Solar Generators
Solar generators are portable and efficient devices that convert the sun’s energy into electricity. With built-in lightweight batteries, solar generators provide clean energy for homes, camping, or job sites. With modern solar generators, you can easily meet your energy needs anytime, anywhere.
Generate power in 3 easy steps!
1. Set up your solar panels.
2. Connect solar panels to the generator.
3. Turn it on and let it power your devices.
Solar generators are ready to use out of the box
Be prepared for blackouts
Power your devices far off grid
Lower your utility bills
Make a positive impact on the environment
How does a solar generator work?
The solar panels collect sunlight and convert it into direct current electricity (DC).
A built-in charge controller regulates electricity flow from the solar panels to the battery.
The internal battery stores the collected electricity for later usage.
A power inverter converts the stored DC electricity into AC electricity (alternating current), which can be used to power household appliances.
What can you power with a solar generator?
AC appliances
Power household appliances like laptops, TVs, refrigerators, and power tools
DC devices
Power small devices like cell phones, tablets, cameras, and drones
USB-Ports
Plug-in USB-powered devices without the need for adaptors
Wireless Charging
A relatively new technology, many solar generators are starting to implement support wireless charging
Different solar generators offer different charging methods. Make sure your generator fits your needs, and think about what you want to power before buying a solar generator.
Best small, medium, and large solar generators
To choose the right size solar generator, assess your wattage needs, consider the length of time you need to power those devices, and factor in the size, weight, and features of the generator itself. Here are our favorite solar generators which fit different needs:
Small Generator: Renogy Pheonix 500
to power you most important devices during a blackout or camping trip
Why is it the best deal? The Phoenix 500 has the largest Inverter/Battery/Solar-Array of all solar generators in its class: 495Wh Battery | 200W Solar Input | 800W Inverter
Medium Generator: Renogy Pheonix 1000
Power most household appliances – Expandable battery bank
Why is it a great deal? The Phoenix 1000 has a great Battery/Inverter/Solar combination, and you can connect two in parallel doubling it’s capacity: 998.4Wh Battery | 400W Solar Input | 1500W Inverter
Large Generator: Bluetti AC300 + B300
Power an off-grid cabin or use as whole home back-up generator
Why is it a great deal? The Bluetti AC300/B300 combined with 2400 Watts of solar is large enough to power an entire home: 3,072Wh Battery | 2400W Solar Input | 3000W Inverter
Compare more solar generators in our Buyers Guide
How to find the right size solar generator
Consider the following factors to determine the size of the solar generator you will need:
- Power consumption: Calculate the amount of power you will need to run your devices. You can usually find this information on the label of the appliance or in the user manual. Add up the wattage of all the devices you plan to power.
- Battery capacity: Determine the amount of energy you will need to store in your solar generator. This will depend on how long you plan to use your appliances and devices without sunlight.
- Solar panel size: Calculate the size of the solar panel you will need to recharge your generator. This will depend on the battery capacity and the amount of sunlight available in your area.
- Inverter size: Choose an inverter that can handle the wattage of the devices you plan to use.
…For those who are just looking for a backup power source for critical devices…
As a small backup power source we recommend:
Jackery Explorer 300
A truly portable solar generator that can power laptops, cellphones, radios, drones and more.
…For those that need to power everyday appliances like a refrigerator, kitchen appliances, and power tools
For larger power requirements we recommend:
Bluetti AC200Max + 600 Watts of Solar
This generator comes with 600 Watts of Solar and can support up to 900 Watts total. That much solar can keep a whole family powered up.
Check out our buyers guide to compare more recommended generators
Portable solar generators for emergency backup power
Having a solar generator as a backup for emergencies is a smart move: it provides you with power when the grid goes down. With a solar generator, you can charge your devices, keep your fridge running, and even boil water for safe drinking during an emergency.
One of the biggest benefits of a solar generator is that it uses renewable energy from the sun. This means that you don´t rely on fuel, which can be hard to find in emergencies such as hurricanes which might shut down the area for several days. Compared to gas generators, solar generators require very little maintenance.
That means: When emergencies happen you can trust your generator – no matter how long it’s been sitting in the closet. You’ll have power when you need it, whether it’s to charge your phone and stay in contact with your loved ones, run a medical device, or power other appliances.
DIY Solar Generator – Build your own Generator
By building your own DIY solar generator you can customize it to your specific needs. Another great plus is the DIY route tends to be much cheaper. Also, we believe, that building your own solar generator is a fun and rewarding DIY project that can teach you valuable skills and knowledge about solar energy. With our DIY wiring diagrams and step-by-step guides, and a little patience, everybody can do it.
To get started we recommend the following steps
- Find out, which size solar system you need, and if your budget allows those plans.
- According to your specific needs, choose one of our wiring diagrams you want to rebuild. Also,
consider using a Hybrid Inverter which might make the installation process easier. - Order all required components and read the instruction manuals to make sure everything is safe.
- Start with installing the main components on a component board or inside a box.
- Connect the batteries bank to the component board.
- Connect your solar panels and point them at the sun.
Useful Resources
1500 Watt DIY Solar Generator
12 Volt Solar Systems
Wire Sizing Guide
Fuse Sizing Guide
We’re here to help, Contact us if you have any questions about your solar project.
Solar generators for RVs and Campervans
Integrating a solar generator into a van build can provide a reliable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective source of power when you’re off-grid. It allows you to power your appliances and devices without needing to do a complicated DIY solar project. This gives you more flexibility and freedom to travel and camp wherever you want.
You will find more information about this topic here soon. Feel free to let us know which questions you need answered by contacting us here.
