Prepping with Portable Solar Generators
We need power. That’s a fact of modern-day life. From phones to laptops to fridges and power tools, most of the stuff in our house relies on power to function. This means if there’s a power cut our lives can be heavily disrupted as the tools and devices we rely on die and won’t turn back on.
If you’re a prepper, one of the most fundamental pieces of equipment to get is a generator. Most people tend to think of generators as loud, diesel-chugging, smoke-spewing machines that make more than their fair share of air and noise pollution.
Well, generator technology has changed pretty radically in the last decade and now the most popular generators on the market tend to be small, compact, silent machines that you can charge using sunlight.
A portable solar generator is a great tool for giving you peace of mind when it comes to keeping your devices and appliances running in an emergency. With multiple methods of charging, your portable solar generator will never die.
In this guide, we’ll outline a few of the key factors you want to keep in mind when you’re comparing the different portable solar generators. Plus, we’ll give you a list of the top 5 portable solar generators on the market today. we’ll give a quick outline of their specific features as well as the pros and cons of each generator.
It should help you get a much clearer idea of what’s out there and what separates the best from the rest. By the end, you should have a pretty good idea of which portable solar generator is right for you.
Key features of a portable solar generator
To make finding the right portable generator for you, take a look at the following key features. Whether it’s power capacity or ports, you’ll want to know how generators can be different from each other and what makes a generator right for you.
Power capacity
One of the key specs to keep an eye on with portable generators is their power capacity. The power capacity of generators is measured in watts. Industrial generators can go up to 10,000 watts and above but for a portable generator, most are between 150W on the low end and 1,500W at the upper end.
When it comes to picking your generator’s capacity, think about what you’ll most likely use it for. If you’re charging one device or powering camping lights, a 500W will be more than enough. If you need your generator to power a fridge, microwave, or multiple devices, 1,000W may be more suitable.
Recharging
When you’re buying a portable solar generator, one of the specs you should check is the recharging capabilities. Generators can be charged in a few different ways, depending on what power outlet you have access to.
The three main ways of charging portable solar generators are solar panels, car cigarette lighters, and wall outlets. Most of the generator suppliers you’ll see on this list also sell solar panels designed to be easily paired with the model.
Ports & Outlets
One of the major features that can change between generators is the style and number of ports and outlets. Most generators have some kind of combination of AC outlets, DC ports, and USB ports. Some high-end models have quick-charge USB ports called USB-PD ports.
One of the biggest differences between generators is how many ports they offer and it can range between 5 outlets and 20. Make sure your generator has enough of the right kind of ports and outlets to match your requirements.
Extra features
A few extra features that some companies add to their generators can include LCDs, integrated handles, and integrated lights. While these might add a bonus, they aren’t the most important features of a generator and shouldn’t play too big of a role in your decision.
Solar panels
If you’re going to be charging your portable generator using solar energy, there are plenty of compatible panels to choose from. You can normally buy a solar panel from the same company that makes your generator. Some companies offer special deals if you get the two. Plus, you’ll know that the generator and panel are compatible. Most solar generators do not come with panels – the “solar” part means that they are compatible with solar power, not that the panels are built in. Old school generators typically aren’t compatible with solar panels, which is why this distinction exists.
Top 5 Portable Solar Generators
Out of all the portable generators on the market, these 5 stand out. Some of them, like the Jackery Portable Power Station, are better-suited for camping and festivals, while others, like the Goal Zero Yeti 1400, are heavy-duty generators, perfect for running your home appliances in an emergency.
You’ll see a decent variety of price points, features, and designs. This is to ensure one of these top 5 portable solar generators is right for you.
Features:
- 1425W output
- 43.7 lbs
- Powers up to 10 devices at once
- WiFi connectivity
- Remote control via Yeti app
- 10-12 month shelf-life
The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 is a beast. With a 1425W output, you can use it to power pretty much anything. The Yeti will easily handle fridges, lights, and power tools, as well as charge multiple phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, drones, etc. A nice feature of the Yeti 1400 is its USB-PD port for quick-charging devices.
Another distinguishing feature of the Goal Zero Yeti 1400 is the Yeti App which allows users to remotely check up on their generator. With the Yeti App, you can keep an eye on your generator’s battery level, as well as turn the generator on and off, and turn specific ports on and off straight from your phone.
The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 is a high-end, top-quality portable generator with a top-end price point. For those willing to pay a little extra, the Goal Zero Yeti 1400 is a superb generator and is easily my Premium Choice. It’s a top of the line portable solar generator and if money weren’t an issue, this is the generator we’d recommend to everybody.
Check price of the Goal Zero Yeti 1400
- Huge capacity
- Well-built and quality parts
- Handles multiple appliances
- 10 ports
- Lightweight and compact
- Quick-charge USB port
- Pricier than alternatives
Features:
- 500W output
- Wireless charging
- Integrated LED lighting
- 10 outputs
- Compact design with space-saving handle
The MAXOAK Power Station is one of the best compact portable generators out there. With a user-friendly design, it not only looks great but is straightforward and super simple to use. Outputs include 2 AC (300W max.), 1 cigarette lighter, 2 DC, and 4 USB ports, including 1 USB-PD port for faster charging.
The MAXOAK Power Station also comes with integrated LED lighting, which includes an SOS function for emergencies. Its neat, compact ‘soft glue’ design with flame retardant material gives it more style than many generators out there and it would fit right into your campsite or festival base camp. Plus, it’s noise-free and eco-friendly with zero emissions.
You can recharge the MAXOAK Power Station from a wall outlet, with solar panels, or in the car. An affordable price point, plenty of awesome features, and a solid power output makes the MAXOAK Power Station the Best Overall portable solar generator on the market today.
