
What is a Solar Generator/Power Station?
The word “generator” can sometimes be a little misleading. These stations don’t have the power to generate electricity on their own. Instead, they have a battery that stores power from outside sources, whether it’s from a solar panel, a wall outlet, or a car power port.
Solar generators combine a battery with all the hardware needed to power devices and charge from a variety of sources. The smallest stations/generators can be carried in a backpack for camping, while larger ones can replace gas generators for emergency power. Some generators/ power stations are built to work with additional batteries and solar panels, letting you use them to build an off-the-grid electric system.
If you’re new to portable or solar power, choosing between solar generators and panels can be confusing so we picked and reviewed some of our favorite solar generators below to help you save time comparison shopping.
Solar Generator Reviews
1. Jackery Portable Solar Generator Explorer 240

The Explorer 240 hits a sweet spot for portable power. With 240 Wh of power onboard, it’s perfect for use in an RV, camping, or home emergency power. Yet, at 6.6 lbs, it’s still small enough to be portable.
Power
All the ports and controls are on the front panel including an LCD display that shows current draw, charging rate and battery charge. Unlike most generators, there’s no 12 volt barrel plug for DC power, only a cigarette lighter outlet. A Quick Charge USB port is also noticeably missing, but the two included USB ports do support the standard’s 2.4 amp maximum current. This is enough to charge most smartphones, drones and cameras at top speed.
On a full charge, you can expect to charge an iPhone or Android phone 18 times, a laptop 2-4 times or a Gopro 40 times. It will also power a CPAP machine one or two nights with humidifier turned off. In Jackery’s own tests, they were able to keep a 35W electric cooler running for 24 hours.
Charging
The 240 supports solar panels with an output of 12 to 30 volts. If you’re considering this model, you may want to pair it with Jackery’s own SolarSaga 60 watt solar panel, which was designed specifically for this unit. It can charge a flat battery in 9-10 hours. The battery can also be charged from a 12 volt DC vehicle power port or a household AC plug in 7-8 hours. Jackery packages the Explorer with a 9.5 foot AC adapter and a 3.3 foot car charger adapter.
Portability
This generator weighs 6.6 lbs. and measures 5.2 x 9.1 x 7.7 inches including the fixed handle. While on the heavy side for portable solar generators, there are few options that pack this much power in such a small space.
Read our full review of the Jackery Explorer 240.
2. Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Solar Generator

Rockpals markets this portable solar generator first and foremost as a way to power a CPAP machine on the go or during a power outage. However, its compact size and range of ports also makes it a good choice for camping and tailgating.
Power
The AC sockets may look funny, but that’s because they’re designed to work with a range of outlet standards. Any Type A (two prong) or Type B (three prong) plug will work fine, as well as many international plugs. The four DC outlets are mounted on the side opposite of the other sockets. These outlets adjust their voltage automatically, making them compatible with 9 and 12 volt appliances. A cigarette lighter adapter is included to hook up one device designed for in-car use.
Users can expect the battery to last two nights powering a CPAP machine from DC power. Rockpals offers converters that work with both S9 and S10 CPAP machines. It’s also enough power to keep a 12v mini fridge running for about 4 hours, or charge a flagship smartphone like a Samsung Galaxy 25 times.
Charging
This generator is compatible with solar panels with an output ranging from 60 to 100 watts. For fast charging, you may want to pair this with Rockpals’s own 100 watt foldable solar panel. The battery can also be charged in about 8 hours from an household wall outlet or 12 volt car power port. A set of LED lights on the front of the unit indicates battery charge.
Portability
The Rockpals 250 measures 10 x 4 x 6.3 inches, and weighs 5.5 lbs. The built-in handle folds down into the unit, making it easy to carry this solar generator in a backpack or pack away in a suitcase.
Read our full review of the Rockpals 250W Generator.
3. Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Solar Generator

