When the lights go out, a reliable power source becomes more than a convenience—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re facing a storm-induced blackout, a grid failure, or simply planning an off-grid adventure, a solar generator provides peace of mind and essential electricity. These quiet, fume-free units are a modern alternative to gas generators, storing energy from the sun or a wall outlet to run your critical devices.
Choosing the right one depends on your power needs, from charging phones to running a refrigerator. This roundup features a range of top-performing solar generators to help you stay powered through any emergency or outdoor excursion, ensuring you’re never left in the dark.
The Best Solar Generators for Reliable Backup Power
- Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station
- BLUETTI AC200PL Portable Power Station, 2304Wh Solar Generator
- EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station 3600Wh DELTA Pro
- Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station – Yeti 1500X
- BLUETTI B300K, 2764.8Wh LiFePO4 Battery Pack
- EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator RIVER 2 Pro 768Wh Portable Power Station
- 8ft AC Power Cord Replacement for Anker Powerhouse
- T POWER Battery Charger for Bluetti Portable Power Station
- Takki 300W Portable Solar Generator 240Wh Portable Power Station
- Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station
Balancing substantial power with a portable design, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is a versatile choice for emergencies and outdoor use. It boasts a 1,070Wh capacity and a 1,500W AC output with a 3,000W surge peak, capable of running appliances like AC units and refrigerators. Despite its power, it remains relatively lightweight at 23.8 lbs and features a convenient foldable handle for easy transport.
One of its standout features is the remarkably fast charging. With emergency charging activated via the Jackery App, it can go from 0% to 100% in just one hour. Engineered with advanced ChargeShield 2.0 technology, it charges safely and efficiently. For long-term value, its durable LiFePO4 battery maintains over 70% capacity after 4,000 charge cycles, offering a lifespan that exceeds 10 years.
BLUETTI AC200PL Portable Power Station
For those needing extensive power and expansion capabilities, the BLUETTI AC200PL is a formidable option. It starts with a substantial 2304Wh capacity and can be expanded up to a massive 8448Wh with additional batteries. This makes it ideal for prolonged power outages, RV trips, or as a home backup. It features a 48V RV port for easy charging and is highly compatible with solar panels for eco-friendly power replenishment.
Recharging is incredibly swift, taking only 60 minutes to reach 80% capacity with a max 2400W AC input. For solar charging, it supports up to 1200W input, allowing for a full charge in as little as 1.9 hours. Built with safety and longevity in mind, it utilizes stable LiFePO4 batteries rated for over 3,000 cycles and includes an advanced BMS to prevent overcharging and short circuits.
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA Pro
The EF ECOFLOW DELTA Pro is a high-capacity powerhouse designed for serious home backup and demanding applications. Its massive 3600Wh LFP battery capacity provides strong electrical storage, and with the use of extra batteries or a smart generator, it can expand to an incredible 25kWh. This unit may even qualify for a 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit, making it a smart investment for eligible homeowners.
Output flexibility is a key strength. A single unit delivers a 3600W AC output, expandable to 4500W with X-Boost technology. You can even pair two units to achieve 7200W, powering nearly all heavy-duty devices. With 15 different output ports, including five AC outlets and multiple USB options, it can run a wide array of electronics and appliances simultaneously.
Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Portable Power Station
A trusted name in portable power, the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X offers reliable performance for off-grid use and emergencies. With a 1,516Wh capacity and a pure sine wave 2000W AC inverter (3500W surge), it can efficiently power a wide range of devices, from phones and laptops to full-size refrigerators and microwaves. Its versatility makes it suitable for everything from outdoor events to home power outages.
This unit features 10 versatile ports to connect multiple devices at once. Built for durability and safety, it has a heavy-duty anodized aluminum enclosure and uses tier 1 lithium battery cells. It operates with super quiet performance and produces no toxic fumes, providing a safe and reliable power source for years to come.
BLUETTI B300K Battery Pack
The BLUETTI B300K is not a standalone generator but a crucial expansion battery pack designed to work with the Apex 300 portable power station. It seamlessly connects via an expansion port, offering a flexible and straightforward way to upgrade your power capacity for any scenario, from long road trips to extended home emergencies.
This expansion pack is built with next-generation cells that provide at least 4,000 cycles to 80% capacity, offering a 15% boost in lifespan compared to previous models. Its innovative Next-Gen Design Architecture 2.0 features a wireless internal design that minimizes failure risk and maximizes space efficiency, resulting in a compact and portable product.
EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator RIVER 2 Pro
This kit is an all-in-one solar solution, bundling the RIVER 2 Pro portable power station with a 160W portable solar panel and a waterproof bag. It’s designed for those who want immediate access to renewable energy for camping, RV trips, or as a compact home backup. The power station recharges incredibly fast via an AC outlet, reaching a full charge in only 70 minutes.
With an output power of up to 1600W, it can run 80% of household appliances. It includes 11 outlets to simultaneously charge multiple devices. The heart of the system is its long-lasting LiFePO4 battery, which can be used and recharged more than 3000 times. The included 160W solar panel is IP68 waterproof and features ETFE film for added UV protection, making it durable for outdoor use.
8ft AC Power Cord for Anker Powerhouse
This is a replacement 8-foot AC power cord compatible with Anker Powerhouse 757 and 767 portable power stations. It serves as an essential accessory if your original cable is overused, damaged, or misplaced. The extra length can also provide more convenience and flexibility when positioning your generator for charging.
