6 Best Solar Generators in 2024 Reviewed

Solar generators are rapidly cornering the market for off-grid and home backup power. 

EcoFlow solar generators pair portable, rigid, and/or flexible solar panels with a portable power station or Power Kit to generate and store clean, renewable electricity. 

You can generate electricity anywhere the sun shines — and for almost any use case. 

Solar generators are ideal for off-grid adventures like camping, reliable home backup, and full-time RV living.

So which solar generator is right for you? 

Choosing the right solar generator requires thoroughly evaluating your electricity consumption needs. 

Here are just a few of the factors you need to consider:

• Electricity storage (battery) capacity
• Maximum output (wattage)
• Charging options
• Recharge time
• Size, weight, and portability…

And more.

In addition to helping you determine which solar generator will meet your needs, we’ve also sifted through all the solar generator options on the market and narrowed them down to the very best. 

Read on for a round-up of the six best solar generators in the market in 2024 and detailed info on the factors you must consider to choose the perfect off-grid power solution for you.

1. Best for Outdoor Activities – EcoFlow RIVER 2 + 110W Portable Solar Panel
2. Best for Camping or Backpacking – EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max + 160W Portable Solar Panel
3. Best for Sheds – EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro+ 220W Portable Solar Panel
4. Best for RV Living – EcoFlow DELTA 2 + 220W Portable Solar Panel
5. Best for Power Outages – EcoFlow DELTA Max + 160W Portable Solar Panel
6. Best for Off-Grid Living – EcoFlow DELTA Pro + 400W Portable Solar Panel

What Is a Solar Generator?

Solar generators absorb sunlight through solar (PV) panels, and the balance of system converts the solar power into AC (household) electricity. The electricity is stored in a solar battery. The electricity storage (Wh or kWh) and AC power output (W or kW) capacity determine what kind of appliances and devices you can run — and for how long. 

Generators that use photovoltaic (PV) panels tend to operate in similar ways, but not all solar generators are created equal. 

There are substantial variations, all of which should impact your purchase decision.

The most crucial factors include:

• Electricity storage capacity (wH/kWh)
• Maximum power output (watts/kilowatts)
• Solar input capacity (indicates how many solar panels you can connect)
• Charging methods (in addition to solar)
• Recharge times (using solar panels and other charging methods)
• Solar battery chemistry
• Quality
• Lifespan
• Weight and size
• Price

Below we review EcoFlow’s best solar generators in 2024, including their ideal use cases, benefits, key specs, and pros and cons.

1. Best for Outdoor Activities – EcoFlow RIVER 2 + 110W Portable Solar Panel

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 with a 110W solar panel provides the ultimate in convenience and portability for powering your personal devices off-grid. It’s the perfect solution for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, or camping. 

Due to its compact and lightweight build, you can take the EcoFlow RIVER 2 anywhere you go. Carry it with you on your 10-mile hike and charge your camera batteries to take beautiful scenic photos of the mountaintop at the peak. 

Or charge up your fish finder on your next fishing trip. 

With 256Wh of storage capacity and 300W of starting power (600W of surge power/starting watts using x-boost), you can run 99% of consumer electronics like your smartphone, laptop, and other personal devices. 

Think of the EcoFlow RIVER 2 as your lightweight personal power source. Anytime you need electricity while you travel, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 should be right alongside you. 

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 portable power station also offers four charging methods: solar charging with the 110W portable solar panel, AC (household) electricity, car adapter, and USB-C. 

Plugging the EcoFlow RIVER 2 into a wall outlet before you hit the road ensures 0-100% charging in 1 hour. Car adapter charging comes in handy when you need a quick recharge after dark. And with the 110W solar panel, you can generate clean, renewable electricity anywhere the sun shines. 

Specifications

• Capacity: 256Wh 
• AC Output: 300W (Surge 600W)
• Weight: 7.8 lbs (3.5kg)
• Dimensions: 9.6 x 8.5 x 5.7 in (24.4 x 21.6 x 14.48 cm)
• Battery Type: Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4)
• Battery Life Cycle: 80%+ capacity after 3000 cycles
• Solar Panel Charging Time: +/- 3 hours (in peak sunlight)

Pros

• Fast AC and solar charging 
• Easy to carry — compact and lightweight 
• LiFePO4 battery (LFP) provides up to 10 years of daily use 
• Four charging methods for maximum versatility
• Can run 99% of consumer electronics 

Cons

• Power output and storage capacity are not designed for large appliances 

2. Best for Camping or Backpacking – EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max + 160W Portable Solar Panel

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max with 160W solar panel is a supercharged version of the EcoFlow RIVER 2. When backpacking, you’ll have to carry your gear and belongings while exploring the wilderness on foot. Weighing 13.4 lbs (6.08 kg), you can easily take the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max with you on your outdoor escapades. 