If you’re looking for something big enough for emergency home power or off-shore power for your RV, the Yeti 400 is for you. However, at a whopping 29 lbs, you probably won’t be taking it with you on hikes.
Power
Why is this solar generator so heavy? Inside the case, you’ll find a replaceable AGM sealed lead acid battery. This battery chemistry works well for repeated charging cycles and trickle charging, so it’s a great choice for RV or home backup power. This solar generator is compatible with Zero Yeti’s home power equipment, letting you connect additional batteries for expanded storage, and connect it directly to your home wiring. You won’t be able to power everything with it, but it’s good for keeping a CPAP machine going a couple nights during a power outage.
Throw the generator in the back of your vehicle, and you can use it for campsite or tailgating power. There are a pair of 2.1 amp USB ports for charging small electronic devices, a cigarette lighter port and a couple 6mm DC barrel sockets for portable appliances, and two 3 prong AC outlets for household appliances. The battery can recharge a smartphone around 20 times or a laptop 3-5 times. It can keep a mini fridge operating for up to 7 hours, or a 32 inch LCD TV up to three hours. A large LCD display makes it easy to keep track of charging, discharging and total battery charge.
Charging
This generator supports a wide range of voltages for solar charging, making it compatible with everything from the Nomad 28 to the Boulder 200. Most buyers will want to pair this with a 100 watt solar panel, which will charge the battery in 8 to 16 hours depending on lighting conditions. Yeti include a 4.7 to 8 mm adapter to connect Nomad solar panels to the generator. Charging the battery from an AC outlet takes about 5 hours, while using 12v DC car outlet will charge the battery in 13 hours.
Portability
This solar generator measures 10.25 x 8 x 8 inches and weighs 29 lbs. That’s fine in the back of a truck or sitting at home, but you won’t want to use this station for camping.
4. SUAOKI Portable Solar Generator, 150Wh Camping Generator

When sockets are your top priority, it’s hard to beat this SUAOKI solar generator. Despite being one of the smallest solar generators on the market, it manages to squeeze in 10 ports including USB, DC and AC.
Power
Like most lightweight generators, this unit uses a modified sine wave inverter to save weight and space. This switches between polarities in steps, which can cause problems using chargers, electric motors and electronics with the AC sockets.
There’s no Quick Charge port on this generator, but it’s one of the few on the market to include USB 3.0. This makes it easy to charge lightweight, high demand devices including tablets and the latest smartphones. There’s also three standard USB ports and four DC barrel connector ports, giving you several options for charging and powering devices. A full battery can charge a GoPro 18 times, a smartphone up to 10 times, or a DJI Spark drone 4 times. DC and USB ports are mounted on top of the generator, while the AC and charging ports are on the sides. There’s also a pair of LED lights on the charging side, letting you use the generator as a giant flashlight.
Charging
This solar generator supports charging from solar panels ranging from 30 to 100 watts. Using Suaoki’s own 60 watt solar charger, the battery can go from discharged to full in 7 to 8 hours. An MC4 cable is included to connect to solar panels. The battery can be charged from an AC wall outlet in about 8 hours, and from a cigarette lighter port in 11 hours. Large LED lights frame the top-mounted power button, letting you see the battery’s current charge state at a glance.
Portability
At 7.3 x 4.3 x 4.7 inches and just 2.9 lbs, this is one of the smallest solar generators on the market.
Read our full review of the Suaoki 150W Generator.
5. Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium Portable Solar Generator

If you need maximum power, you should take a look at the Yeti 1400. On its own, its giant battery makes it suitable for home backup and RV power. Add some home power accessories, and this unit can be the base for an off-grid solar generator.
Power
Two AC outlets may not sound like much, but with 1.5 kilowatts of sustained power on tap, this generator can power appliances that are well beyond the capacity of most solar generators. For 12 volt power, you have a choice of a cigarette lighter socket, two barrel sockets or an Anderson Power Pole socket for heavy current draw. USB is also covered with a pair of USB-A ports, a USB-C port and USB-PD for high draw devices. That means you can plug into USB power directly with your Macbook air or similar laptop for power and recharging. A full charge can keep a 12 volt fridge running for a full day, charge a smartphone 70 times, or run a 32 inch LCD TV up to 14 hours.
Charging
The 1400 supports up to 360 watts of solar panels, charging in four-and-a-half-hours at maximum output, or 14 to 28 hours using a Goal Zero Boulder 200 watt solar panel. The Anderson Power Pole connector supports the maximum solar charge rate, while using the 8mm charging port limits input to 10 amps and 120 watts. Charging a flat battery from an AC outlet takes 25 hours.
The 1400 is compatible with Goal Zero’s home power equipment. That means you can use the outlets and inverter for home backup power, connecting directly into your home wiring. For added capacity, the company offers lead acid batteries that can be chained to this unit. Goal Zero is currently the only company to offer an app for their solar generators. This lets you check the battery and control the ports from your phone as long as the solar generator is connected to WiFi.
Portability
Calling the Yeti 1400 “portable” is a bit of a stretch. This generator measures 10.1 x 15.3 x 10.4 inches and weighs 43.7 lbs. Of course, truly portable solar generators can’t touch this unit’s massive battery capacity and flexible power ports. If you’re looking for home backup or RV power without breaking the bank, this is a great choice.
Read our full review of the Goal Zero Yeti 1400.
6. CHAFON 346WH Portable Solar Generator

