Table of Contents
EcoFlow’s Top Generators for Your Home in 2024
- Best for Apartments: DELTA 2 w/220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel
- Best for Small Homes DELTA 2 Max w/400W Portable Solar Panel
- Best for Large Homes: DELTA Pro Ultra
Blackouts are becoming a common occurrence instead of an occasional inconvenience.
It’s not a matter of if but when your home will lose access to the electricity grid — for a few hours or extended periods. To prepare, you should invest in home backup power, such as battery-based and generator solutions.
Generators are the best option for long-term power outages. Unlike battery-based solutions, generators produce power — not just store it.
The three options below offer a range of power output and storage capacities, charging methods, and connection choices.
Pick the right option, and you can do everything from keeping the lights on to watching TV.
Keep the fridge running or wash a load of laundry even when the grid goes down.
Best for Apartments: EcoFlow DELTA 2 w/220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel
If you’re looking for a generator for your apartment, the EcoFlow DELTA 2 solar generator is a perfect choice.
Traditional generators that run on fossil fuels aren’t an option for apartment living.
Not only are they deafeningly loud, but gas and propane portable generators produce toxic gases like carbon monoxide that quickly turn deadly if used indoors.
Solar generators like EcoFlow DELTA 2 are whisper-quiet and produce no toxic emissions or greenhouse gases.
The 220W portable solar panel is easy to set up on a balcony or fire escape — you can even hang it out a window.
As long as it receives peak sunlight for part of the day, EcoFlow DELTA 2 will keep charging its LiFePO4 solar battery to full capacity.
Speaking of capacity, you can expand EcoFlow DELTA 2’s storage up to 3072Wh with the DELTA Max 2 Smart Extra Battery.
You can also plug EcoFlow DELTA 2 into a standard wall socket or extension cord to ensure it’s always fully charged when a blackout strikes.
When it comes to charging speeds, EcoFlow DELTA 2 leaves the competition in the dust.
You can charge from 0-80% in 50 minutes or 0-100% in 80 minutes with AC power.
That’s 7x faster than power stations with similar AC output and capacity.
With 2 x 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panels, you can fully recharge in just 3-6 hours using sunlight alone.
With an AC output of 1800W (2700W starting watts), you can run over 90% of home appliances for as long as the battery lasts.
And recharge lightning fast!
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Specifications
| Storage Capacity (Minimum): | 1024Wh |
| Storage Capacity (Maximum): | 3kWh |
| AC Output (Maximum): | 1.8kW continuous output (2.7kW Surge) |
| Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): | 500W max (11-60V, 15A) |
| Weight: | 27 lbs (12 kg) |
| Dimensions: | 15.7 x 8.3 x 11.1 in (40 x 21.1 x 28.1 cm) |
| Operating Noise Level: | ~50 decibels |
| Charging Options: | Solar/AC/Car Charger |
| Battery Chemistry: | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4) |
| Cycle Life: | 3000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity |
| Depth of Discharge: | 100% |
| Warranty: | Five years (no cycle life restrictions) |
| App Monitoring and Control?: | Yes |
220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel Specifications
| Rated Power | 220W Front Side/155W Rear Side |
| Efficiency | 22 % – 23 % |
| Solar Cell Type | Monocrystalline |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 KG) |
| Folded Dimensions | 32.3×19.7×1.3 in (82.0×50.0×3.2 cm) |
| Unfolded Dimensions | 32.3×72.2×1.0 in (82.0×183.5×2.5 cm) |
| Waterproof/Dustproof Rating | IP68 |
| Open CircuitVoltage | 21.8V (Vmp 18.4V) |
| Short Circuit Current | 13A (lmp 12.0A) Front Side / 8.8 A (lmp 8.4A) Rear Side |
| Recommended Portable Power Station | EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro/EcoFlow DELTA 2 |
Pros
- Perfect for apartment living
- Runs over 90% of home appliances
- Affordable
- 4 charging methods
- 5 year warranty
Cons
- Insufficient AC output to operate multiple appliances at once
Best for Small Homes: EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max w/400W Portable Solar Panel
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max is a perfect fit for large apartments and small homes.