For extended camping trips, you may need more electricity than the smaller EcoFlow RIVER 2 can provide. The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max can power all your personal electronic devices and small appliances, such as a crockpot, electric grill, or coffee maker. It can also keep outdoor-safe light sources like LED lanterns charged. 

Home comforts — like a hot cup of coffee or scrambled eggs in the morning — without needing to rely on a campfire can make any camping trip more fun. 

With the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max, you’ll never have to worry about finding dry firewood in a hurry again!

Off-grid charging is also critical during an extended camping trip. With the 160W solar panel, you can charge the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max from 0-100% in 4 hours of direct sunlight. 

You can even monitor the charging status and manage the usage of your solar generator with a dedicated EcoFlow mobile app. 

Specifications

• Capacity: 512Wh
• AC Power Output: 500W (Surge 1000W)
• Weight: 13.4lbs (6.08 kg)
• Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.2 x 7.7 in (26.9 x 25.9 x 19.6 cm)
• Battery Type: Lithium iron phosphate
• Battery Life Cycle: 80%+ capacity after 3000 cycles
• Solar Panel Charging Time: +/- 4 hours (in peak sunlight)

Pros

• Lightweight and compact size suitable for backpacking and hiking
• Fast charging speeds 
• Monitor with the EcoFlow app 
• With X-Mode, you can run up to 80% of essential appliances 
• 5-year warranty 

Cons:

• Not enough power for high-wattage appliances or extended use between charges 

3. Best for Sheds – EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro+ 220W Portable Solar Panel

Using your shed as a workshop requires a robust off-grid power source to run your most intensive power tools. With the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro solar generator, you can easily power your drills, jigsaws, angle grinders, and compressors. 

With 768Wh of electricity storage capacity, you’ll have enough runtime to power a standard 200W cordless drill for over three hours or a 400W jigsaw for almost two hours. 

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro solar generator really shines by offering sufficient AC output to start and run your most demanding machines. Heavy-duty tools like the jigsaw can have a surge rating (starting wattage) of up to 1200 watts. That means you need a power source that can output at least that much electricity in a short burst, or the jigsaw won’t even turn on.

Fortunately, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro offers up to 1600W of surge power output thanks to X-Boost. Additional surge power allows you to run up to 80% of high-wattage home appliances. There’s almost nothing in your shed that the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro can’t handle.

You can fully recharge the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro solar generator in 4.5 peak sun hours with the included 220W bifacial portable solar panel or go from 0-100% in 70 minutes using an AC outlet. 

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro’s industry-best fast-charging capacity uses EcoFlow’s patented X-Stream technology — a smart battery management system that optimizes the charging process. 

Additionally, nearly all EcoFlow portable solar panels have a 23% solar conversion rate, meaning they convert 23% of available sunlight into electricity. That’s far more efficient than the industry standard of 15%. 

With the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro and 220W bifacial portable solar panel, you can confidently work long days at the shed without stopping because of a dead battery or slow recharging. 

Specifications

• Capacity: 768Wh
• AC Output: 800W total (surge 1600W)
• Weight: 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg)
• Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.2 x 8.9 in (27.0 x 26.0 x 22.6 cm)
• Battery Type: Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP)
• Battery Life Cycle: 80%+ capacity after 3000 cycles
• Solar Panel Charging Time: 4.5 hours (in peak sunlight)

Pros

• 800W electricity output (1600W starting watts) can start up and run 80% of high-wattage home appliances 
• Smart Battery Management System (BMS) keeps the battery from overcharging, optimizing lifespan and performance
• Blisteringly fast recharging with X-Stream 
• Easy to transport 
• 30ms EPS auto-switch for ultra-fast backup power in a blackout 
• 5-year warranty on the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro and 24-month warranty on the 220W solar panel

Cons

• Insufficient storage and AC output capacity to power multiple high-wattage appliances at once.