This Chafon solar generator sits somewhere between super portable solar generators and RV and home backup generators. However, its best use may be as a backup power supply for your computer.
Power
When left connected to a wall outlet, this generator can switch to battery power automatically during outages. This makes this unit a great choice as a UPS backup. A full battery can keep a desktop PC running for 1.5 hours, while a small laptop like a 13 inch MacBook Air can run up to 9 hours.
That’s not to say this generator is only good for stationary power. Along with the three AC sockets, there are four 12 volt DC ports and four USB ports. Two of the USB ports operate at 2.1 amps, which is a little lower than the standard’s maximum 2.4 amp current flow. The other two are rated at just one amp, which slows down portable charging significantly. Ports are split up between the ends of the generator. On one end, you’ll find the AC outlets and sockets for solar and AC charging. On the opposite side, you’ll find the DC and USB ports, as well as a flashlight, battery percentage display and indicators for the current charge mode.
The battery is big enough that the Chafon solar generator is a good choice for tailgating, emergency home power, or as a backup for CPAP use. It’s even usable for camping, if you don’t mind the weight. Expect to get 3-4 nights of CPAP use from a full battery, 30 phone recharges, or up to 5 hours of screen time from a 32 inch TV.
Charging
Solar charging is supported for 40-120 watt solar panels at 18 volts, as well as AC power from a wall outlet or DC from a car. An Aeiusny 60 watt solar panel or a Jackery SolarSaga 60 watt solar panel is a good fit for this solar generator. All charging methods can recharge a flat battery in about 7 hours at maximum power. Chafon includes 5.5 x 2.1 mm and MC4 cables for connecting the generator to a solar panel.
Portability
Available in orange and gray, this brick-shaped solar generator measures 11 x 4.4 x 5.4 inches and weighs 7.4 lbs.
7. ROCKPALS 300W Portable Solar Generator Lithium Portable Power Station

The Rockpals 300W may not be the lightest solar generator, but with 280 Wh on tap, it greatly exceeds the output of similar generators while still remaining portable.
Power
This generator’s 280 Wh battery is paired with a thoughtful, easy-to-use design. A large display shows diagrams and numbers for electricity flow, charge state and current draw. The display, output ports and a pair of flashlights are all mounted on the front panel. That means you can switch on a light and see what you’re doing while you plug in appliances during power outages.
CPAP users can expect to get up to 20 hours of continuous use from their breathing machines with a single charge. Need power for a camping trip? There’s enough juice to charge a GoPro 35 times, or an iPhone up to 25 times.
Charging
The charging ports are mounted on the rear panel. The cigarette charging port serves double duty, charging from a vehicle or from a solar panel using the included MC4 adapter. When connected to Rockpals’ own 100 watt solar panel, a full charge takes 8 to 9 hours. Expect a full recharge to take 6-7 hours when connected to a AC outlet or vehicle. Rockpals includes a car charger cable and an AC adapter.
Portability
This generator measures 6.5 x 3.1 x 6.9 inches and weighs 7.5 lbs, putting it right between portable and home solar generators.
8. Aeiusny Portable Power Station, Solar Generators 200Wh