It offers 2kWh of battery storage right out of the box and is expandable to just over 6kWh.
If you’re looking for a generator that can power all your essential home appliances in a blackout, EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max is an ideal choice.
It’s safe to operate anywhere indoors — even in a living room or bedroom.
With charging noise levels at a barely perceptible 30 decibels (dB), you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with energy security without disturbing your sleep at night.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max offers unparalleled performance in a remarkably lightweight package.
Weighing in at 50lbs (22.7 kg) with 2400W of AC output (Surge 4800W), it’s the most portable solar generator on the market.
It also offers next-gen charging options.
If you opt to recharge solely with solar panels, the dual input system with 2 x MPPT charge controllers squeezes the maximum amount of electricity out of every ray of sunlight.
Thanks to proprietary multi-charge technology, you can charge EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max in just 43 minutes by combining 600W of solar panel input with household AC power.
With AC power from a wall outlet alone, it charges from 0-80% in just over an hour.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max won’t just serve you well in a blackout.
With smart energy management using the EcoFlow app, you can schedule DELTA Max 2 to provide some or all of your electricity during on-peak hours.
Save big on your electricity bills by reducing your reliance on the grid.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Specifications
| Storage Capacity (Minimum): | 2048 Wh |
| Storage Capacity (Maximum): | 6kWh |
| AC Output (Maximum): | 2.4kW continuous output (4.8kW Surge) |
| Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): | 11-60V 15A, single port 500W; dual port 1kW |
| Weight: | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) |
| Dimensions: | 19.6 × 9.5 × 12 in (49.7 × 24.2 × 30.5 cm) |
| Operating Noise Level: | ~50 decibels |
| Charging Options: | Solar/AC/Car Charger |
| Battery Chemistry: | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4) |
| Cycle Life: | 3000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity |
| Depth of Discharge: | 100% |
| Warranty: | Five years (no cycle life restrictions) |
| App Monitoring and Control?: | Yes |
400W Portable Solar Panel Specifications
| Rated Power | 400W |
| Efficiency | 22.6 % |
| Solar Cell Type | Monocrystalline |
| Weight | 35.3 lbs (16.0 KG) |
| Folded Dimensions | 41.7×24.4×1.0 in (105.8×62.0×2.5 cm) |
| Unfolded Dimensions | 41.7×93,1×1.0 in (105.8×236.5×2.5 cm) |
| Waterproof/Dustproof Rating | IP68 |
| Open Circuit Voltage | 48V (Vmp 41V) |
| Short Circuit Current | 11A (lmp 9.8 A) |
| Recommended Portable Power Station | EcoFlow DELTA Series |
Pros
- Powerful yet lightweight
- Expandable to 6kWh
- Laser-fast multi-charging
- Up to 10 years of daily use with LFP battery chemistry
Cons
- Ideal for backing up essential appliances — not an entire house
Best for Large Homes: EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra is the new heavyweight champion of home generators.
Not only can you connect up to 42 x 400W rigid solar panels, you can add up to 15 x 6kWh home backup batteries for 90kWh of storage capacity.
That’s enough to power most homes for up to a month completely off-grid.
Depending on how many solar panels you install, you can operate your home without utility power indefinitely.
Unlike the other DELTA series solar generators featured here, EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra is a hybrid solar system.
You get the energy security of an off-grid generator with the convenience and benefits of connecting to the grid.
Out of the box, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra is eligible for the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit — which can save you 30% of your total purchase and installation costs.
That 30% savings goes a long way towards shortening your solar payback period and supercharging your solar return on investment.
Depending on where you live, there are other local and state solar tax incentives you can take advantage of to decrease your upfront and ongoing costs.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra can provide up to 21.6kW of continuous AC output — more than enough to operate multiple high-wattage appliances and systems like HVAC simultaneously.
The ability to connect to the utility grid via a bidirectional or smart meter has several benefits:
(Source: vermont.gov)
- Net Metering: Depending on your location you may be able to sell electricity that DELTA Pro Ultra produces in excess of your household consumption to the utility grid.
- Smart Energy Management: If you don’t generate enough electricity to go completely off-grid, you can alternate between utility power during off-peak hours and solar during peak billing hours. Integrate Smart Home Panel 2 for the ultimate in remote energy management.