		EcoFlow RIVER 2	EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max	EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro
General	Capacity	256Wh	512Wh	768Wh
	Net weight	7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)	13.4 lbs (6.1 kg)	17.2 lbs (7.8 kg )
	Dimension	9.6 x 8.5 x 5.7 in (245 x 214 x 142 mm)	10.6 x 10.2 x 7.7 in (270 x 260 x 196mm)	10.6 x 10.2 x 8.9 in (270 x 260 x 226 mm)
Output	AC Output Ports	US/CA: 2 outlets, 300W total	US/CA: 4 outlets, 500W total	US/CA: 4 outlets, 800W total
	X-Boost	US/CA: 600W	US/CA: 1000W	US/CA: 1600W
Input	AC charging	360W	660W	940W
	Solar charging	110W, 11-30V 8A Max	220W, 11-50V 13A Max	220W, 11-50V 13A Max
	Car charging	Support 12V/24V, default 8A	Support 12V/24V, default 8A	Support 12V/24V, default 8A
Battery	Cycle life	3000 cycles to 80+% capacity	3000 cycles to 80+% capacity	3000 cycles to 80+% capacity

4. Best for Part-Time RV Life – EcoFlow DELTA 2 + 220W Portable Solar Panel

The EcoFlow DELTA 2 with 220W portable solar panel should be the entry point for anyone looking to explore an off-grid RV lifestyle. 

Living in your motorhome requires keeping high-powered appliances like a water pump, heating and cooling systems, lighting, and refrigerator operational for extended periods. 

Not to mention smartphones, laptops, and televisions.

With 1800W of AC output (2700W starting watts), the EcoFlow DELTA 2 can run 90% of major appliances, which is ideal for RV living. 

You can plug in up to 13 devices simultaneously. Run your fridge, watch TV, and charge everyone’s phones all at the same time. 

With 1024Wh of electricity storage capacity in a compact build, the EcoFlow DELTA 2 can run your essential appliances and help provide a comfortable lifestyle on the road. 

If you’re RVing in locations without shore power, the ability to recharge off-grid on extended trips isn’t optional — it’s essential. 

The 220W bifacial portable solar panel offers rated power production of 220W in the front and 155W from the back. The bifacial design captures 25% more energy than a monofacial solar panel and is particularly effective on overcast days. 

The EcoFlow DELTA 2 also offers expandable storage capacity. If you drive a Class A motorhome or a Class B camper, add a EcoFlow DELTA 2 extra battery to boost your storage capacity to 2048Wh or a EcoFlow DELTA Max extra battery for 3040Wh. 

It’s the most flexible solution for your RV needs — yet small enough to fit in any van.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1024 Wh
• AC Output: 1800W total (Surge 2700W)
• Weight: 27 lbs (12 kg)
• Dimensions: 15.7 x 8.3 x 11 in (40.0 x 21.1 x 28.1 cm)
• Battery Type: Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP)
• Battery Life Cycle: 3000 cycles to 80+% capacity
• Solar Panel Charging Time: 3 hours with 2 x 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panels and 6 hours with one 

Pros:

• Expandable capacity for short-term RV living 
• Runs up to 90% of household
• Exceptional lifespan: 3000 cycles (discharge/recharge 100%) before reaching 80% storage capacity 
• Outputs and plugs up to 13 devices 
• 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel’s 23% efficiency rate is significantly higher than the industry standard 

Cons:

• Not suitable for extended hiking or backpacking

5. Best for Short Power Outages – EcoFlow DELTA Max (2000) + 400W Portable Solar Panel 

Power outages can literally leave you in the dark.

Lighting, HVAC systems, and essential household appliances won’t operate until the power comes back on — unless you have a home power backup plan.

The EcoFlow DELTA Max with a 160W solar panel is a reliable entry-level home backup solution that offers peace of mind during blackouts.

With 2016Wh of storage and 2400W total (Surge 5000W) of AC output, you can power all your essential home appliances. It’ll be like the blackout never happened. 

For example, you can power a 110W 50-inch TV for 15 hours or a 120W refrigerator for 14 hours. 

You can add up to two EcoFlow DELTA Max Smart Batteries to expand your storage capacity to 6,000 kWh for extended outages.

