Best LiFepO4 Solar Generator for Home Use & Camping

Best LiFepO4 Solar Generator for Home Use & Camping

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Due to advancements in LiFepO4 battery technology, charging all home appliances and electronics is easier, safer, and quieter than it used to be. Besides, campers no longer use noisy, stinky diesel generators to light up their RV (which is ideal if you are at a campsite that imposes quiet hours). Moreover, solar-powered generators, also known as portable power stations, come with a relatively affordable price tag and enhanced charging capacity. Here is a list of the best LiFepO4 Solar Generator models.

What’s a LiFePO4 Solar Generator?

A LiFePO4 solar generator is a portable device that works with solar panel systems to collect solar energy and store it in batteries. This power station later converts the energy stored using inverters. Besides, the device is used to provide backup power for homes and businesses, as well as for camping and other outdoor activities.

Although LiFePO4 solar generators are a bit more pricey than lead-acid batteries, they're a good investment if you require a long-lasting and efficient portable power option.

Now that we know what a LiFePO4 solar generator is let's check out the best LiFepO4 solar generator models for home use and camping.

1. BLUETTI Portable Solar Generator AC200P, Power Station

BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC200P, 2000Wh LiFePO4...
  • [Power Monster] - With the remarkable 2000Wh of capacity and a...
  • [3500+ Life Cycles to 80%] - The ultra-safe LiFePO4 battery cells...
  • [Efficient Recharging Rate] - AC200P supports up to 700W solar...
  • [17 Versatile Outlets] - 6 AC ports, standard USB-A/Type-C/Car...
  • [What You Get] - BLUETTI AC200P portable power station, AC...

Bluetti AC200P Power Station has a power capacity of 2000W. It powers practically any home appliance in a pinch, including my fridge, toaster, microwave, and room heater. In addition, the AC200P's surge power of 4800 watts makes it easy to start power tools and equipment with AC motors.

The AC200P has 3,500 cycles to 80 percent capacity. Besides, the new lithium-iron technology provides an incredible battery life. This means I don't have to worry about buying a new one for the next ten years, even if I use it often.

Bluetti AC200P is undoubtedly one of the best solar generators since it checks almost all the criteria. It is usually packed with a lot of punch for its size. The package has 17 output ports to power your devices, including two ultra-convenient wireless charging pads.

Pros:

  • The solar generator offers fast recharging
  • It features a touchscreen display for easy settings customization
  • It comes with 17 output ports allowing charging/powering several appliances at the same time
  • It has 3,500+ battery life cycles to 80% capacity, making it a long-lasting system

Cons:

  • It doesn't have wheels, so moving it around isn't easy

2. BLUETTI Portable LiFePO4 EB70S, Power Station, 716Wh

Sale
BLUETTI Portable Power Station EB70S, 716Wh LiFePO4...
  • [Great Capacity to Size Ratio] - With 716Wh LFP cells and an 800W...
  • [Power All Loads for the Road] - EB70S has everything you need in...
  • [Fast Recharging] - With the built-in MPPT controller, EB70S can...
  • [2500+ Life Cycles to 80%] - The solar generator outshines the...
  • [What You Get] - BLUETTI EB70S portable power station, AC...

The Bluetti EB70 Power Station comes with a flashlight with three brightness settings: full brightness, half brightness, and SOS flash mode. Besides, the unit has 800W AC outlets and a car port in a single device. Also, the unit comes with a 15W wireless charging pad, making phone charging much easier.

Image Source: shopsolarkits.com

The 200W input can charge from solar panels in 3-4 hours, and its AC ports can provide up to 700W of continuous power to your appliances and electronics. In addition, the Bluetti EB70 delivers 2,500 battery cycles to 80 percent capacity meaning it will last five times longer than similar lithium-ion powered systems.

I recommend the Bluetti EB70 since it's powerful, portable, and versatile. I usually use it for different purposes and activities since it features a high-powered AC converter and multiple output ports.

Pros:

  • Portable power station
  • Quiet, versatile unit
  • It comes with an affordable price tag
  • Features multiple output ports to choose from

Cons:

  • The LCD screen doesn't display the voltage or amperage

3. BLUETTI LiFePO4 Portable Solar Generator AC200MAX

Sale
BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC200MAX, 2048Wh LiFePO4...
  • [Powerful Beast] - AC200MAX power station comes with amazing...
  • [Expandable Capacity] - AC200MAX supports 2 BLUETTI B300(3072Wh)...
  • [Super Fast Charging] - AC200MAX takes up to 900W solar and can...
  • [16 Ports for EVERY NEED] - The NEMA TT-30 and 12V/30A DC port...
  • [What You Get] - BLUETTI AC200MAX portable power station, 400W AC...

