Solar generators convert sunlight into energy to power your devices and appliances when you don’t have electricity, making them a perfect item to bring with you on a camping trip, or as a home backup system for running small appliances during a power outage.
Some lower-end models that will only power small items can cost as little $200 or under, while higher-end models can cost well over $500 or upwards of $2,000. Overall, our choice for the top solar generator is the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500, which provides over 500 watt-hours and eight output ports, but is still lightweight enough to bring with you on the go.
Read our guide below for more of our top picks, and check out our generator buying guide for more information on finding the best solar power generator for your home.
Key Takeaways
- The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500 ranks as the best overall solar generator due to its 518 watt-hours of power and compact design that weighs just 13 pounds with an oversized carrying handle.
- Solar generators range from budget models under $200 for small devices to high-end units costing over $2,000, with most portable models falling between $300-$700 depending on power capacity and features.
- Solar generators offer two main types: portable units typically providing 100-500 watts for camping and small appliances, and backup home generators delivering 1,000+ watts for essential household appliances during power outages.
Top 8 Solar Generators
- Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500: Best Overall
- Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240: Best For Small Items
- ROCKPALS Portable Power Station: Easiest to Carry
- EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station: Most Powerful
- BLUETTI Portable Power Station: Best Protective Features
- Goal Zero Portable Power Station: Best For Camping
- ITEHIL Portable Power Station: Most Durable
- EF ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station: Fastest Charging
Compare Top Solar Generators
| Product | Image | Watt Hours | Weight | Warranty | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500Check Price | | 518 | 13 pounds | 2 years | 12 x 8 x 9 inches |
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240Check Price | | 240 | 5 pounds | 2 years | 9 x 5 x 8 inches |
ROCKPALS Portable Power StationCheck Price | | 300 | 8 pounds | 2 years | 11 x 5 x 9 inches |
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power StationCheck Price |  | 1,260 | Not listed | 2 years | 16 x 8 x 11 inches |
BLUETTI Portable Power StationCheck Price |  | 2,000 | 61 pounds | 2 years | 17 x 11 x 15 inches |
Goal Zero Portable Power StationCheck Price |  | 505 | 13 pounds | 2 years | 14 x 12 x 9 inches |
ITEHIL Portable Power StationCheck Price |  | 500 | 19 pounds | 2 years | 11 x 9 x 8 inches |
EF ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power StationCheck Price |  | 720 | 17 pounds | 2 years | 11 x 7 x 9 inches |
Best Overall
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500
Good for: Customers seeking a medium-wattage solar generator for home use or traveling.
We were impressed to see that the Jackery Explorer generator has an output of 518 watt-hours and has eight output ports and outlets, allowing it to charge a handful of devices. Additionally, it can be carried with you on a camping or hiking trip due to its small size, and it features an oversized carrying handle.
Pros and Cons of Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500
- Has a portable, compact design
- Can be recharged through a solar panel, cigarette lighter, or wall outlet
- Has a digital display to tell you how much battery it has left
- Some customers said that the fan didn’t work properly
- Doesn’t have covers on any of the ports or outlets
What People Are Saying About The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500
Customers praised this generator for its ease of use and portability. However, we noted that negative reviews sometimes complained about the fan not working properly and the manufacturer providing poor customer service.
“I have a shed with no electricity and frankly don’t want the hassle of running electricity to it but it’s nice to have a little power available for lights, charging a phone, plug in a radio etc. so I put this Jackery out there for that purpose. It works great, doesn’t take up much space (I built a little shelf for it), and it’s quiet! With the 100w solar panel, I can recharge it easily enough without even moving it; just run the cord out the door and set the panel up in the yard. No gas, no fumes, no noise. For basic needs, it’s great, and of course, if you lose power, you’ve got some extra backup.” — Tim V. via Amazon
“I purchased a Jackery 500… Used for emergencies only, lightly used. Charged and held a charge for a year and a half. Now, lost its charge, won’t charge, and has zero power even after an 8-hour charge. Has a two-year warranty, so shouldn’t be an issue to get an RMA to return for service or a replacement. However, I have spent days of phone calls, emails, and texts trying to get ahold of Jackery to process a warranty claim. Crickets….. Not a very happy customer right now.” — Jeffery L. Miller via Amazon
Pro Tip
- One major advantage of battery-powered portable generators like the Jackery Explorer 500 is that they can safely be used indoors. As discussed on a This Old House segment, because there’s no combustion involved, “we can bring this thing inside. We don’t have to worry about carbon monoxide.” That’s a critical safety benefit over gas-powered generators, which must always be operated outdoors.
