7 Best Solar Generators: Options for Homes, Camping, and RVs (2024)

The best solar power generators are powerful enough to weather the storm — or let you binge watch Netflix on your next camping trip or in the RV. Best of all, solar power generators do all that without the fumes and fuel of the gas-power variety. And most recharge with energy-efficient lithium-ion batteries or even from a wall socket, if that’s what you prefer. 

In this roundup, we present the best solar generator on the market. Our list features categories like camping, RV, budget, most portable, and even the best solar generator kit. By the time you’re finished reading, there will be no need to worry about a dead cell phone on the road or having emergency power in the event of an outage. What is the best solar generator for home use? Keep reading; you’re about to find out.

Top Picks

Find out how these solar generators charged away from the pack.

Best Solar Generators: A Closer Look

Take a closer look at what we like — and some things reviewers aren’t fond of — about each generator in our ranking.

Looking for ample enough wattage to power your home or for a greener energy source when times are good? The Goal Zero Yeti 6000X produces the power you need and a whole lot more. The best solar generator for home use also offers seven output ports, including a 120V AC inverter, and it’s powered through solar or a 6000-watt Lithium-ion battery — your choice. 

Furthermore, the max solar input on the generator is 600W, but the panels are sold separately — which is not uncommon. We found the best solar-powered generator panel is the 6-panel Nomad 200. However, for portability’s sake, we also recommend the 6-panel Boulder 200 briefcase. Goal Zero’s also added regulated 12V ports for compatibility with portable fridges, among other devices. You can control many generator functions through an easily-integrated app

Otherwise, this gasless generator comes complete with under and over voltage protection, temperature protections, and a battery management system, among other notable features. It’s all covered by a 2-year warranty. Overall the unit is spendy, but worth it. And at 121lbs, it’s also pretty heavy, but some portability does come from the courtesy cart included with purchase. 

Also not to be missed: the Goal Zero brand has reached more than 30,000 people worldwide through empowerment initiatives and disaster relief. Customers that review the solar-powered generators call the 6000X quiet and dependable, with faster solar charging from something called MPPT, or maximum power point tracking. 

Reliably providing safety and comfort in the great outdoors, the Jackery Portable Power Station is the best solar generator for camping. At barely 7lbs, the Jackery offers 200 watts of energy. This energy pumps through multifunctional outlets like USB-A ports and one DC carport, which is more than enough to keep your phone, mini-cooler, or laptop charged while you’re out in the woods.

 Portability is critical when camping, so it’s worth noting the generator’s sturdy handle. There’s also an MPPT controller for extra-efficient charging, including solar power charging. But the generator also runs on AC power, and the adapter is included. Otherwise, use the Lithium-ion battery, sold separately, or simply charge it up using your car.

Speaking of solar power, we learned the best solar panel for the Jackery is the Solar Saga 60W. We also like the smart display, showing both input and output power and remaining battery power. Also notable, pass-through charging is possible with Jackery, meaning you can charge up a device while powering another device, but generally not recommended. It can degrade the overall battery life. 

Those who’ve used the generator call it powerful enough for a window A/C unit or a 12-volt fridge and freezer. Another had good luck using it to run a heater last time they were out in nature. Overall, consumer feedback confirms the Jackery is portable and easy to use — the perfect size for camping, running a CPAP machine and humidifier with some battery life leftover, according to one report.

About 3000 watts of power is generally enough to power an RV, and the Goal Zero Yeti 3000X more than suits this purpose. Additional factors contributing to the 3000X earning our pick for best solar generator for RV include the seven output ports — powerful and versatile enough for coffee makers and blenders, among other appliances and lifesaving medical devices. 

Other notable features include the USB-C port for charging a laptop in your RV, and the easy-to-read display, letting users know how much battery life is left. One consumer used it to run a full-size freezer for four days without recharging. Affordable panels from Renogy and HQST both work well with the unit. 

Otherwise, many functions are controlled through an App, and there’s also an integrated MPPT charge controller for more efficient charging. Those who’ve used the generator for camping and in their RV call it remarkably quiet. We’re reassured by reports the generator is built well and durable, with a retractable handle and large wheels. At nearly 80 lbs, it ain’t light. Still, it does come with a trolley, and it does run on a Lithium-ion battery or solar panels — especially panels made by Nomad or Boulder.

Most solar generators are sold without panels. It’s best to choose a solar generator kit to get everything you need in one convenient package. The best power generator kit in our ranking comes from Nature’s Generator. Including a built-in 1800W pure sine wave inverter and an internal 60 AH battery — all combined producing up to 720 watt hours — the generator has more than enough available ports to charge up all your most useful devices.

