If you are worried about a lack of power in emergencies, like the presence of a blackout or power outage, then a reliable backup generator is essential. This preparedness also goes for fun activities like camping, fishing, or even RV trips: for those, you will need a portable generator system.
Although fuel generators may serve this purpose, they have many disadvantages. They make a lot of noise, contaminate the environment, and depend on a nearby fuel source. Under critical situations like blackouts, floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes, you may not be able to have access to a fuel source, making your generator useless.
Thanks to advances in renewable energy innovations, new technologies that combine lithium-ion batteries with solar power are now available in the market and you can obtain a green energy backup source whenever you need it.
What is a portable solar generator?
Portable solar generators are primarily an emergency power source. For a regular household, such a generator might not be able to cope with the power consumption. They are small units and the amount of power they can provide is quite low. Their intended purpose is a bit different.
Portable solar generators are commonly used for camping to power a single consumer or various sources of light. They are basically, solar-powered UPS units. The power they provide is limited and was designed to be used in case of emergencies.
A portable solar generator usually has two main components. It has a photovoltaic cell that converts light into energy and a battery that stores that energy. The capacity of the battery can vary.
How does Portable Solar Generator Works?
A solar generator is a device that works by capturing energy from the sun via solar panels, storing the energy in its in-built battery, and converting the energy into AC power through an inverter before being released for use in household appliances and other electronic devices. When integrated, the three components below make an efficient solar generator.
- Battery – A solar generator has to store the energy it captures from the sun for later use. That’s the work of the battery. Lithium-ion batteries are more commonly used in solar generators, but you can also get lead-acid batteries. Lithium-Ion batteries have far more benefits than lead-acid batteries and in the long run, are more affordable.
- Charge Controller – The charge controller is an integral component of a solar power generator. Its primary purpose is to protect and promote the durability of the solar generator’s battery. Charge controllers normally have different characteristics for charging and discharging depending on your battery type. This is the brain of the generator.
- Inverter – The work of an inverter is to convert the low DC (Direct Current) power from the battery into AC (Alternating Current) power that can be used to power various AC devices in your home. DC items can bypass the inverter completely since the electricity doesn’t need to be converted.
How to build a portable solar generator
Materials List
- 4x Power-Sonic 12v 7ah Deep Cycle Batteries
- 36x A-Grade Solar Cells (inc Flux Pen, Tabbing Wire & Bus Wire)
- 20″ Tool Box
- Hella Socket & Plug
- 12v DC Socket
- 12 AWG Wire Black (2m)
- 12 AWG Wire Red (2m)
- Inline Fuse Holder
- 10amp PWM Charge Controller
- Digital Watt Meter (Battery Power Analyser)
- 100x Male & Female Spade Connectors
- 4m 5mm Wide Bus Wire
- 8m Tabbing Wire
- 2x Blue LED Rocker Switch
- 2x Red Rocker Switch
- Chocolate Block Connector
- 2.4w 12v Trickle Charger
Tools Required
- Digital Multimeter
- 80w Soldering Iron
Places you can use a Portable Solar Generator
-RV, home use, emergencies, fridge, apartment,
Best Portable Solar Generators 2022
Below is a list of our best portable solar generators you can find in the market in 2022:
- Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station
- Kalisaya KP401 KaliPAK 384-Watt Hour Portable Solar Generator System
- Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium Portable Power Station
- Suaoki Portable Solar Generator
- Wagan (EL2547) Solar e Power Cube 1500 Plus
- PAXCESS 100-Watt Portable Generator Power Station
- Peppermint Energy Forty2 Max All-in-One Portable Solar Power Generator
- ENKEEO Power Station
- 200W Portable Power Station, FlashFish 40800mAh Solar Generator
- Generator Portable Power Station, NusGear 155Wh 42000mAh Camping Solar Generators
Reviews of the best Portable Solar Generators in 2022:
To help you decide on the best portable solar generator that meets your needs, here is a more detailed review of the list above:
Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium Portable Power Station
If you’re looking to invest in a top-quality solar generator that can help you power through a power emergency or simply provide a source of power for an outdoor excursion, the Goal Zero Yeti 400 solar generator is perfect for you.
