Best Solar Generator Kit Reviews – Guide & Chart

The Best Portable Solar Power Generators & Power Station

Emerging technologies include generators that store and run on solar power. If you’re away from home, you don’t have to rely on traditional power or fuel. All you need is a reliable solar-powered generator that stores solar power while you do other activities.

What Are Features of a Solar Generator?

A solar generator typically consists of the following:

Key Elements to Consider When Purchasing a Solar Generator

There are five elements to check when looking for the right solar generator. An understanding of each will give you a better grasp on how they can work to your advantage and at what capacity they should be functional.

Energy Storage Capacity

An important feature is a generator’s capacity to store energy. It has to be reliable after the sun sets, when energy required can’t be replenished until the sun returns.

To measure this, calculate the battery’s capacity. Identify its voltage (in volts) and amp hours (Ah). For example, a 12V battery might be rated at 150 (Ah). Compute the watt hours by multiplying the volts (V) by the amp hours (Ah), then dividing by 100. This lets you know how much energy the battery provides.

However, most manufacturers won’t recommend that you drain a battery because it can lead to a shorter life cycle. To preserve your battery, avoid draining it to zero capacity.

Solar PV Input

The photovoltaic (PV) input of the panels determines how long it takes for batteries to charge during the day or how much energy is transferred to the battery for storage during charging periods. For example, a solar generator with PV panels at 300 watts can convert that much into the battery while under full sun. It is best to have a PV input rate equal to or greater than the battery capacity.

Since the sun is not uniformly bright every hour, expect the PV input to be lower than usual at certain hours. However, PV panels with solar tracking or the ability to change position based on where the sun is to have a higher chance of filling a battery faster. It’s safe to say that the sun is at its brightest six hours in a day, so the optimal charging period is 6 hours. Anything more can affect a generator’s usability during other parts of the day.

Inverter Rating

Batteries power devices using direct currents (DC). However, most devices run on alternating currents (AC). For stored energy to be compatible with regular devices, it needs to be convert from DC to AC and then further convert the low battery volt into the appropriate AC voltage. This could either be 110V, 120V, 220V, or 240V.

The inverter rating tells you how many watts you can pull from the generator at any time. Some buyers use this as the baseline in determining if the generator is strong enough for their home. However the optimal ratio of battery to inverter rating is 1.5:1. This makes sure that you’re not depleting the battery to the max, which could mean a shorter lifespan and quicker energy depletion. For example, if you have a battery rating of 1500 watt/hr, your inverter should be at least 1000 watt/hr.

Portability and Component Quality

Size and weight factors heavily in this decision, and so does the amount of noise produced while discharging. Some generators can be easily wheeled away, others need a flat surface to be mounted on, and others can be placed just about anywhere. As mentioned before, solar panels can be stationary or move at an angle to track the sun. Take into account if you have sufficient space for additional features like these.

Also consider the materials used in the generator. Plastic is lighter and protects it from rust, but ensure whether the plastic components are durable enough. Some generators have casings that’s more reliable against wear-and-tear.

Batteries also come in different forms. A lead-acid battery costs less, but may require more maintenance, such as ensuring only 2/3 of its capacity is consumed every time to avoid decreasing its lifespan. Its voltage also tends to drop during usage, and expect the generator to be heavier.

A lithium battery is lighter with a longer lifespan, but is quite expensive. It doesn’t require maintenance like a lead-acid one, and can be drained down to as low as 10% capacity to maintain optimal lifespan. Charging and discharge is more efficient and more consistent, and it’s 2-3 times lighter than lead-acid.

Reliability

A well-balanced generator system allows you to maximize charging and usage time without sacrificing either. After learning the key parts of a generator and their respective features, you can make an informed decision on which generator can provide you with sufficient energy when you need it most.

Always remember these three factors:

The Best Portable Solar Power Generators of 2019

Portable solar power generators are often favored due to their convenience. Each one featured on this list is versatile enough to be charged in three different ways: solar energy, a DC supply, or an AC port.

This generator comes with wi-fi capabilities so you can control it with your phone, and multiple charging ports to allow several devices to be powered up simultaneously. It runs silently and is highly portable due to its size. However, the Goal Zero Yeti is not weather nor dustproof. It has an LCD panel that displays the percentage of power left and gives you an estimate of hours left on the charge and how many hours needed to charge to full power. It can last through 500 full-charge cycles before losing 20% of its capacity. You may choose from a variety of solar panels offered by the same manufacturer at different price points.

Battery: 1425Wh Lithium Ion (39.6Ah at 3.6V)

Output: 1500W with 3000W surge capability

Outlets: 12 ports (AC, USB, USB-C, USB-PD, 12V DC)

Dimensions:

The River boasts of its ability to run 11 electrical devices all at once. With its miniature form, no one would believe it packs a punch. It can go through 500 full-charge cycles before any noticeable decline in performance, while your devices are protected by its Smart Power surge protection. It has a digital display to show you its current battery life and it is cased in waterproof material. The River is also easy to bring around with its practical and ergonomic handle.

Battery: 412Wh lithium ion (114Ah at 3.6V)

Output: 150-500W

Outlets:

Dimensions:

The Explorer 440 is built for outdoor use, with the unit housed in a compact but sturdy case with a handle. An LCD monitor on one side displays its power input and output, and the percentage of battery life left. It also has an LED light to make it easy to view immediate surroundings in the dark or when fussing over cables.

Battery:

Outlets:

Dimensions:

Dimensions:

Dimensions: