Best Solar Generators For Home Backup

Bluetti Ac200 Maxbest Value Money

Depending upon which solar generator you want, for your house under $2,000 you wonât find a better solar generator than Bluetti AC200 Max. Its modular design comes with an inverter capacity of 2,200 W and a surge capacity of 4,800 W. It has an in-build battery capacity of 2,048Wh which can be expanded up to 8,192 W.

It comes with 13 numbers of output ports, which include a wireless charging pad, 30A RV port and a cigarette lighter. Under this price range, you won’t find any solar generators.

You can charge it with solar, car charger, other batteries and grid power.

Are Solar Generators Worth The Investment

In short, yes, buying a solar generator is a good investment. Here is a list of the primary advantages that solar generators provide during power outages:

• Protect and power your appliances
• Run a freezer/refrigerator to keep your food fresh during long power outages
• Silent, no fuel, no smell
• Maintenance-free
• Portable and modular to bring in your outdoor trips

Why Should You Have A Generator For Home Backup

Well, solar generators are amazing devices that harness the almost limitless energy that comes from naturethe sun. You’ve probably met, touched, or at least heard of them once. As a renewable energy source that every expert in the world is focusing on developing, it promises to be the key energy source for the whole world.

Read Also: How Much Money Are Solar Panels

Best For Home: Point Zero Energy Titan Solar Generator

Courtesy of Point Zero Energy

True to its name, the Titan is packed with power. Its 3000-watt inverter has enormous output capacity for powering up household appliances like refrigerators and portable AC units with ease. Are you in heavy cloud cover? No problem. The Titan includes a stackable battery bank that holds multiple batteries as backups. You can recharge the generator via solar panels, an AC outlet, or a DC car charger.

It also offers six AC outlets, four DC outlets, and eight USB ports that can be used simultaneously. THE MPPT charge controllers allow it to reach full battery capacity in about four hours making the Titan a versatile, efficient, and reliable backup plan.

If youre looking for something high powered to help you weather a storm, the Yeti 1500X Portable Power Station is our top choice. If you need something portable for a camping trip, then the Jackery 500W might be your best new travel buddy.

Best Overall: Goal Zero Yeti 1500x Portable Power Station

Output: 2000 watts | Weight: 43 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 14 x 14 inches | Output Ports: 2 USB-A ports, 1 18 watt USB-C, 1 60 watt USB-C PP, 1 6mm port, 1 12 Volt , 1 12 volt HPP, 2 120 Volt AC inverters

Need to power your laptop, phone, power drill, coffee maker, and refrigerator all at once? The Goal Zero Yeti 1500x is a high-capacity power station that supplies electricity with the touch of a button or the Yeti 3.0 app. Weighing in at 43 pounds, its a solar option for those living the van life or to provide back-up energy when power lines go down.

The lithium battery supplies 1500-watt hours, so you can charge your phone a hundred times or run a refrigerator for up to a day. Its industry-leading 2000-watt AC inverter is one of the most powerful on the market, making it our top overall pick. The integrated MPPT charge controller increases efficiency by 30% when recharged with a compatible Goal Zero solar panel. Everything is backed by a two year warranty.

Don’t Miss: Decorative Solar Lights For The Garden

Best Solar Generator For Home Backup

Why do you need a generator for home backup?

Just like the air that we breathe, electricity is one thing we often fail to appreciate even if it is an essential part of our daily lives. Why? Because it is always here when we need it – until its not.

Problems caused by power blackouts range from trivial ones like not being able to watch your favorite shows or check on your social media, to more serious ones like massive food spoilage, HVAC control and a sharp decrease in your overall productivity, to mention a few. Natural disasters like hurricanes, forest fires, snow storms and other causes of power outages are more often than not, unforeseen and unfortunately, unavoidable. However, we do not need to feel helpless when these trying times come – the key is preparedness. Generators are one of the best inventions that came about in this era that is being run by electrical power. Having one is winning more than half the battle that you need to face in the absence of our usual power supply.

• Needs a lot of sun

What type should you buy?

How To Choose The Best Whole House Solar Generator

Whole house solar generators are becoming the go-to solution for the ever-increasing power outages sweeping across America.

According to PowerOutage.US, utility customers experienced 1.33 billion outage hours in 2020, up 73% from roughly 770 million in 2019. With extreme weather occurring more frequently, that number is only set to increase going into 2022.

One way homeowners can ensure they are protected from any outages is to equip their home with a solar system, generator, or solar generator.

Solar systems are expensive, and not everyone can afford them. Generators, although a viable solution, are noisy and unsustainable.

On the other hand, whole home solar generators check all the boxes. More affordable, has no noise, and is much more sustainable.

In this article, we will explain why you should look into purchasing a whole house solar generator kit and how to choose one and four of the most recommended kits available.

