The Best Solar Generators for at Home or On the Go, Tested

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Solar Generators for at Home or On the Go, Tested and hope the blog can help you.

Portable solar generators offer a quiet, green solution for powering up during electrical outages or off-grid excursions. Find out how today’s top models fared in our hands-on tests.

Harnessing the sun to create backup power is an eco-friendly alternative to fuel-guzzling gasoline or dual-fuel generators. Also called solar “power stations,” solar generators feature high-capacity batteries that store energy that can be used to power appliances and digital devices. Unlike traditional generators, they’re safe to use indoors and virtually silent when in operation. 

Solar-based battery technology has come a long way in the past few years, and we wanted to see just how good today’s solar power generators were at producing and storing power, so we decided to test them ourselves. We had to know how well they performed in real-life testing before we could recommend specific models to our readers. 

Though gasoline and propane generators have more power, fuel is expensive and not always accessible. Read on to learn how to shop for a solar generator and to find out how the following models fared in our hands-on tests. While these products vary by capacity, best use, and cost, each one performed well enough to earn a spot on this lineup of the best solar generators.  

1. BEST OVERALL: Generac GB2000 Portable Power Station 
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Aimtom PowerPal X 155Wh Portable Power Station 
3. BEST MIDRANGE: Maxoak Bluetti EB150 1500Wh Portable Power Station 
4. BEST FOR SMALL HOMES: Maxoak Bluetti EB240 2400Wh Solar Power Station 
5. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro 
6. BEST FOR OUTDOORS: EcoFlow Delta 2 Max Solar Generator 

Before You Buy a Solar Generator

The portability of solar-powered generators makes them ideal for traveling, camping, and outdoor events because they are easy to pack, store, and move. The units are also a solid backup source for when emergencies occur at home due to severe weather or blackouts.

While solar generators are a clean energy source, they do have limitations because of their wattage capacity and slow recharging. A high-capacity solar backup generator can often produce enough power to keep the lights on or run televisions and electronic devices for hours. However, they don’t harness enough power to run all of the large appliances in a residence at one time or for an extended period. In general, a solar generator for house use will run only a few low-wattage appliances. 

How We Tested the Best Solar Generators

We researched more than 25 portable solar generators, paying close attention to type, power output, weight, ports, and other special features. We considered brand names to an extent; manufacturers like EcoFlow and Jackery are highly respected generator brands. We also considered quality, ease of use, and customer satisfaction.

We narrowed our list to several top-rated solar generators in various categories. Then, our team members put them to the test in their own homes, charging them outdoors with solar panels and noting how much energy they offered to power a range of appliances and devices. 

Each solar generator was tested using a rubric—the better it performed on a test, the more points it received. After completing the tests, we averaged the points to determine the best performers and to designate the best uses for each model. 

Testing Stats

• Products tested: 6
• Hours spent testing: 20+
• Tests performed: 3
• Price range: $105 to $3,700

Our Top Picks

The following products represent some of the best solar generators manufactured by reputable brands in terms of size, power, battery capacity, and special features. While they vary in storage capacity and available ports, each one was a standout in our hands-on tests. If you’re looking for a way to use solar energy to produce backup power, one of the following generators will fit the bill. 

Best Overall

Generac GB2000 Portable Power Station

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 3.5/5; Power 4.5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Wattage: 3,200 peak watts and 1,600 running watts
• Watt-hours: 2,106
• Charging source: Alternating current (AC) or solar
• Outlets/ports: Three 120 volt (V)-13.3 amp (A) AC outlets; one 12V direct current (DC) port; 2 USB-A ports; 2 USB-C ports; wireless charging pad
• Weight: 43 pounds

Pros

• Battery generator for home use; charges to full capacity in 3 to 4 hours via AC 
• Offers enough power to run tools, appliances, and digital devices
• Designed for emergency, off-grid, or recreational use

Cons

• Does not come with solar panels, but they may be purchased separately

Solar generators have come a long way in the past decade, and nowhere are the improvements more apparent than with the Generac. This solar-powered generator delivers up to 3,200 peak and 1,600 running watts via three AC ports, four USB ports, a 12V DC port, and a wireless charging pad. It’s well suited as an emergency backup or a remote power source for tailgating and camping. 

