TopPro10There are many reasons to own a solar generator. From providing energy during emergencies, to having a clean and green power system for your camping or any other adventure. Solar generators are very much beloved in eco-friendly circles, but their complexity makes them a little difficult to understand. This top 10 solar generators review for 2017 is aimed at providing you with a buying guide, explaining the important aspects of such a generator, and a list of the top generators for this year.
Contents
- 10. Suaoki 400Wh Portable Solar Generator with 300W Inverter
- 9. Wagan Solar Power Cube Solar Generator
- 8. Humless 2x 130 Watt Portable Solar Generator
- 7. HomeGrid 5000HD Heavy-duty Portable Solar System
- 6. Rocky Mountain Radar Rocky 750 Portable Solar Generator
- 5. Ascent Solar Y1200 Solar Generator
- 4. Kisae 40400 1,800-Watt Solar Generator
- 3. Be Prepared Solar 2,500 Watt Solar Generator
- 2. Nature Power 1,800-Watt PowerPak Portable Solar Generator
- 1. Goal Zero 1,250Wh Yeti Portable Solar Generator
Solar Generator Buying Guide
A solar generator is basically a high-tech gadget made from a combination of technologies. In order to get the right generator that will fit your needs, you need to pay attention to the following features:
– Power Rating in Watts
There are 2 areas to pay attention to here. The first is the power rating of the solar panel or panels. The second is the power rating of the inverter. The solar cells convert light energy into electricity, so the size of your panels determine how much power you can generate from the sun. The inverter is an electronic device that converts Direct Current (DC) into Alternating Current (AC), which you can run your home appliances with. Its power rating determines how many appliances you can run at once.
– Battery Capacity
This refers to how much energy that can be stored in the generator’s battery. Battery capacity is usually measured in kWh, which refers to the amount of electric energy needed to run a 1-kilowatt appliance for 1 hour. The higher the kWh rating of a battery, the better it is. If the battery is a lead-acid battery, then a deep-cycle type is recommended for long life.
– Portability
There are many different types of solar power generators based on their portability. There are the compact types, which are perfect for traveling and camping. There are smaller devices, designed for charging appliances, and expandable systems that can grow with your needs.
– Components & Extras
Different solar generator firms offer different extras. These include USB ports, DC and AC ports, plug-and-play functionality, and a chaining system for hooking up multiple batteries together.
10. Suaoki 400Wh Portable Solar Generator with 300W Inverter
- Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.5 x 9.1 inches
- Item Weight: 12.3 pounds
This solar charger system comes with a solar panel for charging, but it can also be charged using a mains AC socket and a 12 or 24Volt vehicle power supply. It offers 4 USB outputs to charge electronic devices, a 300 Watt pure sine AC inverter for home appliances, plus a DC port for a wide range of uses. Its battery management system prevents the system from overloading by peaking usage at 444Wh. This solar generator is very portable and can be used for a wide variety of activities. It is additionally backed by an 18-month warranty.
- Pros: 3 charging methods, AC, DC and USB outputs, system protection, 18-month warranty.
- Cons: N/A
9. Wagan Solar Power Cube Solar Generator
- Product Dimensions: 21.2 x 15.5 x 20.9 inches
- Item Weight: 122 pounds
The Wagan Power Cube is designed for both efficiency and portability. Featuring its very own wheels, the entire solar generator can be easily transported like a suitcase. It has 5 solar panels integrated into it, generating a total of 80 Watts. It can also be charged via an AC outlet or a car DC power source. Its battery is a 100Ah hybrid AGM/gel battery, and it provides 2x AC outlets, 2x DC outlets and 2x USB ports. This system is also expandable with more panels and batteries, and it is supported by a 2-year warranty.
- Pros: Lovely design, 1,500Watts inverter, 80 Watts solar panel, 2 USB ports, AC and DC.
- Cons: A little expensive.
8. Humless 2x 130 Watt Portable Solar Generator
- Product Dimensions: 8.85″ x 8.85″ x 14″
- Item Weight: 34.5 lbs
Featuring 2x 130 Watt solar panels, this Humless solar generator is designed with the best of eco-friendly technology. The solar panels can be folded, the system stores energy using advanced lithium technology, and the generator is encased in a metal shell. There are 4 USB ports, AC and DC outlet, and in addition to solar panels, the system can also be charged using the mains AC or a vehicle DC outlet. Humless offers a money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty for this generator.
- Pros: 2 foldable solar panels, lithium battery, 1-year warranty.
- Cons: Not very portable.
7. HomeGrid 5000HD Heavy-duty Portable Solar System
- Product Dimensions: 16 x 20 x 43 inches
- Item Weight: N/A
With up to 5,000 Watts of the power supply, this portable solar generator can deliver enough power for most homes. It features 400-Watt solar panels, a 3.7 kWh deep cycle battery, 120V and 240V AC power. This system comes in a heavy-duty welded steel frame with a durable protective coating. This machine can handle up to 20,000 Watts of the power surge, and is the ultimate portable solar generator.