Check price of the MAXOAK Power Station
- Great value for money
- Award-winning
- Good design
- Solid power output
- Quick-charge USB port
- Not as rugged as some of the alternatives
- Only suitable for smaller appliances (max. 300W)
Features:
- 167 watt-hour lithium-ion battery
- 5 outputs
- Integrated LED lights
- Integrated handle
The Jackery Explorer 160 is a great generator for people looking for an inexpensive, frills-free option. While it doesn’t boast as many features as some of the other generators, the Jackery generator has everything you need.
The Jackery Explorer 160’s outputs include 1 AC outlet, 3 USB ports, and 1 DC 12 V port. With 167W output, it’s a great generator for charging devices and for emergencies. It comes with integrated LED lights with an SOS mode.
For solar charging, you can easily pair your Jackery Explorer 160 with a Jackery Solar Saga solar panel. Because of its smaller size, the Jackery Explorer 160 would struggle with heavy-duty charging like large appliances as well as off-grid living.
With a low price point, the Jackery Explorer 160 is a great portable generator for taking camping and music festivals as well as an emergency power source. With everything you need for a price you’ll love, it’s the Best Value portable solar generator out there.
Check price of the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 160
- Low price
- Lightweight
- Frills-free
- Easy to use
- Covers the basics
- Low capacity – can’t support devices rated over 100W
- Feels cheaper than other models
Features:
- 167 watt-hour lithium-ion battery
- 5 outputs
- Integrated LED lights
- Integrated handle
The Jackery Explorer 160 is a great generator for people looking for an inexpensive, frills-free option. While it doesn’t boast as many features as some of the other generators, the Jackery generator has everything you need.
The Jackery Explorer 160’s outputs include 1 AC outlet, 3 USB ports, and 1 DC 12 V port. With 167W output, it’s a great generator for charging devices and for emergencies. It comes with integrated LED lights with an SOS mode.
For solar charging, you can easily pair your Jackery Explorer 160 with a Jackery Solar Saga solar panel. Because of its smaller size, the Jackery Explorer 160 would struggle with heavy-duty charging like large appliances as well as off-grid living.
With a low price point, the Jackery Explorer 160 is a great portable generator for taking camping and music festivals as well as an emergency power source. With everything you need for a price you’ll love, it’s the Best Value portable solar generator out there.
Check price of the SUAOKI 1183 Power Station
- Low price
- Lightweight
- Frills-free
- Easy to use
- Covers the basics
- Low capacity – can’t support devices rated over 100W
- Feels cheaper than other models
Features:
- 518W capacity
- 13.3 lbs
- 7 outputs to power your devices
- Easy to Read LCD Screen
- Built in power saving
The Jackery Explorer 500 is a great mid-capacity portable solar genereator for people who want a balance of power and portability.
The Jackery Explorer 500 outputs include 1 AC outlet (pure sine wave), 3 USB ports, and 2 DC ports and a Car Port Output.
It’s only 13.3lbs, which is very manageable in terms of portability, and still gives you pretty good power capacity.
The main drawback is that it takes longer to charge as it has restricted input in its charging capacity even if the power source is outputting more.
Check price of the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500
- Mid capacity generator
- Pass through capacity allows for powering a device while receiving power
- Good value and high versatility
- Well balanced between power and portability
- Includes pure sine wave output
- Can’t support devices over 500W
- Longer charging times
Features:
- 540W output
- 12.13 lbs
- Three-way chargeable
- LCD
- 18-month warranty
- 10 ports
- Emergency light
ROCKPALS 500W Portable Power Station is a solid generator with a nice utilitarian design that will take care of all your charging needs. The ROCKPALS generator comes with 10 ports, including 2 DC outports, 1 car port, and 3 USB ports. A nice feature is the quick-charge USB port. Plus, it comes with an 18-month warranty.
The ROCKPALS Portable Power Station comes with an LCD showing AC power output, battery status, capacity, and temperature. It’s three-way rechargeable via solar panels, wall outlets, and a car charger.
The ROCKPALS 500W Portable Power Station is a charging machine. If you’re looking for quantity and quality, it’s a great choice with a mid-range price point. While its 500W output might not be big enough for large appliances or off-grid living, it’s a great portable generator for camping, festival, and emergencies.
Check price of the ROCKPALS 500W Portable Power Station
- Lightweight
- 18-month warranty
- 1 Quick-charge USB port
- Emergency light
- Plenty of ports
- Not large enough for off-grid living
- Bulky
Buyer’s Guide
Take a look at these key points to keep in mind when you’re buying a portable solar generator. Whether it’s for a camping trip, a festival, or emergency power supply, answering these questions will guide you towards finding the right generator for you.
What’s your portable generator for?
If you’re buying a generator to power your phone on a camping trip then you’re going to need a very different model than if you’re buying it to power your fridge in a power cut. Figuring out why your buying a portable generator is the perfect way to start narrowing down the options.
How much power do you need?
The amount of power you’ll get from your generator is one of the primary features when it comes to picking the right generator for you. Appliances like fridges and microwaves need at least 1000W output.
If you’re going to be charging a device like a phone, laptop, drone, or camera, you won’t need that much. 500W will do the job and even 150W will work if you’re only charging one or two devices at a time.
Do you want lightweight or heavy-duty?
If you’re going to be carrying your generator to your camp spot or throwing it in the back of the car, you’ll probably want a relatively small and compact generator. If you’re going to keep it in the garage or the basement, then size and weight doesn’t matter so much.
The more power you want, the bigger the generator will tend to be. The size and weight of your generator can be a useful way to eliminate some of the choices from the list and narrow the options to find the perfect generator for you.
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