Blackouts come at the most inopportune of times. It’s easy to keep your EcoFlow DELTA Max plugged into on-grid power so it’s fully charged when an outage strikes. EcoFlow DELTA Max can recharge from 0-100% in just 65 minutes using an AC outlet.

In a power outage or off-grid, it can recharge in 2.5 to 5 hours using 2 x 400W solar panels. 

Specifications

• Capacity: 2016Wh
• AC Output: 2400W total (Surge 5000W)
• Weight: 48lbs (22 kg)
• Dimensions: 19.6*9.5*12 in (49.7 x 24.2 x 30.5 cm)
• Battery Type: Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad)
• Battery Cycle Life: 800 cycles to 80% capacity
• Solar Panel Charging Time: Using 400W solar panels in peak sunlight*
  • 2 x 400W solar panels: 2.5 to 5 hours
  • 1 x 400W solar panel: 9 to 11 hours
    * all times approximate

Pros

• Large storage capacity to use for backup power 
• Power 99% of home devices 
• Expandable capacity — add up to two additional EcoFlow DELTA Max Smart Extra Batteries
• Fast charging for on-demand power
• EcoFlow App lets you monitor and manage energy use 

Cons

• Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad) battery has the shortest lifespan of EcoFlow’s solar generators

6. Best for Extended Blackouts and Off-Grid Living – EcoFlow DELTA Pro + 400W Portable Solar Panel

Living off-grid means total energy independence. 

An EcoFlow DELTA Pro with 400W solar panels can help you achieve freedom from the traditional electrical grid and rising electricity costs.

This solar generator alone comes with 3.6 kWh of storage capacity, but it’s expandable up to 25 kWh — enough juice to keep your whole home running for days. 

You can integrate the EcoFlow DELTA Pro with your home circuits using the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel to manage power distribution to your home appliances and control it all with the EcoFlow App. 

Using 400W solar panels allows you to live an eco-friendly lifestyle and reduce your carbon footprint. You can connect up to four 400W PV panels and recharge the EcoFlow DELTA Pro in just a few hours of peak sunlight. 

The EcoFlow DELTA Pro has exceptional battery life. Its advanced LiFePO4 battery lasts 6500 cycles before reaching 50% of its original capacity — giving you many years of reliable use.

The EcoFlow DELTA Pro is the most powerful solar generator that EcoFlow offers. It’s the backbone of EcoFlow’s whole home generator and Smart Home Ecosystem solutions.

Specifications

• Capacity: 3600Wh (expandable to 25kWh)
• AC Output: 3600W (7200W surge power) — Expandable to 7200W by chaining additional EcoFlow DELTA Pro with Double Voltage Hub
• Weight: 99lbs (45 kg)
• Dimensions: 25 x 11.2 x 16.4 in (63.5 x 28.4 x 42cm)
• Battery Type: Lithium iron phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
• Battery Life Cycle: 6,500 cycles to 50% capacity, 3,500 cycles to 80% capacity
• Solar Panel Charging Time: Using 400W solar panels in peak sunlight*
  • 3 Panels = 3.5 hours 
  • 2 Panels = 5.5 hours
  • 1 Panel = 11 hours
    * all times approximate
• Solar Input Capacity: 1600W (Expandable to 3200W)

Pros

• Up to 25 kWh of electricity storage using Smart Extra Batteries 
• Expandable AC output and solar charging capacity
• Fast charging/long-lasting LiFePO4 battery 
• Powers multiple high-wattage appliances, HVAC, and lighting systems simultaneously 
• Cornerstone of EcoFlow whole home backup power solutions
• Built-in wheels for convenient transport 

Cons

• Highest-priced solar generator reviewed

What To Consider When Buying a Solar Generator

Before purchasing a solar generator, there are numerous crucial factors to consider to ensure you get the right model for your needs and the best value for your money. 

Purchasing a solar generator with insufficient storage or AC output capacity can be an expensive mistake. 

Keep reading to learn about critical factors you’ll want to consider when buying a new solar generator.

Battery Capacity

Solar generators have varying electricity storage capacities, typically measured in Wh/kWh. Choosing one that can power the appliances you need, for as long as you need, between charges is crucial.

