Jackery Portable Power Station Generator
- Goal Zero Yeti Power Station
- Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Lithium Portable Power Station
- Portable Solar Generator with Solar Panel
Are you in a Hurry? Or you don’t feel like reading? We recommend the Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Kit as Our Pick.
What is a Solar Generator?
A solar generator is a compact electrical box with three main components: batteries, charge controller, and an inverter. The generators operate by drawing energy from the sun through its solar panels and storing it in a high-capacity battery. The stored energy is then released through the inverter and used to power a number of devices, such as home appliances, lights, phones, and more.
Solar-power generators are increasing in popularity as those concerned with the effects of diesel and gas-powered generators have an appealing alternative. Solar generators don’t release harmful emissions into the air as they are reliant upon renewable energy.
Factors to Consider When Shopping for the Best Solar Generator
When it comes time to shop for a solar generator, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the options on the market. Understanding some of the most important factors that determine a solar generator’s efficacy and whether it suits your needs is a good place to start, and those factors include battery capacity, inverter rating, and portability.
Battery Capacity
Battery storage capacity is an important solar generator feature because the higher the capacity, the longer the generator can power your devices before it needs to be recharged. In short, look for a solar generator with the highest possible battery capacity that fits within your budget.
Inverter Rating
Solar generators with low inverter ratings mean they might not be able to power high-wattage appliances and devices. Make sure you have checked the wattage of the items you want to use your solar generator with and the generator’s inverter rating to ensure they are compatible.
Some solar generators come with inverter chargers, and this means they can get battery power from sources other than the solar panels. These types of generators are good if you are wanting to power high-wattage appliances and devices.
Portability
Some generators are designed to be portable, so if you are wanting a solar generator you can move around easily, be sure to choose a unity that is lightweight and has carrying handles.
Benefits of Using a Solar Power Generator:
- The power source for no-grid power locations
- Constant power supply, despite outages
- Don’t release harmful emissions
- Very quiet so can be kept indoors
- Require little to no maintenance
- Peace of mind
Following are 5 Favourable Solar Generators Worth Considering:
Our Pick: Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Kit
With Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Panel
The Goal Zero Yeti is a complete solar generator kit including the 1250 portable power station, Boulder 100 solar panel, cord, kickstand, roll cart and wall charger. This is a great option for someone getting started on their solar-generator journey as it comes with everything you need.
The 2150Wh lead-acid battery is capable of powering up to 10 devices at a time (100Ah @ 12V) with constant 1200W wave inverter. It features 4 USB ports, 2 120W 12V ports, and it is compatible with other 100Ah lead-aside batteries to enable longer run times.
What we like:
- The kit comes with everything you need
- 1250 Wh lead-acid battery
- Portable
- Carrying handles
- Lightweight
- Can power up to 10 devices at a time
What we don’t like:
- Users report for a ‘portable’ unit, it’s quite heavy
- Can’t power high-wattage appliances like a fridge
Runner Up: Jackery Portable Power Station Generator
The AIMTOM230 Wh portable power station is essential for camping and outdoor pursuits. It is compact, lightweight, and runs quietly. It gives you 230Wh of rechargeable power at your fingertips while you are on the go.
It features a 110V AC outlet capable of powering appliances up to 200W, a 12V 120W DC cigarette lighter socket for powering laptops, televisions, CPAP. It has 3 5V USB ports and 1 60W PD port for smartphones, iPads, Bluetooth speaker and MP3 players.
With an AC wall outlet, the car cigarette lighter socket, solar panels, or the PD port, you can recharge your generator up to 40-percent faster than other units. It is designed to generate pure sine wave AC power to protect your gadgets.
What we like:
- Faster charge time
- Portable power station
- Compact and lightweight
- Runs quietly
- 110V AC outlet can power appliances up to 200 Watts
- Comes with car charger, solar panels, PD port for charging
- Generates pure sine wave AC power
- 230Wh of rechargeable power
What we don’t like:
- Price
Also Great: Goal Zero Yeti Power Station
The Goal Zero 22004 Yeti 150 solar generator is capable of powering smaller appliances and devices such as laptops, lights, and phones via its built-in AC inverter.
