Goal Zero Yeti 400 is the best solar generator on the market in 2021 due to its high battery capacity, good portability, and the LCD screen that shows all the analytics.
BEST CHOICE
- High battery capacity
- An LCD screen that shows battery percentage and other analytics
- All in one power on the push of a button
- Quiet operation
Solar generators are an ideal addition to your emergency bin or to your fun activities (camping etc.) reserve. They are not only efficient and ergonomic but also bring portability and durability in the package.
Having reliable and easy to use backup generators for emergency situations, even if you live in an area with minimal power outages, is essential. In case of a blackout or an emergency power cut off, you need to have a reserve or backup plan. Initially, these generators were developed for the sole purpose of providing emergency backup but as technologically sophisticated, people started using them as a portable power source for activities like camping, fishing, etc.
Fuel generators also serve the purpose, but they come with a lot of downsides, the main being noisy. Apart from being extremely noisy they require a constant source of fuel and have a huge carbon footprint.
Solar energy helps in building a better tomorrow. It is a green source of energy and is the most accessible way of generating power since solar energy is not taxed either will be.
In this article, we have listed down the best solar powered generators along with their compatible solar panels, followed by a guide to help you choose the most suitable model for your needs.
Contents
Best solar generators in 2021
| Preview | Product name | Weight (lbs) | Dimensions | Capacity | Rated Power | Surge Power | AC Outlet | DC Output Port | Car Port Output | USB Output Port | QC3.0 Port | Pass-through charging | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Goal Zero Yeti 400 | 29 pounds | 8 x 10.2 x 8 inches | 396 watt-hours | 120 W | 300 W, 600 W | 110 V | 12 V | 12 V | 2.1A USB, 2 | No | N/A | |
 | Jackery | 3.84 pounds | 7.4 x 4.6 x 6.7 inches | 167 watt-hours | 100 W | 150 W | 110 V | 12 V | 12 V | USB A (2), USB C (1) | No | Yes | |
 | Aeiusny | 7.05 pounds | 11.4 x 4.3 x 5.2 inches | 288 watt-hours | 500 W | 1000 W | 110 V | 12 V | 12 V | USB A (2), USB B (2) | No | Yes | |
 | Rockpals | 7.3 pounds | 6.5 x 3.15 x 6.89 inches | 280 watt-hours | 300 W | 600 W | 120 V | 12 V, 24 V | 12 V | USB A (2), QC3.0 (2) | Yes | Yes |
Solar generator reviews
Goal Zero Yeti 400Â – Best overall
KEY FEATURES
- 395 watt-hours battery capacity
- 29 pounds in weight
- 300 watts rated power and 600 watts surge power
- 3 types of charging systems
If you are looking for the best portable solar generator that can work in case of an emergency power outage or during your outdoor excursion, then this yeti solar generator is the one for you. This portable solar generator can be charged using a solar outlet or a wall outlet, making things easier for you. For gaining maximum potential from the generator you can easily pair it with zero yeti 400 solar models. The generator is compact and lightweight as well, making things very easy for the user. This impressive solar power generator is the best solar generator among the lot, mainly because of its value for money, high efficiency, quick charging time, and support for various gadgets and devices. This is the best solar generator for camping and the best solar generator for home.
All in one power station
This yeti solar generator is a convenient and all in one type of power generator that provides the required power at the push of a button. The generator supports a number of devices and gadgets depending on the type and amount of power they require. The Goal Zero Yeti 400 comes with 396 watt-hour capacity, 300 watts rated power, and 600 watts surge power. Once fully charged, it has enough power to charge a cell phone more than 30 times, a laptop more than 5 times, and can keep appliances like mini-fridge, television, headlamp, etc. running for an hour. The generator has different types of 12 V DC outputs and allows you to plug in 7 devices at once.
