10 Best Solar Generators for Camping & Home Use in 2022
Find the Best Solar Generator for your Vacation, Everyday Use, or Emergency Backup
We may earn commission from our brand partners when purchasing products through our links. Learn more.
As technology continues to advance, the need to access green and renewable energy is rapidly gaining popularity. Having a reliable backup generator for emergencies (such as a blackout or a power outage) is essential to keep you or your family safe. Getting the best solar generator also means you can partake in many fun activities like camping, fishing, or even RV trips. There’s a debate about using the old-fashioned fuel generators, which are great for this purpose but have many disadvantages. They’re noisy, release harmful fumes, and depend on a non-renewable fuel source.
But thanks to the latest technology that combines a lithium-ion battery with the best solar powered generators, you can obtain a green energy backup source wherever or whenever you need it. read the study here. We know that finding the best solar generator that fits your needs can be challenging; that’s why we’ve put together a list of the best portable solar generators on the market. We’ve done all the research to narrow down the very best of the best solar generators you can get.
Solar generators always come in handy. You can use these little contraptions, for example, when planning for a picnic! And they’re a lifesaver for travelers who need to charge their phones or laptops. The best solar generator can be used to bring any electrical device to life.
If you’re looking for a quality solar generator, here’s a list of the best solar generators out there. We’ve included the latest model in this year’s top rating for the best solar generator, so you’re bound to find the one for you!
View the Best Solar Generator, Below.
- Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240
- Yeti 1500X Portable Power Station
- PAXCESS Portable Solar Generator with Solar Panels Option
- Nature’s Generator Gold System 1800W Off-Grid Generator
- FlashFish Solar Camping Portable Generator
- EF ECOFLOW Portable Solar Power Generators
- Nature’s Generator Power Pod
- Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station
- Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500
- BUTURE Solar Outdoor Generator
1. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240
The Best for Powering Small Devices
The Jackery Explorer 240 is the best pick for those on a budget as it offers a robust set of rechargeable batteries with portable convenience at an affordable price. This rechargeable power station supports devices under the 240 watt-hour mark. This is excellent if you collect smaller amounts of power to pump up low-consumption devices such as smartphones or small household appliances.
The brand advertises this model as an emergency backup solar generator mainly because of its ultra-smart design. It weighs only around 6.8 pounds, meaning you can carry it anywhere you want - put it in your backpack, place it at the back of the car, or simply carry it by hand. The Jackery 240 is compatible with a 60-watt solar panel.
The port consists of an AC outlet, carport, and two USB ports. It's pretty versatile in terms of connectivity. The solar generator also comes with a clear display right above the connection ports, and you have the option to turn it on with a button on the side of the screen. The screen displays the total voltage input-output and the remaining battery percentage.
Overall, the Jackery Explorer 240 is perfect for those who cannot afford more expensive or powerful models.
Why We Liked It: This generator is best for those that want to charge lower consumption devices under a budget. In a nutshell, the solar-powered generators are small, compact, highly-versatile for any entry-level solar generator.
Check Price on Amazon ➞2. Yeti 1500X Portable Power Station
The Best All-Round Power Station
The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Titan solar generator allows you to tackle any project, whether they're indoor or outdoor activities. Their earlier model, the Goal Zero Yeti 1400, is lighter but has less battery power compared to the latest Goal Zero Yeti 1500x. The powerful 2000-watt AC inverter of Yeti 1500x can confidently run almost all your devices while ensuring clean and fume-free power. It's great for various places such as work sites, base camps, and studios, keeping everything you need running without worry.
This generator is equipped with portable power, making it one of the best for camping, tailgating, workshops, and emergency backup. It comes with various charging options, including a fast-charging 60 W PD port, two 5V USB ports, an 18W QC port, and two AC ports that can hold about 2000W to 3500W. This means you can power high functional devices, from heavy equipment tools to large refrigerators.
The Yeti 1500X has an MPPT charge controller; users will see a 30% more efficient charge through solar panels. To charge the Yeti, it comes with two options- an 8ml port that can accept up to 120 W of input or an under-pole port, capable of receiving 600 W of input. The 120-watt input wall outlet or a 12V car charger can recharge the Yeti 1500X in 14 hours. However, you can also charge it in under 2.5 hours from solar or fast-charging power supplies. The neat LCD allows you to view your input, output, and current power level.
