Solar Generators: A Guide to Portable Solar Power

Wishing you could take the clean power of solar panels with you on the go? A solar generator can do that for you.

Whether you use it to run a few electronics while you’re camping, charge up your phones during an outage, or use power tools at a remote work site, there’s a solar generator that can work for you.

Solar generators are typically portable and easy to use, but not every option will fit every need. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you need to know, including how they work, how they compare to gas-powered generators, and how to choose the right solar generator for you.

What Is a Solar Generator?

The term “solar generator” has a broad definition, but it can be applied to anything that provides electricity on demand but uses solar power instead of gas or diesel like a generator does. While you could call any solar panel and battery storage system a solar generator, most commonly, it refers to a portable system made up of a power station and solar panels.

Importantly, solar generators differ from home battery storage, which is designed for permanent installation and integration with residential solar panels. If you already have panels installed on your home, you may want to install permanent solar battery storage rather than an integrated generator.

Solar Generator Uses

There’s a solar generator for most uses these days, from small, car battery-sized ones to larger ones that need wheels to move. Here are some general uses.

• Emergencies: Solar generators can power refrigerators, lights, and other critical essentials in case of a power outage or extreme weather event.
• Recreation: From camping to boating, tailgating, and more, solar generators can power lights, phones, speakers, karaoke machines, and any other device that needs electricity away from a convenient power outlet.
• Work: When working from home really means “working from anywhere,” a solar generator can power your computer, tools, or other professional essentials.

Solar Generator Components  

Typically assembled into a rugged, all-in-one system, the four primary components of a solar energy generator are as follows:

• Battery: Stores the energy captured by solar panels
• Solar panels: Convert sunlight into electricity
• Charge controller: Ensures safe battery charging 
• Inverter: Converts stored direct current electricity into alternating current

Most products advertised as solar generators include all the necessary equipment, and most plug-and-play options have the charge controller and inverter built in. Given the fluidity of the term, it’s worth ensuring that your solar generator has everything you need. That said, panels can often be bundled with solar-powered generator purchases from manufacturers and retailers alike. 

How Do Solar Generators Work?

Unlike traditional gas-powered backup systems, solar generators don’t have moving parts or need you to refuel them. Instead, solar generators can be hooked up to a set of solar panels to safely produce, store, and use electricity.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the process:

1. Solar panels harness energy from sunlight, which travels towards your solar generator as direct current (DC) electricity. 
2. The electricity first passes through the charge controller. Here, the voltage is regulated, ensuring the battery charges safely and without damage to it.
3. The battery stores the energy for later use. Most solar generator batteries can maintain their charge for several months at a time. 
4. In some cases, electricity can be drawn directly from a solar generator’s battery to power devices plugged into DC or USB outlets. When using AC outlets (wall plugs), the inverter converts the stored energy into alternating current (AC), the form of electricity used by most appliances and devices.

Today’s best portable solar generators are outfitted with multiple inputs and outputs to charge and discharge energy strategically. Some devices can be charged by solar, grid electricity, and vehicles and can discharge electricity from AC outlets, DC sockets, and USB ports to power a variety of electronics at once.

Although most solar generators are designed to function as standalone systems, it is also sometimes possible to integrate your device with your home’s electrical panel for flexible backup power. 

The Benefits of Using a Solar Generator

Solar generators provide portable power, just like a generator, but have a few key advantages.

Sustainable, independent energy access. With solar panels and a portable generator, you can produce, store, and use electricity as you please. When there is not enough sunlight to charge your system, most solar generator batteries can also be charged with AC power from your home or DC power from your vehicle.

Mobile, indoor, and outdoor use. Portable and designed for operation indoors and out, solar generators are go-anywhere devices with a wide range of potential uses. Although high-capacity solar generators can be heavy, most devices are portable enough to create convenient electricity access anywhere you can carry, wheel, or transport your system with a vehicle.