Choosing a solar generator is usually a matter of compromises. Go for something too light, and you’ll end up with a small battery and lack of ports. Aim for features, and you can end up with something too heavy to be practical. Aeiusny’s 200 Wh portable solar generator strikes a balance between these extremes, delivering maximum power and portability.
Power
Ports are split up across the unit. DC, USB and charging ports are built into the front panel, while AC sockets are on the left side and the flashlight on the right side. Aeiusny packages this unit with a cigarette lighter adapter to connect appliances designed for car use with one of the two DC ports.
The battery stores enough power for up to two nights of CPAP use. If you’re looking for mobile power, expect to charge a laptop four times or the latest Android or Apple smartphone 20 times. Looking for an RV backup? This station can keep a DC refrigerator running up to 5 hours.
Charging
This solar generator can charge from 30-100 watt solar panels outputting between 13 and 30 volts. Aeiusny’s own 60 watt solar panel has plenty of power to get a full charge each day, while going for a heavier 100 watt solar panel can charge the battery in as little as 5 hours. Expect a similar charge time using the AC adapter to charge from a household outlet. The generator comes with an AC charging cable and a car charging cable.
Portability
Including the built-in handle, this generator measures 7.5 x 5 x 6.9 inches and weighs 4.4 lbs. That’s 2-3 lbs. less than comparable 200 Wh solar generators.
9. BEAUDENS 166Wh Portable Solar Generator

Want a solar generator that will last for years? The LiFePO4 battery in this generator will keep going long after Li-Ion batteries have failed.
Power
While most solar generators in this segment use lithium ion batteries, this Beaudens generator comes with a Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. Storage is about 20% less than a similarly-sized li-ion battery, but the expected life of this battery is 2,000 charge/discharge cycles. That’s about four times as long as most li-ion solar generator batteries. This makes the Beaudens portable solar generator a good choice if you’ll depend on it regularly, whether you need a backup for a CPAP machine or plan on a long outdoor excursion.
There’s just one AC outlet on this generator, and its uses are limited. Due to the use of a modified sine wave inverter, it won’t work with electric motors or electronics. DC support is better. Larger appliances can be powered using one of the two 12 volt outlets, while there are three USB ports to choose from: two 2.4 amp ports and one Quick Charge port. The flashlight is built into the socket panel, so turning it on lets you see what you’re plugging in. It also has an “SOS” mode to flash the lights and draw attention to your campsite.
Charging
The Beaudens solar generator supports solar charging from panels outputting between 13-22 volts and at least 30 watts. This makes it compatible with most solar panels rated at 100 watts and below including the Jackery PowerSaga 60. An AC adapter and car charger are included to charge the battery from a household outlet or in a vehicle.
Portability
“Stylish” isn’t a word usually applied to portable solar generators, but Beaudens took the time to make this portable generator look more like a briefcase than a battery charger. The unit’s black aluminum case and leather handle measure just 6.7x3.2x5.9 inches. Weight for this solar generator is 4.85 lbs.
10. ENKEEO Portable Solar Generator/Power Station 155Wh

If weight is your top concern for portable solar power, then this Enkeeo generator might be right for you. This 155Wh generator weighs less than 4 lbs, but reaching that weight required some compromises.
Power
The inverter in this solar generator produces a modified sine wave. Instead of the smooth change in polarity that comes from household AC, the polarity of the charge that comes from this unit’s plugs jumps up and down in steps. This can cause problems with chargers, electric motors and electronics.
The other two USB ports are limited to two amps, slightly below the maximum 2.4 amp USB specification. That means you can expect devices to take a little longer to charge.
One area that isn’t skimped on are the DC ports. They both adjust their current automatically to work with 9 and 12 volt appliances. Enkeeo includes a cigarette lighter adapter to use one port with appliances built for in-car use.
Charging
This solar generator supports solar charging from any panel outputting 13-22 volts at 2 amps. That works out to a maximum of 45 watts of current. 60 watt solar panels like the Suaoki Solar Charger 60W should have no problem keeping the battery topped up. An MC4 to DC cable is included for connecting a solar panel. Fully charging the battery from a household AC socket or a 12 volt car power port takes 10 hours.
Portability
Enkeeo managed to pack a 155Wh battery into a package that weighs just 3.7 lbs. and measures 8.4 x 3.6 x 4.7 inches.
Solar Panel Reviews
Solar generators support a range of voltages and wattages for charging. Portable solar generators are typically limited to 100 watts of solar charging power, while backup stations can use 200 watts or more. The higher the panel wattage, the faster it will charge, but it may be worth getting a smaller solar panel for portability.
There are multiple connectors used to connect solar panels to power stations including MC4 and Anderson Power Pole as well as 8mm, 5.5 x 2.5 and 3.5 x 1.35 mm barrel connectors. When buying a solar panel, make sure you have a cable or adapter that will work with your generator. We have listed below some of our favorite portable solar panels
1. Rockpals 100W Foldable Solar Panel Charger