- Pros: 5,000 Watts high power output, 3.7kWh deep cycle battery, steel construction.
- Cons: Expensive, but should be worth it.
6. Rocky Mountain Radar Rocky 750 Portable Solar Generator
- Product Dimensions: 13.7 x 11.2 x 6.3 inches
- Item Weight: 15.4 pounds
This Rocky Mountain Radar generator is designed to provide a portable and rugged power supply system, able to withstand even the harshest of conditions. It holds up to 750Wh of energy, it is relatively lightweight, and comes with an LED flashlight with many functions. There are 3x USB ports, 2x DC ports and 2x AC ports. The entire device measures 13.7 x 11.2 x 6.3 inches and weighs just 15.4 lbs.
- Pros: Portable design, 750Wh battery, 1,200 Watts power, 17% discount
- Cons: No solar panel included.
Click here for Top 10 Best Solar Charging Power Banks Reviews in 2022
5. Ascent Solar Y1200 Solar Generator
- Product Dimensions: 18.5 x 14.1 x 14.2 inches
- Item Weight: 47 pounds
Ascent Solar Y1200 is a small and very lightweight solar generator, designed to charge and power electronics on a larger scale. It offers 12V and 19V DC power outlets, 2x USB ports, and an AC outlet. Multiple devices can also be charged simultaneously. The Y1200 weighs just 42 lbs., making it one of the lightest solar generators in its class.
- Pros: 1,200Wh lithium ion battery, comparatively lighter, multiple inputs and outputs.
- Cons: N/A
4. Kisae 40400 1,800-Watt Solar Generator
- Product Dimensions: 25 x 21 x 2 inches
- Item Weight: 10.5 pounds
Weighing just 10 lbs., Kisae’s solar generator can deliver up to 1,800 Watts of electric power through 4 AC outlets. Unlike other products that offer extras like USB and multiple DC outlets, this solar generator offers just AC outlets. Charging can be done using a mains AC outlet, or with the solar panel that comes with the package. This solar panel includes a 35-ft. connection cable, and a power output of 40 Watts. The system is also expandable with up to 130-Watt solar panels per battery, and as many battery modules as needed.
- Pros: Expandable system, 60 Ah battery, 40-Watt solar panel
- Cons: Offers only AC outlets
3. Be Prepared Solar 2,500 Watt Solar Generator
- Product Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 18 inches
- Item Weight: 25 pounds
This solar generator is designed and packaged into a heavy-duty casing and transportation system. It comes with all-terrain wheels, weather-protected outlets and display. In addition to its sturdy build, this solar generator also provides up to 2,500 Watts of continuous power, with a peak of up to 5,000 Watts. It includes 2 solar panels for charging, a USB, 12V and 24V DC sockets, as well as a voltmeter. The main system is backed by a 1-year warranty, while the panels are backed by a 25-year warranty.
- Pros: High powered inverter, 200 Watt solar panels included, includes multiple outlets
- Cons: N/A
2. Nature Power 1,800-Watt PowerPak Portable Solar Generator
- Product Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 9.5 inches
- Item Weight: 76 pounds
The PowerPak from Nature Power is a 1,800-Watt solar generator compactly designed like a luggage. It includes a single 90-Watt solar panel, plus a 1.5-Watt solar panel for battery maintenance, when the system is not in use. There is a digital display to show power statistics. The system can be charged using the included solar panel or an AC outlet. It provides 2x USB ports, 6x AC outlets and a DC outlets.
- Pros: Portable luggage-style design, 6x AC outlets, digital display, 1,800 Watts power
- Cons: N/A
1. Goal Zero 1,250Wh Yeti Portable Solar Generator
- Product Dimensions: 16 x 14.5 x 11.5 inches
- Item Weight: 103 pounds
Goal Zero’s Yeti features a 1,250Wh lead acid battery to provide portable power anywhere. It can power up to 10 devices simultaneously. There are 3x USB ports, a 12V DC and 3x AC outlets. The generator is compact, rugged and integrates a luggage roller. This system can be recharged using solar, mains AC and DC power from a vehicle. It can additionally be chained with other 100Ah batteries to extend its power delivery time-frame.
- Pros: 1,250Wh of lead acid battery power, 1500W surge power, chainable with other batteries.
- Cons: No solar panel included, but it can be added cheaply.
We have come to the end of our top 10 solar generators review. You have seen the different designs, features, capacities and prices. It is now your turn to make a choice, and although we provided you with our number #1 pick, it’s good to know that any of these top 10 solar generators is still a great buy.
Being one the cleanest form of energy in the world, there is absolutely no reason as to why you should not use solar power. Solar power helps to reduce carbon emissions and can also reduce your electricity bills. In case you own a solar powered generator, you can use it as a source of power on any appliance that uses electricity. However, you have to find the number of watts that these appliances need for you to decide on the right one. You also need to consider the cost of your generator. Selecting the right solar power generator does not only save your money but it also offers you a good experience and a long working life. Below are top 10 best solar generators reviews in 2022.
