Table of Contents
Inverters offer a significant upgrade on gas and propane generators by maximizing fuel efficiency and performance.
But solar inverter generators take it to the next level.
With a hybrid solar inverter generator, you get multiple fuel options — including gas, propane, household AC electricity, and solar panels.
Combining LFP battery storage with a solar inverter gives you unbeatable reliability and off-grid energy security — even during extended blackouts.
If you’re looking for the ultimate in home backup or off-grid power, EcoFlow has a solution.
Read on to find out more.
EcoFlow’s Top Solar Inverter Generators
Hybrid inverter generators take the best aspects of off-grid solar panel systems combined with the convenience of grid-tied and fossil fuel power.
Gas or propane can be hard to come by during a disaster or extreme weather events…
On-grid solar power systems without storage don’t work in a blackout.
Eliminate the risks of being stranded without power by investing in a solar inverter generator.
Here are 4 of the best.
- Best for Essential Home Backup Power: EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max + 220W Solar Panel
- Best for Affordable, Whole Home Backup: EcoFlow DELTA Pro + 400W Portable Solar Panel
- Best for Gas Generator Integration: EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 + Smart Inverter Generator 4000 (Dual Fuel)
- Best Whole Home Solar Inverter Generator: DELTA Pro Ultra + 400W Rigid Solar Panels
Best for Essential Home Backup Power: EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max + 220W Solar Panel
If you live in an area where power outages are infrequent or don’t last very long, your primary concern may be reliable backup for a handful of essential appliances.
For many people, knowing that they’ll have enough power for emergency lighting, refrigerators, freezers, and other essential devices space heaters is sufficient.
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max + 220W bifacial portable solar panel can operate up to 3400W of appliances simultaneously, which is more than enough for many apartments and smaller homes.
With 2 x 500W parallel solar charging inputs, you can connect up to 4 x EcoFlow 220W bifacial portable solar panels or 2 x 400W PV panels to quickly recharge the portable power station during daylight hours.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max is seamlessly compatible with the Smart Generator (Dual Fuel), which enables you to recharge using gas or propane for added energy security.
Integrating EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max with the Smart Generator and solar panels gives you a hybrid inverter generator solution with multiple charging options.
Thanks to proprietary X-Boost technology, you can even recharge using multiple power sources at once.
For example, if you combine 600W of solar panel input with AC power, you can recharge the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max from 0 – 80% in just 43 minutes.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Specifications
- Storage Capacity (Minimum): 2048 Wh
- Storage Capacity (Maximum): 6kWh
- AC Output (Maximum): 2.4kW continuous output (3.4kW 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
- Multicharge Options? Yes
- 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
EcoFlow 220W 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 Max
Pros
- World’s fastest recharge times
- Expandable to 6kWh with EcoFlow Smart Extra Batteries
- Up to 3400W of AC output to run almost any appliance
- Durable, lightweight, and portable
- Cutting-edge LFP battery lasts for 10+ years of daily use
- No fumes, no noise, no maintenance
Cons
- AC output may be insufficient to run all your essential appliances at once
Best Expandable Option: EcoFlow DELTA Pro + 400W Portable Solar Panel
EcoFlow DELTA Pro is an affordable whole home generator with a significant degree of expandability.
It’s also highly portable and powerful enough to charge an EV.
You can also recharge DELTA Pro at thousands of EVSE charging stations nationwide.
Integration with your home’s existing wiring is easy to achieve with a transfer switch — or the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel for the ultimate in monitoring and control.
You can expand EcoFlow DELTA Pro’s storage and AC output in multiple ways.
By chaining 2 x EcoFlow DELTA Pros together with the Double Voltage Hub, you can produce 7200W of continuous AC output (14,400W starting watts) — more than enough to power many homes.
Add EcoFlow DELTA Pro Smart Extra Batteries for up to 25kWh of storage.
If you want a gas or propane inverter generator option, EcoFlow DELTA Pro is seamlessly compatible with the Smart Generator (Dual Fuel).
DELTA Pro is our best-selling product, and it powers over 150,000 homes worldwide.
And it’s available at an unbeatable price right now.
Unlike smaller solar generators, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro + solar panels is eligible for the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit and many state tax incentives.
If you’re a US taxpayer installing a photovoltaic system at your home, the Residential Clean Energy Credit can significantly reduce your solar payback period and maximize your return on investment.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Specifications
- Storage Capacity (Minimum): 3.6kWh
- Storage Capacity (Maximum): 25kWh
- AC Output (Maximum): 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/Smart Generator (Dual Fuel)
- 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
EcoFlow 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 CircuitVoltage: 48V (Vmp 41V)
- Short Circuit Current: 11A (lmp 9.8 A)
- Recommended Portable Power Station: EcoFlow DELTA Series
Best for Gas Generator Integration: EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 + Smart Inverter Generator 4000 (Dual Fuel)
If you already own a gas generator or are shopping for a new propane or inverter generator, consider a hybrid solution.
Why limit yourself to just fossil fuels?
With the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 + Smart Inverter Generator 4000 (Dual Fuel) bundle, you get all the convenience of gas and LPG without having to rely on access to fuel to keep you powered during a blackout.
With extreme weather events and disasters like hurricanes and wildfires increasing in frequency and intensity, access to gas is by no means guaranteed.
Not to mention your exposure to rising fuel costs.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 gives you real home energy security with 7 different charging methods, including solar panels, your current gas generator, household power, and the Smart Generator 4000.
And because DELTA Pro 3 offers 2600W of solar input per unit, 30% of the purchase and installation costs of your portable power station + solar panels should be eligible for the Federal Solar Tax Credit against your income tax liability.