Best For Small Items
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240
Good for: Those looking for a small, compact generator for charging small gadgets.
We like that this Jackery solar generator is lightweight at under five pounds and has a textured handle that makes it easy to carry from location to location. Another unique feature of this generator is that it can charge devices while it’s been recharged, and it can be recharged through a wall outlet or car outlet.
Pros and Cons of Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240
- Has an affordable price point
- Can charge and recharge at the same time
- Has a built-in textured handle for easy carrying
- Criticized by some customers for dying quickly
- Has the lowest power output in this review at 200 watts
What People Are Saying About The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240
Many customer reviews our team read praised this portable power station for producing minimal noise, having a long-lasting battery, and being easy to carry. Others said that they had positive customer service experiences. Unhappy customers noted that this model died quickly and lacked power.
“Just enough juice for a few modern conveniences without being ridiculously expensive. Inflates an air mattress multiple times with no problem. It lasts an entire week of tent camping and easily keeps phones and Bluetooth speakers charged while being able to inflate an air mattress and provide ancillary power for random things. Could probably power a small TV for a movie if you wanted to. If you need to stay more connected than that, probably get a bigger unit. For my needs, this is just wonderful, though!” — Gyakusetsu via Amazon
“I really wanted to like these, I bought two. To use for weddings and events for small things that need electricity. Today I plugged in a neon light at 11:30 a.m., and it died at 4:56 p.m. Something as small as a single neon light, I expected it to last a lot longer. It loses its power quickly without use as well, a few days unused and it’ll lose about 1/3 of its charge and almost dead in a week. Only used it a handful of times, but unfortunately, it is not reliable enough to use for a full-day wedding to light up a light.” — mariah via Amazon
Easiest to Carry
ROCKPALS Portable Power Station
Good for: Customers looking for a solar generator that’s easy to carry and can charge small devices.
The carrying handle on this solar generator is rubberized and textured, making it easy and comfortable to hold onto. With its 300 watts of power and 280 Wh, we found that this generator can handle small home appliances and electronic devices, such as lamps, hair dryers, and laptops.
Pros and Cons of ROCKPALS Portable Power Station
- Can be recharged using a cigarette lighter, three-prong wall outlet, USB port, or solar panel
- Has one fast-charging USB port
- Has enough power to provide about 40 charges to small home appliances
- Not sold with the DC converter
- Criticized for feeling cheaply made
What People Are Saying About The ROCKPALS Portable Power Station
Many customers were happy with this portable power station because of its great value for the money, portability, and long battery life. Some said that it met all of the manufacturer’s claims and was easy to use. Negative reviews we found noted that this model felt cheaply made, not offering much power and struggling to charge devices.
“… I could charge all of my electronic devices, including iPhone, iPad, earbuds, wireless headphones, wireless keyboard, shaver, wireless toothbrush, smaller power banks, flashlights, Amazon Fire tablet, PC laptop and more simultaneously while charging itself by Rockpals solar panels … As soon as I plug in the solar panel, the coolant fan starts spinning right off the bat, and the LCD screen shows how much energy it got from current sunlight condition from 12w to about 68w on full sun. Not only it is convenient for the road trip, it saves my electric bill around the house as well as emergency readiness. I’m happy.” — David via Amazon
“Will run lights, fans, laptop and similar items. Good for light-duty items. Get a bigger one if you want to power large items.” — gyprat via Amazon
Most Powerful
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station
Good for: Those looking for a heavy-duty solar generator with a high wattage.
Two of this solar generator’s six USB ports are fast-charging to ensure your necessary devices and appliances, such as lanterns and phones, stay charged at all times. Our team liked that the generator provides up to 1,260 watt hours for refrigerators.
Pros and Cons of EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station
- Features patented X-Stream Technology to help it recharge faster
- Features two fast-charging USB ports and four standard ports for multiple charging options
- Can provide power to a laptop for over 25 hours
- Doesn’t have all of the ports and outlets on one side for easy access
- Noted by some that the wattage didn’t match the advertised output
What People Are Saying About The EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station
Amazon customers our team found praised this power station for having a lot of power, minimal noise, and responsive technical support. They also loved how lightweight and portable it was. However, dissatisfied customers said that it didn’t provide as much power as advertised and that it broke after minimal use.
