9 Best Solar Generators for Camping & Home Use | 2022

Are you planning to spend a night in the wilderness or are you looking to watch your favorite show even during power cuts?

Choosing a generator from the thousands of options available in the market is pretty tough. To add to it, finding an environment-friendly one which fits your needs, as well as your budget, is a big deal.

We faced this issue ourselves, and thus after a lot of research, we decided to curate a list. This includes the ten best solar generators for camping & home use to make life a little easier.

With a detailed account of the pros and cons, this list will help you compare the differences between the products and understand your needs better.

So, let’s get started, shall we?

Best Solar Generators for Camping & Home Use

1. Humless Portable Solar Generator

This is one such classic generator that stands true to its name. Powered by solar energy, this is compact and portable and works wonders under the sun. If you are looking to go for a camping trip in the sun, this is the machine that will enthrall you with its simplicity and easy to use capacity. 

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Moving on, with a power capacity of 1300 watts, this device is sturdy and reliable enough to last you through your emergencies without worries. To add to it, it is simple to use and does not need a lot of attention or frequent cleaning. 

What could have been better?

All these features together would come at a price, and that’s precisely the case with this machine. The solar panels are expensive, but they are worth the price, and we think if you have the budget, this could be your option to choose. 

2. Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Kit

If you are looking for a generator that will charge up all your devices at one time, this is your go-to option. With a capacity to charge ten devices at once, this generator managed to power up all our appliances, which enabled us to be at peace while traveling.

Why did we like it?

While we could charge our electronics, this device provided us with another benefit, the ease of moving it around! The package comes with a cart, on which the generator could be placed and taken around.

Additionally, this device comes with a power cord that acts as a supplemental power source. We were in dire need of it this one time when the sun wasn’t out for days due to adverse weather conditions. We had to resort to charging the inverter via the power cord as there were frequent power cuts.

Also, this has a 1250 watt-hour lead-acid battery, which can be connected to other cells for more prolonged use. This feature is a notable one, and a practical choice for long term power needs.

To add to the list of remarkable features, this solar generator is lightweight and has impressive photon harvesting abilities, thus charging quickly.

What could have been better?

The problem we faced with this product is that it is very heavy and difficult to move upstairs. We had to take it to the second floor of our house, and since we did not have a lift, the task took a toll on us. If you do not plan to take it up or down the stairs, go for this option.

3. Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station

We had been planning a trip on our RV, and we were looking for a small generator that would not take up a lot of space but would give us the needed power. Weighing a total of 29 lbs, the Goal Zero Yeti 400 met all our needs.

Why did we like it?

The best part about this generator is that one could literally charge it through solar energy, wall plugins, and car chargers too. We were less worried about the charge finishing up with so many options available.

Moving on, with the all-in-one power station accompanied by a 396 watt-hour capacity, we were able to charge a number of devices together. This included powering a phone for over 30 times, laptops five times, and running small appliances for several hours. We could plug in 7 devices together, which was more than enough considering the small size of this machine.

The LCD is medium-sized and allows us to monitor the charge left easily and to estimate the run time of the device.

Also, the device was chainable, and since it could not hold too much power, we could connect it with other batteries of the same range to get maximized output. When you are out on a tour where you would not get charging points or time for a solar recharge, this is helpful.

What could have been better?

We found out after buying this product that 33 AH is not a lot of storage, and thus keeping extra batteries may be essential in times of need. But given the size and weight of this device, one cannot expect it to run for as long as a 107-lb machine like the previous one.

4. Paxcess S320

Weighing only 3.3 lbs, the Paxcess S320 is a small, powerful beast. We found it to be versatile and convenient to use as we took it with us on our hiking trip. It did not lead any of us to collapse from the weight, and it worked well with our phones and mini-fridge.

Why did we like it?

We managed to charge our phones 18 times, our laptops three times, and a mini-fridge for over 4 hours on a single charge. Being photography enthusiasts, we were in dire need of recharging our DSLR batteries, which was not an issue at all.

Like the previous model, this device, too, could be charged through solar panels, car plugs, and ac adapters.

Additionally, it is designed to be very compact and has a sleek frame. We could easily carry it around with the ergonomic carry handle it comes with.