Charging
The Goal Zero Yeti 400 has different charging options available. It can be charged using a wall outlet, via a car charger, or using Yeti’s solar panels. Even though the generator sells under the moniker ‘solar generator’ it can be charged using other methods. This feature is specifically added to the generator to make things easier for the user. Using a wall outlet, the generator batteries take 5 hours to charge completely, using a car charger you will need 13 hours to fully charge the batteries, and finally, using solar panels, during the day time the generator will take 8 hours to charge completely.
What we like:
- Can be charged through wall outlets along with solar energy and car charger.
- For longer run times, it can be connected to Goal Zero Yetis.
- Surge protection.
- Can charge or run 7 devices at a time.
What we didn’t like:
- The customer service is not up to the mark.
This solar-powered generator needs to be connected to solar panels, that can be purchased separately. Our choice of solar panels is reviewed as follows.
Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase – Best for use with Goal Zero Yeti 400
KEY FEATURES
- 100W rated power
- 9 pounds in weight
- 0 x 26.75 x 1.75 inches dimensions
- Monocrystalline cell type
- 12 months warranty
This lightweight monocrystalline solar panel for the Goal Zero Yeti 400 is the perfect one for you if you want something you can set at home as well as carry easily for your excursion trips. It comes with a briefcase folding enclosure making it portable and easy to handle. It has a sturdy construction done using anodized aluminum and tempered glass. Making it rigid, durable, and sturdy. It is ideal for camping and other excursion activities since it is dust and waterproof. It is designed to be combined with any of the Goal Zero Yeti power stations and comes with a 1-year limited warranty. The solar cells and provide a total power of 100 watts.
Ease of use
For using these solar panels, you don’t need any charging controllers or extra cables all you need to do is open the briefcase, set it on a plane surface, and make sure the panels are facing the sun. The 100W solar panel’s boulder can directly plug into any Goal Zero Yeti portable power station. Due to the briefcase like casing, you can easily carry it along with you and use it to charge your portable generator anywhere anytime you want. If you have enough carrying space or are using the solar panels at home, the boulder can be easily connected to other solar panels for better charging time. the chain that is used to combine the boulders is sold separately.
Construction
The boulder is constructed such that it is not only weatherproof but extremely durable and sturdy. It is constructed using lightweight aluminum combined with tempered glass. The strong frame and briefcase like casing make it durable and sturdy. The solar panels are covered with tempered glass that makes them water, dust, and weatherproof. While carrying it around, even if you let go of the bag by accident, it is hardly unlikely that the panel will break. The briefcase like casing is equipped with sturdy handles to prevent breakages.
What we like:
- It is lightweight and sturdy
- Construction is durable
- 12 months of warranty
- Is weather, dust and waterproof
What we didn’t like:
- The stand is not adjustable
Jackery Portable Power Station
KEY FEATURES
- 167 watt-hours battery capacity
- 97 pounds in weight
- 40 x 4.59 x 6.73 inches dimensions
- 12V DC output port
- LCD display and flashlight
This portable solar power generator is the best portable solar generator on the market. The main reason behind this is its portability. It is the lightest and smallest solar power generator on the market and weighs a mere 3.97 pounds. Despite its small size and lightweight, it comes with a large 167 watt-hour capacity. The generator can charge smartphones, laptops, cameras, etc. and can run appliances like televisions, fans, etc. for more than a couple hours. It has pass-through charging support, hence, it can charge its own batteries and give power to the connected devices at the same time. The Jackery portable power station is a true camping generator. The manufacturers have maximized portability and comfort with their efficient manufacturing.
Charging
This power station is one of the lightest and smallest power stations on the market manufactured for maximum portability and comfort. The power station can be charged three ways, it can either be plugged into the wall socket for charging. This way it can be kept charged at all times. It can be charged via a car charger or last but not least, it can be charged using a solar panel. This camping generator does not come with its own set of solar panels rather those need to be purchased separately. While charging with solar panels, the power station takes 8 t 10 hours to charge completely. The timings depend on your location and the weather in the area.
