9 Best Solar Powered Generators of 2024

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When severe storms hit, these portable power stations will keep the lights on (and much more).

Solar-powered generators have only been around for a few years, but they've quickly become a key part of many homeowners' storm preparation plans. Also known as portable power stations, they can keep appliances like refrigerators and furnaces running during emergency outages — but they're also handy for campsites, construction sites and RVs. While they're designed to be charged by solar panels (which you'll have to buy separately), they can also be powered up by wall outlets or even off your car's battery if necessary.

Are solar-power generators better than backup gas generators? Gas backup generators were once the go-to for power outages, but our experts recommend considering solar-powered options. While gas generators are effective, they're noisy, fuel-hungry and must be used outdoors to avoid harmful fumes. In contrast, solar-powered generators are emissions-free, safe for indoor use and much quieter, ensuring they won't disrupt your household while keeping everything running.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we got hands-on with over a dozen models to find the best solar-powered generators for various needs. During testing, our experts focused on charge time, capacity and port availability to ensure they can handle extended outages. Our best overall pick is the Anker Solix F3800, but if that's not what you're looking for, we also have a variety of solid recommendations for different requirements and budgets.

When it comes to power outages, whether from extreme weather or issues with the electrical grid, the best backup battery solutions kick on automatically.

That's why we recommend the Solix F3800: It pairs with Anker's Home Power Panel, which is sold separately for around $1,300. The panel allows homeowners to program specific circuits — like those for the fridge and HVAC — to automatically power up during an outage, similar to a standby generator that runs on propane or natural gas.

This portable power station has a 3.84 kWh battery capacity, which is enough to run multiple major appliances and electronics. It uses lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, a newer technology that provides long lifespans and fast charging. Up to seven LiFePO4 batteries can be added to expand the capacity to 53.76 kWh, providing whole-house backup power.

One of our testers in Houston, where weather-induced outages are common, installed this system with the help of a professional electrician in a day, then successfully simulated an outage by cutting the home's power. The system “worked beautifully,” he reported. “The interruption was so short that not even the TV went off in the process. The AC was running, and the refrigerators were all humming.”

Capacity: 3,840 watts | Battery type: LiFePO4 | Charge time (solar): 2 hours (via 2,400W input) | Charge time (AC): 1.8 hours | Battery shelf life: Up to to 12 months | Weight: 132.3 lbs | Dimensions: ‎27.56" x 15.57" x 15.26" | Life span: 3,000 cycles

The Anker 757, a mid-sized generator, impressed our testers with its smart design, durable construction and competitive pricing.

With a 1,800-watt capacity, the Anker 757 is best-suited for moderate energy needs, such as keeping essential electronics running during a temporary blackout rather than powering multiple major appliances. "It came in handy at an outdoor party," said one tester. "The DJ was used to running extension cords to the nearest outlet and this generator kept him going for the entire night."

The Anker offers a solid set of features, including six AC ports (more than most models in its size category), four USB-A ports and two USB-C ports. It's also one of the fastest charging generators we tested — its LiFePO4 battery can reach an 80% charge in less than an hour when plugged into a wall outlet. That's helpful in cases where a storm is coming in fast but you haven't used the generator in a while and it's low on juice, or out of it completely.

As for solar charging, the Anker 757 supports up to 300 watts of input, putting it in the middle range compared to similarly-sized solar-capable generators on the market.

Capacity: 1,800 watts | Battery type: LiFePO4 | Charge time (solar): 3.6 hours | Charge time (AC): 1 hour | Battery shelf life: 12 to 16 months | Weight: 43.9 lbs | Dimensions: 18.2" x 9.3" x 11.3" | Life span: 3,000 cycles

If you're looking for an ultra-compact solar power generator, we recommend Bluetti’s Portable Power Station EB3A. With a 269-watt capacity, it won't power your entire house, but it can keep essential devices like phones and computers running for a few hours during an emergency.

