Solar power generators: live off grid - the best solar panel generators from Jackery, Anker, Bluetti, EcoFlow
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One of the most useful resources we can harness in the world is solar energy.
Developing technology has meant that over the years, we’ve been able to package up generators and power sources into smaller units, making solar generators incredibly useful to the consumer market, especially when it comes to powering and charging your devices when camping or on the move.
In this article, we’ll be looking at a number of different styles of solar generators on the market at the moment, as well as compile a list of things to watch out for to ensure you find the right generator to suit your needs.
What solar generator is right for me?
This largely depends on the kind of activity you’re doing and the kinds of devices you’ll be powering, but the first thing to know is that there are a multitude of different units and generators, of all shapes and sizes, to choose from.
Their versatility however is one of their key strengths - our recommendation would be to choose a generator that has a fair bit of ‘head room’ for your devices, ensuring you’ve got enough surplus power available.
What size solar generator do I need?
Larger devices will be able to power things like fridges, power tools and televisions, and the smaller, more portable options on this list will be able to store enough power to charge devices such as laptops, cameras, smartphones and tablets.
With many solar generators, panels can be purchased separately, which enables the units to be topped up via the mains if required. There are alternative options available however, and we’ve tested and included a couple of options here that include the foldable panels with the unit itself, either in a suitcase-style carry case or foldable, extendable units.
Can a solar generator help keep my power on in a power outage?
Yes - depending on the energy output, solar generators can help keep the power on for devices around 240V. The means lights, electric heaters, ovens - what you need to keep your family life happily running during an extended power outage.
But you do need to keep the solar generator topped up to ensure the run time and energy is consistent during a blackout - so keep the solar panels in direct sunlight to capture energy.
What wattage should I look for in a solar power generator?
In terms of power available, look for as high as possible watt-hours, which determines the capacity of the battery pack. The running watts is the power that the generator can produce continuously - different device’s requirements are normally listed on the devices themselves - you need to make sure the figures on the generator are higher than the requirements of the device.
Best solar generators at a glance
- Best for large amounts of power: Goal Zero Yeti 1500X
- Best for lightweight power: Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station
- Best for charging on the go: EcoFlow 160W Foldable Solar Panel
- Best for tech: Bluetti Poweroak 500Wh Portable Solar Power Station
- Best for longevity: Anker 521 PowerHouse 200W
- Best for portability: Renogy 100 Watt Solar Panel Suitcase Portable Power Station
Get kitted out for your hiking and backpacking adventures
We have detailed guides to the best hiking backpacks here, and the best backpacking tents for your adventures here. Want to steady your stride? These are the best walking poles for hiking.
Keep it comfy with the best camping folding chairs, and sleep on the best air beds around, as listed here. And keep things illuminated with a great camping head torch.
Here are our recommendations for the best portable solar generators on the market at the moment
Pros: * Mega capacity * Exhaustive ins and outs * Robust, outdoor design
Cons: *Extremely heavy
Key Specs: Capacity: 1,516Wh (10.8V, 140.4Ah) Weight: 20.7kg/45.64lbs Measurements: 387x260x263mm/15.25x10.23x10.37” Solar: 600W Outputs: 2x AC output, 2x USB-A (5V, 2.4V), 60W PD USB-C, 2x 6mm, 12V car, 2x 12V power ports, 2x Anderson Power Pol (APP) Inputs: 2x Anderson Power Pol (APP), expansion port, WiFi (2.44Ghz), Bluetooth
If you’ve got aspirations of off-grid living, you’ll need a solar generator that can produce enough power to run everyday appliances and tools.
The Yeti 1500X, although expensive, is one of the best on the market at the moment for this purpose - a charge controller means you’re getting efficient solar power, which can also be topped up at the mains if you need, and the unit can happily offer power for tools and home equipment - including a full-size refrigerator if you need.
We’d also happily recommend this option if you’re working on off-grid events.
Pros: *Highly portable power station * Great value for money * Multiple ports * Great battery capacity
Cons: No inbuilt USB-C, USB-PD or wireless charging (can be done with adaptors)
Key Specs: Wattage 500 watts Item Dimensions LxWxH 11.84 x 7.59 x 9.2 inches Color Black Voltage 110 Volts Total Power Outlets 1
If you’re looking for a power option that has a little bit more portability, weight is a key consideration.
The Jackery Explorer 500 is one of the lightest lithium battery generators on the market at the moment, featuring a 518 watt/hour battery and works well when paired with the SolarSaga 100W solar panels, as with many of the generators featured here, sold separately.
Power-wise, we’d be comfortable running smaller items with this generator like mini-fridges, airpumps, mini TVs and laptop and device charging.
