The Best 5 Solar Powered Generators For Home

Want a sustainable backup for a power outage? A solar powered generator for home might be a great solution for you. Find out about what a solar generator is, how it works, key features, and our recommendations in this post.

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So are you looking to have a generator for a power backup or maybe to use while traveling and camping? Have you considered a more sustainable and clean energy like a solar generator? Personally, my favorite thing about solar generators is the clean energy, smell-free component! Not having extra gas sitting around or loud and smelly fumes coming from a traditional gas generator.

Solar generators use solar panels, which are typically sold separately, to create power and convert it to energy stored in the battery for later. But many of them you can also conveniently charge using a wall outlet! In this post, we’ll cover everything from what a solar generator is, how it works, key features, and our recommendations.

What Is A Solar Generator?

A solar generator is a portable battery storage device powered by solar energy and solar panels. It can be used to provide electrical backup with power outages at your home or to power electrical devices while on the go. Beyond the battery storage itself, solar generators also contain an inverter, a controller, and outlets to plug into. There are a variety of different types of solar generators out there that vary in size, style, and function.

However to note, a solar generator is different from solar plus storage. It’s portable and can be transferred to different locations. Additionally, it doesn’t require any type of professional install like an electrician, which would be needed for a solar installation. It’s meant for emergency backups or for smaller power usages like camping, RVs, and traveling. Also, solar generators typically have separate solar panels to purchase.

How Do Solar Generators Work?

Solar generators work by using a solar panel to convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity which then passes through a charge controller that regulates the power output to store the DC electricity in your battery storage system.

Later, when ready to be used, an inverter converts the DC electricity into accessible alternating current (AC) power. This type of AC electricity is what most appliances use, so you can plug appliances directly into solar powered generators at your house.

How Much Solar Energy Do I Need?

First step is to make a plan and decide what you want to power. Then know how much energy your appliances use and how much power the generator will provide.

Next, it helps if you estimate the energy usage of what you plan to run during a power outage or while traveling. Energy.gov has a great little guide to help you estimate your appliance usages for your house.

Features & Metrics for Solar Powered Generators

Depending on your intended usage, all solar powered generators are not the same and there are key features and metrics to decide on. Here are key features and metrics to look for with solar powered generators for your home:

Battery capacity

The biggest item to consider related to usage. This indicates the total amount of electricity the generator can store. However, there are two metrics to consider: watts and watt-hours

• Watts (W) – the amount of power a generator can put out at one time. Appliances and devices have wattage ratings that you will want to ensure the generator supports.
• Watt-Hours (Wh) – the amount of energy a generator can store and output over time. This helps you understand how long a generator can supply a certain amount of Watts.

For example, a 2,000 Wh generator means the generator can supply 2,000W of power continuously for 1 hour. Or it could supply 100W of power to a smaller device like a TV for 20 hours.

Solar Input

This is the amount of energy a generator can take in. The more energy it can take in means the faster the recharge. For example with a 2,000 watt-hour generator, if the solar input is 200 watts an hour, then it needs 10 hours of sunlight to recharge.

Battery type

There are two typical types of batteries: lead-acid and lithium-ion. A lithium battery is typically more lightweight and lasts longer, but is a bit more expensive. However, the main benefit over lead-acid is that lithium batteries are more efficient and better at storing energy, which is highly beneficial for solar generators.

Charge controller

It regulates the current between the solar panels and battery. The most efficient charge controllers are the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) ones, so try to opt for a generator with this type.

Inverter

It converts the solar panels’ direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) for your devices to use. Typically, they are built within the solar generator and produce voltage in a repeating sine wave. Inverters cannot be upgraded, so consider higher wattage if you plan to expand your system.

Solar panels

Does the generator come with or without them? There are some all-in-one kits, but the solar panels can be purchased separately from the actual generator.

Weight

Something to consider if you are planning to use the solar generator when traveling or camping. A lightweight, portable option would be best when outside in Nature. 

Solar Powered Generator For Home

Now after that overload of information, you’re probably wondering what generator to actually choose! Well here’s a quick list of our recommended brands listing some of the key features and metrics we discussed. Most of these solar generators are available for under $2,000.

All of the recommended brands above have varying sizes. So if you’re liking the sound of a specific brand, but need a larger or smaller capacity, then check out their other sizes.

Pros and Cons of A Solar Powered Generator for Home

Solar Generator Lifespan and Warranties

Overall, a solar powered generator is an investment for sure, especially ones to help power a house! However, the typical lifespan for a solar generator is 25 to 30 years and many come with a warranty. So if something breaks or the generator needs repairs, check the warranty and get it fixed.

Solar generators can be a lifesaver with power outages or for small trips because they don’t use fuel, can be used indoors, are quiet, and produce green energy. Make a plan and know what you want to power. Then you can appropriately choose the best solar generator for your needs. Always consider the watts it can handle at one time and the amount of watt-hours.

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Hopefully this helps you in finding a good solar powered generator for home that fits your needs and budget! Make sure to check out our Going Solar journey series about our DIY solar panel installation at home.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Please note that I’ve linked to these products purely because I recommend them and they are from companies I trust. There is no additional cost to you.