Further, the generator can power electronics with car plug-ins, wall plug-ins, and USB ports, giving us a lot of options and covering most of the significant charging methods. Being silent and gas-free, this device can be used both indoors and outdoors! What more could you want?

What could have been better?

Owing to the small size of it, it can be used to power small appliances and mini car fridges, but it is not suitable for more massive gadgets. This is the best deal to go for if you are an avid traveler and want to explore places in your country and abroad. We could easily carry it in our luggage without any issues.

5. Renogy Phoenix

If you are looking for reliability, this is the best generator that you can choose. The Renogy Phoenix gave us a lot of peace of mind during power outages as well as outdoor adventures. It is known to be one of the most trusted machines in the market. 

Why did we like it?

The Phoenix could be charged by solar, AC power, car plugins and is equipped with a 17. 1Ah Li-ion(neck) battery making it a safe choice to take along on our trips. We found out that this device was an excellent choice for mobile and off-grid applications. 

Paired with sturdy handles and a compact body, this was our perfect travel companion when we decided to go camping. Additionally, it comes with a flashlight, which may be of great help in case of sudden emergencies while in a camp. 

Additionally, the machine came with Renogy 10W Monocrystalline Solar Panels and is capable of going up to 100 watts, providing enough backup in case of emergencies. We faced a sudden power cut because of bad weather, and this device saved the day by keeping our essential gadgets running throughout.

Further, this machine is also noiseless, and you can sleep peacefully next to it without any hindrance.

What could have been better?

The only glitch with this perfect device was that the handles attached were made of plastic, and we are not sure how long they will last. But this does not affect the durability of the product and thus is not something you should be worried about at all. 

6. HomeGrid 5000HD

Are power cuts widespread in your neighborhood? Our cousins in California would agree to this, and they have gone for the HomeGrid 5000HD because of the sheer amount of power that the machine can hold. This machine can indeed be your friend in need when power gives up!

Why did we like it?

We were on the lookout for a proper generator, which would be environment-friendly as well as meet our substantial power requirements when this caught our eye. 

The machine has a storage capacity of 3700-watt hours of power, which is massive and can single-handedly power a small off-grid home several times over. We thought of using it to power our RV, too, which would be a child’s play for this beast of a machine. 

Moving on to functionality, it can power both 120V and 240V systems, which covers all the gadgets at home. Thus it allowed one to have a fully functional house even without power supply. 

Furthermore, at times of need, this machine can expand its capacity even to store more energy, which is a blessing in disguise.

Also, though the machine is heavy, it comes with a cart that allows you to move it around smoothly, causing no issues. 

What could have been better?

For a generator that gives so much power, we would not consider the weight a glitch, and thus this device is near perfect. Weighing 120 lbs it is bigger than most of the machines in this list, but again, it is one of the strongest. 

7. Peppermint Energy Forty2 Pro+ All-In-One

Peppermint believes when electricity is no longer a luxury, you need a solar power generator to take care of the primary activities in your lives. Be it for your RVs, camping trips, or emergency power backups, the Peppermint Energy Forty2 Pro + is built with the best quality of materials to fit all your needs.

Why did we like it?

This is one of the most potent generators available in the market with a capacity of 2000 watts. We could charge our delicate devices like cell phones and laptops when we took the generator for camping.

It also serves as a perfect back up for the house in case of power cuts. Fans, TV, and other medical tools can efficiently work with this generator.

This package comes in a briefcase design, and we loved the fact that manual setup was unnecessary. The device could be used out of the box and needed no extra effort from our side. All you got to do is let the sun play its part while you open the box and leave it in daylight.

Additionally, it does not take ample time to charge. Leave it under the sun for 3 hours, and you have a fully charged battery. This makes it one of the fastest chargers currently selling in the market.

What could have been better?

We were really impressed with the functionality of this device. The only concern we had was the tiny display on the generator. This made it slightly tricky for us to see the percentage of battery charge left, and the charging rate is not visible too. Other than this, we had nothing to complain about.