- Uninterrupted Power: Grid-tied solar panel systems don’t work in a blackout. Since it’s a hybrid solar system — solar + storage — EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra provides instantaneous backup power during an outage
Because of its modular design, you can expand EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra’s AC output and storage capacity as your budget allows or your family’s needs grow.
It’s truly the ultimate home generator solution.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Specifications
| Storage Capacity (Minimum): | 6kWh |
| Storage Capacity (Maximum): | 90kWh |
| AC Output (Maximum): | 7.2kW continuous output and 10.8kW peak output for 10 seconds. |
| AC Output (Maximum): | AC output expandable up to 21.6kW with three inverters connected. |
| Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): | 16.8kW with 3 inverters and 42 x 400W Rigid Solar Panels |
| Weight: | Inverter: 70 lbs (32.7kg); Battery: 116.4 lbs (52.8kg) |
| Dimensions: | Inverter: 27.2 x 18.9 x 8.4 in (69.1 x 48 x 21.3 cm); Battery: 26 x 18 x 8 in (66. x 45.7 x 20.3 cm) |
| Operating Noise Level: | ~50 decibels |
| Charging Options: | Solar/AC/Car Charger/Smart Home Panel/EV Charge Station |
| Battery Chemistry: | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4) |
| Cycle Life: | 3000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity |
| Depth of Discharge: | 100% |
| Warranty: | Five years (no cycle life restrictions) |
| App Monitoring and Control?: | Yes |
400W Rigid Solar Panel Specifications
| Rated Power | 400W |
| Efficiency | 23% |
| Solar Cell Type | Monocrystalline |
| Weight | 48.1 lbs (21.8 KG) |
| Dimensions | 67.8 x 44.6 x 1.38 in (1722 x 1134 x 35 mm ) |
| Waterproof/Dustproof Rating | IP68 |
| Open Circuit Voltage | 37.10 V (±3%) |
| Short Circuit Current | 13.79 A (±5%) |
| Recommended Portable Power Station | EcoFlow DELTA Series |
Pros
- Expandable storage can power your home for up to a month off-grid
- Massive solar charge capacity (enough to add up to 42 x 400W solar panels
- Modular expandability
- Get the best of on and off-grid power
- Residential Clean Energy Credit eligibility
- Operating temperatures: -4℉ to 113℉
- IP54 dustproof and splashproof
Cons
- Too bulky to be truly portable, but the custom-built trolley makes it easy to move around your home
- Significant upfront investment
The Different Types of Home Generators
When you look at home generators, it’s essential to compare apples to apples.
Some generators can run your entire home, while others only have sufficient power output for critical appliances and personal electronic devices.
Depending on the fuel source, among other factors, home backup power generators also come with different capabilities (and liabilities).
Here is a breakdown of the basic types of home backup power generators.
Portable Generators
Traditional portable generators are smaller units you can store discreetly and bring out in an outage. Typically, portable generators power essential appliances rather than the entire house. Older portable generators run on fossil fuels — propane, diesel, gasoline, or natural gas.
The main downside of fuel-powered generators is that they’re extremely noisy and produce toxic emissions like carbon monoxide from burning fuel.
You can’t operate them inside your home, and they require a constant fuel supply to keep running.
Off-Grid Solar Generators
Solar generators are a modern alternative to traditional generators that don’t require fossil fuel, are safe to operate indoors, and are virtually silent.
Solar generators produce electricity by capturing sunlight with PV modules like solar panels and converting them to direct current electricity using the photovoltaic effect.
Solar panels require a portable power station or other balance of system to convert and store electricity produced by photovoltaic cells.
Portable Power Stations
A portable power station is essentially a large battery that stores electricity for later use.
It can’t generate power independently, but it works well if you want to store backup energy for emergency outages.
With some brands, such as EcoFlow’s portable power stations (PPS), you can add solar panels to charge the battery — creating a solar generator.
You can also recharge the PPS using AC (household) electricity, a car adapter, or USB-C.
Charging a portable power station using solar panels is slower than recharging it via a wall plug.