But, there's more!
This generator comes with a 13 AMP AP output under the lid and an 8mm 120 watt input port. This allows a more versatile choice for the user.
The best part about this product is the Mobile Yeti app. It syncs with the Yeti 1500X solar generator to display your power percentage and various charging options. This allows you to check the battery history and turn the ports on and off, all in the palm of your hand. The app includes a record of your charging times with an easy-to-read chart and battery optimization. All the port features are also available in the Goal Zero Yeti 1400 lithium.
Why We Liked It: You can count on the Yeti 1500x to power your home appliances when the grid goes down, on the road, or during extended camping trips. We highly recommend getting the Yeti 1500X to power all your machinery without any headaches. If the price is too much, you can also go for the latter model: the Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium.
Check Price on Amazon ➞3. PAXCESS Portable Solar Generator with Solar Panels Option
The Best Mini Generator
The Paxcess Rockman 200 Portable Power Station is a handy mobile battery pack that you can use to power your lights around the campsite and power your TV in the RV when you want to watch your favorite show.
The overall design of the Paxcess Rockman solar generator is crisp and neat. The build has a thick, durable case, which protects the internal energy cells from being damaged if you drop it. It's not waterproof but good enough to protect from dust or debris. It weighs only 7.82 pounds, which means it's perfect for carrying everywhere.
The Rockman can produce power up to 230 W per 200 hours and can handle a constant charge of 200 W. Peak wattage is around 300 - this means devices that require 300 W can be turned on but require less wattage to operate over time.
It's compatible with a wide variety of camping and public works equipment, including mini-fridges, cameras, drones, speakers, small TVs, and some campsite lights of 5W. Nevertheless, it's not as powerful as other portable power station generators on the market - but its low cost and portability make it a contender.
The power station has an LCD, so you can always tell how much battery life is left on the power station. Despite the relatively low output, it's still an excellent choice for many modern devices - it'll give you power when you're away from home. If the Rockman 200 has a full battery life, standard phones will be able to get 21 charges of full power - this also includes through the solar panel system. You can also recharge 60 W laptops three times before completely wiping out the Rockman 200. Like the TV, the mini cooler can run for three hours. A 60-watt solar panel is recommended to charge up the Paxess generator.
The Paxcess Rockman 200 comes with a unique power management system that protects you from short circuits, overheating, and high voltage. Ultimately, it's an entirely reliable power station, and it's stylish, safe, and secure.
Why We Liked It: We like the ability to recharge the power station and its variation with a solar panel port. In theory and with proper preparation, you can use this power station to provide power from your home to your outdoor activities for several hours. Overall, it's a good power station on a small scale. This is a great choice if your recharging needs are very low.
Check Price on Amazon ➞4. Nature’s Generator Gold System 1800W Off-Grid Generator
All Round Generator for Travel and Home
Nature's Generator Gold system is like no other on the market. This portable solar generator system can power up medical equipment, laptops, and computer systems. The port means you can recharge through solar panels, wind, or you can even plug it into your house to charge it up. It comes with a portable 100W Polycrystalline solar panel, which you can easily attach to the solar generator. This powerful device can also act as a UPS if a power supply breaks. You don't have to worry about powering up your refrigerator!
The generator comes with an online app that monitors and displays how much power you have available. It indicates how much solar panel power and wind power is produced, as well as your appliance's percentage consumption rate. It comes with two USB ports, a charge controller, wind input, solar input, and storage-cell level lights. You can stack it up and connect with another Nature's Generator Gold System 1800W, keeping more stored power.
Why We Liked It: It comes with an online support system that can help guide you whenever you're facing any trouble. Despite the heavyweight of 90lbs, the solar generator luckily comes with a heavy-duty wheel attached, making it easy to move.
Check Price on Amazon ➞VIEW ON HOME DEPOT ➞
5. FlashFish Solar Camping Portable Generator
The Ultimate Lightweight Mini Generator
This Flatfish Solar Generator is an updated version of one of the finest outdoor operations. It can cater to your needs for a weekend vacation, camping, hiking, backpacking, hunting, fishing, or trekking. It can also power a mini-refrigerator for up to 5 hours with solar panels.
