Best Solar Generators

Because they emit no carbon monoxide and don’t use flammable gasoline, solar generators are a much safer alternative to traditional gas generators. But the benefits don’t stop there—solar-powered generators are also easier to start, quieter, lower maintenance, and, of course, kinder to the environment.

Our favorite solar generator for emergency backup power is the EcoFlow Delta Pro. It combines a fast solar charge time with a generous 3.6 kWh capacity, can directly power your home’s electrical panel, and supports additional batteries for a total capacity of 25 kWh. Better yet, it’s not even the heaviest or most expensive option on our list.

You may need more than one Delta device to reach the 10-circuit maximum capacity, but that brings us to another swoon-worthy feature of this EcoFlow line: chainability. By connecting up to six Delta generators or batteries, you can create a total of 25 kWh of power—the highest kWh rating we encountered in our research. 

The Delta Pro solar generator recharges in up to six hours with four solar panels. It’ll recharge even faster if you have the opportunity to plug it into an AC adapter or an electric vehicle charging station.

Finally, the EcoFlow Delta Pro offers all of these features at one of the most affordable prices on the market. While it certainly still costs a solid chunk of change, you get a lot of power for the money.

If you need more than 5 kWh total, it’s super easy to add another Bluetti EP500Pro with a plug-and-play fusion box. 

This solar generator pairs with up to three solar panels, so it has a smaller overall footprint than other models. We love that it connects to Wi-Fi for easy firmware updates, and it even comes with an app that lets you check its power consumption and charge. Plus, there are two wireless charging pads on top of the generator. 

It’s a solar generator you don’t want to take camping simply because it weighs 182 lbs. However, it has wheels to help you move it around the house if you don’t choose the integration option.

On a single charge, the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro can run a refrigerator for up to three days. And because it recharges so quickly, you shouldn’t experience a power disruption.

Jackery also advertises this solar generator as a great option for camping, but at nearly 100 pounds, this isn’t the most portable power station. It does come with wheels and a handle for easier transportation, but that’s still a heavy weight to lift out of the car. The solar panels, on the other hand, weigh about 10 pounds each and fold for easy transportation.

 Jackery sells lighter solar generators, but they all have a lower capacity than the Explorer 3000 Pro. You may want to consider a balance between power and portability when shopping for a Jackery model for camping.

The Goal Zero Yeti 6000x has one major drawback—a slow solar charge time. Even with four solar panels, it can take 35 to 70 hours to fully charge this generator. If you’re using only about a third of its power each day, then it may be sufficient to use in an emergency. Otherwise, it’s best suited for camping or short bursts of use.

The Anker SOLIX C1000 is less useful for winter power outages because it only powers a small space heater (500W max.) for less than two hours. On the plus side, it can run a CPAP machine for over 18 hours on a single charge, allowing you to get a good (and safe) night’s sleep. 

This solar generator weighs nearly 30 pounds, comes with one solar panel, and features a built-in light—all of which makes it a great choice for camping too.

Because the EcoFlow Delta Pro Solar Generator recharges quickly and is capable of powering multiple appliances in your home, we think it’s the best solar generator for emergency use. To get the most out of it, purchase additional batteries and a full set of solar panels.

We researched high-capacity solar generators and looked for features that would be most helpful during a power outage, like home integration and fast solar charging times. In addition to comparing specifications, we also read user reviews. Learn more about how we rank and review on the Safewise methodology page.

• Emergency Kits 101: How To Be Prepared for Anything
• How Do I Create an Emergency Plan for My Family?
• How To Prepare Kids for Emergencies
• Surprising Ways To Protect Your Home From Hurricanes
• Best Winter Tools for Your Home