You don’t always have the luxury of easily accessible power sources on many construction sites and DIY projects. Whether you’re building from the ground up or stationed in a work shed, your power tools are a necessity for getting the job done.
So what do you do when you can’t count on-grid electricity?
Solar power system options are growing exponentially and use innovative technology that effectively harnesses the sun’s energy to keep you powered off-grid.
Whether you’re experiencing a blackout, the electrical system isn’t up and running at the work site, or your nearest plug point is out of reach, there’s a solar generator perfect for your needs.
Below we’ll cover our top picks for the best solar generators for power tools, with detailed specs, pros, and cons for each one.
Every project and person is different, so investing in the right solar generator is all about the specifics.
Let’s plug right in!
3 Best Solar Generators for Power Tools
EcoFlow River 2 Pro + 220W Portable Solar Panel
The EcoFLow River 2 Pro + 220W Portable Solar Panel can power appliances that use up to 1600W. With one portable system, you can power your angle grinders, jig saws, drills, disc sanders, and more.
The River 2 Pro can recharge from 0% to 100% in just 70 minutes thanks to the patented EcoFlow X-Stream technology. Once it is charged and ready to go, you can use its four 800W AC outlets and other ports to charge several devices at once.
With the River 2 Pro, you can work long days without having to stop because you lose power. And at just 17.2 pounds (7.8 kg), it’s light enough to tote back and forth as needed.
Whether at a construction site, working outside, or just needing backup power for your tools at home, the EcoFlow River 2 Pro delivers it all in a compact unit.
Features
- Capacity: 768Wh; up to 1600W w/X-Boost technology
- Life Cycles: 3000+ cycles
- Output: 800W
- AC Input: 940W Max
- Solar Input: 220W
- Dimension: 10.6 x 10.2 x 8.9 in (270 x 260 x 226 mm)
- Weight: 17.2 pounds (7.8 kg)
Pros
- Small and compact for easy transport
- Fast recharge power
- Boosted capacity using X-Boost mode
Cons
- Less capacity without X-Boost, so it may not run high-wattage tools like circular saws
Who It’s For
The River 2 Pro is for anyone who needs something light enough to carry with one hand but powerful enough to keep their smaller tools running. It’s great for contractors with other tools to carry, workers who travel often, and anyone who doesn’t want to weigh themselves down.
EcoFlow DELTA + 110W Portable Solar Panel
Don’t be fooled by this device’s size: this small generator packs a punch. Just one DELTA solar generator with a 110W solar panel unit holds a 1.2kWh capacity, which makes it ideal for powering multiple devices for hours if you’re experiencing a power outage. Think of this device as your backup plan. If the power goes out, you don’t always have the luxury of waiting. Sometimes the time you’ve allotted is all the time you have.
You can continuously power circular saws, electric hammers, cutting machines, and electric drills for up to an hour. While waiting for the grid to get back up and running, there’s no need to sit twiddling your thumbs.
The DELTA charges from 0 to 80% with X-Stream, the world’s quickest portable power station charging tech. You can connect it to up to four 110W solar panels to recharge this compact generator in as little as four hours. If you’ve got a drive to work, just plug the DELTA into your car’s power outlet and let it charge en route to your site.
Coming in at just under 31 lbs (14 kg), this is a compact generator whose dimensions are 15.7 x 8.3 x 10.6 in (40 x 21 x 27 cm). It has a 1260 W capacity with an 1800 W output. Compatible with 6 AC outlets, this generator is the backup solution for professionals.
Features
- Capacity: 1260Wh
- Life Cycles: 800+ cycles
- Output: 1800W (Surge 3300W)
- AC Input: 1200W Max
- Solar Input: 400W
- Dimension: 15.7 x 8.3 x 10.6 inches (40 x 21 x 27 cm)
- Weight: 30.9 pounds (14kg)
Pros
- Fast charging time thanks to multiple charge options
- Lightweight with compact dimensions enable portability
- Significant output capacity for energy-draining power tools
Cons
- Limited run time — a good fit for power outages and small jobs but not off-grid living
Who It’s For
Anyone who wants a reliable portable power backup for their power tools will find the EcoFlow DELTA delivers. While it’s not big enough to be your sole power source, it’s the perfect Plan B.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro + 400W Solar Panel
Are you looking for something a little more heavy-duty? Try the DELTA Pro with a portable 400W solar panel. This is the generator for you if you’re logging in long hours with your tools. An electric hammer will run for over 2.5 hours. A cutting machine will go for 3. With 5 AC Output outlets, capable of a 3600W total (and a surge of 7200 W), there’s not much this generator can’t handle.
This portable solar generator has a net weight of roughly 99 lbs (or 45 kg). While that weight might seem daunting, it’s equipped with wheels to allow for easy travel and maneuvering. Its dimensions are 25×11.2×16.4 in (63.5 x28.4×42 cm).
The DELTA Pro is one of Ecoflow’s most cost-effective (and powerful) models. Solar energy can charge the DELTA Pro in as little as 2.8 hours. When the weather is cloudy or unpredictable, this model enables intelligent maximum power point tracking (MPPT). It will adjust itself automatically to maximize your solar power generation regardless of sun coverage.
