When a power blackout hits, what do you do? Go about your daily routine as usual? Of course not.
Power outages force us to be proactive. There’s no telling when the power will come back on, so we have to make intelligent choices. This includes opening the refrigerator ONLY when needed to keep your food from spoiling.
Another wise decision is to keep your personal electronic devices charged. You don’t have power for an undetermined amount of time, so you should keep your devices alive for as long as possible by only using them for emergencies.
The best way to tackle a power blackout is to prepare for one. Outages all across Canada happen with increasing frequency, regardless of where you live. Homeowners need to be well-equipped for emergency power outages.
One of the best ways to do so is to invest in a high-end solar generator. These helpful devices keep necessary appliances running and reduce panic when the lights go out.
Which solar generator should you invest in, and how do you choose?
Here are the 4 top picks for power blackouts in 2022, followed by tips to guide your decision.
4 Best Solar Generators for Power Blackouts
The EcoFlow DELTA collection was designed specifically with home backup and off-grid living solutions in mind. With reliability at the forefront of its design, you can expect powerful generators to keep your home running when the power goes out.
Which one is best for your home? The right choice depends on several factors, like running watts, watt-hours, recharge time, and battery life. We’ll go into depth on these later in this article.
We’ve vetted each of the following generators with the above in mind to help you narrow down the shopping decision. Here are our four best solar generators for power blackouts.
1. DELTA Mini
The DELTA Mini is the smallest and lightest solar generator on this list. Thanks to its compact size, transport and storage are easy. Don’t let its small size deceive you, though. It’s powerful enough to run 12 devices simultaneously; you’ll be glad to have one on hand in emergencies. For added convenience, it has a combination of wall-style outlets, DC outlets, and USB ports.
This solar generator has a capacity of 882 Wh.
What does this mean?
Well, for starters, it can run multiple appliances simultaneously. You’ll be able to run a 120W refrigerator for 5.4 hours, a 500W washer for 1.5 hours, a 110W TV for 6 hours, and more! When it’s time for a recharge, you can charge it directly from a wall outlet (once your power comes back on) or use the 220W solar panel (it comes included) to store energy from the sun.
Make the most of your usage by connecting the DELTA Mini to the EcoFlow app. Here, you’ll be able to see how many watts each appliance is pulling and how much power you have left until it’s time for a recharge, among other helpful information.
Specifications
- Size: 14.9×7.2×9.4 in (37.8×18.4×24 cm)
- Weight: 23.6 lb (10.7 kg)
- Capacity: 882 Wh
- Solar Panel Charging Time: 3 to 6 hours
- Wall Outlet Charging Time: 96 minutes
Pros
- Lightweight and compact, making it easy to move around
- Runs multiple devices at once
- Fast 96-minute charging time
- Tempered glass, heat-resistant solar panels
Cons
- Only has 1 USB-C output
Experience the DELTA Mini today!
2. DELTA
Imagine being able to keep your home powered for hours after a power outage. The best part? You’d be using solar energy, which means zero fumes and harmful greenhouse gas emissions. The EcoFlow DELTA makes it possible by keeping your devices up and running whenever and wherever.
With 6 AC outlets and numerous other ports, you’ll be able to power up to 13 devices at the same time. The DELTA has a 1260 Wh capacity which is equivalent to the following:
- Running a 120W refrigerator for 7.5 hours
- Using a 1300W microwave for 0.9 hours
- Using a 1000W coffee maker for 1.1 hours
- Access to a 1600W hair dryer for 0.7 hours
Safe to operate, you can use this solar generator indoors or outdoors. And, when it’s time for a recharge, you can expect the world’s fastest charging power station thanks to the X-Stream Fast Charge technology incorporated in its design.
Specifications
- Size: 15.7×8.3×10.6 in (40x21x27 cm)
- Weight: 30.9lbs (14kg)
- Capacity: 1260 Wh
- Solar Panel Charging Time: 3.5 to 8 hours
- Wall Outlet Charging Time: 96 minutes
Pros
- Powers 13 devices simultaneously
- X-Stream Fast Charge technology
- For indoor and outdoor use
- The solar and battery-powered design keeps it fume-free
- Durable, heat-resistant solar panel
Cons
- Battery life includes 800 cycles (if used frequently, it will go by fast)
Try the DELTA for yourself here!
3. DELTA Max
The DELTA Max is a top contender for those who need serious power. A single unit packs a 2,016 Wh capacity, equivalent to powering a 120W refrigerator for 14 hours or a 110W TV for 15 hours.
Need more power? The DELTA Max offers the option to expand the capacity up to 6,000 Wh with two extra smart batteries. Coupled with the expandable backup power, DELTA Max users will also be able to power 99% of their home devices…
How’s that for a power outage solution!
One of the most robust solar generators offered by EcoFlow, you can’t go wrong with the DELTA Max. To charge, you can either harness the power of the sun and recharge using the solar panels or connect the generator to a wall outlet to recharge once the power comes back on. Either option offers fast-charging times thanks to the X-Stream charging technology.
Specifications
- Size: 19.6×9.5×12 inches (49.7×24.2×30.5 cm)
- Weight: 48 lbs (22 kg)
- Capacity: 2016 Wh
- Solar Panel Charging Time: 3.2 – 6.3 hours
- Wall Outlet Charging Time: 1.8 hours
Pros
- Expandable power
- Fast dual charging
- Powers 99% of home devices
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
Cons
- Relatively heavy; harder to move for some homeowners
Start enjoying the benefits offered by the DELTA Max today!