Bluetti AC200MAX power station has incredible 2048Wh LFP cells and a 2200W inverter, making it quite a safe and reliable power station on the off-the-grid. In addition, the unit supports two BLUETTI B300 batteries, which are more than enough to power all your appliances.

Image Source: bluettipower.com

The AC200MAX can handle up to 900W of solar power. Besides, the unit supports dual charging making it easy for me to feed it in less than 2 hours. Moreover, the solar generator features 16 ports making it ideal for RVs. Also, the wireless chargers usually allow me to charge compatible devices wirelessly.

Furthermore, this portable power station comes with a solar/car charging cable, instruction manual, 24-month warranty, and friendly local customer service.

Pros:

  • Supports dual charging, making charging faster
  • Allow charging compatible devices wirelessly
  • Ideal for RVs
  • Features friendly local customer service.

Cons:

  • A bit expensive

4. BLUETTI LiFePO4 Expandable Power Station AC300 & B300

Sale
BLUETTI Expandable Power Station AC300 and B300...
  • [Expand Your Power At Will] - An AC300 with a 3000W inverter...
  • [16 Versatile Ports] - The NEMA TT-30 is perfect for a travel...
  • [Fast Recharging] - BLUETTI AC300&B300 can be fed up in less than...
  • [24/7 UPS Home Backup] - Tie the AC300&B300 power system to your...
  • [What You Get] - BLUETTI AC300 power station, B300 expansion...

Bluetti AC300 Power Station features B300 batteries to increase the power capacity to 12,288Wh. This allows you to handle your electricity demands for days during power outages. Besides, the unit comes with 16 versatile ports; the NEMA TT-30 is ideal for travel trailers, while the 30A RV port is ideal for vehicle-powered equipment.

Image Source: bluettipower.com

Charging the unit usually takes me less than 1.5 hours using the dual charger inputs. You can connect this Bluetti AC300 to your home grid to power your home in case of a blackout. However, the work needs to be done by a professional electrician.

The power station comes with a multifunctional DC charging cable, 5A AC charging cable, automobile charging cable, 4-year warranty, manual user guide, and friendly local/online customer service.

Pros:

  • Portable power station
  • Quiet, versatile unit
  • It comes with an affordable price tag

Cons:

  • The LCD screen doesn't display the voltage or amperage

5. Anker 555 Solar Generator

Anker 555 Portable Power Station, 1024Wh Solar...
  • 6× Longer Lifespan: Premium LPF (LiFePO4) batteries extend the...
  • Unprecedented 10-Year Lifespan: Instead of 2 years, 555 Portable...
  • Designed for the Outdoors: A 200W solar input with 45% higher...
  • Ultra-Powerful and Versatile: With a 1024Wh capacity and 1000...
  • What You Get: Anker 555 Portable Power Station (PowerHouse...

The Anker 555 Solar Generator has a LiFePO4 battery which extends its lifespan by 6 times and an unprecedented 10-year lifespan. This makes it the perfect choice for those who want a long-lasting power source for their outdoor adventures.

It also has a 200W solar input with 45% higher solar charging efficiency, making it even more versatile and powerful. With a 1024Wh capacity and 1000 wattage, this powerhouse can easily handle all your essential devices and appliances.

It has 6 AC ports, 3 high-speed USB-C ports (1× 100W, 2× 60W), 2 USB-A ports, and a car outlet. So if you're looking for a top-of-the-line solar generator, the Anker 555 is the way to go.

Pros:

  • Portable power station
  • Quiet, versatile unit
  • It comes with an affordable price tag
  • Features multiple output ports to choose from

Cons:

  • It doesn't have wheels, so moving it around is challenging.

Why Should You Choose a LiFePO4 Solar Generator?

One of the main reasons you should choose a LiFepo4 solar generator is that it uses a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. Compared to lead-acid batteries, LiFePO4 batteries usually have several advantages, including enhanced discharge efficiency, a long lifespan, and the capability to deep cycle while maintaining optimal performance.

Image Source: bestportablesolargenerators.com

Other reasons why you need to consider LiFePO4 solar generators include the following:

1. Lightweight

Lead batteries are nearly four times heavier than LiFePO4 batteries of the same capacity. For example, a 150Ah lead-acid battery can weigh up to 48kg, but a LiFePO4 battery of the same capacity weighs just 14 kg.