The Generac does not come with solar panels, but we charged it using our own Ecoflow 400-watt portable panels. With the Ecoflows, we got the generator from 28 percent to 100 percent in just under 5 hours. Charging time may vary greatly, however, as it depends on the capacity of the solar panels you use and the amount of sunshine the panels receive on any given day. 

Once charged, we powered several household appliances, including a fridge and lamps, multiple electronic devices, and even a miter saw. The Generac expends only as much power as you use, making it more energy efficient than many fuel-powered models that generate a set amount of wattage whether you’re using the power or not. 

We were impressed by this solar generator, but it is a tad heavy at 43 pounds. Its weight makes it challenging to carry for a long time, but it comes with a sturdy nonslip handle that helps when moving it short distances.

Read our full review: Generac GB2000 Portable Power Station

Get the Generac solar generator at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., The Home Depot, Walmart, or Generac.

Best Bang for the Buck

Aimtom PowerPal X 155Wh Portable Power Station

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 5/5; Power 3/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Wattage: 150 peak watts and 100 running watts
• Watt-hours: 155
• Charging source: AC, solar, or DC
• Outlets/ports: One 110V AC outlet; 3 USB-A ports; three 12V DC ports 
• Weight: 3.48 pounds

Pros

• Lightweight and compact design is highly portable for powering small electronics devices
• Can be charged with solar power, a wall outlet, or a car port 
• Built-in emergency solid-state and blinking flashlight is bright and convenient

Cons

• Aimtom’s compatible solar panels are currently unavailable in the U.S.
• Power output is limited; best for phones, laptops, and tablets or small appliances like a mini fridge or CPAP machine

This small solar generator from Aimtom is lightweight, compact, and convenient. It has one AC outlet, three USB-A ports, and three 12V DC ports. Since its output caps at 150 peak watts and 100 running watts, it’s best for charging devices and powering small electronics or appliances.

The Aimtom solar generator was easy to test, though limited. It was great for charging a phone, tablet, and set of wireless earbuds on a road trip (it was still at 5 bars after 6.5 hours), but we didn’t have much use for its three DC ports. The AC plug was a nice feature, though, and we were able to plug in a small handheld vacuum to charge. 

In terms of input options, this lunchbox-size solar generator features the option to recharge via a wall outlet, car port, or solar panel (not included). We waited several months for Aimtom’s solar panels to come back in stock in the U.S., but they never did. We finally gave up and used a Jackery solar panel for charging. Thanks to the included adaptors, we hooked the two products together without issue, and the battery indicator went from zero to five in just 4 hours.

Get the Aimtom solar generator at Amazon or Aimtom.

Best Midrange

Maxoak Bluetti EB150 1500Wh Portable Power Station

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 4/5; Power 4/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Wattage: 1,200 peak watts and 1,000 running watts
• Watt-hours: 1,500
• Charging source: AC or solar 
• Outlets/ports: 2 AC outlets, 4 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, one 12V DC port
• Weight: 37.9 pounds

Pros

• Green energy source that’s great for those who want an eco-friendly option 
• Suitable for use with appliances, including those for the kitchen and electronic devices
• Has a built-in carrying handle and is suitable for indoor/outdoor use 

Cons

• Intended for light use; not meant for powering large appliances

The Maxoak Bluetti EB150 has enough power to run small appliances, charge electronic devices, and even run smaller power tools. It features two AC outlets, four USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a 12V vehicle outlet.

It doesn’t come with solar panels, so we used our own for testing—Ecoflow’s 400-watt portable panels. With our panels, we were able to fully charge the EB150 from 25 percent capacity to 100 percent capacity in just 3.5 hours on a sunny day. Charge time will vary depending on the capacity of the panels you use and the available sunshine.

Once fully charged, we plugged in various appliances and tools, including a mini fridge, corded drill, blender, and several lamps. We also charged a laptop, tablet, and cell phone. Like all power stations, the EB150 only expends power as it’s drawn—meaning it doesn’t waste energy. That makes it more efficient than some gas-powered generators that burn the same amount of fuel whether anything’s plugged in or not.

The EB150 is relatively heavy, weighing in at 37.9 pounds. We could easily carry it around the house, but it would become burdensome on a long hike.

While it’s not intended for heavy-duty use—it will run an appliance or power tool, but it won’t run several tools simultaneously—this solar generator is a good option for those who live in sunny climates and need remote energy sources.

Get the Maxoak Bluetti EB150 solar generator at Amazon or Maxoak. 

