Topic: The Best Solar Generators for 2022 (Read 36 times)
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Key Features
Why It Made the Cut
While the Titan weighs over 60 pounds with just one battery (35 pounds each), it beco*es nearly immovable if you add more. That said, it retains enough energy to power something as large as a refrigerator for several hours, making it a great option for home-emergency use.
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Product Description
If there’s one misconception about solar-powered generators, it’s that people assume they’re lightweight, which makes sense. There’s no gas tank or oversized lawn mower engine to weigh it down. But in order to store the energy it gathers, solar generators need a reservoir, which is just a $20 term for a battery, and batteries are typically anything but lightweight.
But the larger the battery(s) often means higher output (watts) and a longer run time. The Titan Solar Generator has both, thanks to its stackable lithium-ion batteries. It’s large and heavy enough that you won’t want to constantly relocate it, but if your home needs a short-term power solution, the Titan could be your hero.
Key Features
Why It Made the Cut
While it doesn’t have as many power ports as some of its gas-free co*petitors, the Patriot 1800 offers a lot of power and portability for the price.
Pros
Cons
Product Description
There’s something to be said for all-in-one outfits. Like a packable first-aid kit—it might not include top-shelf co*ponents you prefer if you’re piecing your own kit together, but they’re certainly more than ample in a pinch. The same could be said for solar generators—it’s nice to have all you need, organized in one package for JIC moments. The Patriot 1800 won’t power your household appliances, but it co*es with everything you need in an emergency or survival situation—solar cells, multiple power cords, personal water heater, solar lantern, tactical flashlight, and a 72-hour survival food kit. And since it weighs 40 pounds, it’s lightweight enough that you can load it in the back of your vehicle for a road trip or wherever you’re going.
Key Features
Why It Made the Cut
The BLUETTI AC200MAX works as good as it looks. The interface is easy to navigate, and since it has Bluetooth capabilities, you can connect it to your smartphone and receive updates from afar.
Pros
Cons
Product Description
The worst part about recharging anything is the wait—especially if you forget to fully charge something before you need it. And if there’s something negative to be said about charging with solar panels, it’s that it can sometimes take longer than anticipated. With the BLUETTI AC200MAX, you can charge via solar and AC power simultaneously. That means it’s ready to run in less time than it takes most other solar-powered generators to reach half capacity. Need more power? No problem—you can attach additional batteries to this power station for more juice or longer run times. Doing so will certainly add to the overall weight of the station itself (60 pounds solo), but as long as you’re not migrating it from place to place (or you’re installing it somewhere permanent, like in a camp trailer), connecting a few extra cells is worth the peace of mind.
Key Features
Why It Made the Cut
The Goal Zero Yeti 400 offers quality performance at a price that won’t break the bank.
Pros
Cons
Product Description
If you want power in a pinch but don’t want to break the bank for something you might use a few times a year (or less), 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 doesn’t offer the high output or capacity you’d find on more expensive models, but if you don’t plan to run or charge large appliances for extended periods of time, it’s ideal for less power-hungry devices.
Key Features
Why It Made the Cut
The DELTA is relatively lightweight (30 pounds) and reaches a near full charge in less than 60 minutes.
Pros
Cons
Product Description
As you shop for solar-powered generators, you’ll notice that a unit’s recharge time remains a constant concern. The faster you can refill a battery (or batteries), the sooner you’ll be able to hook up devices and begin draining them again. It’s one of the driving features behind EcoFlow’s DELTA series. The co*pany claims that it’s able to charge 10X faster than other models and go from 0% to 80% charged within one hour if plugged into an AC outlet, or in as little as four hours using DELTA’s 160W solar panels. After fully charged, the DELTA can acco*modate up to 13 devices at one time. And while the recharge time beats most other co*petitors, the battery life isn’t the greatest. But if you need a solar generator that can recharge in a hurry, the EcoFlow Delta is hard to beat.
Key Features
Why It Made the Cut
The lightweight MAXOAK 400W Portable Power Station makes it easy to carry for camping trips, and it even includes a pair of jumper cables if you forget to turn your headlights off.