LCD display
The power generator comes with a built-in LED flashlight which can be used as a light source in case of emergency or if you are out in the woods for camping. The LED flashlight can be activated by long-pressing the turn on button. This activates the SOS which is especially helpful when you are outdoors. Another interesting feature installed in this power generator is the LCD display. The display clearly shows all analytics regarding the battery. The percentage of power left, the number of devices being charged, and the power distribution. During charging, the device also lets you know how long it will take to fully charge the power generator. It also has a backlight that makes reading in the sun easier.
What we like:
- It has quick recharging.
- Built-in flash and LCD display.
- Safety management system against short-circuiting.
- Has an auto-shut-off option.
What we didn’t like:
- It is not waterproof and weather resistant.
The solar panels that can be used to charge this little beast are reviewed as follows:
Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel – Best for use with Jackery Portable Power Station
KEY FEATURES
- 60 watts peak power
- 23 percent cell efficiency
- 8 V power voltage and 3A power current
- 3 pounds in weight
This highly efficient set of solar panels is specifically design for Jackery power stations. It has a high conversion efficiency of up to 23 percent, depending on the sun’s condition, weather, and location of the solar panel. Combined with the Jackery 240 or 160 power stations, it provides an ideal camping generator. It is the best solar generator for camping and outdoor excursion trips. Neither the power station nor the weight of the solar panels a lot, they can be transported easily along with you and will not take up a lot of space either. The solar panel only weighs 3.3 pounds. When compared to other solar panels that weigh at least 20 pounds or more, high portability is inevitable.
Portability
The solar panels are foldable and have a folding dimension of 16.8 x 11.4 x 0.4 inches which is ideal. It has four rings using which you can easily strap it to your RV or your car. This solar panel was designed to keep outdoor excursion trips and traveling in mind, which is why it also has a zipper pouch in the package. The solar panel can be easily secured in the pouch and there is a small zipper pocket on the outside which can be used to store the instruction manual, connecting cable, chaining cable, and cleaning cloth. The zipper pouch has durable and sturdy handles attached to it. The handles can endure a lot more weight than the weight of the solar panels, hence, it will keep intact for a long.
Durability
Since the solar panels were constructed specifically for people who travel a lot, go on camping trips or other outdoor excursion trips, durability is one of the key factors it is equipped with. Jackery has combined unconventional materials to formulate a solar panel more durable than other solar panels on the market. This particular solar panel is constructed using durable cloth, zipper, and PET certified materials. It is made high temperature resistant and can endure hanging from your tent and or your car. One downside to this solar panel is that it is not water-resistant, hence, you cannot leave it out during storms or rainy weather.
What we like:
- It is specifically made to be durable and sturdy.
- High conversion efficiency.
- Portable and lightweight.
- 24 months of product warranty.
What we didn’t like:
- It is not weather and waterproof.
Aeiusny
If you want a two in one kind of solar power generator that works as the best solar generator for camping and home, then this Aeiusny model is the one for you. It is portable but also works ideally when used only for home. Aeiusny is ideal for longer camping trips since it has a high battery capacity of 288 watt-hours.
Aeiusny portable generator is constructed to be used by a lot of appliances at one time which is why it is equipped with 3 AC outlets, 4 DC outlets, and 4 USB ports. The best part is, along with being large with a higher capacity it is easy to carry and weighs less than 8 pounds. It can be changed easily via a solar panel that is sold separately, via an AC outlet in your house or even using a car charger that is included in the package.
Pure sine wave technology
Most of the generators on the marker, solar or fueled, usually don’t produce a pure sine wave rather they produce a rough replication of a sine wave which can actually damage the appliances connected to the AC output. Aeiusny has achieved a breakthrough in technology and uses pure sine wave technology. This technology enabled the generator to produce a pure sine wave rather than a poor replication. This way, the electricity produced is clean, stable, and safe, making sure all your appliances are protected and they don’t malfunction or cause short-circuiting. The generator also has advanced overcharge, over-discharge, short-circuit protection control unit.