Weighing just 10 pounds, this generator is roughly the size of an old-fashioned box radio, making it ideal for road trips. Thanks to its smaller capacity and LiFePO4 battery, it charges incredibly fast. Whether using a wall outlet or the 200-watt solar panel (sold separately), the EB3A can fully recharge in under two hours.

This portable power station features two AC ports, two USB-A ports, one USB-C port and a wireless charging pad for your phone. Its 2,500-cycle life span makes it one of the most durable solar chargers we tested. Additionally, it includes an LED light with a strobe setting, which is a useful safety feature if you find yourself needing emergency assistance, such as during a roadside breakdown.

Capacity: 268 watts | Battery type: LiFePO4 | Charge time (solar): 1.8 to 2 hours hours | Charge time (AC): 1.3 to 2 hours | Battery shelf life: 3 to 6 months | Weight: 10 lbs | Dimensions: 10.04" x 7.09" x 7.2" | Life span: 2,500 cycles

The Delta Pro Ultra consists of a battery and an inverter, which converts low voltage, DC battery power into the 240-volt AC electricity needed to power things like ovens and central ACs. The system boasts a total output of 7,200 watts, making it the most powerful source of backup battery power in our tests — which is why it's our top pick for homes in hurricane country.

Like the Anker Solix F3800 system, the Delta Pro Ultra is scalable, reaching up to 90,000 watts with the addition of 15 batteries — enough to power the average American home for an entire month. However, to achieve that maximum output you'd be looking at an all-in cost of around $50,000 for the batteries, as well as the smart home panel required for automatic backup power (and that doesn't include installation costs, or the electricity costs to keep the batteries fully charged).

We had a professional electrician install our Delta Pro Ultra, since we opted for the Smart Home Panel 2 add-on. This feature allows homeowners to connect specific circuits to the backup battery for automatic switchover, ensuring your home remains powered during an outage even when you're not there. Alternatively, appliances and electronics get plugged into the device, as with other solar generators.

Not only does the Delta Pro Ultra's display screen allow you to program circuits, it also monitors current load and charge levels, plus estimates how long the battery will last under the present conditions. This info can also be accessed via the EcoFlow app, which our testers found intuitive and easy to navigate. The app even enables homeowners to take advantage of time-of-use rates from utility companies, allowing appliances to run during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.

For homeowners who don't need to power their entire home through a storm, another cost-effective option our experts like is the EF ECOFLOW 12kWh Power Station, which includes an extra battery and is priced under $9,000.

Capacity: 7,200 watts | Battery type: Lithium ion | Charge time (solar): 2 hours |Charge time (AC): 2.5 hours | Battery shelf life: 3 to 6 months | Weight: 218 lbs | Dimensions: ‎27.2"L x 18.9"W x 8.4"H | Life span: 3,500 cycles

Solar-powered generators that offer whole-house backup are typically too large and cumbersome to transport in the event of an emergency evacuation. For situations like this, you’ll need a more portable option, such as Jackery's Explorer 3000 Pro. While it weighs a significant 63 pounds, we experienced first-hand that the built-in wheels and telescoping handle significantly improve its portability.

This generator offers a solid 3,000-watt output, the largest for it's mid-size category of generators that are truly portable (in contrast to whole-house options that can weigh several hundred pounds). It comes equipped with five AC ports and four USB ports. Notably, it is one of the few solar generators we tested that includes a large 25-amp AC outlet, making it ideal for powering high-load electronics like a portable air conditioner, electric grill or even an RV. The lithium-ion battery charges in a respectable two-and-a-half hours via a wall outlet, or in under four hours using solar panels.

During testing, the Jacker’s battery shelf life was particularly long-lasting. "We had the generator sitting in a closet for close to six months and when we powered it back up the battery was still at 100%,” reported one tester. That peace of mind will go far if your home is prone to sudden power outages.

However, the Jackery is missing a few features we appreciated in other models, such as an LED light and onboard cord storage.