For example, a smaller model like the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max with a 160W solar panel is highly compact but only has 512Wh storage. Its small, lightweight build is perfect for backpacking or camping, but you can’t use it to power multiple high-wattage appliances simultaneously. 

If you’re looking for a home backup solution that can run appliances like your washing machine and fridge, consider a solar generator with expandable storage capacity, such as the EcoFlow DELTA Pro with a 400W solar panel. 

With enough battery capacity and solar panels for electricity generation, you’ll never run out of power when you need it most. 

Battery Type (Chemistry)

Solar generators typically use lithium-ion (Li-on), nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad), or lead acid batteries to store electricity. 

The most advanced subset of lithium-ion batteries is lithium ferrous phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4). All the solar generators reviewed here — except the EcoFlow DELTA Max — use this leading-edge battery chemistry. 

LiFePO4 batteries can pack more electricity into a confined space, giving a solar generator higher capacity while maintaining its compact size. 

Additionally, LFP batteries support deep discharging and have an exceptionally long lifespan — making them an excellent long-term investment.

LiFePO4 batteries charge fast and require little to no maintenance. EcoFlow’s lithium-iron phosphate batteries can charge from 0-100% in an hour using AC electricity (depending on storage capacity) and in as little as a few hours using solar panels. 

By contrast, lead-acid batteries may take up to eight hours to charge. 

The only advantage of lead-acid batteries is that they’re cheap. But they also require regular maintenance and must be monitored for proper voltage levels and topped up with distilled water to prevent damage or safety hazards. 

With a much shorter lifespan, greater sensitivity to environmental factors like temperature, and longer recharge times, lead acid gets beat hands down by LiFePO4 on everything but price.

Charging Time

How long it takes to recharge your solar generator depends on the charging method, the wattage of the power source (such as a 400W solar panel), and the battery’s capacity. 

Since larger batteries hold more electricity, they generally take longer to recharge than smaller units of the same battery type.

The fastest recharging method for EcoFlow’s portable power stations/solar generators is to plug into an AC (household) electrical outlet. Fast-charging units like the EcoFlow RIVER 2 series can charge in about an hour (or less) when plugged into a wall outlet.

Solar Charging Time

How long it takes to recharge using solar panels depends on numerous factors — some of which are beyond your control. Here are some of the most crucial:

• Number of solar panels
• Rated power output and efficiency of the PV solar panel(s)
• Solar input (charging) capacity
• Peak sunlight hours (in most parts of the world, the sun’s highest irradiance occurs from around noon to 3 or 4 pm). Technically, a peak sunlight hour = 1000 W/m2.
• Temperature: Solar panels actually get less efficient once they get hotter than 25°C (77°C). Extreme cold can also adversely affect efficiency.
• Clouds/Snow/Rain: Contrary to a common misconception, solar panels still capture energy on overcast or rainy days. However, they may produce significantly less electricity than on a sunny day.
• Shade and Debris: It’s a best practice to keep your solar panels clean and free of debris (or snow). You should also position panels where they won’t be cast in shade from overhanging trees or other buildings whenever possible.
• Positioning and Orientation: The direction, placement, and angle at which you install your panels to maximize electricity generation vary by geographical location. In the northern hemisphere, your PV panels should face true south at an angle perpendicular to the sun’s position during peak sunlight hours.
  
  Optimizing electricity generation from solar panels is a science in itself, which is one reason why many people opt to work with professional installers for fixed PV panel installations. One advantage of EcoFlow’s portable solar panels is that you can quickly change the position and angle of the panel to follow the sun throughout the day.

Charging Options

Looking for a solar generator with multiple charging methods is always a good idea. 

Solar power is a reliable method of electricity generation — It’s the fastest-growing source of electricity in the US. In 2024, solar — and other renewable energy sources like wind and hydro — surpassed coal and nuclear power as generators of electricity. 

Nevertheless, you can’t generate electricity using PV panels at night, and environmental factors (as outlined above) can negatively impact energy production.

Ideally, you want a unit you can recharge via an AC outlet, a car adapter, USB-C charging, and solar panels — just like all the solar generators reviewed here.

Additionally, EcoFlow DELTA Pro is one of the only portable power stations supporting EV charging, meaning you can recharge at any of the thousands of EV stations nationwide.  

AC Power Output — What Appliances Can You Run?