It powers devices under 350 watts. It comes with three different output ports that can charge most of your devices, including your laptop, phone, tablet, fan, drone, car fridge, radio, LED light, MP3, and digital cameras. Any device at a 110 V AC outlet can power the Flashfish generator at 300 running watts (peak 350 W) in 3 efficient ways. This is with any 12V DC devices under 168W in total. The fast charging feature of QC3.0 technology provides quick charge to your phones or cameras. It's recommended to use an 18v 50-watt solar panel to get the best result.
You can recharge this solar generator in 3 ways: a power outlet, solar panel, and car charger. It features the most advanced power management system to prevent malfunction. This includes multi-safety protections such as short-circuit protection, low-voltage protection, high heat protection, lock-on protection, over-voltage protection, and over-current protection.
Why We Liked It: The exterior design (a metal case with protective black edges) makes it one of the best built-in solar designs on the market. With almost 350W maximum power, this power generator charges your devices efficiently - you can charge your phone in less than 30 minutes!
Check Price on Amazon ➞6. EF ECOFLOW Portable Solar Power Generators
The Best for Quiet and Clean Energy
The EF ECOFLOW generator is built with high-quality material, making it one of the most purchased solar generators. You can power it up to 29 hours, depending on the gadget or device. It has a fast-charging time of 80% in under an hour. The charging unit can withstand 500 discharge and recharge cycles, giving you reliable, remote power for a long time. The battery can be fully discharged and recharged without losing high capacity over time. It comes with an attachable extra battery option.
With cooling fans on the side, the EF ECOFLOW produces minimum air and noise pollution. The River 600 Generator won't even require replacement parts, and its light weight makes it ideal for outdoor trips. The lightweight design and construction are a vital part of the planning process for this small unit. Power bricks and battery packs are often heavy and bulky, but the Ecoflow River is easy to port up to just eleven pounds.
The Base Level River 600 Generator from Ecoflow is an efficient kit that charges anything you need. It has a discreet design, requires no maintenance, and is noiseless and lightweight. If you need to replace your clunky gas generator, this might be it.
Ecoflow's "advanced heat battery management system" minimizes extreme cold and heat. The power station continues to supply electricity or receive incoming charges in the worst weather. This is especially important when charging with the solar range, as many systems overheat and shut down at high temperatures.
Be careful about the term "generator" in the manufacturer's description - this is a battery storage facility, and it does not generate electricity. However, in providing power, this unit excels at its job. The 12v car, 2 standard 120v ac outlet wall plugs, charge controller, two 12vDC ports, and six USBs are divided into: 2 USBs, 2 Quick Charges, and 2 USB-C types.
It works in extreme temperatures of -4 C to up to 140 C. You cannot use it to run energy-hungry appliances like a large fridge, electric hybrid car, or hairdryer. Only use it with appliances that need up to 500W.
Why We Liked It: This generator has a thermal battery management system that keeps the unit working in adverse weather conditions when you need high power. You can count on it as one of the most durable solar generators you can get.
Check Price on Amazon ➞7. Nature’s Generator Power Pod
The Best for Home Power
The Nature Generator Power Pod harbors 1200-watts - this amount of power can charge almost all your house appliances. It has an internal 100Ah shielded lead-acid battery that is recharged via a solar panel connection. The pod can sustain about 1800 watts of power. The LED light on the unit's front tells you about the fuel gauge, charge controller, charge level, and 12V DC outlet. The AC outlets are universal, so you can connect this generator to almost all devices.
The solar generator is quite heavy, weighing about 83 lbs, but it comes with an accessory of wheels and a handle for portability ease. An LCD screen displays input and output power, and an LED light signals the percentage level. The power pod comes with an app that stores and monitors information about your electricity data. The recharge time can take up to 10-15 hours, depending on the supply input power.
Why We Liked It: Nature’s Generator Power Pod comes with a compartment at the top of the product. The fuse connector is stored here for extension purposes. You can also store other items you want to keep with your unit inside the compartment.