Capacity: 3,000 watts | Battery type: Lithium ion | Charge time (solar): 3 to 19 hours | Charge time (AC): 2.4 hours | Battery shelf life: 3 months | Weight: 62.8 lbs | Dimensions: 18.1" x 12.9" x 13.7" | Life span: 2,000 cycles

Here's another whole-house solution that leverages semi-solid state battery technology, known for its durability and fast charging capabilities. With a capacity of 6,438 watts and the option to add more batteries that can exponentially increase its output, the SuperBase V6400 is suitable for homes of any size.

The base unit can support up to four more stackable batteries, boosting its total capacity to over 30,000 watts — and with Zendure's Smart Home Panel you can connect the base unit to your home’s electrical circuits, supplying power throughout the entire house.

The charge time at a wall outlet was impressively fast — just 60 minutes, even in cold conditions. When using three 400-watt solar panels, it can reach a full charge in under three hours. While it’s a significant investment, the SuperBase is loaded with a variety of outlets, including both 120-volt and 240-volt AC options, making it capable of powering larger systems and appliances, such as an oven or central air conditioner.

Make no mistake: this is a hefty solar generator. It took two of our strongest testers to lift the 130-pound unit out of the box, but once unpacked, the wheels and telescoping handle made it easy to move.

Capacity: 6,438 watts | Battery type: Semi-solid state | Charge time (solar): 3 hours | Charge time (AC): 1 hour | Battery shelf life: 2 to 3 years | Weight: 130 lbs | Dimensions: 28.7" x 13.6" x 17.4" | Life span: 3,000 cycles

If you only need to power a few devices during a brief blackout or brownout, a mid-sized solar-powered generator should suffice. The Geneverse HomePower TWO Pro strikes an excellent balance between power capacity, charge time and the ability to hold a charge for extended periods.

This 2,200-watt generator, powered by a LiFePO4 battery, reached a full charge in our tests in just under two hours using an AC wall outlet, or around four hours with solar panels.

We appreciate its thoughtful configuration, which includes three AC outlets for appliances, power tools or CPAP machines, along with two USB-A and two USB-C outlets for smaller electronics. However, it’s worth noting that the HomePower TWO Pro isn’t the most rugged solar generator we tested, making it better suited for home use rather than for outdoor activities like camping or on construction sites.

For those who need less power, Geneverse's HomePower ONE is also a solid option. While it offers less power at 1,000 watts of output and takes longer to charge with its lithium-ion battery, its 23-pound weight makes it much easier to transport, and it still provides ample juice for smaller electronic devices.

Capacity: 2,200 watts | Battery type: LiFePO4 | Charge time (solar): 4 hours | Charge time (AC): 1.5 to 2 hours | Battery shelf life: Up to to 12 months | Weight: 61.3 lbs | Dimensions: 17.83" x 11.02" x 14.11" | Life span: 3,000 cycles

With its durable enclosure and ergonomic design, the GB2000 is our top choice if you're looking to take your solar generator outdoors.

The 2,106-watt lithium-ion battery packs plenty of power in a relatively compact package, and the "parallel ports" make it possible to connect two units together, effectively doubling the power output. The generator is equipped with three AC outlets, two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports, along with a convenient wireless charging pad on top for cell phones and other small electronics.

Another thoughtful feature our testers appreciated is the storage pocket located at the back of the unit, perfect for keeping all the charging cords organized when you’re on the move. One downside to note is the 1,000-cycle lifespan of its battery, which is shorter than that of some of our other top picks.

Capacity: 2,106 watts | Battery type: Lithium ion | Charge time (solar): 80% in 5 hours | Charge time (AC): 80% in 3.3 hours | Battery shelf life: Up to 6 months | Weight: 43 lbs | Dimensions: 16.8" x 10.4" x 15.1" | Life span: 1,000 cycles

Goal Zero revolutionized the market with its launch of the first-ever portable power station in 2017. While it now faces stiff competition from more innovative brands, we think the Yeti 1500X remains a reliable option.

Its 1,500-watt battery is designed for medium-sized power needs, making it a great choice for camping and recreational use. However, its slower charge time — about 14 hours with a standard 120-volt wall outlet and 18 to 36 hours using solar power — along with its short shelf life of three to six months, makes it less suitable for emergency situations when quick recharging is crucial.