The cord is a standard 3-prong (NEMA 5-15P to IEC320 C13) power cable rated for 125V and 10A. It is constructed with 18AWG wiring to ensure safe and reliable performance, effectively connecting your power station to a standard wall outlet for charging.
T POWER Battery Charger for Bluetti
This is a 65W replacement power supply and charging adapter designed specifically for several BLUETTI portable power station models. It is a crucial accessory for ensuring you can always recharge your power station from a standard wall outlet, especially if the original charger is lost or fails.
The charger has a wide input voltage range of AC 100V-240V, making it suitable for use in various countries. It is compatible with models including the EB3A, EB70, EB70S, AC50S, and T500. It is essential to verify your specific BLUETTI model number before purchasing to ensure compatibility.
Takki 300W Portable Solar Generator
The Takki solar generator is a compact and affordable entry-level system that includes a 240Wh power station and a 40W foldable solar panel. It’s a good option for powering small devices during short outages or for camping trips. The 300W capacity can charge phones over a dozen times, run a CPAP machine for about 5 hours, or power a mini car refrigerator.
It features 9 output ports, including two 110V AC outlets, multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, and DC ports. This allows you to charge several small electronics simultaneously. You can recharge the unit via a wall outlet in about 8 hours or use the included solar panel, which takes approximately 7-8 hours to reach 80% charge in full sunlight.
Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 500 is a well-regarded model known for its balance of capacity and portability. While specific features for this listing are not provided, Jackery is a leading brand recognized for reliable and user-friendly power stations. The Explorer 500 typically offers a substantial capacity suitable for charging laptops, cameras, small appliances, and other essentials during a power outage or outdoor adventure.
Like other Jackery products, it is expected to feature multiple output ports, including AC, DC, and USB, and be compatible with Jackery SolarSaga solar panels for off-grid recharging. It represents a solid mid-range option for those who need more power than a small power bank but don’t require the massive capacity of a home backup unit.
Buying Guide: Finding the Right Solar Generator for Power Outages
When my power goes out, I don’t just want a light; I want to keep my fridge cold, my phone charged, and maybe even a fan running. That’s where a good solar generator comes in. But with so many options, choosing one can feel overwhelming. I’ve learned that it’s all about matching the machine to my specific needs, and it starts with understanding a few key terms.
First, I always look at the battery capacity, measured in Watt-hours (Wh). Think of this as the fuel tank. A smaller unit around 300Wh might just power my phone and a laptop a few times. But if I want to keep a mini-fridge running for several hours, I’m looking at something with 1000Wh or more. It’s the single most important number for figuring out how long my essential devices will run.
Next, I check the inverter’s power output, measured in Watts (W). This is the “muscle” of the system—the maximum amount of power it can provide at any one moment. A 500W inverter can handle my TV and a light, but if I try to plug in a space heater that needs 1500W, it will just overload and shut off. I make a list of the most critical devices I’d need during an outage and add up their starting and running watts to find my minimum required output.
Finally, I consider the solar input. This determines how quickly the unit can recharge from solar panels. A generator with a wimpy 100W solar input will take forever to refill a large battery. I look for a high solar input rating, ideally 500W or more for larger systems, so I can get back to full power quickly on a sunny day. Portability is another big one for me; some units are like a heavy briefcase, while others have wheels and a handle, which is a lifesaver.
For anyone preparing for emergencies, finding one of the 10 best solar generators for power outages means balancing these factors: a big enough “fuel tank” (Wh), enough “muscle” (W) for my appliances, and a fast way to refill it with sunlight. Getting this right means I’m not just sitting in the dark; I’m comfortable and connected until the grid comes back online.
FAQ
How long can a solar generator power my refrigerator during an outage?
This depends entirely on the battery capacity of your solar generator and the energy consumption of your fridge. First, you need to find your fridge’s wattage (it’s usually on a label inside). Let’s say it uses 150W. A 1500Wh solar generator could theoretically run it for 10 hours (1500Wh / 150W = 10 hrs). But in reality, fridges cycle on and off, so it might last longer. For a standard kitchen fridge, I’d recommend a unit with at least 1000Wh to get you through a night and part of the next day.
Can I use a solar generator indoors?
Yes, and this is a major advantage! Unlike gas generators, which produce deadly carbon monoxide and must be used outdoors and far from windows, solar generators have zero emissions. They are perfectly safe to use inside your home, garage, or even a tent. You can keep it right next to you to power a medical device, charge your phone, or run a lamp without any safety concerns.
What is the typical lifespan of a solar generator?
The core component, the battery, is what determines the lifespan. Most quality solar generators use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, which are a game-changer. They can typically handle 3000 to 5000 charge cycles before their capacity drops to 80%. If you use and recharge it every day, that’s over a decade of use. Even with frequent use during seasonal storms, a good unit should last for many, many years.
How long does it take to recharge a solar generator using only the sun?
Recharge time varies a lot. It depends on the battery size, the wattage of your solar panels, and how much sun you get. A small 300Wh generator might recharge in 3-4 hours with a 100W panel. A large 2000Wh unit could take 4-5 hours with 400W of panels under ideal sun. It’s rarely a quick process, which is why having a large battery to start with is so important—it gives you a longer buffer before you need to worry about recharging.
What’s the difference between a solar generator and a portable power station?
This is a common point of confusion. A “portable power station” is the box itself that contains the battery, inverter, and outlets. A “solar generator” is typically a kit that includes that power station plus compatible solar panels. Sometimes the terms are used interchangeably, but when you’re shopping, make sure you know if you’re just buying the station or if the bundle for the 10 best solar generators for power outages also includes the panels you need to make it truly renewable.