Best for Small Homes

Maxoak Bluetti EB240 2400Wh Solar Power Station

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Noise 4/5; Portability 5/5; Power 5/5; Value 5/5 

Product Specs 

• Wattage: 1,200 peak watts and 1,000 running watts
• Watt-hours: 2,400
• Charging source: AC or solar
• Outlets/ports: Two 110V-20A outlets; one 12V DC outlet; 1 fast-charging USB-C port; 4 USB-A ports
• Weight: Generator: 48.5 pounds; solar panels: 14.3 pounds each

Pros

• Produces a low 43 decibels when charging via wall outlet and absolutely no noise when used as a power source
• 2,400 watt-hour capacity is higher than that offered by many solar generators, especially at such a great price 
• Foldable solar panels include kickstands, mounting holes, and handles for transport

Cons

• Battery icon shows charge level rather than an exact percentage
• Operating temp on this solar portable generator is 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit; not compatible with extreme weather

The Maxoak Bluetti EB240 is a virtually noiseless generator, emitting no sound when powering devices and appliances and measuring only 43 decibels when charging via an AC outlet. In testing, we used the Bluetti to run a mini fridge, corded stick vacuum, CPAP machine, and several other small appliances and cordless tool chargers. We even plugged a washing machine into it and were impressed that the generator had enough peak and running power to do a full cycle without tripping.

This small generator weighs under 50 pounds and is just a bit bigger than a large briefcase. It has two AC outlets, one DC plug, and five USB ports, making it best suited for emergency use, portable power needs, or camping. It offers a 2,400-watt-hour capacity that’s higher than many generators in its price range. 

The only real downside to the Bluetti was the way it displays power status. Rather than showing an actual numerical percentage, this generator uses a battery icon divided into five segments. We found this confusing, as we never knew how many remaining hours each segment potentially equated to. After charging the Bluetti for 6 hours using its two 200-watt solar panels, the generator showed a charge of three segments. It took another 6 hours for it to reach the full five. 

Still, for 1,000 watts of power and two 200-watt foldable solar panels (with pass-through charging!), this portable silent generator is an excellent value that provides peace of mind for basic backup needs. 

Get the Maxoak Bluetti EB240 solar generator at Amazon (no solar panels) or Maxoak (2 solar panels).

Best Heavy-Duty

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

See It

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Noise 4/5; Portability 4/5; Power 4.5/5; Value 4/5 

Product Specs 

• Wattage: 6,000 peak watts and 3,000 running watts
• Watt-hours: 3,024
• Charging source: AC, solar, or DC
• Outlets/ports: Four 120V-20A outlets; one 120V-25A outlet; one 12V DC port; 2 USB-C ports; 2 USB-A ports 
• Weight: Generator: 63.93 pounds; solar panels: 17.5 pounds each

Pros

• 10 outlets provide plenty of options for powering multiple items at once
• Goes from 0 to 100 percent charged in under 2.5 hours using a wall socket
• As quiet as a whisper during charging and operation at just 38 decibels 
• Solar panels’ IP67 waterproof rating ensures they’re capable of withstanding harsh weather 

Cons

• App needs more development to offer notifications and improve accuracy 
• Cumbersome to move at almost 64 pounds, even with wheels and handle

With 10 ports and the ability to supply 6,000 peak watts and 3,000 running watts of electricity, the Jackery 3000 Pro solar generator has enough juice for a family camping trip or use during an emergency. 

We absolutely loved using the Jackery solar generator during our tests. The machine requires almost no setup, save for downloading and pairing the Jackery app if desired. We did struggle with the solar panels a bit at first, though. At this stage in testing, using solar panels was new, and it took us a little time to figure out how to position them for maximum solar input. Yet since the Jackery supports pass-through charging, we used it to charge a cordless tool while fiddling with finding the right panel angle. We also used it to power a mini fridge while charging a handheld vacuum and to run a complete home office setup during a scheduled power outage. 

With small features like the generator’s cord keepers and telescoping handle to the solar panels’ kickstanding feet and included carrying cases, it’s obvious that this small solar generator was made by people who actually use their products. You may pay a little more for their attention to detail, but we think it’s worth it. 

Read our full review: Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

Get the Jackery solar generator at Amazon (2 solar panels), Lowe’s (1 solar panel), The Home Depot (1 solar panel), or