Check Price on Amazon ➞VIEW ON HOME DEPOT ➞
8. Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station
The Best Portable Power with this Mini Generator
The Goal Zero Yeti 400 is a reliable, portable generator that can charge any small electronic device. It provides a reliable emergency backup power supply. It has enough power to charge a phone 30 times and a laptop 5 times. The pure sine wave inverter generates a smooth flow of charging for several devices with no lag. However, it doesn't charge up heavy supplies such as refrigerators, ovens, or equipment tools.
The Goal Zero Yeti 400 solar generator features a 396-watt hour lead-acid battery that weighs over 33 pounds. The design is built with strong durability. On each side, there are fans; you can barely hear them. It includes a display of the current storage. You can charge it with your car or even through a solar panel.
The power output ports include three 12-V ports (two of these being Gold Zero proprietary ports), a standard, 12-volt cigarette lighter, two USB ports, and two 110-V AC wall chargers for other electronic appliances. All these ports have a separate switch button that helps save power drainage.
Why We Like It: This Goal Yeti is best for the outdoor enthusiast. It has its own battery-saving mode, making the storage last longer while you recharge your devices several times.
Check Price on Amazon ➞9. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500
The Best for Adventures
The Jackery Explorer 500 is a robust and well-designed solar generator. This solar generator can power an LED light for 100 hours. The unit is rugged and compact enough to break or hold nearby objects. It's great for a hardcore outdoor adventure, giving enough to power RV fans, lightings, or electronic appliances.
A display shows the charge level, charge wattage, and wattage usage. The unit charges with an ACW wall outlet within 8 hours. It's 12 hours with the 100W solar panel charge. The solar charging is straightforward and doesn't require a MPPT charge controller - just an 8mm connector from the panel.
The 12-volt cigarette lighter port keeps you hooked up to small electric blankets and heaters in the cold winter. The DC socket provides a stable power output of 12V to ensure that your 12V devices are at full voltage when the battery is discharged. As long as the unit doesn't exceed 500W, it can operate many devices. Just plug them in the 12W, 120VAC, and USB sockets simultaneously. That's an impressive amount of power for a portable solar generator.
Why We Liked It: In short, if you aim to go off roads on the weekends, then getting the Jackery Explorer 500 is your number one choice. It powers almost all outdoor appliances and electronic devices at a fair price.
Cannot power anything over 500 Watts
Check Price on Amazon ➞10. BUTURE Solar Outdoor Generator
The Most Robust Generator
The best feature of the BUTURE solar generator is the built-in SOS emergency light which comes with various lighting intensities. It has a unique smart touch feature that lets you get in touch with its charging and recharging options. Solar generators with emergency lighting are rare on the market, but this feature can make your adventure life much more comfortable and enjoyable. After all, torch or mobile lights can be unreliable in the woods at night.
It has enough power for medium-sized devices such as a refrigerator or any appliance with less than 300 watt-hours. It takes about five hours to charge fully. To charge it, load the generator with a high battery capacity 100W solar panel or plug it into an electric socket. If you don't have access to any of the power sources, you can charge through the car charger battery or AC wall charger.
As the name suggests, this generator is super light so that you can carry it in a hiking or camping bag. This device is ideal for rescuers, as it has zero harmful emissions. Your experience will never be the same after you use this tool. The display shows battery storage status and mode.
Why We Liked It: It's light and easy to carry, placing it amongst the best solar generators for hikers. The charge time is about 7 hours from a depleted battery capacity. It features fast charging. If you connect it with a 50W solar panel, it can charge for up to 2.5 hours. It also has an onboard floodlight that's bright enough to see, so you can use it in the dark.
Check Price on Amazon ➞Solar Generator Buyer’s guide
Before buying a solar generator, you need to consider power, charging, weight, and discharge rate. You can also opt for a solar generator with a high wattage value.
If your primary goal of purchasing the machine is traveling with it, portability is a big factor to consider. Go for portable solar generators that hold less weight. A solar generator weighing 10-20 pounds is ideal if you need good power anywhere.
A wheeled generator is great for outdoor activities. You can power up the radio, grill, fans, or music systems. The same solar generator can be used as a backup for a home emergency.
Why Solar Energy?
Whether you’re looking for an alternative source of power or standby power in a complete power outage, solar generators offer a greener, more efficient solution.