But the result is a home backup generator that runs on clean, renewable energy — independent of the grid.
Hybrid Solar Generators
Traditionally, there have been two types of solar photovoltaic energy systems for home use: on-grid and off-grid.
Off-grid solar generator systems with zero reliance on the utility grid.
Some systems — like the EcoFlow DELTA series solar generators featured above — offer numerous charging options, including AC grid power, DC car adapters, and more.
However, they don’t require on-grid power to function.
As long as your solar panel array receives sufficient sunlight — and delivers enough power — an off-grid solar generator can operate off-grid indefinitely.
Grid-tied solar panel systems aren’t technically generators at all.
For an on-grid photovoltaic system to function, it must maintain an active connection the power grid.
For safety and other reasons, traditional on-grid systems don’t work during a blackout.
Enter hybrid solar generators like EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra.
By offering solar + battery storage, hybrid generators offer the best of both worlds.
You can achieve personal energy independence…
But you also have the convenience of using utility grid electricity when it’s to your benefit.
The biggest bonus?
A hybrid generator saves you money AND keeps your home running during even extended power outages.
Standby Generators
Traditional standby generators are massive units that require professional installation.
Typically, a large fossil-fuel-powered standby generator running on propane or diesel must be installed on a concrete slab poured a safe distance from your home.
Cables will run from the generator to a transfer switch to transmit electricity to your home circuit board and wiring.
Standby fossil-fuel generators at least 20 feet (6 meters) from your home to keep everyone safe from inhaling toxic fumes like carbon monoxide — and reduce the impact of disruptive operating noise.
Some standby fossil fuel generators connect to natural gas lines instead of using a large tank to store propane or diesel.
Solar-powered standby generators don’t require fossil fuel to run and don’t produce deadly emissions or deafening noise.
Inverter Generators
A fossil fuel generator running at full speed may be convenient, but it’s also wasteful.
Traditional fuel generators have only two speeds — on and off.
Your energy needs always fluctuate; a generator that runs based on the power you need could save you hundreds of dollars in fuel.
That’s how inverter generators work.
Inverter generators only burn enough fuel to meet your electricity demands. They’re cleaner and less noisy than traditional fossil fuel generators, though nowhere near as clean and quiet as a portable power station or solar generator.
EcoFlow Smart Generator (Dual Fuel) is a next-generation inverter generator that runs on propane and gasoline.
It integrates seamlessly with EcoFlow DELTA Pro and DELTA Pro Ultra to provide additional energy security during a power outage.
How Much Do Home Generators Cost?
The upfront cost of home generators varies dramatically — primarily based on the following factors:
- Fuel type
- AC output
- Storage capacity
- System type
- Quality of manufacture
- Permitting costs
- Installation costs
When considering the cost of a home generator, it’s imperative to account for ongoing costs — not just the sticker price.
For example, solar generators run on clean, renewable energy and have very few moving parts.
As a result, they don’t require routine maintenance, and there are no ongoing costs.
Fossil fuel generators have multiple mechanical components and significant ongoing costs. Including:
- Fuel
- Routine maintenance
- Permitting and inspections
- Repairs
- Short lifespan
Whole home generators that can power all your essential appliances and systems cost between $5,000 – $30,000 (or more).
For the purposes of this article, let’s look at the cost of a DELTA 2 Max solar generator and a DELTA Pro Ultra.
Both generators are expandable.
The examples below are recommended configurations based on home size.
Solar Generator for a Small Home
| Product | Quantity | Unit Cost* | Total |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max | 1 | $1,699 | $1,699 |
| EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panels | 2 | $999 | $1,998 |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Smart Extra Battery | 1 | $1099 | $1,099 |
| Total | $4,796 |
The above configuration provides the following:
- AC Output: 2.4 kW
- Storage Capacity: 6kWh
- Solar Charge Potential: 800W
Hybrid Generator for a 4 Person Household
| Product | Quantity | Unit Cost* | Total |
| EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra | 1 | $5,799 | $5,799 |
| EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panels | 12 | $999 | $11,988 |
| EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Home Backup Battery | 2 | $2,999 | $5,998 |
| Total | $23,785 |
*Based on direct from EcoFlow pricing as of March 13,2024
The above configuration provides the following:
- AC Output: 7.2kW (10.8kW surge)
- Storage Capacity: 18kWh
- Solar Charge Potential: 4,800W
What to Consider When Comparing Home Generators
Only you can determine the right generator for your home.