With a life span of 500 cycles, the Yeti 1500X is better suited for occasional use, rather than as a primary backup during frequent power outages.

Capacity: 1,500 watts | Battery type: Lithium ion | Charge time (solar): 18 to 36 hours hours | Charge time (AC): 14 hours | Battery shelf life: 3 to 6 months | Weight: 45.64 lbs | Dimensions: 15.25" x 10.23" x 10.37" | Life span: 500 cycles

Our product experts closely monitor the solar generator market, tracking popular models and the latest innovations by attending trade shows like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the National Hardware Show.

For this guide, my team and I conducted a detailed technical review of over 25 solar generators, then performed hands-on testing of the top dozen models, both in our Lab and in the homes of six consumer testers over the course of several weeks. Here's what we looked at:

Similar to gas vs. electric cars, gas generators are a reliable, well-established option with a wide variety of models available. Solar generators, while offering many benefits, are newer and come with some learning curves and challenges.

When deciding between a solar and gas generator, consider your power needs and budget. For lower power needs under 3,000 watts, solar generators are ideal, while gas generators work better for larger demands, especially 10,000 watts or more.

If automatic backup power is essential, a standby gas generator is reliable and easier to install, although some solar options offer this with more complex setups. Solar generators are safer as they produce no emissions, making them suitable for indoor use, while gas generators can pose potential carbon monoxide risks. Read more in our guide to solar vs. gas generators.

A solar generator is essentially a large rechargeable battery that powers electronic devices. The fastest way to charge it is by plugging it into a wall outlet, similar to charging a phone or computer. However, solar generators can also be charged using solar panels, making them invaluable during extended power outages when plug-in charging isn’t an option.

Large whole-house generators can be integrated with rooftop solar panels, functioning similarly to a battery backup system like the Tesla Powerwall, storing energy until it's needed.

Solar generators of all sizes can also be charged with portable solar panels, which connect to the battery via a standard solar cable. These panels typically range from 100 to 400 watts and can be daisy-chained for faster charging.

Depending on conditions, a solar generator may be fully charged by the sun in as little as four hours, though it can take up to 10 hours or longer. Therefore, it's essential to plan ahead, especially when extreme weather is on the horizon.

Since this is still an emerging category, the industry is still figuring some things out — including what to call this new type of generator. It's also worth noting that the market for solar-powered generators is now splitting into "portable" and "whole-house" categories, similar to how gas generators come in either portable or standby models. Comparatively, whole-house power stations, while heavy (100+ pounds), are technically portable since they can be moved, unlike standby generators. However, consumers are unlikely to haul one outside to charge via solar power.

Solar generators come in various shapes and sizes to meet different needs. Key factors to consider include:

The more watts, the more power a generator can deliver, so consider your home’s power needs. Small generators have capacities around 250 watts, while larger ones offer 3,000 watts or more. Overloading a generator can damage it and connected electronics.

Also consider run time: to power a 200-watt refrigerator for 10 hours, you'll need a 2,000-watt generator. For an eight-hour run of a 40-watt CPAP machine, a 500-watt generator is sufficient.

Solar panel capacity affects charging speed. Our experts recommend at least 100-watt solar panels, and daisy-chaining multiple panels can speed up charging. Generators that can charge via wall outlets and solar panels are the fastest.

There are three main battery types — lithium ion, LiFePO4and solid-state — each with pros and cons.

Weight, which can range from 10 to over 100 pounds, often correlates with capacity. If you need to take your generator on the go, look for user-friendly features like wheels and telescoping handles for easier transport. Solar panels can also be heavy, so handles and carrying cases improve portability.

I’ve covered the residential energy market for 25 years, focusing on energy-efficient home solutions and emerging alternative technologies. As the director of the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, I oversee solar generator testing with our engineers and product analysts. I regularly attend trade shows to stay current on industry innovations and speak on housing and home improvement topics.

Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.

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