At 5.1 lbs, this Rockpals solar panel delivers the power you need for larger power stations without weighing you down.
Rockpals includes an 8mm DC Adapter for Goal Zero solar generators, a 5.5 by 2.5mm DC Adapter for Suaoki generators and a 3.5 by 1.35mm adapter for Paxcess generator. These adapters connect to a 9.8 foot cable, so you can place your solar generator wherever it’s convenient while still keeping the panels in the sun. Rockpals recommends this solar panel for these solar generators:
If you value output and durability over portability, the Goal Zero Boulder 200 is a great choice for solar power. An anodized aluminum frame and tempered glass protect the two panel sections, making the 200 suitable for semi-permanent installation. However, the included power cable is only 6 feet long, which limits the placement of the solar panel in relation to the power station.
With up to 200 watts on tap, it’s a great solution for heavy power usage. In fact, Goal Zero designed this panel specifically for their large solar generators including the Yeti 400, 1000, 1250, 1400 and 3000. Charging time varies depending on battery size: A Yeti 400 can charge in as little as four hours, while a Yeti 3000 can take 30-60 hours. Several Boulder 200s can be chained together to increase total output for off-grid and emergency home power.
At 25.9 lbs, you won’t want to carry this solar panel long distances. When folded into the included carrying case, this solar panel measures 40 x 26.75 x 1.75 inches. Unfold the hinged unit, and it expands to 40 x 53.5 x 1.75 inches. A built-in kickstand makes it freestanding.
2. Aeiusny Solar Panel Foldable 60W Portable Solar Charger

When Aeiusny designed this solar array, they tried to make it work with as many portable solar generators as possible. This solar panel comes with a 5 foot long MC4 to DC 5.5 cable as well as three DC adapters: 8mm, 5.5x2.5mm and 3.5x1.35mm. This makes this Aeiusny solar panel compatible with with portable solar generators from Aeiusny, Goal Zero, Suaoki and Paxcess. The company estimates their own 288Wh solar generator can get a full charge from this panel in 8-10 hours.
Along with the main charging port, the panel has two 2.4 amp USB ports and a high power QC3.0 USB port. This means you can charge anything from cameras to smartphones directly from the solar panel, freeing up ports on your solar generator.
When folded, this charger measures 13.4 x 3.8 x 2.36 inches. Unfold the four panel sections, and the entire unit measures 58.2 x 13.8 x 1.2 inches. The charger weighs just over 7 lbs, which is on the heavy side for this segment. Rings on the bottom ends of the array and the cover flap lets you hang the solar panel horizontally or vertically.
3. Goal Zero Boulder 200 Watt Briefcase Monocrystalline Solar Panel

If you value output and durability over portability, the Goal Zero Boulder 200 is a great choice for solar power. An anodized aluminum frame and tempered glass protect the two panel sections, making the 200 suitable for semi-permanent installation. However, the included power cable is only 6 feet long, which limits the placement of the solar panel in relation to the power station.
With up to 200 watts on tap, it’s a great solution for heavy power usage. In fact, Goal Zero designed this solar panel specifically for their large solar generators including the Yeti 400, 1000, 1250, 1400 and 3000. Charging time varies depending on battery size: A Yeti 400 can charge in as little as four hours, while a Yeti 3000 can take 30-60 hours. Several Boulder 200s can be chained together to increase total output for off-grid and emergency home power.
At 25.9 lbs, you won’t want to carry this panel long distances. When folded into the included carrying case, this solar panel measures 40 x 26.75 x 1.75 inches. Unfold the hinged unit, and it expands to 40 x 53.5 x 1.75 inches. A built-in kickstand makes it freestanding.
4. Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel

The 60 watt SolarSaga is built specifically to charge the Jackery Explorer 240/160 and Honda by Jackery 290 solar generators. However, its output and low weigh make it a great choice for charging portable solar generators with a battery capacity around 150 Wh.
While most solar panels in this segment included extra DC and USB connectors, the SolarSaga can only send power through its Anderson Power Pole connector. A 9 foot extension cord with a barrel connector is included to connect the panel to one of Jackery’s portable solar generators.
The solar array is split into three panels surrounded by a nylon case with a built-in pocket for cables. When folded, this solar panel measures 16.8 x 11.4 x 0.4 inches, stretching out to 35.2 x16.8 x 0.2 inches when deployed. Four rings built into the corners of the panel make it easy to hang it on the side of an RV or tent, either vertically or horizontally. The case also comes with a built-in kickstand, so it can stand up on its own for easy deployment in the field. The total weight for this panel is just 3.3 lbs, making it one of the lightest solar panels on the market.
5. SUAOKI Solar Charger 60W Portable Solar

When it comes to charging flexibility, it’s hard to beat this portable solar array from Suaoki. Most solar panels on the market have added ports, letting you top up small devices while most of the power goes to your portable solar generator. Suaoki takes this a step further by including a 10-in-1 connector for the main DC port. This adapter won’t work with Apple products, but it’s compatible with laptops from most major PC manufacturers including Lenovo, Asus and HP. The panel’s onboard circuitry automatically adjusts voltage output to work with these devices. Suaoki also includes a 12 volt cigarette lighter adapter for powering portable appliances and a clamp adapter to charge batteries directly.
This 11.5 x 65.7 inch solar array is divided into 9 panels, folding down to just 11.5 x 6.3 inches. A built-in pocket protects the charging ports and provides a space to carry adapters and cables. Built-in rings opposite of the ports allow this solar panel to be hung lengthwise on the side of a tent or RV. The total weight for the panel and case is 4.85 lbs.
Solar Generator Buying Guide
When buying a generator you may have many not be sure which one is right for you. You may wonder power do you need? What type of connectors do you want? How do you pair a solar panel with a solar generator? How long can you expect a solar generator to last? Here’s what you need to look for when you buy your system.
First, start by making a list of things you want your setup to power and where:
If you’re camping, you probably want to prioritize weight, so you can easily carry equipment to your campsite. When it comes to cutting bulk, avoiding unneeded features can be as important as using smaller batteries and panels.
Tailgating? Weight is less of a concern, but you’ll probably want extra power for small home appliances, like TVs and radios.
Do you like recreational activities that involve lots of electronics? You’ll want a solar generator with outlets that can quickly charge phones, drones, cameras and other gadgets.
Using a solar powered generator with your RV? You don’t need to worry as much about weight, but you probably want enough power for large appliances, including your fridge.
Need emergency power for medical equipment? There are solar generators built specifically for use with CPAP machines and similar devices.
Write down what you want your solar generator to do, and what you want to power. From there, you can match up solar generators and solar panels to create the system that will fit your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the different features you should look for, and how they’ll affect performance.
Battery Chemistries
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) last up to four times longer than Li-Ion batteries, but they’re more expensive and less energy dense. You can expect a LiFePO4 solar generator to weigh 30-40% more than a lithium ion equivalents.
Deep cycle lead acid batteries are cheap and reliable, but energy density is low. These can weigh three to four times as much as a Li-Ion station. Lead acid batteries are typically found in generators designed for stationary applications, like home backup or RV power.
Watt Hours
This is the measurement of power that can be stored in a battery. The higher the Wh rating is, the more power the generator has. To estimate how long you can run a device, use this formula:
Battery watt hours x 0.85 / device power = Hours of runtime
For example, let’s say you have a 200 Wh generator and want to power a 40 watt device:
200 x 0.85 / 40 = 4.25 hours.
Actual time will vary depending on battery condition and how power is drawn from the generator.
Inverters
North America uses 60 Hz AC electricity for household power. This alternating current switches polarity 60 times a second, gradually going from positive to negative with each switch. An inverter takes direct current from the battery and converts it into alternating current that can power household appliances.
Pure sine wave inverters create current that is indistinguishable from household current. While this is the best solution for power, it’s also heavy and expensive.