It has a stackable design and pop-up handle for portability and can quickly be recharged from a wall outlet, car, or the sun. Additional features include 2 Ampere USB outlets, 12-Volt output, and 80 Watts AC inverter included.
What we like:
- Portable
- Carrying handle
- Can power small appliances
- 2 USB outlets
- 12-Volt output
- 80 Watts AC inverter included
- Easily recharged
What we don’t like:
- Doesn’t come with a car or solar charger
- Not capable of power larger high-wattage appliances
Also Great: Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Lithium Portable Power Station
The Goal Zero Yeti 3000 features high-quality outputs such as patented AC and 60W USB-C power-delivery ports. There are 10 ports to choose from so you can power multiple devices and appliances at a time.
It has higher-surge capabilities for powering higher-wattage appliances. It can easily power laptops and doubles as a WiFi-connected power station. Thanks to the WiFi connectivity, you can connect any Yeti through the WiFi router and control it remotely via the impressive Goal Zero Yeti app. You can turn the ports on or off, check the battery status, and more.
This generator charges 40-percent faster than other units thanks to its MPPT pre-installed solar charging optimization module. It has wheels and a handle. The mobility kit is pre-installed and can easily be removed when necessary.
The lithium battery is known for stability, reliability, and is monitored by a battery management system that guards against over-charging, over-current, or short-circuiting. The battery pack is fully enclosed so it is waterproof and kept safe from outdoor elements.
What we like:
- Wifi Connectivity
- Can be controlled remotely
- Multiple USB ports
- Can power higher-wattage appliances
- Removable mobility kit
- 40-percent faster charge time
- Lithium battery
- Battery-protected with a water-tight seal
What we don’t like:
- Price
- When the power is out, no network to connect to for operating it from a phone
On a Budget: Portable Solar Generator with Solar Panel
The Vipow portable generator is an ideal multi-capacity power station for camping and outdoor adventures. It features 42000mAh 155 Wh power station with 3 USB ports for charging phones, iPods, cameras, and much more, plus 3 DC ports. It also has a handy flashlight feature that can provide up to 125 hours of light.
This outdoor generator is compact, lightweight, and can even be carried in a backpack. Can easily be recharged by a solar panel, wall outlet, or 12V adapter. A car charger is included.
The generator can power DC devices of up to 180 Watts and numerous AC appliances. This generator is a great back-up power source.
What we like:
- 42000mAh 155 Wh power station
- 3 USB ports
- 3 DC ports
- Compact and lightweight
- Ideal for camping
- Easily rechargeable
- Can power DC devices up to 180 Watts
What we don’t like:
- Not capable of charging large appliances
- Not the fastest charge time
5 Additional Solar Generators to Consider
ALLPOWERS Portable Generator
SUAOKI Portable Generator
The SUAOKI 400Wh/120,000 mAh portable generator features a pure sine AC inverter. It has 2 DC ports, 4 USB ports, and is a durable and reliable power source. With a handy LCD screen to display charge status, you’ll never run out of juice unexpectedly.
Vorally Portable Generator Station
ENKEEO Portable Power Station 155Wh
This ENKEEO solar power generator features AC, DC, and USB outputs. This is a great power source for laptops, phones, and a number of other gadgets. It is a portable 155Wh power source that is ultra compact and lightweight. There is also a screen that displays output levels and battery level.
Grucore 280W Portable Power Station Generator
The Grucore 280W power station has an upgraded AC output of up to 280W of continuous power. It is an ideal source of emergency power backup with a 12V DC port, 2 USB ports and is ideal for powering small appliances. Can be fully charged via a car port or wall outlet in 8 hours.
Final Thoughts
Solar generators are a great alternative power source. They don’t harm the environment, run quietly, are low maintenance, use renewable energy, and many are portable. Our pick of the best solar generator roundup is the Goal Zero Yeti 1250 solar generator kit. It comes with everything you need to get started on your solar-generator journey. It has an impressive 2150Wh lead-acid battery that can power up to 10 devices at once. With 4 USB ports and 2 12V ports, your appliances can easily be charged and fully operational. This is a much more portable unit than many of its competitors and is capable of charging more items at a time than most other units. For those reasons, plus its portability, the Goal Zero Yeti 1250 solar generator kit is an ideal choice.