Additionally, the solar generator kit takes care of any charging needs that may arise. Furthermore, you can even pair the solar generator with other Goal Zero Yeti 400 solar models to increase the power output and encourage maximum energy potential. Plus, the Goal Zero Yeti 400 solar generator allows you to charge the solar generator using both solar energy and a wall outlet, making it possible for you to keep the solar generator charged and ready before you encounter a power outage or go on an outdoor adventure.
The set comes with a Goal Zero Yeti 400 solar generator and a 20-watt Nomad solar panel. You’ll be able to get all of your charging needs taken care of with this impressive tool. It has a quick charge time and can generate enough power to support devices like laptops, lights, and other energy-dependent gadgets. Last but not least, the Goal Zero Yeti 400 solar generator is safe for indoor use. This means that you won’t have to worry about any harmful emissions because, unlike other generators, the Goal Zero Yeti 400 solar generator doesn’t produce any unsafe byproducts or fumes when it operates. If you need a backup generator that you can depend on during a crisis, the Goal Zero Yeti 400 solar generator is one of the best choices you could make.
Why buy it?
This Goal Zero solar generator is among the best solar generators on the market and is sufficient to keep up with your needs. You’ll be able to use the device to power several different gadgets like phones, tablets, laptops, and more. Additionally, the solar generator can be charged with both solar energy and a wall outlet, so you’re covered even if the skies are cloudy for a few days. It’s a great option for anyone who needs a reliable backup power system and can make all the difference if you find yourself without power for a prolonged period. It’s one of the best systems on the market and will serve anyone well.
Kalisaya KP401 KaliPAK 384-Watt Hour Portable Solar Generator System
This solar kit comes with strong promises about its power and charging capabilities, with 384-watt hours and a strong battery.
This should allow for multiple charges of laptops or multiple electronics to be charged at once. The system came about from a Kickstarter campaign and offers features with a clear user-friendly focus. The question is, does it deliver?
What benefits have users noted in their reviews for this Kalisaya KP401 Portable Solar Generator System?
Starting with the strength and ease of use of the solar power generator, this is a high-end system with high-capacity lithium-ion cells for longer life and greater reliability. Buyers are impressed with the long life and are happy to rely upon it over long trips.
This strong power supply is then transferred through a series of ports – 4 USB and 2 12V – to help users change different electronic devices and keep vital systems running. This is generally simple to achieve with efficient charging for a whole range of items.
The other major selling point here is of course that this is more than just a basic generator. First, there is the inclusion of the solar panel. This 40w model may not be the strongest around, but it provides a solar power generator in one simple starter kit before users upgrade.
Then there is the use of remote system monitoring via a smartphone app. Here users receive clear information on power usage and remaining battery life.
This all increases the appeal and purpose of this system and ensures it is more beneficial where power is needed.
Are there any clear issues with this Kalisaya KP401 Portable Solar Generator that buyers need to keep in mind?
Some feel it is a little heavier than expected, and others don’t want the hassle of the app. However, there is a padded carrying handle and strap to ease transportation, and the app for remote monitoring is purely optional.
One additional thing that should be noted here is that while many KaliPak accessories are compatible with this system, many have to be bought separately. This includes the helpful power bank and waterproof cover.
Summary: does this all mean that the Kalisaya KP401 Generator is highly recommendable to users of all kinds?
One of the striking aspects of the positive reviews is the range of users offering their praise. This system is in use in a range of applications with great results. This means emergency power for homes, a power source for electronics on camping trips, and a charging station for important equipment during fieldwork.
