When the lights go out and the world around us plunges into darkness during a power outage, having a reliable backup power source can make all the difference. Enter the world of solar generators A.K.A portable power stations, the modern-day heroes of emergency preparedness. These compact and versatile devices are designed to keep your essential appliances running, your devices charged, and your peace of mind intact when the grid fails us.
Statistics on power outages in the USA.
Between 2013 and 2021, the average duration of a power outage in the U.S. grew from approximately 3.5 hours to more than seven hours. >> Resource
On February 16, 2021, over four million Texan customers suffered a blackout. Two days later, this figure stood at 687,100. >> Resource
In this blog, we will embark on a journey to explore the best portable power stations available today, equipping you with the knowledge to make an informed choice for your specific needs. From camping trips and outdoor adventures to home emergencies and remote work setups, solar generators have emerged as indispensable companions for those seeking independence from the limitations of conventional generators.
Standard Key Features of Solar Generators:
Solar generators can be used indoors because they produce no harmful gasses.
Most of the solar generators can be charged with an AC wall socket, Car DC port, other batteries, solar panels, and Gas generators.
Solar generators can be used while charging.
You can use both portable as well as conventional solar panels with solar generators. However portable solar panels are not rainproof (only splashproof) and cannot withstand heavy wind. Moreover, conventional panels require structure, which increases the total cost of the plant.
Most solar generators have dual charging options. You can charge them with solar panels + AC wall socket/Gas generator simultaneously.
You can't take solar generators on flight >> Learn more.
You can get up to 30% federal Tax credit on the purchase of a solar generator. >>Learn more about the benefits of Investing in Solar generators for House use.
We'll delve into the key features, capabilities, and considerations that come into play when selecting the perfect solar generator to keep your life running smoothly in the face of unforeseen power disruptions. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a homeowner looking for reliable backup power, or simply curious about the latest advancements in portable energy solutions, join us as we shed light on the top options that are illuminating the path toward a more resilient and connected future.
#1 Bluetti AC200MAx
Bluetti AC200max is our first pick of solar generators for power outages, in fact, it is the best solar generator you can get under $1,599, moreover, it is also the best-selling product of Bluetti. You won’t find any machine better than this under $1,599. Under $1,599, it is the only solar generator with a 30A RV port (+15 other ports), 2,048 Wh LPF battery backup capacity, which can be extended up to 8,192Wh, and 2,200 watt AC output capacity.
It is a perfect machine for not only home backup but also for outdoor activities.
To extend its backup capacity you will require two additional batteries, but these extended batteries need to be brought separately. Its battery capacity can be expandable Up To 6,144Wh with 2×B230, or 8,192Wh with 2×B300.
Refer below table for the different backups for your house (running at 30%) with varying combinations of batteries.
Battery Combo | Battery capacity | Backup hours |
Inbuilt | 2,048 Wh | 4-6 Hours |
Inbuilt+ 1xB230 | 4,096 Wh | 9-11 Hours |
Inbuilt+ 2xB230 | 6,144 Wh | 15-17 Hours |
Inbuilt+ 1xB300 | 5,120 Wh | 12-14 Hours |
Inbuilt+ 2xB300 | 8,192 Wh | 20-22 Hours |
Furthermore, if you add 900 watts of solar panels which is its maximum solar input capacity. You will add an additional 2.5-3 hours of daytime backup. It has an AC input capacity of 500 watts and combining it with its PV input capacity, it will have a 1400-watt Fast Dual charging option (Solar + AC Adapter).
One of the dropbacks of Bluetti AC200Max is that it doesn’t come with wheels, hence you need to carry this 61.9lbs (28.1kg) machine on your back or you need to buy a carrier trolley.
Bluetti AC200Max will cost you $1599, and each additional battery will cost you $1,099 for B230 (2,048Wh), and $1,799 for B300 (3,072Wh).