Solar generators can be used to power household appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators. They also provide reliable backup power to medical healthcare devices, where lives depend on their 24-hour functionality. Most people rely on devices such as laptops, tablets, and phones, so having backup power is essential to keep them running without interruption.
Solar generators can also be used for recreational activities such as fishing, camping, or RV trips. They can be a lifesaver in running your everyday essentials or when there’s an emergency. So investing in the best portable solar generator can save you time, money, and effort in the long run.
How Do Solar Generators Work?
When considering buying a generator, it’s important to understand the basics of how a solar generator works. A solar generator is different from a fuel-based generator. While both convert crude energy into a useful energy source, solar generators use solar energy instead of fuel. (click here for study).
The solar generator is a compact electronic box with three central components: a charge controller, a lithium battery (or lead-acid batteries), and an inverter. The solar generator connects the charge controller, battery storage pack, and inverter into a compact system that converts solar into electricity. All of these components are designed to match the power rating of the device you wished to connect.
Solar power can be collected through solar panels, wind energy, or the main power supply. It stores the accumulated energy into the batteries of the solar generator. The inverter then converts the energy into AC power. AC power charges any electronic devices or appliances. In the end, you’re left with the energy you need to power your devices, collected in a simple and cost-effective way.
Are Solar Generators Safe for the Environment?
As you already know, a solar generator is a simple system with fixed components similar to fuel generators. In other words, they can use solar to run and generate energy. In contrast, a gas-fired generator burns fuel and converts the chemical energy it contains into electricity. In the process, harmful emissions are released into the atmosphere, which dissipates heat from the unit. The solar process does not emit smoke, noise, or harmful gasses. This means that wildlife, nature, and your family will be safe around the solar-powered generators. It’s a win-win; the functionality of the portable solar generator is safe and does not harm the environment.
Solar Generators VS Petrol Generators
Petrol generators are old-fashioned compared to solar generators – they lack many features. They’re noisy, expensive, consume high power, and depend on non-renewable fuel sources.
In emergencies such as floods, blackouts, hurricanes, or earthquakes, you may not be able to access a single source of fuel energy. This means that a petrol or gas-powered generator could be useless, as you won’t have the fuel to power it.
Now, thanks to new technology that integrates solar with lithium-ion batteries, you can get a green energy backup power source without any hassle. You won’t need a petrol power source.
Solar Generators VS Gas Generators
We live in a time when we want to avoid machines that run on conventional energy sources and, instead, opt for their green, renewable alternatives. Now more than ever, there are incredible types of generators on the market, which gives you lots of choices to find the right generator for you. Many companies have released the best solar generators, best solar power banks, and backup power foldable solar panels. Here are some additional reasons to choose solar generators:
1-Environmental Friendliness
Environmental pollution is a major concern in modern times. As mentioned above, gas systems produce heat, smoke, and noise as direct pollutants. However, the solar generator operates quietly without emitting harmful greenhouse gases.
Instead of only depending on AC power to recharge your devices, you can also depend on solar panels to power it up.
2- A Useful Energy Source
In terms of efficiency, the Titan solar generator comes out on top when there’s good sunlight during the day. Solar generators charge when the sun is in the sky. Sunlight is a complete resource, so it’s become one of the best ways to recharge your devices. To run a gas generator longer, you need extra gas to run it. When it comes to the best solar generator, they don’t use valuable resources to generate electricity. You don’t have to carry gasoline or worry about running out of stock.
3-Solar energy Accessibility
You can find solar anywhere around you, making it one of the most reliable sources of green energy to power up any solar generator. You can even live in the jungle with a solar generator! Depending on how much sun you have, you can charge all your devices and operate some larger machines.
The gas generator is not a reliable source of power, since it can run out anytime during an emergency or trip. If you live in an area with enough sunlight and don’t use high power systems, it’s better to choose a solar-powered generator above the gas generator.
In emergencies, it makes no sense to rely solely on a gas system, as the gas supply will run out gradually. A well-charged solar generator will keep you going as backup power.
4-Ideal for outdoor Use
You will need to carry backup gas along with your portable generator when planning an outdoor trip. If you are camping alone, packing extra gas is impossible. It’s also not safe to carry gasoline in your RV, trailer, or camper.
