When you have a power outage, it can be stressful to find a way to power your home appliances and charge your devices. Normally, people use gas generators, but these negatively affect the environment and come with high fuel costs. A perfect alternative is getting a solar generator for home appliances.
This post reviews the best solar generators available, the benefits, and the factors that should guide your decision.
Let's get started!
What is a Solar Generator?
A solar generator is a device that can harness and store solar power in the form of electricity to provide a backup in case of power outages. It uses solar panels to capture the energy from the sun. The solar panel converts sunlight into electricity stored in batteries that will power your home if you don't have electricity.
Now that you know what a solar generator is, your top five options are here!
1. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer
- MASSIVE CAPACITY & IMPRESSIVE ENDURANCE: With the 1000W wattage...
- UPGRADE ENDLESS SOLAR POWER: As an option to own the endless...
- POWERFUL & VERSATILE PORTS: The Explorer 1000 features 3 standard...
- NOISELESS, STRONG & SAFE: At a such large capacity, this Explorer...
- WHAT YOU GET: 1* Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station...
The best solar generator for your home's power needs is the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer. It features a massive battery capacity of 1002Wh, ensuring it can cater to your home's electrical requirements without hassle. Whether it's your TV, electric grill, or heater, this is the solar generator you are looking for.
The Jack Explorer also has three AC ports allowing you to plug in your devices and appliances. It even comes with two USB-C ports and a quick charge port that you can use for your mobile devices. Since a portable solar generator supports pass-through charging, it's much better than other models on the market.
While this solar generator packs a huge amount of power, it delivers a quiet performance that won't distract you from your activities. It strikes the perfect balance between power and noiselessness, allowing you to enjoy peace of mind as you run your home appliances.
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2. AIMTOM Power Station
- ▲ GIGANTIC 42000mAh BATTERY WILL COVER ALL YOUR NEEDS: The...
- ▲ ONE POWER GENERATOR FOR ALL YOUR DEVICES: Power up your...
- ▲ TAKE YOUR POWER SUPPLY WITH YOU ANYWHERE: Even though our...
- ▲ SO QUIET, EFFICIENT POWER: Rest assured that your portable...
- ▲ ADVANCED BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: The built-in BMS protects...
The next solar generator for home use we'll review is the AIMTOM Power Station which comes with a gigantic 42000mAh battery. This huge power capacity is enough to operate appliances, handle home improvement projects, and much more. You can even use this portable generator as a flashlight during emergencies and blackouts.
There are multiple ports on this solar energy generator. The AC outlet is great for home appliances and devices like your stereo or laptop, while the three USB ports will cater to your mobile devices. You'll also find three DC outputs that you can use to power fans, car refrigerators, and other appliances.
It's better than many solar-powered generators because it's portable, allowing you to use it not only at home but also outdoors. The ergonomic handle on this generator will provide a comfortable grip making it easy to carry power with you to any location. Plus, its compact form allows you to store it in the trunk of your car without hassle.
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3. MAXOAK Portable Power Station
- 【1500Wh Huge Capacity Power Station】MAXOAK EB150 is equipped...
- 【Expandable Capacity】EB150 supports to handle1 BLUETTI...
- 【High Efficient Solar Generator】With a wide solar recharge...
- 【Multi Outputs for Various Power Needs】2*110V AC outlets for...
- 【What You Get】1 * Portable power station(EB150), 1 * AC wall...
We can't fail to mention the MAXOAK Portable Solar Powered Generator, which comes with a 1500Wh lithium battery. If you have multiple high-power devices at home, this is the best fit for your needs. It can effortlessly power your blender, hairdryer, or drill as long as they don't require more than 1000W to run.
This MAXOAK unit is a highly efficient solution since it has a wide solar recharge range. In other words, if you have multiple solar panels, you can connect them for maximum solar energy. It's also a versatile unit that can power different devices and appliances because it has several power outlets designed for different items.
You can use a solar panel to recharge this generator, but you'll have to buy the panels separately. It only takes about 7 to 8 hours to fully charge this unit from your wall outlet. However, if you use two solar panels in series to charge it, it'll only take 5 hours. You could even use this generator to charge your car, but you'll require a power inverter to do so.
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4. Rainier Outdoor Power Station
- 155 Wh – Portable Power Station Ideal for Outdoor or Backup...
- Versatile – 120V Household Outlet, Three USB Ports, and Three...
- Adventure Ready – Lightweight Portability at 3.75 Lb. With a...
- Efficient and Dependable –No Engine Which Means No Maintenance,...
- Backed by 1-Year Warranty
You could also go with the Rainier Outdoor Power Station, another great solar generator for home appliances. It can function not only as your home's solar backup generator but also as an outdoor power source. The 5000mAh lithium-ion batteries can hold enough charge to keep the lights on during a power outage without hassle.
Another reason it's a great fit for your home is the power outputs it comes with. It offers household outlets, DC outlets, and USB ports to ensure all your devices and appliances are sorted. If you are planning an adventure, there isn't a better generator to carry since this Rainier model has an integrated handle that makes it portable.
This generator is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to store in your car trunk or a bag without a challenge. Since it doesn't have an engine like traditional generators, it delivers quiet performance and requires no maintenance. Additionally, you don't have to worry about the safety of your appliances since it comes with short circuit protection.
