4 Best Solar-Powered Generators for Home Backup in 2024

Securing your family’s energy security has never been more crucial than it is today.

Extreme weather events and blackouts are now occurring across the United States with alarming frequency.

Having a reliable home backup power source is essential. 

Up until fairly recently, the only option for homeowners in search of reliable electricity during a power outage was purchasing a fossil-fuel-guzzling portable or standby generator.

That’s no longer true.

Technological innovations, falling prices, and generous tax breaks have made solar generators by far the most viable option for families seeking home backup power today.

But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to figure out what solar-powered generator is right for you.

Not any more.

Read on to find the best solar-powered generator for home backup in 2024 — and beyond!  

EcoFlow’s Top Solar-Powered Generators for Home Backup

1. Best for Entry-Level Backup: EcoFlow DELTA 2 + 220W Solar Panel
2. Best Expandable Home Backup: EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max + 220W Solar Panel
3. Best Short-Term Whole Home Backup: EcoFlow DELTA Pro + 400W Solar Panel
4. Best Long-Term Whole Home Backup: EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra

Best for Entry-Level Backup: EcoFlow DELTA 2 + 220W Solar Panel

The EcoFlow DELTA 2 solar generator is the perfect entry-level home backup solution.

With the option to choose between one or two EcoFlow 220W bifacial portable solar panels, you get a ton of bang for your buck.

DELTA 2 won’t run every appliance in your house simultaneously, but as you can see from the graphic above, it’s got more than enough AC output to power the essentials. 

Most blackouts only last a few hours, in which case you can keep your refrigerator running and your smartphones charged for the duration. 

Want to watch some TV while you’re waiting for the power to come back on? 

No problem. 

Just remember to plug your wi-fi router into your EcoFlow DELTA 2 as well as your television and stream your favorite shows during a power outage.

Just leave DELTA 2 plugged in when you’re not using it, and it will always be good to go during a blackout.

EcoFlow DELTA 2 offers expandable storage of up to 3kWh with additional LiFePO4 solar batteries.   You can purchase the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Smart Extra Battery to double your capacity — and your run-times — to 2048kWh.

Or add an EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Smart Extra Battery to triple your electricity storage to 3kWh. Expandability means your home backup system can grow along with your needs.    

And if your battery runs out, you can recharge EcoFlow DELTA 2 in just 3 hours of peak sunlight with 2 x bifacial portable solar panels (6 hours with one set.)

Specifications

DELTA 2 Portable Power Station Specs

Storage Capacity (Minimum): 1024Wh

Storage Capacity (Maximum): 3kWh

AC Output (Minimum): 1.8kW continuous output (2.7kW Surge)

Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 11-60V, 15A, 500W max

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: 5 years (no cycle life restrictions) 

App Monitoring and Control? Yes

Federal Solar Tax Credit Eligibility? No

220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel Specs

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

• Powers 90% of home appliances
• Compact enough to take anywhere
• Generates up to 3kWh of electricity daily
• Charges from 0-80% in 50 minutes with AC (household) electricity
• Charges from 0-100% in as little as 3 hours with 2 x EcoFlow 220W bifacial portable solar panels (6 hours with one set)

Cons

• Insufficient AC output to power multiple high-wattage appliances at once

Best Expandable Home Backup: EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max + 220W Portable Solar Panel

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max offers even more expandability and solar charging input than the DELTA 2. 

And, unlike EcoFlow DELTA 2, the DELTA 2 Max solar generator is eligible for the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit — now called the Residential Clean Energy Credit.

If you max out to maximum solar charge capacity by adding 2 x 400W portable solar panels to your setup, you could save over $1,000 in federal income tax credits. 

If you don’t owe any income tax this year, you can apply the tax credit to future liabilities.

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max is the most economical solar generator that meets the IRS guidelines for solar tax credit eligibility.

And the government incentives don’t stop there. Depending on your location, there are many state solar incentives, as well as those offered by utility companies and municipalities.

Make sure to take full advantage of the available programs that reward your family for switching to clean, renewable solar power.

Specifications

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station Specs

Storage Capacity (Minimum)	2048 Wh
Storage Capacity (Maximum)	6kWh
AC Output	2.4kW continuous output (4.8kW Surge)
Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum)	500W (single port); 1000W (dual port),  11-60V 15A
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
Federal Solar Tax Credit Eligibility?	Yes w/Solar Panels & Smart Extra Batteries*

EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel Specs

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 CircuitVoltage	48V (Vmp 41V)
Short Circuit Current	11A (lmp 9.8 A)
Recommended Portable Power Station	EcoFlow DELTA Series

Pros

• Runs 99% of appliances
• Lightning-fast multi-charging (0-80% in 43 mins w/AC and solar)
• 2-6kWh expandability 
• 10 years of daily use until hitting 80% capacity
• 99% solar charging efficiency

Cons

• Insufficient AC output to run multiple high-wattage appliances and HVAC systems

Best Short-Term Whole Home Backup: EcoFlow DELTA Pro + 400W Rigid Solar Panel

DELTA Pro was the product that launched EcoFlow into the world of whole-home backup power back in 2018. 