A standard AC wall outlet will give you a full battery in 1.8 hours if you need to charge faster. And with a top-line LFP battery, the DELTA Pro holds 6500 cycles, which means you’ll be using this generator for years before it reaches 50% of its original capacity.
This model is built to last. If you use your power tools off-grid regularly, the DELTA Pro is your number one contender.
Features
- Capacity: 3600Wh
- Life Cycles: 6500 cycles to 50% capacity, 3,500 cycles to 80% capacity
- Output: 3600W (Surge 7200W)
- AC Input: 1800W Max, 120V~15A, 3000 Max, 240V~12.5A
- Solar Input: 1600W max, 11-150V, 15A Max
- Dimension: 25 x 16.4 x 16.4 in (63.5 x 28.4 x 42 cm)
- Weight: 99 lbs / 45kg
Pros
- Power Tracking (MPPT) to maximize charging time
- Wheels for easy transport to work sites
- Unmatched output capacity
Cons
- Heavier than other models
Who It’s For
For someone who wants to be completely energy independent, there’s no better option than the EcoFlow DELTA Pro paired with our 400W solar panels. You’ll never have to worry about hooking up your power tools to a standard electrical outlet again — you’ll get all the power you need for your power tools (and more) from the energy you generate through the sun’s rays.
Add-Ons
For professionals or contractors who use high-capacity power tools day in and day out on the job, you may benefit from several add-ons for your solar generator and panel system. Delta Smart Generators and Smart Batteries can help keep your energy supply running for the long haul.
Delta Smart Generators
The Smart Generator integrates with your DELTA Pro or Max model. It’s the perfect added backup for blackouts or off-grid situations where sunlight is unavailable. It runs on gasoline like typical generators and can quickly and seamlessly power devices like power tools if your solar energy runs out.
Delta Smart Batteries
Choose Smart Batteries for your Delta MAX or Delta PRO solar generator. They can effectively double the generator’s total capacity to last longer and power more tools simultaneously.
If you’ll be working long days on construction sites, having a smart battery compatible with your DELTA solar generator can keep you working without on-grid power sources.
The beauty of these add-ons is the interoperability with the EcoFlow solar ecosystem. You can combine these solar batteries and the Smart Generator to double, triple, or quadruple your power.
What to Look for When Buying Solar Generators for Power Tools
Solar generators are an ideal way to get extra power when you need it. They convert sunlight into electricity, which you can then use to power your devices or appliances — in this case, your power tools. And unlike traditional generators, solar generators don’t require any fossil fuel. All you need is the sun!
So, how do you choose the right solar generator for your needs? There are a few things you’ll want to consider: capacity, life cycles, output and input, size, and weight. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors:
Capacity
The capacity of a solar generator measured in watt-hours (Wh) is the amount of power the generator can store. If you have a lot of devices to power, or if you need to power them for a long time, you’ll want a generator with a higher capacity.
A lower capacity isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though. If you’re only using a fraction of the capacity of your solar generator, you’re not getting the total value of your investment. In this case, a generator with a smaller capacity could be much better suited to your requirements.
Of the three options above, the River 2 Pro has the lowest capacity. The DELTA has the mid-range capacity, and the DELTA Pro has the highest capacity EcoFlow offers.
Life Cycles
The life cycle of a solar generator is the number of times you can charge and discharge it before its storage capacity begins to deteriorate. A higher life cycle means that your generator will last longer.
In general, the higher the capacity of your generator, the longer its life cycle will be. However, this isn’t always the case—some generators with a lower capacity may have a longer life cycle than those with a higher capacity. It’s always a good idea to check the specs.
Output and Input
The output of a solar generator is the amount of power it can provide at one time. The input is the amount of power the generator needs to recharge.
You’ll generally want a generator with high output and low input. That way, you can recharge your devices quickly and efficiently.
As you’ll see with the DELTA collection, the input and output capacities increase as you go up in the model classes.
Size
The size of a solar generator will partially dictate how easy it is to store and transport. Say you’re planning on using your generator while on site for a contracting job that doesn’t have outlets readily available, for example. You’ll want a solar generator that’s small and portable enough to move around with you as needed.
The River 2 and DELTA series generators are all compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport. The DELTA Pro even has a built-in handle and wheels for added convenience.
All the EcoFlow solar generators are compact by design. Many traditional fossil-fuel generators are bulky and take up unnecessary space, not to mention the noise and toxic exhaust. But EcoFlow solar generators save space and help avoid clutter.
Weight
The weight of your solar generator will also affect how easy it is to transport. If you plan to take your generator with you when you travel to power your tools, you’ll want one that’s lightweight and easy to carry – especially if you need to go up and down stairs.
However, if you just need the power to go with you from point A to point B and then remain stationary while you use it, a heavier, more powerful generator option might be worth your while.
Wrapping Up
When choosing the right solar generator for your needs, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Capacity, life cycles, output and input, size, and weight are all critical factors to consider. Keep these in mind as you review the various models in our River 2 and DELTA series, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect generator for your power tool needs.