But here are some crucial factors that can aid you in making the right decision.
Consider each point carefully before you make your backup power investment.
Power Requirements
Your starting point should be how much power you need your backup generator to supply during an extended blackout. A small generator may be enough if you only need to power a few appliances and personal electronic devices like smartphones and laptops.
However, to keep a whole house running as usual, you’ll typically need a high-capacity battery backup solution or standby generator to meet your requirements.
Size
Buying the smallest generator that meets your needs is usually the best option. Aim for a compact unit that can fulfill your home backup requirements.
Unless you’re interested in a permanent fossil fuel or solar power solution, you’ll probably want to be able to store the generator easily but access it quickly during a power outage.
Portable generators are also outstanding for off-grid applications like camping and RV life.
If you spend several months a year in a van or RV — or live life on the road time — compact off-grid power solutions like EcoFlow’s Power Kits could be an ideal option for you.
Reliability
You need to be able to count on your backup power source when a blackout hits.
If you can afford it, get a generator that kicks in automatically or at least doesn’t leave you fumbling in the dark for a flashlight.
The best option for uninterrupted power is a generator that integrates with your home electrical circuits.
Noise Levels
Both you and your neighbors will appreciate a quiet backup generator. Fossil fuel generators make a ton of noise when operational; battery backups and solar generators are virtually silent.
Fuel Source
Fuel for your backup power generator can be expensive and difficult to store. Gasoline has a very short shelf life. Propane is a much better option — and a dual fuel generator will give you the best of both worlds.
If you use a unit that connects to your home’s natural gas line, it will typically kick in seamlessly during an outage. But your energy bill may skyrocket. Traditional generators burn through fuel to operate and increase your carbon footprint.
Solar power and battery backup are much easier on your bank account — and our planet.
Environmental Impact and Safety
Traditional generators burn fossil fuels. They also release carbon monoxide and greenhouse gases into the air. These toxic emissions adversely affect your personal health — and the environment.
Using clean, renewable solar power will keep your family safe from potentially deadly emissions — and you’ll be doing your part to lower your carbon footprint.
Warranties
A backup power generator is a significant investment. Shop around for a warranty that protects you long-term. Get the peace of mind of purchasing from a brand or manufacturer that stands behind the durability of its products.
Home Generator Safety
Noise isn’t the only concern a fossil fuel generator creates for your household. Traditional portable and standby generators burn fossil fuels to run — and emit carbon monoxide and greenhouse gases while they do so.
You must keep any portable fuel-powered generator outside and at least 20 feet (6 meters) from your home. If you haven’t done so already, install carbon monoxide detectors in your home to protect your family from potentially deadly fumes.
Battery backup solutions like portable power stations or solar generators don’t emit toxic fumes and are virtually silent.
Maintenance will also help protect you. Traditional fossil fuel generators require regular maintenance to run safely. Portable power stations and solar generators do not.
Routine maintenance of traditional generators will help protect your investment and ensure it’s ready to do the job during a blackout.
Keeping a generator well-maintained gives you peace of mind that your household will be safe during — even an extended power outage.
Frequently Asked Questions
No generator is one-size-fits-all. The best generator for you depends on the use case and related factors, including: fuel type (renewable, gas, diesel, propane), AC output, storage capacity, charging options, quality of manufacture, and price. Determining what you want to run with your generator — and for how long — is the ideal starting point. Unlike fossil fuel generators, solar generators with PV panels produce electricity without routine maintenance or ongoing costs.
Final Thoughts
Purchasing and installing home generator is the best way to prepare for the inevitable times when the utility grid fails.
Investing in energy security is the right thing to do for your family…
But home backup power isn’t cheap.
Take the time to calculate how much electricity you need and the impact of installing a home generator like EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra on your budget, your family’s health — and the health of our planet.
EcoFlow has solar generators for every home and every use case.
Check out our off-grid and hybrid generators today.