“Seven days before Christmas, we were hit with yet another rainstorm in the Northeast. We were without power for 3 days. My brother loaned me his EcoFlow to get us through the blackout. I was very impressed with the unit, ease of operation and portability. We were able to get 10 hours of up-time per charge. It kept our fridge going so the food did not spoil. Recharge time was less than 2 hours. I was so impressed, I purchased two units as our backup for future storms.” —Skeptic Buyer via Amazon
“In my case, the unit worked fine for about 9 months, but then it started having problems, turning itself off, apparently at random. I was using it in UPS mode for my home computer setup. After multiple failures, it eventually refused to stay on at all. After booting up, it would immediately shut down, and none of the ports worked in that state. Even trying to turn on the ports didn’t keep it on.” — Falcon_73 via Amazon
Best Protective Features
BLUETTI Portable Power Station
Good for: Customers seeking a high-end generator with the ability to charge several appliances at once.
We like that this solar generator can run several powerful devices at once with 2,000 watt-hours. It has an intelligent temperature-activated fan that keeps the unit cool and quiet. Plus, all of its outlets and ports feature covers to keep them protected when they’re not in use.
Pros and Cons of BLUETTI Portable Power Station
- Has a touchscreen to control its settings
- Includes a car charging cable
- Has small carrying handles on either side of its body
- Costs the most out of the options in this review
- Weighs 60 pounds, making it more difficult to transport than other models
What People Are Saying About The BLUETTI Portable Power Station
Customers praised this power station for being an excellent value for the money. Many loved its easy-to-use touchscreen and long battery life. We did find some unhappy reviewers who experienced temperature errors despite the model’s fan and other’s were disappointed there was no auto-off function.
“I just received the AC200P, and first of all, it was well packaged!… After it fully charged, everything I put on it worked flawlessly! I purchased this as a backup power unit should the power go out during a storm, and after my initial tests, I can rest easy knowing I have backup power for CPAPS, fans, refrigerator, freezer and other major appliances.” — Stacy W. via Amazon
“I bought this power station for off-grid solar uses. it functions as intended and gives me the power I need. My biggest issue with the device is its standby power consumption and that there is no Auto off function. The battery will drain overnight, 20% or more, as the screen does not turn off. So if you leave it plugged into your solar panels and leave home for a day or two and come back, it’ll charge to 100%, then drain 20% overnight.” — Harrison via Amazon
Best For Camping
Goal Zero Portable Power Station
Good for: Customers seeking a small or medium-sized generator they can bring camping or RVing.
Our team thins this generator is a great choice for campers due to its easy operation and 505 watt-hours of operation. It also includes four different port options, including AC, 12V, and 60W USB-C PD, ensuring you can operate several different devices outdoors without worry.
Pros and Cons of Goal Zero Portable Power Station
- Can charge in a 180-watt wall outlet in three hours, a 60-watt outlet in 10 hours, or a 120-watt outlet in 4.5 hours
- Is made from rugged, durable material that’s perfect for on-the-go operation
- Can recharge a phone up to 42 times and a laptop up to 10 times
- Has a long auto shutoff timer
- AC outlet is sometimes slow to operate
What People Are Saying About The Goal Zero Portable Power Station
Customers who were happy with their purchase of this solar generator commented on how simple it was to operate, as well as its long-lasting battery and its lightweight design. However, others we found felt this generator had issues powering on large devices, and some had issues with the LCD screen.
“I really have to hand it to Goal Zero. I didn’t think their products could get any better than they already are, but then they released the 500X. I’ve been using it quite a bit since I received it a few weeks ago. It has kept my portable fridge powered for around two days easily before needing a recharge. (Tested that multiple times with different weather and it still gets around the same two to two and a half days on one charge. Very impressive).” — Jason Turner via Amazon
“I have a Goal Zero Yeti 400 and just tried to power a small ceramic heater (small room size), and the battery went from fully charged to out of power in less than 10 seconds. I have used it to power my CPAP machine that I use at night it lasts for about 5-6 hours, but any heater seems to use too much power for this solar battery.” — A. Tortorice via Amazon
Most Durable
ITEHIL Portable Power Station
Good for: Customers looking for a well-built solar generator that can withstand the elements.