It was also the most-funded Kickstarter tech project of all time and named Best Invention of 2021 by Time Magazine. 

Up until the recent launch of EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra, DELTA Pro was the most powerful solar generator in the range — and it still boasts more than enough AC Output and expandability to power a 2 to 3-bedroom house.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro is the foundation of EcoFlow’s Smart Home Ecosystem. It integrates with your home’s existing wiring to offer instantaneous standby power during a blackout.

You can have an electrician connect EcoFlow DELTA Pro to your home circuit board with a transfer switch. Or take electricity control and monitoring to the next level with the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel and smartphone app.

Fully loaded with 2 x EcoFlow DELTA Pros connected with a Double Voltage Hub, Smart Extra Batteries, and the Smart Home Panel, the Smart Home Ecosystem provides up to 25kWh of electricity storage and 7.2 kW of AC output (14,400W surge).

Connect up to 15 additional EcoFlow 400W rigid solar panels to keep your home running indefinitely during a power outage.

Like DELTA 2 Max, the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Pro solar generator is eligible for the Federal Solar Tax Credit. 

If you go all in a whole home generator solution, you could save over $4,000* in federal income taxes. You can even spread the credit out over multiple tax years if your credit exceeds your income tax liability 

*Based on eligibility and February 2024 direct from manufacturer retail prices.  

Specifications

EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station Specs

Storage Capacity (Minimum)	3.6kWh
Storage Capacity (Maximum)	25kWh
AC Output Minimum	3.6kW continuous output (7.2kW Surge)
AC Output Maximum	Expandable to 7.2kW continuous output (14.4 kW surge) with 2 x EcoFlow DELTA Pro + Double Voltage Hub
Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum)	1600W (11-150V⎓15A Max) per unit or 3600W with Double Voltage Hub + 2 × DELTA Pro (Max)
Weight	99 lbs (45kg)
Dimensions	25 x 11.2” x 16.4” inches (63.5 x 28.4x 42cm)
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
Federal Solar Tax Credit Eligibility? (	Yes with Solar Panels*

*Eligibility based on current Internal Revenue Service Guidelines for the Residential Clean Energy Credit. Subject to change and individual eligibility. Consult a tax professional before making a purchase. 

EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panel Specs

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

• Up to one day of whole home backup power
• Flexible expandability: 3kWh – 25kWh
• Connect up to 12 x 400W solar panels

Cons

• Not the best option for extended power outages and full-time off-grid living
• At 99 lbs, portability is restricted — even with the wheels and handle
• Limited weatherproofing

Best Long-Term Whole Home Backup: EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra

The 2024 launch of EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra was a game-changer for whole-home solar generators and home battery backup solutions.

With up to triple the maximum storage capacity and double the AC output of DELTA Pro, EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra provides enough electricity to operate almost any home entirely off-grid.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra offers unparalleled versatility. It’s the first EcoFlow solution that allows you to connect bi-directionally to the utility grid.

A truly hybrid solar system, you can connect up to 42 x EcoFlow 400W rigid solar panels to DELTA Pro Ultra for a staggering 16.8kW of solar input. 

With that many solar panels, one hour of peak sunlight could produce enough electricity for one day of electricity consumption.

Modular design also adds to the system’s flexibility. Start with one EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Inverter and a 6kWh home backup battery (LiFePO4/LFP) and scale up. 

You can add up to 3 x inverters and 15 x 6kWh solar batteries to fully max DELTA Pro Ultra out.

Pair EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra with Smart Home Panel 2, and you can completely control your solar-powered home generator solution with the EcoFlow app from anywhere with an internet connection.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 and DELTA Pro Ultra feature proprietary X-Core 3.0 tech architecture, providing industry-leading performance, safety, and intelligence.

X-Core 3.0 delivers the following benefits.