In all these cases, a solar generator with the required solar panel is a safe and easy solution that will allow you to explore the outdoors safely. In addition to large solar generators, there are various smaller solar banks and a solar generator to enhance your personal adventures. You only need to connect your portable solar generator under the sun to charge your devices.
5-Varieties in brand Features
As mentioned, there are many new brands in the solar generator market today. This gives you an excellent reason to choose a solar generator easily without even considering gas generators.
Most companies now make portable solar generators. This makes it easy to find a good quality product to meet your off-grid life needs. Most brands have a flexible and ultra-portable design for folding solar panels. Thanks to multiple brands, you have enough power options for portable products, from compact solar generators to portable solar chargers and solar power banks.
Why Should You Get a Solar Generator?
A solar generator is an excellent investment. You can charge all your electronic devices in an environmentally friendly way. There are many benefits to having a solar generator. As long as your solar panels last, you can enjoy unlimited natural energy from the sun rather than using precious fossil fuels that are harmful to the environment. Furthermore, the maintenance cost of a solar generator is very low – they’re easy to clean, have a quiet operation, and some last for over 20 years!
Some disadvantages of buying solar generators include the high upfront cost. They also might not collect enough power on days with foggy weather or rain. They can also be heavy due to large batteries, limiting their portability, and slow to recharge.
However, solar generator advantages outweigh the disadvantages, and they can work efficiently in many fields. as mentioned in the study here.
Using Your Generator at Home
Solar generators are an invaluable asset to home and apartment owners. Disasters can happen at home anytime, and it’s wise to have a backup of power at home. Natural disasters, hurricanes, unexpected power outages, and transformer failures have a high probability in the future, making your family vulnerable. When these disasters occur, a solar generator acts as an alternative power backup solution and provides electricity to your home for as long as you need it. This need is temporary until the energy is restored, but it’s always best to be prepared.
For medium to large solar generator kits, you can use the solar generator with solar energy every day – there’s no need to buy or store fuel. You can also buy fully-fledged solar panels as a backup generator, capable of powering the entire house or apartment.
Camping With a Solar Power Generator
Campers get many benefits when using solar generators. As solar generators are so portable, they offer many comforts to campers setting out on an adventure and reaching new heights.
Solar generators have a quiet operation and don’t emit harmful exhaust fumes to the environment. This makes you an environmentally friendly camper!
You can use a solar generator to power many devices, including tablets, electric lamps, electric cooking stoves, digital cameras, phones, portable fridges, e-bikes, and portable fans. All of this will make your camping experience more comfortable. For those who live life by traveling, portable solar generators with solar panels will keep your phone connected with the world.
Most solar generators are easy to pack for all your camping adventures. All you have to do is make sure the battery storage is fully charged, or if you have a small solar generator that has sunlight during your hike, you can carry a solar panel on your backpack to recharge.
Make sure you buy a solar power generator for camping. These will be made with high-quality materials to withstand any harsh weather. If you want extra power, you can also place a solar panel on top of your car to access direct sunlight.
Energy for Your RV or Trailer
Living in an RV or trailer is a perfect way to fully enjoy the countryside or nature’s surroundings. The best solar generators for an RV or trailer users should ensure a comfortable life. The solar panels can power your water heater, small and medium air conditioners, laptops and space heaters, and other electrical devices, giving you a lot of freedom in your RV. All you have to do is attach the solar panel on top of the RV or trailer as you travel. You may also be interested in our article on the best generators for an RV.
How to Choose the Best Solar Generator?
Solar generators have become the most popular way to generate green energy. Choosing the best solar generator for your home, office, RV, boat, or camping activities is something you’ll never regret. However, choosing from the best solar generators can be challenging. There are hundreds of reviews, prices, add-ons, and types on the internet. It can easily overwhelm you.
When shopping for the best solar generators to suit your specific needs and budget, consider all the factors. First, you need to breakdown the purpose of getting a solar generator. Is it for powering your home? Do you need it for your outdoor adventure activities? Do you live in an RV van? How much power do you need for your devices? What size of solar generator do you need? Do you need extra solar panels? After all, solar panels automatically charge your solar generator when you’re out in the woods.
Once you’ve answered these questions and know why you need a generator, you’re ready to start finding the best generator for you. We’ve brought together the top 10 solar generators and identified their best features to make this process easy for you.