Emergency supply
Since the portable generator can be charged using three different options, it is always available as an emergency source of supply. The large battery supply ensures you have optimal charging at all times whether you are at home or outdoors. It can provide 55 plus charges for a smartphone, can run a 12V LED light for more than 96 hours, and 6 hours of running for the 50W fan. This makes it the best solar generator for all kinds of outdoor excursion trips. It can also be used to charge flashlights and other similar devices. In case it runs out of power, you can use your vehicle to charge it or if you are in a sunny area you can use the compatible solar panels to charge it. It will take 8 to 10 hours to fully charge the power generator depending on the weather and location of the area you are in.
What we like:
- It has a large battery capacity.
- Despite having a large battery capacity, it is lightweight.
- Easy and quick recharging.
- 12 months of product warranty.
What we didn’t like:
- Only runs 2 nights when used with a CPAP.
The Aeiusny solar generator is only compatible with its own set of solar panels which are reviewed as follows:
Aeiusny Solar Panel Foldable
KEY FEATURES
- 25 percent efficiency
- 0 charging port with higher compatibility
- 78×12.79 inches folded dimensions
- 87×13.78 inches unfolded dimensions
- 60W peak power
This solar panel set, unlike all other solar panel sets, is compatible with most of the best solar generators on the market. Even though it is manufactured by Aeiusny, it can be used with any of the solar generators on the market. It is a crystalline silicon solar panel, and as compared to the ordinary crystalline silicon solar panels, this one has a 60 percent higher conversion efficiency rate. The efficiency rate is 25 percent. It comes with an intelligent circuit chip as well to ensure the device being charged is not damaged. Based on the type of output device being used, it regulates the output which is why it is compatible with most of the solar power generators.
Wide compatibility
This solar panel set is compatible with almost all kinds of solar-powered generators on the market. however, before you connect the panel to the generator, it is necessary that you check the model, size, voltage, and power of your original adaptor before you go on to connect the devices. The panel comes with a QC3.0 type output port which is compatible with most of the best rated solar generators on the market. It is also compatible with all kinds of 5V devices such as 5V tablets, iPad mini, PSP, Bluetooth speakers, etc. The solar panel set comes with built-in advanced intelligent technology that regulates the current according to the connected device.
Easy to carry and use
This solar panel set consists of five solar panels that are attached such that when folded they look like a small laptop. The solar panels are attached and shaped such that they can be easily set in front of the incoming sunlight in any shape. You can lay it flat on the ground, hang it from your car or your tent, or even make it stand on the ground facing the direction of sunlight. When folded it has dimensions 13.78×12.79 inches, on the other hand, its unfolded dimensions are 57.87×13.78 inches. The best part is, this solar panel set is waterproof and dustproof as well as high temperature resistant. Thus, if you leave it out in rainy weather, you will not have anything to worry about.
What we like:
- It is the weather, water, and dustproof.
- Has a higher temperature resistance.
- Higher compatibility rate.
- Conversion efficiency is 25 percent.
What we didn’t like:
- With 60W power, it takes more time to charge.
ROCKPALS 300W
KEY FEATURES
- 300 watts rated power
- 600 watts surge power
- Pure sine wave outlet
- 3 pounds in weight
This high-quality plug and play type or portable generator will be your best friend anytime and anywhere you need power. Whether you have an emergency power outbreak at home or if you are going camping this power generator will be the one thing you need most. With a high battery capacity of 280 watt-hours, it is one of the most versatile and best rated solar generators on the market. Rockpals portable generator provides power at the push of a button. You don’t need any extension cords or gasoline. It comes with USB ports, AC outlets and DC outlets for running all kinds of appliances. We believe this model is one of the best camping generators due to its lightweight and high battery capacity. It can be used with CPAP for emergencies.
Versatile
The power generator comes with a number of different outlets for different types of uses. It has one 120V AC outlets with 300W rated power and 600W surge power for laptops, Fans, monitor, Air mattress, TV, etc. Moreover, it comes with four 12V DC outlets. These outlets are for devices that consume less than 96W such as car vacuum, CPAP, etc. Apart from this, we have four 5V ports and one 24V port. Both these ports are DC ports and can be used for various gadgets. This is what makes the power generator so versatile and easy to use.