• X-Stream delivers record-speed charging — only 50 minutes
• X-Boost’s revolutionary soft-start algorithm supports up to 6000W of appliances and central HVAC systems with just one unit
• X-Link parallel expansion provides up to 21.6kW of output power and 90kWh of electricity storage
• X-Quiet volume minimization means whisper-quiet operation at an industry-best 30dB*
• X-Fusion outpowers the grid by providing up to 7000W of electricity output from a single AC outlet in bypass mode. Standard household plugs deliver only 1800W. Plug in EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 or DELTA Pro Ultra and increase your output by close to 300% 
• X-Guard is a protective triad of structure, material, and AI that keeps your home and family safe. It can even self-extinguish in the unlikely event of a fire.

Find out more about X-Core 3.0 here.   

DELTA Pro Ultra is the first EcoFlow product that allows you to participate in net metering programs by selling electricity that you produce in excess of what you consume back to the utility grid. 

With a hybrid solar generator, you get solar power and storage giving you all the benefits of a grid-tied system with none of the disadvantages. 

Traditional on-grid solar systems DON’T WORK in a blackout.

If you elect to continue consuming electricity from your utility provider, maximize your solar return on investment by only using grid power during off-peak hours. The Ecoflow app offers you the ability to specify exactly when you want to use utility power (and how much).

By leveraging all available solar power incentives you have available, signing up for net metering, and only using grid power off-peak, you can shorten your solar payback period. 

Get all the benefits of grid-tied solar and guarantee your family’s energy security by investing in EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra and a solar panel array.  

Specifications

EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Specs

Storage Capacity (Minimum)	6kWh
Storage Capacity (Maximum)	90kWh
AC Output (Minimum)	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
Federal Solar Tax Credit Eligibility? (Include for US Posts only)	Yes with Solar Panels*

*Eligibility based on current Internal Revenue Service Guidelines for the Residential Clean Energy Credit. Subject to change and individual eligibility. Consult a tax professional before making a purchase. 

EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panel Specs

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

• Hybrid solar system maximizes energy security and electricity bill savings
• Up to a month of home backup power during a blackout
• Connect up to 42 EcoFlow x 400W rigid solar panels for up to 16.8 kW of solar charge input
• Modular expandability from 6kWh – 90 kWh (15 x 6kWh EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Home Backup 

Batteries (LFP)

• Out-of-the-box Residential Clean Energy Credit eligibility
• IP54 rating (dustproof and splashproof)

Cons

• Limited portability

What Is a Solar Generator?

A solar generator consists of photovoltaic modules — typically solar panels — and a balance of system that converts (and sometimes stores) AC and DC electricity. 

A balance system can be made up of separate but compatible components or housed in an all-in-one unit like EcoFlow’s portable power stations. 

A typical off-grid or hybrid residential solar power system includes:

• Solar panels
• Solar inverter
• Solar battery
• Solar charge controller (MPPT or PWM)
• Battery management system
• Transfer switch or Smart Home Panel
• Mounting hardware for solar panel installation
• Cables and wiring

An on-grid system has less components, but it won’t work in a blackout without battery storage.

Speaking of on and off-grid, there are three basic types of solar generators.

Off-Grid

Off-grid solar power systems generate electricity solely using solar panels and do not connect directly to the grid. 

Solar power is intermittent by nature. You’ll generate less power on cloudy days and solar panels don’t work at night.

Off-grid solar solutions like EcoFlow DELTA Pro store electricity in a solar battery to draw on during hours when little or no power is produced.

Although off-grid solar power systems don’t connect directly to the utility grid, many offer AC and DC charging capabilities.

Grid-Tied

Grid-tied solar power systems do not require storage.

A traditional on-grid solar system utilizes solar panels and an inverter, and a bidirectional meter to transmit and receive electricity from the utility grid.

A solar inverter is a necessity in all solar power systems because photovoltaic modules capture photons from sunlight and convert them into DC electricity. The inverter converts DC electricity to AC for use in your home and for the grid.

On-grid systems have their advantages. However, without storage, a grid-tied system won’t work during a power outage.

Hybrid

A hybrid solar power system, like EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra, offers on-grid connection and storage.

With a hybrid system, you get all the benefits of grid connectivity and the energy security of off-grid.

(Source: Energy Education)

How Do Solar Generators Work?

All modern residential solar generators that produce electricity operate using the same basic principles.

Photovoltaic modules — typically solar panels — capture photons from sunlight and convert them into DC electricity.

Photovoltaic modules are solar cells — usually monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon — that produce electricity using the photovoltaic effect.

The PV modules transmit power to the solar inverter, which converts DC electricity to AC for use in your home — and potentially for transmission back to the grid.

If your solar generator stores electricity, numerous additional components are required. These include:

• Solar battery
• Solar charge controller
• Storage inverter*
• Battery management system
  

* May be built into the solar battery

A hybrid solar power system offers both storage and grid connectivity so you benefit from the advantages of both.