Therefore it is difficult not to recommend this model for anyone in need of remote power from a reliable green source. The portability and reliable power of the Kalisaya solar generator are enough on their own, but the solar power and remote monitoring seal the deal.
Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Portable Power Station
This is another Goal Zero kit that leads the pack among solar generators for the outdoor enthusiast. Their products are more expensive than others, but they’re well known for their ruggedness and dependability. Their products are designed for heavy outdoor use and are built to last.
The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 is the largest solar generator on our list, at a capacity of 1425 Wh. With this much capacity, as well as the 1500 watt peak power of the pure sine wave inverter, you can run just about everything you’d need on a camping trip or in emergencies: phones and tablets, computers, power tools, coffee makers, CPAP machines, blenders, TVs, and medical devices.
You can keep a typical CPAP machine going for five to six nights without recharging, with 1425 Wh of power.
The generator includes two 3-prong AC outlets, 4 USB ports (including 2 USB-C ports), and four DC ports (including two smaller ports, one carport, and one Anderson Powerpole Port). You can recharge the generator via solar panels or an AC wall outlet, which takes 25 hours.
If you want a faster recharge, you can hook multiple solar panels up, but you’ll need adapters as Goal Zero products can’t handle the higher voltage of solar panels connected in series (ie daisy-chained together).
At just 44 pounds (thanks to the lithium-ion battery) and with beefy handles on either side, the Yeti 1400 is easy to put in the back of the car, though some users do note that wheels would be a nice touch, similar to other large generators. A small storage area on top of the unit allows you to store cords for easy access later on, a nice feature that only this generator includes.
The Yeti also comes with a Wi-Fi mobile app that allows you to remotely check battery life and turn ports on and off, a fun addition, though users complain that setting up the Wi-Fi connection is a serious pain. Beyond the WiFi setup issue, customers report that the unit is easy to set up and carry and as expected, is quite rugged – perfect for camping and emergencies.
Suaoki Portable Solar Generator
The Suaoki 400Wh portable generator power station has two 300W continuous AC power outputs with a 600W surge pure sine wave inverter suitable to charge laptops, fans, and other small AC appliances.
Integrated with a BMS to control voltage, temperature, and current that protects the battery itself and your appliances as well. Also features three ways of charging: using energy from the sun, through a wall socket, or via a 12V car charger.
Its 444Wh battery storage capacity and its lightweight (12.35 pounds) make it a reliable power source that is easy to carry and easy to transport to any travel that you want. You can take it for fishing, hunting or camping.
The Suaoki 400Wh portable power generator can also be used for CPAP machines as an emergency backup power source.
As with other solar power generators, there is no noise created as fuel generators would produce and there are two DC ports that can be used for lighting. Finally, up to four USB outputs are also available for electronic devices.
Wagan (EL2547) Solar e Power Cube 1500 Plus
When you have Wagan solar power generator around, you will be able to operate your appliances for a good amount of time despite the absence of electricity. Equipped with wheels, you can easily take this mobile solar generator anywhere to supply power to TVs, radios, computers, ceiling fans, and more, making it an ideal solar generator for disaster preparedness or outdoor activities.
Confidently face power failures, power outages, and blackouts with the Solar e Power Cube 1500 Plus.
- A dependable power source during disasters
- Very portable and equipped with wheels for easy transportation
- Supplies power to AC, DC, or USB devices with its internal 100 AH Sealed AGM/Gel Hybrid battery
- Carries 2 AC outlets, 2 DC outlets, and 2 USB outlets
- 5 built-in 16W solar panels charge the internal battery with solar energy – with expandability up to 300 watts of solar total
- The battery can also draw power from AC or DC outlets
- Features a digital LED display with a weather-resistant faceplate cover that provides users with information on battery status
- Built with slots for solar panel and battery expansion
- Comes with a storage compartment for your cords, cables, and adapters
- Weather-resistant fabric cover and AC/DC adapters included
PAXCESS 100-Watt Portable Generator Power Station
The Paxcess portable power generator offers a beautiful and compact size solution for emergencies.