We like that this heavy-duty solar generator is made with aviation-grade aluminum alloy, giving it extra protection and impact resistance. It also comes with a convenient carrying handle that makes it easy to transport and a bright LED light to help you use it in the dark.
Pros and Cons of ITEHIL Portable Power Station
- Features multiple input and output ports that can reach over 700 watts
- Can be charged via wall outlet, car outlet, or solar panel
- Includes an LED display and SOS rescue and warning features
- Does not include USB-C charging
- Does not feature Wi-Fi compatibility
What People Are Saying About The ITEHIL Portable Power Station
Customers that we found who left positive reviews for this product were impressed with its charging imports, as well as its LCD screen and its overall design. However, some customers found it was lacking in the overall power level, while others found that it needed to be frequently recharged to work correctly.
“I’ve owned this a few years and I love it. Last year, we had a microburst that ripped down trees and power lines. This thing helped keep my refrigerator running until my power was restored. The storm happened early hours of the morning, and I immediately plugged the refrigerator into my fully charged unit. When the sun came up the next day, this and our 2-by-100 watt panels kept the refrigerator/freezer running until power was restored late in the day.” — decy via Amazon
“ …Multiple times I’ve run this battery with a 400W device … and it lasts 45 minutes or less. The advertisement states 500WHs but mine is notably less than 400WHs.” — GMac via Amazon
Fastest Charging
EF ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station
Good for: Customers seeking a medium-sized portable generator that charges quickly.
With 720 Wh and 600 watts of power, our team likes that this solar generator is a good medium-sized option that won’t break the bank. It can charge up to 80 percent in just one hour, and can power some devices of up to 1800w. Additionally, it features three AC outlets and weighs less than 17 pounds.
Pros and Cons of EF ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station
- Features 10 total output ports
- Includes a built-in flashlight
- Is Wi-Fi compatible
- Can be difficult to carry and transport
- AC sockets can occasionally be obstructed
What People Are Saying About The EF ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station
This solar generator earned positive reviews from customers for its low noise level and lightweight, compact design. Several other customers we found also were impressed with its fast charging ability, noting it completely charged in just over one hour. However, some others were disappointed that this generator did not run for as long as advertised and lacked overall power.
“This little lunchbox-sized power station is fantastic! We purchased it to run a heated water dish and light bulb in our chicken coop, and it is a perfect fit. While building the coop, I used it to run some power tools, and I was blown away by how well it works. It’s like plugging into normal 110; I’d rather carry this around our farmette than string up 300′ of extension cords any day! And it is doing its primary function for our hens very well.” — Amazon Customer via Amazon
“Item does not have anywhere near the power as advertised and reviewed. Costs way too much for a flashlight/laptop/phone charger. Not much in the way of emergency power to be called a generator. I was really expecting a lot more power for emergency situations. It’s basically a flashlight phone charger for way too much money.” — martin n allen via Amazon
Solar Generator Buying Guide
Generators that utilize solar charging are a reliable source of renewable solar energy in a power outage, or when you need electricity outdoors. However, choosing the best backup power source for you can depend on several factors, such as the type of generator you’re looking to buy, the battery life of the device, how portable it is, its charging method, and more.
Read our buying guide below for more information on choosing the best solar generator for your needs.
What are the types of solar generators available?
Solar generators are available as both portable generators and backup home generators. Most solar generators are portable, lightweight, and have a built-in handle. The best portable solar generators are used to provide power for construction sites, campers, events, or other settings where access to electricity is limited.
Backup solar generators provide backup power for when an electrical grid fails, providing an efficient alternative for installing a complete system. Backup solar generators provide enough power to turn on appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and more in the event of a blackout.
Pro Tip
- Most portable solar generators accept foldable solar panels that can be set up on a balcony, patio, or yard. As highlighted on a This Old House segment, panels producing around 30 watts each deliver a solid amount of power, though charging times will vary based on sunlight conditions. For the fastest recharge, position panels in direct, unobstructed sunlight and keep a trickle-charge connection to a wall outlet as a backup when the sun isn’t cooperating.
What should you look for in the battery of a solar generator?
When examining the battery of a solar generator, you should consider its overall battery capacity (measured in watt-hours) as well as its charging method. You don’t necessarily need a high-capacity generator, so keep your power needs in mind.
How is battery life measured in generators?
The lifespan of your generator’s battery depends on its battery size and the amount of power required to run your devices. For example, a battery with a watt-hours rating of 150 can run a 100-watt appliance, various power tools, or several small appliances that equal 100 watts for 1.5 hours.
How do you charge the battery of a solar generator?
The amount of time it takes to recharge the battery depends on the size of the battery and the method of charging, as well as the charger’s power. Larger batteries have a longer charging time than smaller batteries. Additionally, while solar generators are meant to connect to portable solar panels for charging, that’s not always convenient if it’s overcast or if you’re pressed for time. That’s why they typically also offer an electric charging function. A quick charge function may also be available on certain models.
What are the different outlets and ports available in a solar generator?
Solar generators come with various outlets and charging ports to run several devices simultaneously. Common plugs include AC ports, USB-A and USB-C ports, and car cigarette lighters.
How do you determine the best size solar generator for your needs?
To determine what sized solar generator you need, consider how much power you need for your devices. For example, if using a portable generator on a camping trip, do you need to power a portable fridge, television, or coffee maker? Or do you only need power for small items like a mobile phone or a mini fan? The wattage required to run each item may vary, and most portable solar generators can power in the range of 100-500 watts. Smaller units typically have a lower power capacity and can only charge small devices.
Backup solar generators can typically power at least 1,000 watts, which should be enough to power appliances like small lights, a fridge, or a television. However, if you need whole-home power or need to turn on devices like a washing machine or air-conditioning unit, you will likely need a generator with a power level of at least 2,000-3,000 watts.
Pro Tip
- A backup generator’s output must equal or exceed the total wattage of all the electrical devices you plan to run. Anything smaller will dim bulbs and can damage motor-driven appliances. As This Old House Magazine has noted, “If a refrigerator doesn’t have the correct voltage, you could hurt it.” Before buying a solar generator, add up the wattage of your must-have devices—phone chargers, a mini fridge, lights, and a Wi-Fi router—so you choose a unit that won’t be overtaxed.
What are the top brands that sell solar generators?
To ensure you’re getting a high-quality solar generator, look for trusted brands that make well-reviewed products. Some of the brands that are well-known for making solar generators include Jackery, ROCKPALS, Renogy, BLUETTI, EF Ecoflow, Goal Zero, Kohler, Titan Solar and Flashfish.
Solar Generator Benefits
When shopping for a new generator, we find that there are several unique advantages to buying a solar generator instead of a gas-powered model, such as:
Noise Level
Standard generators can get noisy, which could be a significant factor if you’re using them while camping, RVing, or even running them outside your home. However, one of the benefits of solar generators is that they run completely silent since they don’t have any of the moving parts of gas-powered generators.
Maintenance
Solar generators also require little to no maintenance to operate. They are less likely to break than fuel-powered generators and have fewer parts to maintain. The standard maintenance needed for a solar generator is dusting, removing moisture, and checking the connection.
Fuel and Clean Energy
One of the main benefits of solar generators is that they use clean, renewable energy, which is better for the environment. It can also be better for your wallet, as solar generators avoid having to stock up on fuel to run your generator.
Solar Generator FAQs
Is it worth getting a solar generator?
A solar generator may be worth it, depending on how you use it. The cost of the generator easily pays for itself if you live somewhere that receives ample sunlight and you utilize the energy from the generator as a home backup. Alternatively, a solar generator is also worth it if you frequently go on road trips.
Will my solar generator come with a solar panel?
It depends on the model. Some generators come with the solar panels needed to operate them, and some don’t. If you don’t have a compatible solar panel already, it might be worth it to find an all-inclusive kit, as this cuts down on the cost and the number of purchases.
Are there other types of generators?
Yes. Some generators use electricity or gas for power, and many power generators can support off-grid living. However, some people prefer solar generators for the following reasons:
- They’re more eco-friendly because they use energy from the sun instead of fossil fuels.
- They’re cheaper to operate because you don’t have to buy fuel refills for gas generators.
- They’re better in emergencies where you might not have access to fuel.
- They’re quieter.
- They’re more portable because they’re smaller and lighter.
What’s the purpose of the inverter in my solar generator?
The power stored in a solar generator’s battery is in direct current (DC), but most devices and appliances use alternating current (AC). This inverter converts DC to AC. If your solar generator doesn’t have a built-in inverter, you will need to purchase one separately, or you can purchase an inverter generator instead.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of solar generators with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final shortlist, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.