Modified sine wave inverters switch between polarities in steps. This can cause problems when trying to use this power with variable speed motors, microwaves and battery chargers. These devices either won’t work right or won’t work at all. Electronics may be damaged if they are used with a modified sine wave inverter.
It takes energy to convert DC power into AC. To get the maximum life from your solar generator’s battery, you should use DC power wherever possible. Most home medical devices including CPAP machines are designed to work with 12 volt power specifically to increase backup power.
Measuring Output and Power Draw in Watts and Amps
Solar generators are rated for sustained and surge power. Sustained power is the amount of electricity the inverter can provide over time. Electric motors have “reactive” loads. To power on, they can draw up to three times as much power as they need when running. Surge power is the amount of power it can supply momentarily for these spikes in load. DC connection power is measured in amps, as are more DC appliances.
If you need to convert amps to watts, multiply the appliance’s amps by volts. Devices with heating elements like coffee makers and hot plates may list heating watts instead of electric watts. As a general rule of thumb, these devices use 60% more electric watts than their rated heating watts.
Connection Types
AC power comes from the same Type A (two prong) or Type B (three prong) sockets used for household power. Some generators have a T-shaped universal sockets that work with multiple international plug types. Both Type A and Type B plugs are compatible with these sockets.
12 volt DC power is usually provided by 6mm barrel connectors. Most generators will include an adapter to hook up a cigarette lighter-powered device to a barrel connector.
Quick Charge 3.0 is the latest USB charging standard. It lets the port and device communicate to each other to find the maximum safe charge rate. Output can range from 3.3 to 20 volts at up to 18 watts. However, solar generators will typically have lower limits, only reaching 9 or 12 volts, so charging will take longer than it does at home. This standard is backward compatible with earlier QC connectors.
Standard USB runs at 5 volts and supports up to 2.4 amps, while some generators max out at just 2 or 2.1 amps. Older devices and low power draw electronics are limited to one amp.
An Anderson Power Pole connector uses a pair of wires on the end of a rectangular plug. This is usually used for high power applications, like linking together generators for home backup power or connecting high output solar panels.
Solar Charging
Solar generators support a range of voltages and wattages for charging. Portable stations are typically limited to 100 watts of solar charging power, while backup generators can use 200 watts or more. The higher the panel wattage, the faster it will charge, but it may be worth getting a smaller solar panel for portability.
There are multiple connectors used to connect panels to solar generators including MC4 and Anderson Power Pole as well as 8mm, 5.5 x 2.5 and 3.5 x 1.35 mm barrel connectors. When buying a solar panel, make sure you have a cable or adapter that will work with your generator.
Charging rates will vary depending on weather conditions and positioning. For the best results, unfold the panel fully, and aim them toward the sun. Charging is possible on cloudy days, but in low light conditions, the panel won’t be able to maintain the voltage needed by the generator. Keep in mind that in real world use, you’ll rarely drain the battery completely. This means getting a full charge on sunny days will take less time than quoted by the manufacturer.
When choosing a panel, make sure the design fits the way you plan on using it. Most solar panels are designed to be leaned against an object or suspended using metal rings on the ends of the case. Some arrays add a kickstand, making the unit self-supporting. By dividing the array into smaller panels, the charger will be easier to carry when folded up, but it will also be more difficult to support when deployed. Home power solar panels will be too heavy to carry regularly, but they’ll have frames that can handle long term weather exposure.
Some designs include additional ports, letting you power or charge devices directly from the sun while you also charge your solar generator. This is great for keeping phones, drones and other devices running during the day. If you only plan on charging or powering devices at night when you’re at camp, you can save some weight by choosing a solar panel that only has a main charging port.
In Summary
Feel like that’s a lot of information to keep track of? Most of what you need to know can be boiled down into 6 points:
- More watt hours means more power.
- If you want to use AC power regularly, get a station with a pure sine wave inverter.
- Sustained power is more important than surge power.
- Inverters are inefficient. Use DC when you can to
extend battery life. - Check the amp rating on USB connectors. Low amps means slow charging for modern devices.
- You don’t have to have the highest output solar panel, just one that will work with your solar generator.