Otherwise, there’s a Bluetooth Smartkey, pairing the generator with both iOS and Android devices tracking system use, and a built-in 600-volt, 175 amp expansion port. (Many reviewers call the app convenient and easy to use) Set up is also easy, even for those who aren’t technically inclined. We were particularly encouraged by reports stating the generator recharges even in low-light conditions, running a fridge, fan, laptop, and three monitors for four hours.  

Some say the generator powers appliances while also solar charging, which is convenient. Others mention the 50-foot solar cord — meaning you can park your rig in the shade and put the panel in the sun. Super convenient! It’s all compact enough to tuck away in an RV compartment or simply load it into a Jeep on your next camping trip.

Also included with the purchase are a Polycrystalline solar panel and a trolley to help you move it around — when completely assembled, total weight is 72 lbs. The large wheels also keep things portable.

If portability is a particular priority for you, choose the best portable solar generator: the TACKLIFE Power Station. This compact unit is only about 15 lbs, producing 300 watts with a total of nine outputs, including AC, USB, and DC, so it can simultaneously charge multiple devices. This isn’t a survivalist generator. Instead, it’s an easy-to-transport solution to charge devices like laptops, cell phones, and maybe even a Go-Pro. 

Otherwise, the pure sine wave dual AC outlets are particularly well-suited for camping. TACKLIFE offers a BMS system, managing overload protection. Though panels are sold separately, it is entirely solar-power compatible. The best solar generator panel for TACKLIFE is the 100-watt, 22-volt Goal Zero solar panel with an 8mm connector, we learned. 

The clear display is for monitoring max wattage, both in and out, and TACKLIFE comes with everything you need to get started. Very convenient. Experienced generator users say the Power Station is super easy to use and even easier to carry, with sturdy handles and a rubberized, damage-resistant, orange case. One satisfied consumer said the MPPT charger provides a very good charge-rate from a folding solar kit, and overall, the capacity lives up to expectations

Others have had good luck, however, using 100- watt Rockpals fold-ups. Also notable is the wireless charging pad, charging a phone with no cable at all — just drop the phone on top of the charger and leave it alone. 

In terms of pure capacity, the Max Oak Bluetti is the most powerful solar generator in our ranking. Weighing less than 40 lbs, the Bluetti boasts 2400Wh with a high-load continuous 1000W Inverter. What’s more, there’s a built-in top-of-the-line lithium polymer battery cell — a car-grade battery with a much longer lifespan than what’s offered from many other brands. 

Consumers who’ve picked Bluetti say it produces plenty of power for an outage. When fully charged, it efficiently runs a small freezer, a hot plate, fans, and lights. Additional feedback says it handled a full-size fridge for more than 30 hours with battery life leftover. Other features worth mentioning on this gasless generator include LED lighting/SOS in case of an outage. What’s best, it’s all fully charged within about 12 hours, we’re told, with eco-mode helping to conserve energy and provide longer battery life. 

Additional features we like include:

• A battery management system
• Overvoltage, overcurrent, short-circuit, and temperature control protection
• Auto shutoff when fully charged

As far as solar power, we learned the Bluetti accommodates a broad range of solar panels, sold separately. However, panels should fall between 16 and 68 volts. The Bluetti also has multiple outlets, with some suitable for household appliances under 1000 watts, like fridges, TVs, and a CPAP machine. There’s also a USB-C for Mac laptops, along with standard USB for devices like phones and tablets.

For a great solar generator without the extra cost, choose the best budget solar generator in our ranking: the Renogy Phoenix 200. We chose the Renogy, offering 189 Wh, on the strength of its universal compatibility, boasting multiple ports and the ability to recharge from wall outlets, car sockets, or solar panels (sold separately). This entry-level generator also has a Battery Management System, enabling voltage control, temp control, short circuit and overcurrent protection, among many other safety features. 

Another really great feature available from Renogy are the four LED flashlights mounted on the side of the unit, an ingenious addition in the event of an outage. We were encouraged especially by reports the generator charges even faster than what’s indicated in the specs. There’s both AC/DC and USB connectivity, as well as simple-to-set-up AC and solar recharging. (One consumer, we learned, coupled their Phoenix 200 with the Renogy E-Flex 50 solar panel). 

Otherwise, the generator is lightweight, quiet and easy to take almost anywhere, according to reports — perfect for a camping trip or a day at the beach, one user said. There’s also an AC/DC adapter and a CIG to 5.5 mm DC adapter cable included with purchase, along with a lithium battery. ChoosingRenogy (normally known for solar panels) means you’ll be able to have your pick of panels for this versatile little sine wave station. 

Our Process

For this guide on the best solar generators, our team spent 5 hours researching the most popular options from over 35 brands and manufacturers big and small. We then read about thirty five user reviews (both positive and negative) to discover what shoppers thought about each solar generator. After comparing this data, we narrowed our list down to the top 7 on the market. You can count on this research to guide you to a mindful purchasing decision.

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Further Reading