You May Like: How To Get Solar Panels

Things To Consider Before Buying A Solar Generator

People looking to buy their first solar generator can often be confused by the technical jargon and specifications. The following should clarify things, and help identify the best solar generator for your needs.

Power: Assessing your power requirements is a key issue. Every electrical device demands a number of watts to operate. A low-energy light bulb uses about 10 watts, a laptop perhaps 80 watts, and an air conditioner might need 1,000 watts or more. So the number of watts a solar generator delivers gives a good indication of the devices it can run.

However, the key figure isnt just watts, but Watt hours This tells you how long the solar generator can run the devices. If it is rated for 1,000Wh, for example, the power source will run the light bulb in our example for 100 hours , but it will only run the air conditioner unit for one hour. The built-in inverter produces smooth, sine-wave power that is safe for use with sensitive electronics, rather than the stepped power often produced by gas generators.

It isnt difficult to find a solar generator that can provide power for a cellphone, laptop and a few lights for a campsite. However, the average home uses in excess of 5,000 watts, and few of the current solar generators have that capacity. It is often a case of considering which items are essential and choosing a model that will power them in an emergency.

Best Solar Powered Generators

So, now you know what to look for in solar powered generators.

If your head is spinning from all this information dont fear. Ive rounded up a list of solar powered generators that get the Going Zero Waste seal of approval. All these brands are reliable, gas free, and efficient.

Ive gone ahead and highlighted some of the most important features of each generator, but it isnt an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.

You May Like: Do Solar Panels Charge At Night

Cost Of Solar Generator For A House

The cost of a solar generator for a house battery capacity of 2,000 Wh to 5,000 Wh without solar panels varies from $2,100 to $5,400. Moreover with portable solar panels, the same will cost you from $4,200 to $7,200 and with conventional solar panels, the same will cost you between $3,300 to $6,600.

The price of a portable solar panel is 1.8 times higher than a conventional one. Thus, we prefer conventional solar panels where the usage of the solar generator is for home backup and off-grid living.

What About For Camping

For camping, a Jackery Explorer 500 is ideal because its portable and lightweight with an easy to use handle. It can also be charged multiple ways via solar panel, wall socket, vehicles 12V output and an electric generator, making it very versatile.

You can charge up without having to worry about wall outlets or long extension cords. That makes this generator perfect for the great outdoors you can use it to power your blender, tools, pellet smoker, heated blankets, etc.

Recommended Reading: How To Stop Calls From Us Home Solar

Goal Zero Yeti Best For People On A Budget

Some people assume that solar generators must be too costly. On the contrary, the market has some affordable models that can fit your budget, such as Goal Zero Yeti. This can save you money while at the same time delivering quality performance. It is a user-friendly solar generator that has a small footprint.

What To Look Out For When Buying The Best Solar Generator For Home Backup

If you dislike the challenges that come with power outages, you need to consider buying a solar generator. This can produce power that is equivalent to what other forms of generators produce, but it is better since it is more environmentally friendly. However, finding the best solar generator is not easy, especially when making a first-time purchase. You can find the best by considering the following factors.

The capacity of a solar generator can help you assess how much power it can store. This often ranges between 500 and 1000 Wh. You should choose one that has more watts since it can produce better electricity.

Besides the battery capacity, you should also focus on the output capacity of solar generators before choosing one. Pick one with a high output capacity since it can help you charge multiple devices simultaneously.

• Charging capability

Since solar generators do not hold a charge forever, you should choose one that charges easily and quickly. Choose a solar generator that not only charges by connecting it to a solar panel but also one that can be charged through other sources like a cars 12V plug and wall outlet.

• Type of battery

While some solar generators are equipped with lithium-ion batteries, some come with lead-acid batteries. Consider solar generators that come with lithium-ion batteries since they are lightweight and have an extended lifespan.

Recommended Reading: How To Put Solar Panels On Rv

Best Home: Ef Ecoflow Delta Pro

EF ECOFLOW

Why It Made The Cut: As a stand-alone unit, the EF Ecoflow Delta Pro is a powerful proposition, but what really stands out is the ability to add solar batteries for exceptional backup performance.

Specs:Outlets: 30A AC, 4 x 20A AC, 4 x USB-A, 2 x USB-CWeight: 99 pounds

ExpensiveSolar panels are extra

It isnt easy to provide backup power for the home. Even the best solar generator has limits either in terms of the number of devices it can power, or its run times. The problem is the same for all but the largest gas generators too. The solution? The EC Ecoflow Delta Pro is one of the most powerful solar generators currently available and its expandable. You can add additional solar battery units, with the potential for a remarkable 25,000Wh in all. Thats enough to provide emergency electricity supply in the home for a week or more. In a small cabin or tiny home fitted with solar panels, it might even be a complete off-grid solution.