#2 Eco Delta Pro
EcoFlow Delta Pro has the third-highest expandable backup capacity and second-highest AC inverter capacity. It comes with an inbuilt LFP battery capacity of 3,600 Wh and the same can be expanded up to 10,800 Wh with two detachable batteries of a capacity of 3,600 Wh each. Its 3,600 W inverter capacity with a surge capacity of 7,200 W makes it ideal for running multiple heavy loads.
Refer below table for the different backups for your house (running at 30%) with varying combinations of batteries.
Battery Combo | Battery capacity | Backup hours |
Inbuilt | 3,600 Wh | 8-10 Hours |
Inbuilt+1 Extra battery | 7,200 Wh | 18-20 Hours |
Inbuilt+2 Extra battery | 10,800 Wh | 28-30 Hours |
With its full expandable battery capacity, it can power your whole house for 7 to 10 hours.
It has an AC input capacity of 1,800 W and a PV input capacity of 1,600 W. Moreover, with its dual charging option (solar + AC Adapter), you can fully charge its inbuilt 3600 Wh battery in 2.5 hours. However, if you include its smart (gas) generator, you can fully charge its inbuilt battery in 2 hours.
With its 1600-watt solar input, you can get up to 4-6 hours of extra backup time. It has 15 outlets, which include 5 AC ports. It has a luggage-like handle and two rear wheels, which makes it easy to carry from your garage to the living room.
EcoFlow Delta is priced at $2,999, and every extra battery will cost you $1,999, it is the perfect machine for home backup and outdoor adventures.
#3 Jackery 2000 Plus
Jackery 2000 Plus is our third pick of solar generators for power outages, due to its lightweight, high PV, and AC input capacity which makes it the most suitable solar generator for both home backup and outdoor activities.
It has a 2042Wh LPF battery capacity, which can be extended up to 12,252 Wh with 5 numbers of Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus (2,042Wh).
Refer below table for the different backups for your house (running at 30%) with varying combinations of batteries.
Battery Combo | Battery capacity | Backup hours |
Inbuilt | 2,042 Wh | 5-6 Hours |
Inbuilt+ 1 Battery | 4,084 Wh | 10-11 Hours |
Inbuilt+ 2 Battery | 6,126 Wh | 16-17 Hours |
Inbuilt+ 3 Battery | 8,168 Wh | 21-22 Hours |
Inbuilt+ 4 Battery | 10,210 Wh | 26-27 Hours |
Inbuilt+ 5 Battery | 12,252 Wh | 32-33 Hours |
It has a solar input capacity of 1,400 watts, which can generate 4,900-6,300 Wh per day.
Furthermore, you can connect two numbers of Jackery 2000 plus with its connector to power your 240V appliances. Connecting two Jackery 2000 plus also increases its backup capacity to 24,504 Wh and solar input capacity to 2,800 Watts.
It has a total 9 numbers of output ports, which also includes one 25A port. This 61.5 lbs/ 27.9 kg weight machine comes with two wheels and an extendable handle, which makes it easy to carry.
Price: The price of Jackery 2000 plus is between $2,199 to $1,899 and the price of each additional battery is $1,599. It comes with 5 years of warranty.
#4 LYCAN 5000 Power Box [RENOGY]
LYCAN 5000 Powerbox has the second-highest inverter capacity [3,500 W] solar generator with the highest solar input capacity [4,400 Watt]. It also has the highest charging capacity, which is 6,800 Watts. However, to achieve its highest charging capacity. You have to charge it with a 20 A wall socket or 2400 Watt gas generator and 4,400 Watt solar panels simultaneously. So, to get the fastest charging of LYCAN 5000 you need to invest in solar panels too. But you don’t need to buy any GAS Generator, let's talk about its battery capacity.
It comes with an inbuilt battery capacity of 4800 Wh and can be extended up to 19,200 Wh with 6 numbers of 48 V, 50 Ah Smart lithium-ion additional batteries. (FYI, each 48 V, 50 Ah can store 2400 Wh of power). These smart lithium-ion batteries can be monitored by the Renogy DC Home app.
