Solar generators are the next big thing in renewable energy. As far as portable power sources go most operate the same. However, when it comes to solar units there are a few key differences compared to other energy types, which can make finding the right unit a challenge. We can help save you the headache in finding the best solar solution for your home.
The Garden and Yards team has researched the best portable solar generators on the market today.
This is an all-in-one solar system for an on-the-go back-up, designed for emergency or leisurely use, complete with a replaceable battery for extended use.
Love is one word we would use to describe how we felt about the Phoenix. It is very sturdy to the touch yet lightweight for easy transport. It is perfect in the event of a power outage, and when paired with extra solar panels the power is virtually never-ending.
The only possible issue is that when in use it is a bit loud and the latches are plastic, though the rest of the Renogy system is much more durable.
Take off-grid power to the next level with a solar unit you can really depend on. Great for outdoor adventures or giving you that extra boost wherever the wind may take you.
We found that the Jackery really did pack a lot of power in a convenient package. It operated for hours on a single charge. We even tried it out on a window air conditioning unit, which it actually powered! It functions easily and the build is sturdy enough for the rugged wilderness.
The main downside we found is that it does take a while to build a charge. It also has an auto cut off feature, which is a minor inconvenience at times but doesn’t detract from the unit as a whole.
Come rain or shine, always have the renewable energy you need. This portable power station is perfect for lamps, cell phones, and other devices.
We were impressed with how versatile the Aeiusuy Portable Generator was. Its usefulness was never-ending! It charges fast and stays going for hours, even when powering multiple devices at once. We liked that it gives you the freedom to work or enjoy the outdoors even more.
The one minor issue we found was that the Aeiusuy was heavier than some of the other models we reviewed, but a nifty handle makes carrying easy enough. Also, the AC input doesn’t charge as fast as it could.
Portable solar generators have solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. These are perfect for those who need electricity while on the move, such as campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. They can also be used for emergencies to produce power for heating food, light, or even communication.
A portable solar panel is made from an array of photovoltaic cells, which are cells that store sunlight and transform the stored natural light into electricity. These generators are a favorite of campers and outdoor enthusiasts because they provide clean renewable energy, and the solar panels are lightweight and easy to transport.
Solar generators are composed of a series of solar panels. These solar panels are further composed of a series of smaller cells called photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic cells, in turn, are made up of two thin layers of silicone. When there is sunlight, the photons produce an electric field in between the silicone layers, which is then channeled through thin metallic strips called busbars and directed into a battery. The battery stores the electricity produced.
Portable solar generators are generally smaller compared to residential or commercial solar generators due to their need to be lightweight and easily moved around. They also come with additional features to make them easier to use on the move, such as a carrying case, a stand, and even a foldable design.
A portable solar generator is made up of several components:
A high-quality solar generator usually contains a reliable and powerful deep-cycle battery that can handle continuously being discharged and recharged without deteriorating. Efficient batteries can store electricity for a long period of time without too much loss of the stored energy, even if you don’t use the solar generator for a long period of time.
The type of electricity stored in your solar generator is Direct Current (DC), and it needs to be converted into Alternating Current (AC) to be used for your appliances and gadgets. A solar generator has a built-in inverter that performs the conversion of energy from DC to AC.
As mentioned above, portable solar generators have solar panels that capture natural sunlight and convert it into usable electricity on the move.
When choosing a portable solar generator, the first thing that you need to know is what kind of solar panels are used in a particular generator. In general, there are three types of solar panels available on the market: thin film panels, monocrystalline panels, and polycrystalline panels.Thin film panels are the most common type of solar panel used for portable solar generators because they are cheap, easily created, and lightweight. However, their performance is quite poor compared to other types of solar panels, being able to convert and store only about 20% of total sunlight absorbed.
Monocrystalline panels, on the other hand, have higher conversion and storage percentages, but they are more expensive compared to thin film panels. These panels generally use high-quality silicon, making them more durable as well.
Polycrystalline panels are made from melting and forming together fragments of silicon, and you can recognize them by their distinct blue color. Polycrystalline panels perform better than thin film panels, but more poorly compared to monocrystalline panels.
Aside from the type of material used for the solar panels, you will need to check the specs and ratings of a portable solar panel. Make sure that the product meets the IEC 61730 safety standards, as well as the ISO 14001 environmental standards. The IEC 6115 stamp means that the portable solar generator can weather a variety of different environmental conditions, but you also need to look out for a salt and ammonia resistance rating if you’re going to use it near saltwater.