Pure sine wave
As mentioned earlier, most power generators use the modified version of sine waves which can slowly damage your appliances. This portable generator provides a pure and clean sine wave from the AC outlet. This technology not only keeps your appliances safe but also prevents them from heating up and producing unwanted noise. This gas-free source of AC outlet can be used for anything from fax machines to microwaves to fans.
What we like:
- It is pretty versatile and durable.
- Pure sine wave rather than sine wave modification.
- 18 months warranty.
- Portable and easy to use.
What we didn’t like:
- It does not have a battery percentage indicator.
The solar panel set that can be used to charge this power generator is reviewed as follows
Rockpals 100W Foldable Solar Panel
KEY FEATURES
- 100 watts solar panel wattage
- Mono-crystalline solar panel type
- 16V – 18V open-circuit voltage
- 0 to 120F operating voltage
This solar panel set made to be compatible with most solar generators out there provides its users with some high conversion efficiency. It comes with a number of different connectors so that it can easily connect to any type of solar generator. It also comes with a built-in smart integrated circuit chip that identifies the type of device you are charging using the solar panel and protects the device by regulating the current according to the device. The device folds into a small laptop-sized square which makes it very easy for traveling. The folded solar panel set can be fixed into a small bag that it comes with.
Fast and smart charging
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Since the solar panel set is integrated with an intelligent integrated circuit chip, it automatically adjusts the electrical current according to the device. This way, based on the device and the efficiency percentage at the moment, the solar panel set provides the highest possible charging rate. The efficiency provided by the solar panel is between 21.5 percent and 23.5 percent depending on the condition of weather and location. The solar cell is made of single-crystal silicon which offers a high-efficiency rate.
Durability
The solar panel is constructed using durable material and is made to resist high temperatures. Apart from his, the solar panel is weather, dust and waterproof as well. It is ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities like camping, hiking, picnics, etc. The solar panel is made of tempered glass for water resistance and can be folded into a briefcase for easy transportation.
What we like:
- High conversion efficiency rate.
- durable and sturdy.
- Weather, dust, and waterproof.
- Compatible with most solar-powered generators.
What we didn’t like:
- Customer service is not very keen.
Types of solar panels to consider:
There are three different kinds of solar panels that are being largely used in the residential sector.
- Monocrystalline panels: these are the most expensive type of solar panels since they have the highest efficiency rate. They are made of pure silicon which is why they are pretty durable and sturdy as well.
- Polycrystalline Panels: these are the more affordable type of solar panels. Any panel that is blue in color is a polycrystalline panel. These are made with melted fragments of silicon which is why they are slightly less efficient.
- Thin Film Panels: these are lightweight panels usually used due to their portability. They can be folded and transported easily however, their efficiency is usually less than 20 percent.
What to look for when buying a solar generator?
If you want to make the best investment, there are a number of things you need to consider beforehand. The above-mentioned solar generator reviews were formulated keeping these factors in mind
Battery capacity
To take the battery capacity into consideration, you need to calculate your electricity expenditure and find the solar generator compatible with it. You should also see whether the amount of energy will be provided by the respective solar panels or not.
Size
The size of the solar generator you buy depends on the type of activities you need it for. If you want something that will be placed in your home, then you can go for a big one but if you want something portable, you will need to buy something smaller and lighter.
Watts
The solar generator should be able to handle your highest daily maximum power consumption rate. To be on the safe side, invest in a generator that produces more wattage than your needs.
Conclusion
This article was all about helping you find the best solar generator and its respective solar panel set for you. We have covered all types of solar generators whether you want it for your home or for outdoor excursion trips. By far, the Goal Zero Yeti 400 is the best solar generator with the highest capacity and maximum efficiency.
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Edwin Roberts
Edwin is a certified design and home interior specialist. He also has extensive personal experience in home improvement and housekeeping.
One comment
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