Integrated with an AC power output of 150-Watt peak power capacity, this portable solution offers guaranteed safety protection with its battery management system that performs voltage regulation, temperature control, and even more advanced operations. More than technical protection, Paxcess also offers a 1-year product warranty.
The 100-Watt portable generator power station can get easily charged through a wall outlet, via a 12V car charger, or by using a 50Watt solar panel. Average charging times are estimated between 7 and 8 hours while using the wall outlet and between 7 and 12 hours while using solar energy.
By obtaining the Paxcess 100W power station you will also have three 12V DC ports with a maximum power output of 180W (ideal for small fridges and fans), two 110 AC power outputs (suitable for laptops or camping lamps), and two 5V USB ports perfect for electronic devices.
Use Paxcess as a valuable emergency solar generator that will provide you 155Wh of energy capacity at 3.7V. Maybe the most unique feature of this product is that Paxcess can also power a CPAP machine with its 12V DC plug or even with its 110V AC plugs.
Peppermint Energy Forty2 Max All-in-One Portable Solar Power Generator
The Peppermint Portable solar generator is an excellent device that is built with only the highest quality materials. You’ll be able to count on this solar generator to get the job done and provide enough power to keep your large devices and appliances in power.
The solar generator is one of the most powerful generators on the market and can provide up to 2000 watt-hours of energy for your power needs. Additionally, the Peppermint Portable solar generator is also able to recharge quickly. It can be charged in as little as three hours if given ideal weather conditions. Perhaps the most noticeable feature of the Peppermint Portable solar generator is its easy-to-use functions and features.
You’ll be able to easily get the Peppermint Portable solar generator up and running for use without having to deal with any difficult setup instructions or tedious procedures. The Peppermint Portable solar generator comes in a briefcase design. All you need to do to get it up and running is open the latch on the solar generator and let the sun do its work. The Peppermint Portable solar generator is also a very versatile device. Not only does it have the standard USB charging outlets – but it also comes with wall outlet plug-ins.
This means that you’ll be able to easily charge your devices no matter what you need to power. This solar generator can charge anything from a laptop to a TV and is perfect for any camping, RV, or backup power needs. You’ll be able to stay in power comfortably without having to worry about running out of a charge anytime soon with this device. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about keeping this solar generator charged – it has some of the fastest charging times out of any generator on the market. If you need power fast, the Peppermint Portable is one of the best choices you could make.
ENKEEO Power Station
The Enkeeo Portable Power station is a portable power supply that has a built-in 155Wh (equivalent 42000mAh) battery to provide power to multiple devices via various power ports. The built-in ports are AC/DC/QC3.0 USB OUTPUTS: built with 2 x AC outlet (max 100W); 2 x DC port (12V/10A, max 15A); 1 x USB QC3.0 (4-9V/2.1A) and 2 USB ports (5V/2A). It is capable of charging laptops, phones, cameras, fans, other electronic gadgets, and powering some small appliances.
The Enkeeo Portable Power Station performs well as a power supply and charging device. I have used it to power my streaming encoder device while charging other accessories and powering small Blackmagicdesign converter boxes. It works quite well, and with its 42000mah capacity battery, its charge lasts a long time. While the capacity time depends on what you are charging and/or powering, even with a laptop plugged in it is good to go for more hours at a time than I can use it for. I did test it with devices requiring more than the 100W which is more than its AC output is capable of, and each time that was a non-starter. It is also important to note that the 100W AC power is cumulative for the 2 AC ports.
This portable power station works great for charging devices like laptops and phones and most other portable and rechargeable devices. It also works well to power my streaming encoder device and, while I may hardly use it, the built-in flashlight is a plus. I was hoping that I would be able to use this power station to power my flash strobes, but all of my strobes are rated over the 100 watts that the Enkeeo provides via its AC ports, so it is back to the drawing board for that. I also do not like that the Enkeeo is constructed of all plastic and I am concerned about its ability to stand up to the daily abuse that is an inherent part of on-location shoots. Otherwise, it is a good power station and in my opinion, it is worth the price.