What To Consider When Shopping for the Best Solar-Powered Generator for Home Backup

No matter what type of residential solar generator you’re looking for, there are numerous factors to consider before making a purchase decision.

Here are the most crucial:

Household Electricity Consumption

It is essential to accurately determine the total running and starting wattage of all the devices and appliances you want to run simultaneously with electricity produced by your solar generator. 

You can get a ballpark estimate of your daily electricity consumption by dividing a recent electricity bill by 30 days. However, this is not something you want to guesstimate. 

Learn how to calculate kilowatt-hour consumption for your home.

On-Grid, Off-Grid, or Hybrid?

Next, you need to make a decision about what kind of solar power system you want.

If you’re unconcerned about power outages and live in a location that offers net metering, you might consider a traditional on-grid solar power system.

However, with extended power outages occurring ever more frequently, investing in an off-grid or hybrid solar power system offers far more energy security. 

AC Output

AC Output refers to the maximum amount of electricity a generator can produce on demand. 

At a bare minimum, the AC output of your solar generator should exceed the combined wattage of all the appliances you want to operate simultaneously by at least 10%

Don’t forget to consider starting watts! 

Many high-wattage appliances — particularly ones that use motors like refrigerators and washing machines — require significantly more power to turn on than they do to operate.

Thanks to proprietary X-Boost technology, EcoFlow’s solar generators offer up to double their operating AC output as surge power.

Storage Capacity

If you have an off-grid solar power system, battery storage capacity will determine how long you can run your appliances during the night or other times of day where your consumption exceeds your production of electricity.

Capacity is less of a concern for hybrid and grid-tied systems because they can access grid power during a shortfall. Except during a blackout.

Number of Solar Panels, Rated Power, and Efficiency

Every solar panel comes with specs for rated power in watts and efficiency.

For example, EcoFlow’s 400W rigid solar panel produces 400 watts of electricity per hour under Standard Test Conditions and offers industry-leading 23% efficiency.

Standard Test Conditions for Solar Panels

Condition Type	Standard Test Condition	Real-World Conditions
Solar Incident Angle	Always zero, irradiation beam always normal to the PV panel*	Variable, and depends on time, date, and site latitude. In the case of rooftop systems, roof orientation, and inclination govern system capacity.
Solar Irradiation	Always equal to 1000 Watts/m²*	Variable and depends on the time, date, and site latitude. Limited sunshine hours bound system capacity.
Ambient Temperature	Always 25°C*	Variable and depends on the time, date, weather condition, and site latitude. Higher ambient temperature degrades PV panel efficiency and reduces system output.
Air Mass Coefficient (AM)	Always equal to 1.5*	Variable and depends on the time, date, and site latitude. Higher AM with higher latitudes.
System Losses (e.g., Wiring, Inverter)	Always Zero*	Variable and depends on the design and location of PV panels, inverter, and grid meter.

*Cannot be achieved in real-world operation (Source: ResearchGate)

Real-world conditions rarely (if ever) match Standard Test Conditions. Even highly efficient solar panels will produce less than their maximum rated power for many hours of the day.

Learn how to calculate how many solar panels you need here.

(Source: NREL)

Peak Sunlight Hours

The number of hours of peak sunlight your solar panel installation receives has a significant impact on your electricity generation potential and varies widely based on location. 

Estimate your peak sun hours here.

Available Surface Area for PV Module Installation

To maximize electricity production, you must install your solar panels in direct sunlight. 

For most homeowners, a rooftop installation makes the most sense. However, ground installations can also be viable. 

Ensure that you position your solar panels facing south. Carefully determine the ideal angle and tilt relative to your location relative to the position of the sun.

Budget

Last but not least, you need to weigh up how much you can afford to spend on a solar generator vs. your long-term return on investment.

With many government solar incentives available, it’s possible to substantially reduce your purchase cost.  

Additionally, there are often low-to-no interest rate financing options if you purchase your solar generator directly from the manufacturer. 

The sooner you achieve solar payback by recouping your initial purchase and installation costs, you sooner you start making money on your investments.

Solar panels last for decades. 

Make sure to invest wisely, and you’ll reap the benefits for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Final Thoughts

Thanks to rapidly improving technology, government incentives, and falling prices, there’s never been a better time to invest in clean, renewable solar energy.

Whether you want to go off-grid or enjoy the additional benefits of grid connection with a hybrid solution, EcoFlow has a solar generator that’s right for you.

Check out our award-winning selection of solar generators and panels today!

*Under 2000W output