Whats more, the 3,600Wh EC Ecoflow Delta Pro can plug directly into most RVs. The ability to run power tools for several hours also makes it viable for site use. It comes with plenty of different outlets. Like all solar generators, it can be charged via solar panels, and EC Ecoflow produces their own high-performance model. Mains charging is another option, and fast at just 2.7 hours. It can also charge via 12V DC vehicle socket, and at any one of 35,000 EV stations around the US.

Benefits Of Solar Generators

Solar generators, like most things in today’s society, have advantages and disadvantages. Not everything will go as planned, and these solar generators strike the perfect balance between the two. As technology advances, the drawbacks become less and the benefits become more prominent.

• Delivers Free and Clean Energy
• Extremely quiet and peaceful

Read Also: Who Invented The Solar Panel

What Regular Maintenance Should Be Performed On A Home Generator

You should get basic maintenance information from the manufacturer of any generator that you buy. However, most generator models will work fine if you follow these guidelines. Run the generator at least 30 minutes per month or perform a weekly self test When storing a gasoline-powered generator, add fuel stabilizer. Regular oil changes are a must for your generator.

Bluetti Eb150 Solar Bundle Best With Included Solar Panels

If you dont want to spend time researching both a solar generator and the panels to connect it to, an all-in-one option is a way to go. With the Bluetti EB150 solar bundle, you get a power station and the panels to go with it at a relatively affordable price.

The EB150 generator offers 1500Wh and can handle appliances up to 1000w. So, you can easily power refrigerators, an electric skillet, and most space heaters.

Bluetti built an MPPT controller into their EB150, so this generator is very efficient. However, the solar panels that come with it are only 120w, so recharging will take some time. Youre looking at up to ten hours to reach a full recharge in optimal conditions.

Pros

• Handles up to 1000w appliances

Cons

Don’t Miss: What Can I Power With A 100w Solar Panel

Integrate The Solar Generator Into Your Home Electrical System

Your solar generator connects directly to your electrical system via a panel switchboard. This system has to be installed by a professional electrician.

For a seamless power supply, use an automatic transfer switch. Even if youre not home, the solar generator will automatically supply your house in case of a power outage.

Pros And Cons Of A Solar Generator For Home Backup

The Good

Solar generators offer a clean backup power solution compared to gas generators. Solar generators can be charged using renewable solar energy.

Another big advantage is the ease of setting up a solar generator. Unlike a wired home backup system, solar generators dont require any wiring. You simply plug in devices and appliances since all the components are built into a single compact unit.

You don’t need to spend more money on an electrician to install solar panels and wire your home.

The compact all-in-one design also makes solar generators portable. You can take it where you want to use it, and even go with it camping or in your RV. This makes it much more versatile compared to a wired solar backup system.

The Downsides of Solar Generators For Home Backup

The biggest downside of using a solar generator for home backup is that you are limited in storage capacity.

Unlike a wired solar system, you cannot create a large battery bank that stores enough power to last days. Most solar generators have smaller lithium batteries that are good for a few hours to a couple of days.

Its hard to find a solar generator you can use for whole house backup. You have to choose which electronics you want to run in an emergency.

You are also limited in terms of output. Many solar generators have sub 600W inverters that only power smaller appliances.

You can get a high-output solar generator , but they are pricey.

You have to keep plugged in appliances close to the power station.

Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Solar Powered Generator

Best For Camping: Bluetti Ac50s 500wh Portable Power Station With Solar Panel

Camping trips are about experiencing the outdoors, but it can be nice to have a few modern conveniences. The AC50S can charge multiple devices at once via USB or to 120V AC outlets .

The AC50S also has some cool features that are extremely handy around the campsite like a built-in LED light, folding carrying handles, and wireless cell phone charging pad. The included solar panels also fold up for convenient storage and have built-in kickstands and hooks to make it easy to keep them in the sun.

The only downside we found is that since this unit is only 300W it will not power most small appliances like a coffee maker, blender, or toaster. So if you want to power more appliances upgrade to a higher wattage unit or be sure to find low watt appliances.

The Nerdy Stuff:

Best Budget For Home: Goal Zero Yeti 400

Goal Zero

• Poor housing construction

Product Description

If you want power in a pinch but dont want to break the bank for something you might use a few times a year , the Goal Zero Yeti 400 is a great option. Its small footprint, zero emissions, and easy-to-use plug-and-play interface makes it an ideal asset for any home, garage, or workspace. It doesnt offer the high output or capacity youd find on more expensive models, but if you dont plan to run or charge large appliances for extended periods of time, its ideal for less power-hungry devices.

Read Also: How To Do Sole Proprietorship Taxes