No emissions, noise, or smell. Traditional energy generators that run on fossil fuels pollute the environment and can produce toxic gases like carbon monoxide. Solar generators are free of emissions and odors. With quiet power (usually just a fan to keep the components cool), solar generators can quite literally provide a breath of fresh air when compared to noisy or stinky systems.

Solar Generators vs. Gas-Powered Generators

Solar generators provide a portable power source that can get you through an outage but so can gas-powered generators. How do the two options stack up head-to-head?

Solar generator pros

• Portability: Most solar generators are physically lighter than traditional gas-powered backup systems of similar capacity. That said, even heavy solar generators are usually easy to get around with a handle, wheels, or cart included. 
• Low maintenance: Other than setting up your solar panels and plugging in devices, solar generators require very little maintenance throughout their lifetime. With a fully electric system, there are no fuel levels to top off, no starters to pull, and fewer parts that could require maintenance or replacement. 
• Cheap, clean energy: With green energy and emission-free operation, solar generators can create a clean electricity cycle from generation to consumption. Solar electricity is also free (after the cost of the panels), which can help you save money on fuel expenses.   
• Easy, versatile operation: Indoors, outdoors, and practically anywhere in the world, solar generators can be used for a wide range of applications with incredibly easy-to-use controls and interfaces. Although they are designed to be portable, some solar generators can also be connected to your electric panel and function as a seamless backup for your home.

Solar generator cons

• Higher upfront cost: Solar generators typically require a higher initial investment than gas-powered systems. However, they generally have fewer ongoing costs and longer operating lifetimes, which can lead to long-term savings in comparison.
• Limited energy storage: Solar generators may not be ideal if your power demands are too high. For instance, during an electrical outage, a small solar generator won’t be sufficient to operate all of your house's appliances. In most cases, they are best for operating a few small devices at a time, such as lighting, a television, or a refrigerator, though their capabilities will vary.
• Slower energy generation: While a solar generator can always charge up with the sun, if you need a lot of energy quickly over a long period of time, you might be caught waiting for the battery to recharge. On the other hand, with a traditional gas generator, you simply need to add more fuel to access additional power.

Gas generator pros

• Familiar technology: Traditional generators have provided backup power for decades, at home and on the go. You might be more comfortable with the more familiar technology.
• Electricity on-demand: It can take several hours to charge a solar generator with solar power, a process that is also limited to sunlight hours. While it is possible to charge a solar generator with other energy sources (like your home or vehicle), a gas-powered generator can produce electricity on demand after adding fuel and starting it up.
• Product variety: As a longstanding technology, there are hundreds of gas generators on the market today with sizes and capabilities suited for many applications, including a wide range of portable and home systems, though solar generator options are quickly proliferating.

Gas generator cons

• Ongoing Fuel Costs: Traditional generators rely on fossil fuels, primarily diesel, gasoline, propane, and sometimes natural gas. In addition to required deliveries or trips to the gas station, the expenses associated with purchasing fossil fuels can add up significantly over long-term use.
• Toxic gases: Gas generators are notorious polluters and may release carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, sulfur oxides, and other toxic emissions while operating. The average camping generator emits around 1-2 lbs of carbon dioxide per hour, even when running at 1/4 of the max rated load.
• Noisy operation: Gas-powered generators can produce a lot of noise (up to 100 decibels). This is especially true for smaller portable generators vs full home backups, which are designed to prioritize size and weight over noise prevention.
• Required maintenance: A typical gas generator can require a significant amount of maintenance over its lifetime. In addition to refueling, gas generators also require oil, air filters, and spark plug replacements to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Solar Generator Buying Considerations

Choosing a solar generator can be challenging, especially if it is your first time navigating all the options. You can find the right device for your needs with the buying considerations outlined below.

Your energy goals and outlet requirements

First, consider the amount of electricity you need and how you plan to use your system. If your generator is only going to be used for the occasional outdoor excursion, you may not need as powerful of a system as you would for getting through frequent blackouts.