Every family’s electricity requirements are different. The average American household consumes just over 10,000 kWh a year (about 29 kWh per day). But you may use much more — or less. 

How much power output you need in a solar generator also depends on your use case. If you want an off-grid power supply for camping, your electricity needs will be much lower than if you want to run your whole house.

If you’re looking to take your home completely off-grid, you can get a ballpark estimate of your consumption by averaging out a year’s worth of electricity bills. Electricity consumption tends to vary widely from month to month, so just looking at one bill is not a great idea.

However, a better way to do it is to calculate the total wattage of all the devices and appliances you want your solar generator to run. If your primary goal is home backup power, you may only need to run essential appliances — like a refrigerator and stove — during a blackout. 

Here’s how you do it…

1. Identify the wattage requirements of your appliances. Survey the starting and running wattage requirements of the appliances and devices you plan to plug into the generator. You can usually find the wattage requirements labeled on the appliance, but we’ve also compiled the starting and running watts of typical household appliances in the table below. 
2. Convert volts/amps to watts. If your appliance’s power requirements are in volts or amps, calculate an appliance’s running watts with this formula: Volts (V) x Amps (A) = ​​Watts (W)
3. Count the running watts of your appliances. Add up the running watts of the appliances you plan to use — does the total exceed the running watts listed on your generator? If so, consider buying a generator with more output capacity.
4. Factor in starting watts (surge power) requirements. Identify the appliance with the highest starting wattage. Add that appliance’s starting wattage to the running wattage total.
5. Calculate the sum. That final number is the total starting watts you need from your generator. As discussed above, to avoid overloading your generator, do not exceed its starting watts rating.
   

Starting and Running Watts of Typical Household Appliances 

Appliance	Rated (Running) Watts	Starting Watts
Dishwasher	1300	1800
Washing Machine	1200	2300
Refrigerator/Freezer	700	2200
Light Bulb	60-75	0
Microwave	600-1000	0
TV	500	0
Toaster	900	0
Vacuum	1440	2500
Coffee Maker	1000	0
Blender	300	800
Clothing Iron	1500	0
Dryer	5400	7000
Toaster Oven	1200	0
Curling Iron	1500	0
Space Heater	2000	0
Laptop	50-300	0
20” Box Fan	200	350

Peak Power (X-Boost)

As mentioned above, the generator’s peak power output, also known as the starting watts or surge power, indicates the brief burst of extra electricity to get appliances started before settling into the running output. 

Essentially, peak power is the maximum amount of electricity a generator can deliver in a short burst. 

If starting watts are noted on your appliance, the electricity required to turn the device on is higher than the running watts. Devices with electric motors, such as refrigerators, washing machines, or air conditioners, typically require additional power to start. 

If you need to run high-wattage appliances like dishwashers or HVAC systems, make sure your generator’s peak power exceeds the starting watts required to get the device up and running. 

EcoFlow’s solar generators all come equipped with proprietary X-Boost technology, enabling them to deliver up to double the starting watts of their operating capacity.

Size

Solar generators come in many different sizes. 

The weight and dimensions affect the portability (and often the capacity) of the device. 

If you’re backpacking an 8-mile trail to your campsite, carrying a 100-lb generator on your back doesn’t make sense. 

A lightweight option like the EcoFlow RIVER 2 weighs only 7.8 lbs (3.5 kg) and can easily fit in your rucksack or be carried handheld.

If you’re looking to power multiple heavy-wattage appliances, portability probably isn’t much of an issue. 

In that case, a high-powered solar generator like the EcoFlow DELTA PRO is your best bet. Even at 99 lbs (45 kg), it’s easy enough to move around with the built-in wheels — kind of like a compact but heavy suitcase.

Looking for something in between? 

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro and EcoFlow DELTA 2 are your best bets.

Assembly and Components 

Getting a DIY solar generator system up and running can be challenging, especially for those who aren’t technically savvy. 

You have to ensure that the solar panels and all of the balance of system (BOS) components are compatible. Otherwise, your off-grid solar solution simply won’t work.

BOS components for off-grid solar generators include:

• Inverter (for converting solar power into AC electricity)
• Solar battery (for storage)
• MPPT or PWM Solar Charge Controller
• Battery Management System (BMS)

And more… 

Not to mention wiring everything together with the solar panels!