 

8. Audew 220Wh/60000mAh Portable Battery Generator Power Station

Whether you are facing power outages, outdoor hikes, excursions, emergency rescue, stall operations, or other power shortage situations, the Audew Portable Battery generator can be your angel in disguise. It will power your life wherever you go or whatever you decide to do. We thought of this device as a stable choice to make. 

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Why did we like it?

We found this device to be a very stable choice to make! With 220-watt hours of power and 60,000 mAH of high capacity, it provides incredible backup when on a tour or hiking in the wilderness. 

The device needs 8 hours to charge completely. However, we could disconnect and use it at intervals according to our needs without having to wait for the device to charge completely. 

One feature which we found stood out was that the inverter came with a sophisticated battery management system (BMS), which prevented any kind of surges in power. We did not have to worry about the overheating of the device, too. This is because the machine was smart enough to prevent such occurrences by itself. 

We were delighted to find out that the wall plugins system can be customized to fit prongs from around the world. This feature is hugely beneficial when it comes to travelers choosing a solar inverter. 

What could have been better?

The product does not come with solar panels, and we had to buy them separately. This made the expenses rise, and we had no clue before buying that this would happen. Now that you know, you could make your choice according to your budget. This is a sturdy product to go with if you are willing to spend 

9. Goal Zero Yeti 150

Are you looking for a lightweight solar generator that will take care of all your electrical needs as you venture out in the wild or watch stars from a hilltop?  If so, we recommend this as the Goal Zero Yeti 150 is a power-packed mini beast that will take care of all your smaller requirements. 

Why did we like it?

We found this product to be a perfect option for weekend outings and short camping trips. Weighing only 12 lbs, this device can hold up to 168-watt hours of power and is ideal for charging your delicate devices. 

Talking about the specifications, the best part of this device was that it could charge in 3 hours completely, which is a far cry from the previous models we have reviewed. 

Additionally, the handles attached helps a lot in moving the gadget from place to place, making it convenient even for a child to pick and take it around. Another essential feature is that it can charge via car plugins, Ac adapter as well as solar panels giving us choices in case of emergencies. 

To top it all, the machine provided us with the noise-free operation and fumeless power, both of which make the device extremely environment-friendly. 

What could have been better?

We could not help but notice that for the amount of money we spent on this gadget, the power capacity could have been more. But that would probably lead to a more bulky body, which could become a hindrance in the long run. So we recommend you to understand your needs well before picking up the product. 

Best Solar Generators Buying Guide

Now that you are well versed with the top 10 solar generators in the market, we will provide with extended buyers guide to make the process of hunting for generators easier. Read below to understand the details you need to keep in mind before choosing a solar generator.

Battery Capacity

The battery capacity is crucial, and you need to understand how much power you could require on a normal day. This is so as you can estimate the solar energy, that would be needed. If your area is not very lit up or if your area is prone to cold or rainfall, we suggest you opt for a hybrid device.Then you would have the option of charging via AC plugs too.

Size

Size matters, and that is true! If a device is needed that would be accompanying you on frequent trips, choosing a piece of bulky equipment is not what you would want to go for. Instead, go with a lighter device that is compact and easily movable. On the other hand, if you are searching for a strong power backup for your homes, a bigger device will do the trick better. 

Weight

The portability also depends on the weight of the device. A smaller inverter which weighs a lot will be difficult to carry around and would be a headache if you are to take it abroad. On the other hand, more massive devices usually are more powerful and would be a perfect choice if you are not planning to keep moving the equipment. 

Dimensions

This is something most people ignore but is crucial when it comes to storage. Make sure you calculate what kind of space is available to keep the machine. What is the area in your yard or on the terrace where you can layout solar panels? You need to understand and make a note of it before you proceed to buy it.

Verdict

It is after a lot of thought that we have listed down the ten top solar generators, and now, it is a difficult choice to make among these.

But we would go with Goal Zero Yeti 1250, which is an excellent machine and could give us an ample amount of power when in need. It could power ten devices at once, which made it a convenient option to select.

Moreover, the Goal Zero Yeti 150 is an excellent option if you are looking to buy a smaller, more portable generator. You would be able to take it with you and conveniently charge phones, laptops, and mini-fridges.

You are now ready to hit the stores! Happy shopping.

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