2. Fast Charging

LiFePO4 batteries usually charge quickly and consistently until they reach 100 percent capacity. On the other hand, a lead-acid battery takes time to absorb its last 20 percent charge.

3. Safety

LiFepo4 batteries are exceedingly safe to use because of their stable chemistry. Even in case of a fire, a short circuit, or an accident, these batteries will not explode. Furthermore, you can use their full capacity without the risk of explosion.

4. Performance

LiFePO4 solar generators have a substantially longer life span than normal lead-acid batteries. Besides, the LiFePO4 batteries have a life cycle of up to 2500 cycles and can run perfectly for 7-15 years.

5. Climate Resistance

Both LiFePO4 and lead-acid batteries would lose their capacity in harsh weather conditions. However, compared to lead-acid batteries, the energy loss from LiFePO4 batteries is less. As a result, your LiFePO4 battery will likely keep up to 80 percent of its capacity at -20 degrees Celsius, compared to 30 percent when using an AGM battery.

6. Noise Level

Regular generators can be quite noisy, which can be an issue if you use them while RVing, camping, or even operating them outside your house. However, one of the advantages of LiFePO4 solar generators is that they silently operate because they lack all of the components found in gas-powered generators.

Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best LiFepo4 Solar Generator

1. Portability

Whether you are looking for a solar generator for backup power at home, camping, or loading onto your boat, you need a relatively easy unit to carry along. If you enjoy being outdoors, you know what we are talking about. If you are camping, you already have a lot of gear to carry along, and a solar generator isn't the lightest on the list.

Image Source: railadvent.co.uk

We recommend investing in portable power stations that will make your camping enjoyable. Go for one with a sturdy carrying handle or one with wheels for easy maneuverability.

2. Battery Capacity 

Before buying the best LiFepo4 solar generator, you must determine how long the battery can run your appliances without charging. The value is expressed in watt-hours (Wh). For instance, a 3000Wh generator can power a 100W TV for 25 hours, a 1250W electric grill for 2.4 hours, or a 60W laptop for 50 hours. 

To determine the best generator capacity for your needs, add all the power ratings you intend to use simultaneously, then multiply by the number of hours. Let us say you need to power:

  • Lighting (50W) + fridge (160W) + TV (110W) + electric blanket (100W) = 420 W

For seven hours every day

420W x 7 h = 2940Wh is what you need

3. Solar Charge Controller

Although solar generators are designed with utmost precaution and have little to no danger of failure, check whether the one you intend to purchase has installed a solar charge controller or an integrated MPPT charge controller (maximum power point tracking).

Image Source: bluettipower.com

There is always the possibility of overcharging or overcurrent being supplied to the device while charging the solar generator through a solar panel or an AC or DC outlet, which can critically damage the battery. These charge controllers are usually installed to prevent this. The work of these charge controllers is incredibly easy.

They limit the flow of electricity to the generator while it is plugged in and stop it when it's fully charged. Hence, you can charge the solar generator overnight or during the day without causing any issues with the battery. MPPT is a relatively new addition to charge controllers that are more secure and energy-efficient than their predecessors.

4. I/O ports and Charging Options

The main input method for a solar generator is a solar panel system that can be directly connected to the unit. Once it's connected, the solar panels can provide a free charging option for the generator and free energy to use.

Although it appears to be the best input method for a solar generator, it's not always the most practical since you cannot charge it through a solar panel. Some reasons include wet weather, dark woodlands, or damaged solar panels. In such a circumstance, an additional input method on the solar generator, such as AC or DC input, can be a lifesaver.

5. Durability

When buying the best solar generator for home backup and emergencies, consider its durability and overall quality. This is especially crucial if you intend to carry your generator on camping and road trips. Unfortunately, many poor power stations are made of cheap components and weak plastic that does not feel like it can withstand the rigors of the road.

Image Source: solarreviews.com

Durability cannot be determined by reading a specification sheet on the internet. It would be best to take the solar generator out and see how it holds up. I have used and tested the durability of these recommendations.

6. Additional Features

Before buying the best lifepo4 solar generator, check for additional features such as multiple USB ports, rechargeable batteries, AC outlets, and LED displays that allow you to monitor your system in the dark. Conversely, look for units with warranties manufactured by companies with established solar industry credentials.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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