EcoFlow solar generators are plug-and-play. The portable power station includes all the BOS components, so “assembling” your solar generator essentially just means plugging in the solar panels.

Even if you want to connect the solar generator to your home electrical circuit, you can do so with minimal fuss. EcoFlow’s EcoFlow Smart Home Panel pairs with the EcoFlow DELTA Pro(s) to integrate with your home’s existing wiring — enabling you to monitor and control your off-grid power solution from anywhere with an internet connection using the EcoFlow app. 

Expandability 

Your power needs may fluctuate depending on the occasion. For example, you may want a versatile solar generator for outdoor trips and in-home use.

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 series solar generators are an excellent choice for camping and other off-grid activities, but they’re not expandable. 

With the EcoFlow DELTA 2, you get portability and expandability — up to triple its 1kWh out-of-the-box storage capacity with an EcoFlow DELTA Max Smart Extra Battery.

For a whole home generator, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro starts at 3.6 kWh but is expandable to 25 kWh — close to what the average American household consumes in a day. 

Adding extra batteries is a cost-effective way to increase storage capacity. If you think your electricity consumption may increase in the future, buying an expandable solar generator is a wise choice.

FAQs

If you want to learn more about solar generators, we’ve compiled a handy FAQ to help you better understand which one to get. 

Is It Worth Getting a Solar Generator?

Solar generators are an excellent long-term investment — both financially and for the future of our planet. Over the long run, a solar generator can save you a substantial amount of money on your electricity bills (or eliminate them altogether). Once you reach the end of the solar payback period, you’ll see a substantial return on investment. Additionally, there are many government tax breaks and incentives for switching to clean, renewable solar power. The upfront cost can be steep, but with generous tax credits and easy financing options, it pays to make the switch.

What Size Solar Generator Should You Get?

When people ask about “size” in reference to generators, they’re usually referring to power output (watts/kilowatts and storage capacity (watt-hours/kilowatt-hours). In that context, the “right size” solar generator almost entirely depends on how much electricity you wish to consume. 

Tally up the wattage requirements of the devices and appliances you want to run simultaneously, and make sure you get a solar generator with an AC output (W/kW) that meets or exceeds your needs. 

Estimate appliance run times between charges to estimate your battery capacity requirements (Wh/kWh). To be safe, choose a solar generator with at least 10% more output and storage capacity than your estimated consumption.

Depending on your use case, “actual” size and weight might also be a concern. Balance your desire for portability against your electricity consumption requirements.

How Many Years Does a Solar Generator Last?

Solar generators and solar panels can last for 25 years or more. Solar battery chemistry significantly impacts the lifespan of your portable power station or other balance of system. 

LiFePO4 batteries last up to 10 times longer than lead acid batteries — which also require regular maintenance. Ultimately, how long your solar battery lasts depends on how — and how much — you use it. 

All currently available battery types diminish in efficiency as you discharge and recharge them while operating. Li-on battery types, like LiFePO4, just degrade much more slowly. 

EcoFlow portable power stations are warrantied for five years and you can expect up to 10 years of use (or more), depending on your usage patterns.

Is There a Limit To How Many Solar Panels You Can Add To a Solar Generator?

Yes, there is a limit to how many solar panels you can add to a solar generator. The solar input (or solar charge) capacity determines the maximum number of panels you can connect to your portable power station or balance of system. 

If you exceed the input wattage, at best, you won’t generate any additional electricity. At worst, you can damage your system — and throw away money on PV panels you can’t use. Or you can upgrade to a solar generator with a higher solar input capacity.

Can Solar Energy Power Your Whole House?

Yes, you can run your house on solar if you have enough solar panels, storage, and output capacity to satisfy your electricity consumption needs.  

The average US household uses about 29kWh per day. 

With EcoFlow’s whole home generator, you can run your entire house on solar energy. 

Conclusion

Gone are the days of going days or even weeks without power because of extreme weather events or failing infrastructure 

With solar generators increasingly more affordable and efficient, you’ll never have to go without essential appliances during a blackout again. 

Solar generators are the way to go whether you’re looking for solar energy to power your entire house or want a portable solution for your outdoor camping trips. 

Use the information in this guide to your advantage to make an informed decision on your next solar generator purchase. When you’re ready, shop EcoFlow for the leading solar generators on the market.