Can you predict the unpredictable? No, you can’t. You can only prepare for it. Solar generators are perfect for those who want to be ready for a power outage. With solar generators, there are a lot of different options available. But what is the best solar generator for home use? The best solar generator is the one that works best for your needs. Due to cost savings and carbon footprint reduction, investments in solar generators have increased. As a result, researchers expect the solar generator global market to reach $882.7 million in 2027, up from $467.1 million in 2021.
Suppose you’re wondering how to determine the best solar generator that matches your needs. Don’t worry; we’re here to help. First, we will cover the factors to consider when choosing a solar generator. In addition, we list the top generators on the market today to help you choose the best for your home.
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What Is a Solar Generator?
A solar generator is a machine that stores energy to provide power backup in emergencies, for example, when there is no electricity available. It uses solar energy and not fossil fuel when providing electricity. Solar generators can be used to power a wide variety of devices, from small handheld electronic devices to large appliances. In addition, you can use it for off-grid systems. They are a prevalent choice for powering camping and RVing gear, as they are perfect for running lights, charging phones, and other small devices.
How Do Solar Generators Work?
Understanding how a solar panel works can help you understand solar generators. The solar panel absorbs solar energy and then converts that energy into electricity. The electricity from the solar panel passes through a charge controller, which regulates energy flow and prevents overcharging. The generator then stores this electricity in its in-built battery in direct current (DC) form. When you need power for your appliances, the electricity goes through an inverter that converts the DC to AC (alternating current).
What to Consider When Choosing a Solar Generator?
Before making a serious investment, it’s essential to know what to look for, given the market expansion for solar generators. Here are a few factors you need to consider before selecting the best solar generator for home.
Power Needs
The power you need in your home is the most crucial factor. Before selecting a solar generator, think of the energy your home needs. Do you want to power a few select appliances or your whole home? After answering this, determine the electricity needed by the devices you wish to use on the generator.
Cost
Solar generators can vary significantly in price depending on size, features, model, and the dealer. Therefore, compare costs from different suppliers and choose the most reasonable.
Solar Panel Size
The solar panel size will determine the energy it can convert. So sizing your solar panel is crucial for you to meet the power needs in your home.
Battery Capacity
The battery capacity dictates the electricity you can get to power your home. Therefore it’s essential to ensure the battery storage matches your power needs. Also, check its life cycle, depth of discharge (DoD), lifespan, and efficiency to ensure you have the best.
Durability
Solar generators are costly, so you need to check their durability. For example, you wouldn’t want to buy one that lasts only a few years and spoils before you enjoy the returns. Ensure that all the components that make up the solar generator are durable.
Warranty
Solar generators come with different warranty periods, making it crucial to consider them. The more extended the warranty period, the more the durability. Unfortunately, solar generators with longer warranty periods come with a hefty price tag.
What Is the Best Solar Generator for Home
The best solar generator for home should eliminate your power problems in case of an outage. Here are our top best solar generators in the market today:
1. EF ECO FLOW Delta Max (2000) Portable Power Station
If you’re looking for a medium-size solar generator, then EF ECO FLOW Delta Max (2000) is the best choice. The generator runs your home with a 2400W AC output. It has an enormous capacity of 2016 Wh, and you can add up to two more batteries to increase the total capacity to 6048 Wh. This can power pretty much anything from refrigerators to microwaves.
The EF ECO FLOW Delta Max allows for multiple charging, such as AC, car, solar, or the EcoFlow Smart Generator. Better still, you can charge from 0% to 80% within 65 minutes when you plug the EF ECO FLOW Delta Max into the wall outlet. Furthermore, connecting to the grid enables fast charging using EcoFlow’s X-streme technology with an input of 1800W in 1.8 hours.
This generator allows you to connect up to 800W solar panels to ensure that you harness more energy from the sun. On top of all this, the EF ECO FLOW Delta Max allows you to power up to 15 devices simultaneously.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 2016Wh
- Weight: 48lbs
- Dimensions:19.6 x 9.5 x 12 in
- AC Output: 20A outlets, 2400W total (5000W surge)
- AC Charging Input:1800W Max, 15A
- Solar Charging Input:800W
- Cycle Life: 800 cycles to 80% capacity
- Total Outlets: 15
- Price: $1,799
Pros
- Multiple charging methods
- Expandable 2016Wh battery capacity
- Safe since it produces zero fumes and works quietly
- Real-time energy monitoring and controlling using EcoFlow App
- Fast charging
- It can use third-party solar panels
Cons
- A bit heavy
- 800 life cycle is short for a battery of its kind
2. Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro delivers a large charging capacity of 2160Wh, enough to power microwaves, hot plates, refrigerators, air conditioners, and more. It’s also perfect for off-grid, especially on picnics or hikes. With six 200W solar panels, it’s possible to charge this Explorer in under 2.5 hours and less than 2 hours when connected to a wall outlet. In addition, the battery comes with a built-in battery management system to provide first-class safety.
Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro supports pass-through charging, meaning you can charge it and still plug in your essential devices. Furthermore, the power station has a digital display to let you know how much energy you’re using or charging. Also, it has a 5-year warranty when purchased through their official website; otherwise, a 3-year warranty applies to standard purchases.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 2016Wh
- Weight: 43lbs
- Dimensions:15.1 x 10.5 x 12.1 in
- AC Output: 120V, 60Hz, 2200W (4400W Peak)
- AC Charging Input: 120V, 60Hz, 15A Max
- Solar Charging Input: 6 x 200W
- Cycle Life: 1000 cycles to 80%
- Price: $3,599
Pros
- Fast charging
- Safe and quiet
- Enormous charging capacity
- Real-time battery monitoring
- It comes with an MTTP controller that features a 97% charging efficiency
Cons
- Very expensive compared to solar generators with the same capacity
- It’s heavy for its size
- It doesn’t include solar panel adapters
3. BLUETTI Solar Power Station EP500Pro
BLUETTI Solar Power Station EP500Pro is the most powerful solar generator from BLUETTI. It provides 5100Wh of capacity and enough juice to keep most of your essential devices running. This power station comes with 24/7 UPS backup protection so that you power your home even when you’re off-grid. Also, the UPS backup aids in safeguarding sensitive devices, file servers, and desktop PCs that contain crucial files.
The BLUETTI Solar Power Station EP500Pro allows for different charging methods such as AC, solar, car, and battery. It uses 2400W solar panels, which can safely and fully charge the generator for 2.6 hours. Better still, if you want faster charging, this BLUETTI model allows you to charge simultaneously on AC and solar. This will give you a maximum of 4000W input power, which fully charges the generator for 1.77 hours. You can use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to remotely control and monitor your usage for efficient use of the Watt-hours.
This solar generator comes with a 5-year hassle-free warranty with friendly customer support.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 5100Wh
- Weight: 182lbs
- Dimensions: 22.8 x 11.8 x 29.9 in
- AC Output: 4 x AC 100-120V, 1 x NEMA 14-30
- AC Charging Input: 3000W
- Solar Charging Input: 2400W
- Cycle Life: 3500+ cycles to 80%
- Price: About $5,944
Pros
- Powerful, stable, and durable
- Allows for multiple charging
- The split-phase bonding function will enable you to hook two EP500Pro together
- App controllability
- Has wireless charging technology
Cons
- The warranty period is short given its capacity
- Very bulky and heavy
- It’s expensive
4. Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Portable Power Station
Goal Zero Yeti 1500X can power almost everything in your home from the lights, fridge, medical devices, laptop, TV, and more. It provides a 1516Wh capacity to keep you running in case of a blackout. With a Yeti 1500X, you can count on 138 hours of lighting, 31 laptop recharges, 21 full-size fridge hours, and 15 TV hours. On top of this, it has seven different port options to keep your devices running simultaneously.
This power station provides you with three ways to charge; solar, Ac, and car. On top of this, the remote control feature lets you monitor and control your power usage.
Product Specs
- Capacity:1516Wh
- Weight: 45.64 lbs
- Dimensions:15.25 x 10.23 x 10.37 in
- AC Output: 2000 Watts
- AC Charging Input: 600W
- Solar Charging Input: 600W
- Cycle Life: 500 cycles to 80%
- Price: $1,999.95
Pros
- The 2000w A.C. inverter keeps your home powered
- Its highly portable
- Fast charging
- It’s easy to use
- Dependable, especially when camping
Cons
- Expensive for its capacity
- It cannot provide enough backup power to most modern lifestyles
5. Geneverse Solar Generator (HomePower ONE Series)
Geneverse Solar Generator provides safe and reliable power during an outage and has excellent for picnics and camping. The generator provides 1002Wh capacity for a 7-day power supply to your essential devices and appliances. In addition, it comes with 3 AC outlets with a pure sine wave with a total of 8 ultra-high power outputs. At 110V, this generator can produce 1000W of rated power and 2000W of surge power.
You can easily charge this HomePower ONE Series from an AC outlet, car, or with the SolarPower ONE solar panel. It comes with a has a battery management system to enhance safety and reliability.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 1002Wh
- Weight: 23.37 lbs
- Dimensions:13.07 x 9.15 x 9.57 in
- AC Output: 110V, 60Hz,1000W
- Solar Charging Input: DC, 12-30V, 7.5A (Max), 200W (Max)
- Cycle Life: ≥500 cycles (≥80%)
- Price: $1,499
Pros
- It’s lightweight, foldable, and portable
- Perfect for a small home (one to two-person)
- Can provide enough power to run essential devices
- Easy to set up
Cons
- 1002 Watts is pretty limiting as you cannot power some appliances such as microwaves
Why Go Solar With ONIT Home
Are you staying in the dark during power outages or paying high utility bills? Then, ONIT Home is the perfect solution for you. We can help you select the best solar generator for home use. With this, you can have peace of mind knowing that your family is safe in case of a blackout. We can also help you install a solar system to lower your utility costs, save money, and have more time for the things that matter most. Furthermore, you’ll have the power to control your electricity usage and at the same time increase your home’s value.
With our expertise and experience, we know precisely how to help you make the most of your investment in solar energy. Whether you’re looking for a whole-home system or just a small installation, we’re here to help you select an excellent solution for your home or business.Visit our website today for more information on solar energy. You can also call us now at 1-833-433-0331 to speak to our representatives. Need solar power? We’re ONIT!