1800 Watt Solar Generator
With the 1800 Watts Solar Generator Complete with two-100 AH Batteries, you’ll never have to be worried about power outages again. This solar powered generator is the perfect power solution for hunting lodges, remote cabins and even when you just want to stop giving away your hard earned cash to the electric company. The generator can run all your essential electrical devices and it also has room for expansion with an option for doubling the backup power capacity. The solar generator system includes: an inverter, 30 amp charge controller, (2) 100 Ah Sealed Lead Acid Batteries, battery storage and cabling to provide the system which can be used for back-up household power in case of an emergency.
Goal Zero Yeti 400
This solar power generator has a capacity of 300 watts. It also features a Nomad 20 watt solar panel. However, it is wise that you get at least 2 of these portable solar generator panels if you choose to acquire Goal Zero Yeti 400. This generator weighs 29 pounds which makes a bit heavy, but features a nice handle which makes it easy to transport. It generates 300 watts which you can use to power your CPAP machines and TV. It features two USB, two AC and three 12V outlets. Goal Zero Yeti 400solar generator is perfect for camping as it is easily portable. It also charges very fast and it is suitable for basic things that you need from a generator while camping.
Go Power! Solar Extreme Complete Solar and Inverter System
This Solar powered generator is very quiet even at the peak of its operation thus making camping trips very convenient by removing the noise and disturbance of the traditional generator that was fuel-powered. You can take this generator in your car or home without having to worry about emissions or heavy equipment.
OG 110 Solar Power Generator
This is a heavy-duty solar generator form OG Solar. If you’re in search for one of the top solar generators out there, then this model is indeed an ideal pick for you. The generator provides 12 V, 400 Watts and 75 amp hours of power. This power is stored its One Dry Cell battery. At $805, this generator is reasonably priced considering its high performance. OG 110 Solar Power Generator is an amazing choice for both camping and households. It’s also ideal for emergency preparedness and daily use for apartment.
KISAE Nature 40402 1800W Generator
KISAE Nature 40402 1800W Generator is a complete solar powered generator system that offers 1800W of power. The generator has a total of 4 AC outlets for increased convenience and also for easy accessibility of the power. It has the transfer switch that’s integrated into this generator’s design, but is very easy to use.
If you need huge amounts of power you can buy auxiliary batteries and additional solar panels so as to have a relatively big system that acts as an emergency backup generator that does not rely on fuel source apart from the sun.
Aspect Solar Sun Tracker’s Solar Generator
AspectSolar Sun Tracker generates 200W of solar power. This system takes a little while so as to be capable of charging the 250 Watts battery that is featured. This means that you’re not going to power any appliance that needs huge amounts of power such as microwaves, refrigerators or the hair dryers.
Aspect Solar generator automatically tracks the position of the sun thus ensuring that you will always get the maximum power in your battery.
Wagan EL 2546 Solar e Cube 1500
This solar generator features the highest number of solar panels as it has 5. It also has the ability to plug in additional solar panels in order to increase the total watts that are produced. Each built-in panel produces 16 Watts of energy. It has an AC inverter which can provide a maximum of 1500 watts.
There are two AC outlets, which you can use to charge a different types of appliances. It also has two USB ports for your electronic gadgets like iPads, iPhones and mp3 players.
Goal Zero 23000 Yeti
This is a compact unit that is able to power televisions, mobile devices, lights, CPAP machines, and some small devices. It features one 1.5 amp USB port, one 12V outlet for plugging your devices into, and one built-in 300-watt power inverter, which is responsible for converting the solar energy into AC electricity.
The generator can be charged from the sun or through a wall outlet or car charger. You can also plug in the Nomad solar panels so as to increase the charge capacity. Connecting the Nomad panels to the unit is simple.
Solar Generator Plug N Play
Solar Generator Plug N Play is flexible for different tasks. It features a 25ft wire which makes it easy for use to use the generator when it is far from solar panels. This helps you to avoid waiting for the battery to be fully charged before you can move it from the panel.
The kit features one 30 watt polycrystalline panel can be plugged directly into the charge box. The generator is very light and also has a comfortable handle. Tit has convenient gauges which make it easy for you to see what’s going on as far as power levels and electricity usage are concerned.
Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Generator
This is the strongest solar generator that is available in Goal Zero’s Yeti line. The Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Generator is a bit larger as compared to the others. With this generator you get more wattage for you to work with. It features 2 Boulder 30 solar panels that when combined they can fully charge the Yeti 1250 in 24 hours.
The generator is expandable which means that you can add more solar panels so as to decrease the time that it normally takes for it to be fully charged. You can also plug it into a wall outlet or a car charger when the sun or solar panels are not present.
Conclusion
The solar energy generator is free, clean and also very quiet. You can substitute any of your power supplies with any of the solar generators that are listed above as they’re much better than the standard fuel generators. You can be assured to get as much free energy as you want as long as you have a solar powered generator.