Refer below table for the different backups for your house (running at 30%) with varying combinations of batteries.
Battery Combo | Battery Capacity | Backup Hours |
Inbuilt | 4,800 Wh | 11-13 Hours |
Inbuilt+1 Battery | 7,200 Wh | 18-20 Hours |
Inbuilt+2 Battery | 9,600 Wh | 24-26 Hours |
Inbuilt+3 Battery | 12,000 Wh | 31-33 Hours |
Inbuilt+4 Battery | 14,400 Wh | 37-39 Hours |
Inbuilt+5 Battery | 16,800 Wh | 43-45 Hours |
Inbuilt+6 Battery | 19,200 Wh | 50-52 Hours |
Its solar input capacity is enough to fully power its 19,200 battery capacity in one day. Which makes it the ultimate solar generator for longer power outages.
It comes with a Bypass switch so that you can bypass it by replacing any power socket. And you can monitor it and its additional batteries with the Renogy DC Home app.
Renogy’s LYCAN 5000 comes with a 30 A AC output port. However, comparing its total output ports with other solar generators, it has the lowest number of output ports. In fact, it has only two numbers of AC output ports with 30 A and 20 A ratings. Another concern with it is.
It is a 120 kg/264.6 lb device with four numbers of wheels on the base. So, once you place it in your home/cabin you won't try to relocate it. And this much weight makes it unstable for outdoor activities.
Price: Renogy’s LYCAN 5000 Power box will cost you $3,199.99 and each Additional battery will cost you $799.99.
#5 BLUETTI AC500
If you have higher power demand due to a big family and you are looking for backup time for days then BLUETTI AC500 is the perfect solar generator for your home backup, it has all the necessary capacities you need for your home.
For a Starter, it is the only Solar Generator with both a 30 amp and 50 Amp AC output power sockets with a surge capacity of 10,000 Watts. Therefore, your house needs a little more extra power it can deliver.
Furthermore, it has a backup capacity of 3,072Wh, which can be extended up to 18,432Wh, and that much battery capacity is enough to power your house even without solar. However, you need to be a little careful with your power consumption.
Refer below table for the different backups for your house (running at 30%) with varying combinations of batteries.
Battery Combo | Battery Capacity | Backup Hours |
Inbuilt | 3,072 Wh | 8-9 Hours |
Inbuilt+ 1xB300 | 6,144 Wh | 16-17 Hours |
Inbuilt+ 2xB300 | 9,216 Wh | 24-25 Hours |
Inbuilt+ 3xB300 | 12,288 Wh | 32-33 Hours |
Inbuilt+ 4xB300 | 15,360 Wh | 40-42 Hours |
Inbuilt+ 5xB300 | 18,432 Wh | 49-50 Hours |
However, if you think this is not enough, it has a solar input capacity of 3000 watts, which can generate power from 10,500 Wh to 13,500 Wh in a day [depending upon weather conditions].
In addition, it has the highest wall socket charging capacity which is 5,000 Watts also, with its 3000-watt solar input capacity its total charging capacity will be 8,000 Watts. Therefore, you can fully charge its battery in 1-4 hours depending upon the number of batteries and capacity of solar panels you have.
Third, its modular design, makes it easy to increase its backup capacity as per your power requirement. However, it doesn't come with rear wheels, hence you need to carry this 66.2lbs (30kg) machine on your back or you need to buy a trolley to shift it.
Furthermore, it also has a 12V/30A DC outlet so you can also use it to charge your car batteries or take it on an RV trip.
If you want to run your 240V appliances then, you can connect two AC500 solar generators with its fusion box, which you need to buy separately. However, with two AC500s, you can extend its battery capacity up to 36,864 Wh.
One Bluetti AC500 will cost you $4,799, and every extra battery (B300, 3,072 Wh) will cost you $1,799.
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