FAQs on Portable Solar Generators
Several portable solar generators are compatible with Lithium batteries. In addition, notice that it has a small footprint of just 16″ x 5″, and a lightweight approx. 20 pounds. This generator can run from 4-5 hours on one battery charge (depending on the wattage you’re using).
The solar generators are fully equipped to run laptops, television, lighting, and small appliances. The AC inverter is available in different wattage options depending on the size of the load needed to run. 6 models are ranging from 210 Watt to 480 Watts with both 120V AC outlets or USB ports.
Both the panels and the batteries are 100% compatible with a portable solar generator. However, since they are specifically designed for this particular model/brand it is strongly recommended to use them together.
In addition, the battery management system of these generators has been specially designed for proper charging and protection from over-discharge. This makes it possible to use a single deep cycle Lithium-ion battery as the power source.
However, all portable solar generators can be configured with Lithium batteries and that is a good thing for those looking at the long-term costs of ownership. In addition, it also allows you to use alternate power sources such as gasoline generators or AC wall plugs. This means that in case of emergencies these portable solar generators will be able to run on gasoline or AC power and still provide full functionality.
The ideal portable solar generator for camping depends on the type of camping you are doing. If you are staying in a park with hook-ups, or near an AC outlet then it’s best to use something like the Yamaha EF2000iSv2. It is one of the quietest generators out there and provides enough power for small appliances and lights.
If you are camping without these amenities then you should look into a more powerful generator such as the Xantrex PROWatt SW or the Honda EU2000i. Both of those models have been specifically designed for off-grid use and can power small appliances as well as lighting. In addition, they are very quiet so they are ideal for camping.
This portable solar generator is the perfect companion for any situation where you need power without being connected to an AC outlet. It can be used in the middle of a field, at campgrounds, or just about anywhere there’s sunshine! 4 models fit almost any application and provide enough power to run small devices and appliances.
Can I carry a portable solar generator by hand?
All portable solar generators can be carried by hand if needed. They have been designed to be compact and lightweight so they can easily fit in the trunk of a car. In addition, most models have integrated handles which make them easy to carry with a single hand.
You can also adjust the generator’s weight by removing some or all of the included panels depending on your needs. The kits come with all necessary accessories and additional components such as 2 extension cords, a FREE heavy-duty canvas bag, and MORE!
Which is the most ideal portable solar generator for RV?
The ideal portable solar generator for RV is the Yamaha EF2000iS. It’s one of the most popular generators on the market right now. There are two types available with different power output options. The “S” model is slightly more powerful and provides 2000 running watts, while the “V2” model delivers 1800 starting watts. Both of them can power a fridge, lights, and small appliances.
The Yamaha EF2000iS can also be used as a backup generator in case of emergencies or when you need to run the AC units at campgrounds. In addition, it is very quiet so you won’t have any issues if you want to use it for camping!
The ideal portable solar generator for an electric car is the Honda EU2000i. It’s one of the most popular generators on the market right now. There are two types available with different power output options. The “S” model is slightly more powerful and provides 2000 running watts, while the “V2” model delivers 1800 starting watts. Both of them can power a fridge, lights, and small appliances.
The Honda EU2000i can also be used as a backup generator in case of emergencies or when you need to run the AC units at campgrounds. In addition, it is very quiet so you won’t have any issues if you want to use it for camping!
The best portable solar generator for air conditioners is the Xantrex PROWatt SW. It’s one of the most compact and lightweight generators on the market, so you can carry it around with ease. In addition, it’s fully weatherproof so you can use it at campsites without a problem. The PROWatt SW can power most small appliances, lights and charge mobile devices.
It is also very quiet so you won’t have any issues if you want to use it for camping!