Pros
Cons
Product Description
Yes, most people escape to the outdoors to revisit the natural world and take a break from modern technology. But as much as we’d like to not admit it, there are times when you need to connect with a few volts and watts. That’s where the MAXOAK power station co*es in handy. It’s lightweight (12 pounds) and small enough to stash inside your vehicle without taking up much space, and it’s great to have when your flashlight or camera needs new life. Just remember, a smaller unit typically means less power and capacity, so don’t be prepared for this to power up your entire camp for the weekend.
co*pared to gas-powered generators, solar-powered generators are slightly more expensive, but they’re worth the money. Solar generators are quieter, lighter, and rechargeable (no fuel costs), and since they don’t require servicing like oil or air filter changes, you can save on some costs over the long run. The key is making sure you select a unit that can hold and generate enough power to run whatever you plan to plug in for an extended amount of time.
Before you choose a portable solar generator, determine how you’ll use it, the power output (watts) you’ll need to satisfy your electrical needs, and how long you plan to draw power from the unit. If you plan to transport it wherever you go, a smaller, lighter generator works best, but be prepared for low-power output since the batteries aren’t as large as high-output stationary models.
Also consider the batteries. Most generators have a watt-hour (Wh) rating, which refers to the battery and how much energy it can store fully charged. So, for example, if you have a 400Wh generator, it’s not able to power anything that requires more than 400-watts to run. Conversely, the more low-wattage devices to attach to a generator, the faster it depletes the battery. If you think you need more power, consider models with a high Wh rating or units designed to parallel several batteries in a row.
watt-hour (Wh) rating is high enough to meet its demands. Generally, a high Wh rating of 1,500+ can support small appliances, freezers, and refrigerators but not for an extended period of time. If you think you’ll require a significant amount of electricity for an extended period of time, consider a model with 2,000Wh or more, but also be prepared to recharge it often if you want food or other provisions to remain chilled.
I tested models that ran the gamut from large to small capacity and from portable to “lift with your legs” weight. The key was testing the solar generators so that a heavyweight model wouldn’t outshine a light-use system. I measured their performance against each manufacturer’s specs rather than a head-to-head test.
I also evaluated charge time based on the manufacturer’s specified charge time. If the recharge times of a solar generator fell within the described range, it moved on to the next round.
The last consideration was pure power—which is different than run time because, ultimately, even the largest, highest-capacity solar generator won’t run forever. But while it is running, it’s good to know it will support whatever it’s designed to run, be it as something as power-hungry as a refrigerator or as insignificant as an LED light. After evaluating power, my best solar generator picks will handle their specified tasks.
One trend you might see in this lineup is the importance of zeroing in on a solar generator that’s built for the task (or emergency) you have in mind. Anything more could be overkill, whereas anything less might be useless. Take the time to do a little math to figure out how much power (watts) you’ll need to pull from the generator and for how long. This is likely the most critical first step toward deciding which solar generator suits you best.
One thing worth noting—several solar generator manufacturers engineer their devices to achieve peak performance when paired with their brand’s accessories. That couldn’t be more evident than when it co*es to solar panels. While there are several solar panel makes and models available, and connections between panels and generators are almost universal, you might not experience the same recharge rate with off-brand panels as you would with panels specifically designed for your unit. That said, unless you purchase an all-in-one kit, there will likely be an extra cost when you shop.
The same is true for batteries. If you’re considering a model with expandable capacities, know that batteries aren’t always inexpensive, and like anything else, they don’t last forever. Work within your budget to determine exactly just how much power you’re going to need for specific situations and let that dictate how many (or few) reserve cells you need to purchase.
The best solar generators certainly have specific advantages over fuel-powered machines, but quiet run times, no emissions, and virtually no maintenance requirements also co*e with a cost. Let’s face it, technology isn’t always cheap. However, if you appreciate that feeling of safety and protection knowing you have an alternative energy source that isn’t always running out of gas, then a portable solar generator is your best bet. Remember to evaluate your power needs, spending budget, and other features you might appreciate before you buy one.
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