If you plan to power specific appliances, make sure that your chosen solar generator can meet their energy requirements. Many appliances have different needs for starting up and running afterward, so solar generators are often rated for peak and ongoing discharge.

Consider your outlet options. While every system is different, most portable solar-powered generators are built with a variety of USB, AC, and DC outlets to charge or use multiple devices at once.

Capacity

Solar generator storage is usually measured in watt-hours (Wh) and the bigger the battery, the more devices it can power for longer. You’ll typically pay more for bigger batteries, but you don’t want to be left with too little charge. Some larger solar generators allow you to add additional batteries later if your needs increase.

If you’re looking for a solar generator to get you through an extended outage, it might pay to err on the side of more capacity, as there may be limited opportunities to recharge without sunlight or another energy source. This is especially true when considering that solar batteries slowly lose efficiency over time through degradation.

Charging speeds and ways to charge

Much like its USB ports and power outlets, it is also important to analyze the energy inputs of a solar generator to find your ideal system. While most of today’s solar generators can be recharged with solar panels, AC, and DC electricity, charging speeds and capabilities vary greatly from device to device.

Solar generators typically have limits on the number of solar panels you can attach. If you plan to charge mostly with solar, make sure you can achieve the solar capacity and charging speed you need. Likewise, mixing and matching solar panel and battery brands might not be possible, so make sure your preferred system is compatible before buying.

Size and weight

The physical dimensions and weight of your solar generator will determine its practicality and, although most systems are designed to be portable, many high-capacity devices on the market today can be very large and quite heavy.

Solar generators typically fall between 15 and 60 pounds before adding the weight of the panels or additional battery storage. Make sure the physical dimensions fit your plans for using, storing, and transporting your solar generator.

Lifespan and warranties

A solar generator’s expected lifespan and product warranty coverage are the best indicators of its quality and value. While cheaper options may come with one or two years of warranty coverage, high-quality solar generators may be under warranty for up to a decade.

Cost

At the end of the day, it comes down to money. Solar generators can cost between $300 and $5,000 or more depending on the size and other system components. Although upfront costs can be substantial, it is important to view a solar generator as a long-term investment with very few expenses incurred after the initial purchase.

Key Takeaways

Portable, sustainable, low maintenance, and green, it is fairly obvious why solar generators are gaining popularity. As the technology advances, solar generator capabilities, benefits, and affordability will likely keep improving.

If you're buying a solar generator, make sure it fits your energy needs, from its battery size to charging options, available plugs, and included product warranty. Although solar generators are highly capable devices, if you have solar panels already installed on your roof and your goal is riding out blackouts at home, you may also want to consider a solar battery instead.

If instead, you think a whole home solar and storage system is a better fit, learn more with a free solar savings estimate or contact a Palmetto Solar advisor today.

FAQ

What is the best solar generator?

The best solar generator is the one that fits your needs. Popular solar generator brands include Jackery, Goal Zero, Bluetti, EcoFlow, Anker, and more.

As every system is different, make sure a solar generator can meet your electricity needs before buying.

Are solar generators worth it?

Solar generators can be worth it if you need a portable source of power or need to weather frequent power outages. They provide a quieter, cleaner, and safer alternative to portable or backup generators.

Can I use a solar generator to run my house?

Yes. Some solar generators can act as standby backup, though it can require a bit more equipment. Most solar generators are smaller than true whole-home backup options and are used to charge or run a few select devices.

Note: This article is written for educational purposes only. The information disclosed is not buying advice, nor is the content sponsored by any manufacturers or suppliers of portable energy systems.

About the AuthorCory O'BrienSenior Director - Growth Marketing

Cory brings over 8 years of solar expertise to Palmetto, and enjoys sharing that knowledge with others looking to improve their carbon footprint. A dog lover residing in Asheville, NC with his wife, Cory graduated from UCSB. If you run into him, ask him about the company he founded to rate and review beer!