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5. Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station
- Innovators in portable power | For over a decade, Goal Zero has...
- Empower human potential | We are driven by a vision for success...
- Professional grade power | Field-tested in a wide range of...
- Durable and dependable | Built to last and survive. The Yeti 150...
- Safe and user-friendly | We prioritize product safety. Goal Zero...
Last but in no way least, we have the Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station. It's an excellent solar generator for home use and can help you keep the lights on during power outages and outdoor emergencies. Even if you are going off the grid, you don't have to deprive yourself of the conveniences of electronic devices when you have this generator.
Like the other portable solar generators in this post, the Goal Zero Yeti is also a compact option that you can comfortably take with you to any location. It has multiple integrated outputs allowing you to charge up to five devices simultaneously. This makes it a perfect pick for homes with multiple family members where charging several devices could be necessary.
When using it at home, you can charge it from the wall outlet, only taking about 6 hours to charge fully. You could also use solar panels to power this unit if you are away from civilization. Unfortunately, the solar panels are sold separately, which means you'll need to pay extra for them.
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Why are Solar Powered Generators Better than Gas Powered Generators?
There are several reasons a solar-powered generator is a better option than the traditional gas-powered model. Let's discuss these reasons below.
1. Eco-Friendly Performance
The first advantage a solar generator offers is that it produces clean energy. Gas generators operate on fossil fuels, so they release smoke as they run. The gases emitted by gas generators aren't environmentally friendly. As such, if you want an option that's safer for the environment, solar generators are the answer.
2. Minimal Maintenance
Something else you'll get from solar generators is low-maintenance. Gas generators usually feature an engine that will require regular maintenance, which can be a hassle, especially if you don't have a lot of experience. Solar generators don't require maintenance because they don't have moving parts which saves you the trouble of getting your hands dirty.
3. Compact Design
Traditional generators have a large bulky build, making them hard to move around. Carrying your gas generator from where you store it to where you need it can be a hassle. That's why solar generators are much better, especially if you want a travel-friendly option. They are compact and come with comfortable handles that make them easy to carry.
4. Safety
Having a gas generator at home will require you to have fuel stored inside or close to your home. This could be something you want to avoid especially if you have young children around. Additionally, issues like overloading and short-circuiting could easily cause fire hazards since the generators use fuel.
You don't have to face any of these risks when using solar generators since they don't use combustible materials to run. They also don't pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning even with poor ventilation.
5. Cost-Efficiency
While solar generators are more expensive than gas generators, the cost of running your gas generator will eventually outweigh the price of a solar unit. Solar generators don't require refueling since they are powered by electric current or solar energy. They are the more cost-effective option for home use in the long run.
6. Quiet Performance
Solar backup generators are more silent than their gas operated counterparts. Gas generators have engines that generate the power you need. Unfortunately, these engines have moving parts that get noisy while your generator operates. So, if you want to eliminate noise while getting the power you need, go for solar generators.
What Types of Solar Generators can I use at Home?
There are two types of solar generators you can use to power your home in case of a power outage. Let's look at them in detail in this section.
1. Solar Backup Generators
When your electrical grid fails, you need a solar backup generator. These solar-powered generators come with multiple batteries because they deliver a high wattage output. You can use them to keep the lights on, power your TV, and operate mid-sized appliances.
It takes a long time to charge solar backup generators to full capacity, which is one of their downsides. The other drawback is that they are usually heavy, making them hard to move. Fortunately, these units can power your entire residence without hassle.
2. Portable Solar Generators
Compared to the backup models, these generators are more lightweight. This makes them excellent for traveling to places like camps where you won't find any electricity. They usually come with a handle that allows you to comfortably grip them to move them about. Plus, their compact form ensures you can easily store them in your car trunk or a room with limited space.
Portable solar generators might have a lower capacity which limits their application at home. This could mean you won't be able to operate multiple appliances simultaneously. Plus, if you have low-wattage solar panels, it'll take a long time to power your generator.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Solar Generator
Here are the things to check for when choosing your solar generator.
1. Battery Capacity
Solar-powered generators come with different battery capacities. The amount of power you need in the generator will depend on the activities you want to handle at home.
Some generators can only support small appliances, electronics, and cordless tools, while others can run larger appliances.
So, you'll need to determine how much power you need to ensure you pick a generator that can meet your electric power needs.
2. Power Outlets
Solar-powered generators are made with several power outlets to let you charge and power multiple devices. Unfortunately, the number of outlets in one generator will differ from that of another. So, you'll need to check how many ports and outlets are available in relation to the household appliances you want to power.
3. Short Circuit Protection
There are risks to powering your appliances directly from your generator because of issues like short-circuiting. That's why you should only select a generator that has some form of protection to ensure you won't be risking the pristine condition of your appliances and devices. Luckily the solar-powered generators in this post come with short circuit protection to ensure your items are safe from electrical damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the best solar generator for home appliances?
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer is the best solar generator for household devices and appliances.
2. How does a solar generator work?
A solar generator works by converting solar power into electricity which it stores in in-built batteries.
3. What can you run on a solar generator?
Solar generator power is enough to operate various appliances at home, depending on its capacity. You can use it to charge your phones, keep the TV on, and power your fridge.
