What to Consider in a Solar Generator
Solar generators come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing the right one depends on how much power you need, how portable it should be, and what kind of recharging setup works best for your lifestyle.
What Size and How Much Capacity Do You Need?
The key spec to look at is watt-hours (Wh), which tells you how much energy a unit can store and deliver over time. This will determine whether your generator can power a mini-fridge, recharge your phone, or keep your lights on during a blackout.
For example, a high-capacity unit like the EcoFlow Delta Pro Solar Generator offers enough juice to run large appliances or serve as a backup for home essentials. Meanwhile, the more compact Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 is a top pick for camping or off-grid weekend use.
Need help estimating your energy needs? The U.S. Department of Energy offers a guide to estimating appliance energy use that can help you calculate how many watt-hours your devices will require.
Charging Capacity
Once you know what you’ll be powering, compare how quickly each generator recharges and how many devices it can handle at once. For short trips, something in the 500Wh range—like the Goal Zero Yeti 500—is usually enough. For emergency home backup, go bigger: look for at least 3,000Wh and invest in 500W or more of solar panels.
It’s also worth noting that most units don’t include solar panels. To avoid mismatch or slow recharge times, try purchasing the solar generator and panels together. You can learn more about solar panel efficiency and real-world performance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Portability
If you’re hitting the road or packing tight gear, the size and weight of your power station matter. Compact models like the EcoFlow Delta 3 offer multiple ports in a smaller footprint—ideal for overlanding or van life.
Most portable solar generators weigh 10 pounds or more, and larger ones can exceed 100 pounds. Think about where you’ll store it and how often you’ll move it around. If it’s staying at home as a backup power source, size may not be as critical—but ease of setup still is.
For disaster planning or emergency backup use, the FEMA emergency power outage guide provides helpful tips on managing electricity loss with portable power solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your priorities when choosing a solar-powered generator?
As someone who enjoys low-maintenance camping and backcountry travel, I prioritize lightweight, compact, and easy-to-use gear. I typically go with a solar generator that offers 250–600 watt-hours and weighs under 15 pounds. This setup is perfect for weekend trips and can easily be charged via car or solar panels while on the move.
However, for people living the van life or working remotely in RVs—who need to power laptops, routers, or even small fridges—a larger capacity unit like the EcoFlow Delta Pro makes more sense.
For tips on evaluating your power needs, the U.S. Department of Energy provides an excellent guide on estimating electronic energy use.
What can a solar-powered generator charge and power?
A solar-powered generator can charge anything from smartphones and Bluetooth headphones to power tools and laptops—depending on its watt-hour rating. High-capacity models can even power household appliances like refrigerators or medical devices during a blackout.
For emergency preparedness, FEMA outlines useful backup power options in their Power Outage Preparedness Guide, which includes solar-powered systems.
To better understand how solar energy systems work, including off-grid applications, check out the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) resource page.
What is the best way to charge a generator?
Most solar generators support three charging methods: wall outlets (AC), car ports (DC/12V), and solar panels. Charging via AC is usually fastest, while solar depends on weather and panel wattage. A good rule of thumb is to keep your generator at least 80% charged and unplug it when full to preserve battery health.
I recommend charging while driving (via 12V) if you're on the move and don’t have access to solar or AC. Always keep an eye on the battery display and avoid letting it drop below 20% when possible.
For more guidance on solar system efficiency, visit the EPA’s overview on solar power and green energy options.