4. DELTA Pro
The final and most powerful solar generator on this list is the DELTA Pro.
The DELTA Pro is a one-of-a-kind power station ready to take action when the lights go out. It has a capacity of 3600 Wh, equivalent to running a 1000W coffee maker for 3.3 hours, a 110W TV for 27 hours, or a 500W washer for 6.5 hours.
If this isn’t enough, you could expand this capacity to 25,000 Wh, which is enough juice to keep your appliances running for days after a power outage.
With so much power, many homeowners choose to integrate the DELTA Pro with their home circuits. The DELTA Pro will kick in within seconds when the power goes out. It’s so quick that you won’t even know there was a power outage with this powerful device.
Specifications
- Size: 25×11.2×16.4 inches (63.5×28.4x42cm)
- Weight: 99 lbs (45 kg)
- Capacity: 3600 Wh
- Solar Panel Charging Time: 2.8 – 5.6 hours
- Wall Outlet Charging Time: 1.8 hours
Pros
- Expandable capacity up to 25k
- Long battery life cycle
- Can be integrated with home circuits
- Has wheels for easy transport
Cons
- Heavy
What are you waiting for? Order the DELTA Pro today!
About the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel
We mentioned that homeowners can integrate the DELTA Pro with home circuits. This is possible thanks to the EcoFlow DELTA Pro ecosystem, which integrates up to two DELTA Pro generators with ten home circuits. Users will receive uninterrupted power during power outage emergencies, smart energy management, and lower energy bills.
To use, you’ll need to pair the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel with the DELTA Pro solar generator. Then, when the lights go out, the generator will switch on in seconds. To be exact, 20 milliseconds! It’s so fast that you won’t even know a power outage has hit.
How it works is that this smart system immediately senses when a blackout strikes and then reroutes its energy to the DELTA Pro generator(s). When the power is restored, it will connect back to home utility lines before turning itself off to conserve energy. Many homeowners use this to lower energy bills and deploy the DELTA Pro ecosystem as a robust backup for power outages.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro ecosystem is packed with power and stores this energy day and night. Not only will this lower your home’s energy bill, but it will also reduce your reliance on the grid. The nice thing about EcoFlow solar generators is you can use them while they harness the power of the sun and recharge simultaneously.
Then, using the EcoFlow app, you can monitor the system, update preferences, receive a breakdown of your energy habits, and much more.
How to Choose a Suitable Solar Generator for Power Blackouts
With so many great picks, you’re probably wondering which solar generator is right for you. You need to ensure you get a solar generator that offers the power you need.
Here are the criteria you need to consider before making a final decision.
Running Watts
Running watts, also known as rated watts, indicates the electricity the solar generator is capable of producing continuously. Think about the number of appliances you’ll need to power when an outage occurs. What’s the wattage requirement for each of these appliances? Add this up and ensure the solar generator’s running wattage is greater than this.
Watt-Hours
Next up is watt-hours (Wh), which measure the generator’s capacity. The watt-hours help ensure the power station can power the necessary appliances for the desired length of time.
For example, the DELTA Mini has a capacity of 882 Wh. The capacity is equivalent to powering a 120W refrigerator for 5.4 hours. The DELTA Pro, on the other hand, has a capacity of 3600 Wh, which can power a 120W refrigerator for 24 hours.
Watt-hours tell you how much continuous power the solar generator can provide for 60 minutes with a full battery charge. It will also help you estimate the amount of energy the power station can deliver before it needs a recharge. For example, an 882 Wh generator like the DELTA Mini can power a 10-watt light for around 80 hours (DC) or 30 (AC) before the battery is exhausted.
Recharge Time
When it’s time to recharge the battery, how long will it take until power is restored? The recharge time gives users an idea of how long the solar generator will take to reach a full charge. The nice thing about EcoFlow solar generators is you can pair them with the EcoFlow app to monitor energy levels. It will let you know how much battery life is left until a recharge is needed.
Regarding recharging times, you need a power station that will charge quickly through solar panels or wall outlets. Keep in mind that cloudy weather will impact the charging speed when it comes to solar charging. Direct sunlight is best for the most rapid results.
Battery Type
There are two main types of battery types that solar generators use: lead-acid or lithium-ion (Li-ion).
Lead batteries are usually less expensive, but Li-ion batteries typically last longer. They also tend to be lighter — a top priority for portable applications.
EcoFlow solar generators use lithium-ion batteries, which offer the following benefits:
- Safe-to-use
- Lightweight
- Offers constant power
- Charges quickly
- Temperature tolerant
Final Verdict: Which Solar Generator Is Best?
EcoFlow has an impressive collection of solar generators designed specifically for power outages. We take pride in our innovative designs that offer users a clean, renewable way to stay up and running when the grid goes down.
All the solar generators on this list are reliable, high-quality choices. Which one is right for you depends on your power consumption needs, what you’re trying to power, and for how long. This guide will help you narrow down the selection process and find the best fit for you. Whether you need something for emergencies or a solar power solution to help lower your home’s energy bills, there’s a generator that’s right for you. Shop our collection today!