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.
*Under 2000W output
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Specifications
- Storage Capacity (Minimum): 4kWh per Battery. Up to 3 Batteries per DP3 (12kWh)
- Storage Capacity (Maximum): 36kWh (Battery Storage) + 12kWh with a full Smart Generator 4000 (Dual Fuel) = 48kWh
- AC Output (Maximum): 4kW (6kW X-Boost/8kW Surge) (120/240V)
- AC Output (Maximum): Expandable to 8kW or 12kW by chaining 2 or 3 x DELTA Pro 3
- Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 2600W Dual-PV Charging (150V) per DP3
- Weight: 115 lbs (52kg)
- Dimensions: 27.5 × 13.5 × 16 in (69.5 × 34 × 41 cm)
- Operating Noise Level: 35 decibels
- Charging Options: Smart Home Panel 2 (7200W) / AC (3600W) / Dual Solar Input (2600W) / EV Charging (4000W) / Gas Generator (3200W) / Alternator Charging / Car Adapter Charging
- Multicharge Options? Yes – 18 options
- Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
- Cycle Life: 4000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity (11+ Years of Regular Use)
- Depth of Discharge: 100%
- Warranty: Five years (no cycle life restrictions)
- App Monitoring and Control? Yes
Smart Generator 4000 Specifications
- Type: Inverter Generator
- Rated Power: 3200W with Gasoline, 2900W with LPG (4000W Peak Output with X-Boost Tech)
- Rated Voltage: 120V
- Frequency: 60Hz
- DC Output Voltage: 40~60V
- DC Current: 56A max
- Weight: 83 lbs (38 kg)
- Dimensions: 24.9 x 15 x 20.8 in (633 x 381 x 529 mm)
- Recommended Portable Power Station: DELTA Pro 3
Engine Specifications
- Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline/Propane (LPG)
- Engine Size: 196cc
- Engine Type: 4-Stroke
- Fuel Tank Capacity (Gas): 1.58gal (6L)
- Engine Oil Capacity: 0.145gal (0.55L)
- Continuous Working Time (Gas): 2.8hr (Full Load), 8hr(1/4 Load)
- Noise Level (at 7m Distance): 70dB (Full Load)
- Warranty: 3 Years
- App Monitoring and Control?: Yes
EcoFlow 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
- Lighting quick DC fast charging with gas or propane and the EcoFlow Smart Inverter Generator 4000
- 7 refueling and recharging options, including EV stations and solar panels
- 4000W of AC output at 120V or 240V (for central HVAC systems and high voltage appliances)
- Scalable to 12,000W of continuous AC output
- 10ms Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
- Whisper quiet (~30dB)
- Portable power station is 100% safe for indoor use
- Discounts for EcoFlow subscribers
- Federal Solar Tax Credit eligible (with solar panels)
Cons
- +/- 20% more expensive than EcoFlow DELTA Pro
Best Whole Home Solar Inverter Generator: DELTA Pro Ultra + 400W Rigid Solar Panels
If you’re considering purchasing a standby generator that can keep your entire home running as normal during an extended blackout, EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra is the best choice.
The DELTA Series solar generators featured above are ideal for portable solutions, apartments, and smaller homes.
But if your house has multiple occupants or consumes a lot of electricity, EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra has got you covered. Its modular design gives you plenty of room to grow.
The base model DELTA Pro Ultra consists of two components — a solar inverter and a home backup battery.
Each inverter has 7.2kW of AC output (14.4kW surge), and you can chain up to 3 together for 21.6kW — enough to power almost any home.
Each home backup battery provides 6kWh of storage, and you can expand up to 90kWh — up to a month of electricity, completely off grid.
With a maximum solar charge input of 16.8kW with x 3 inverters and 42 x 400W Rigid Solar Panels, you can stay off-grid indefinitely and say goodbye to electricity bills.
For seamless standby power during an outage, connect to the home circuit board with EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 2.
You can monitor and control the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra from anywhere with internet access and set up money-saving routines, such as using grid power only during off-peak billing hours.
If you need utility power at all.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Charging Inputs
Charging Method | Maximum Input (1 x Inverter) | Maximum Input (2 x Inverter) | Maximum Input (3 x Inverter) |
Solar Charging | 5600W | 11200W | 16800W |
AC Input (Wall Socket) | 3000W | 6000W | 9000W |
AC Input Smart Home Panel 2 (Wired) | 7200W | 14400W | 21600W |
AC Input EV Pile (Wired) | 7200W | 14400W | 21600W |
Fossil Fuel Generator (Cable) | 7200W | 14400W | 21600W |
EcoFlow Smart Generator (Dual Fuel) | 1800W | 3600W | 5400W |
Multicharge | 8800W | 17600W | 26400W |
With an unparalleled number of charging options including gas and solar, EcoFlow DELTA Pro leaves traditional standby generators in the dust.
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 2/EV Charge Station/Smart Generator (Dual Fuel)
- Multicharge Options? Yes
- 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
EcoFlow 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
- Modular design for flexible configuration and expansion
- Ideal for ground or rooftop mountable solar panel installations
- Solar tax credit eligible
- One month of off-grid power (or more) during a blackout
- 5.6 – 16.8kW of solar input — 1 hour of peak sunlight = 1 day of use
- Safe for indoor or sheltered outdoor use
- Online uninterruptible power supply (UPS with 0-ms downtime)
- Multiple charging, fueling, and multi-charge options
Cons
- May be too heavy and bulky for some portable use cases
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Solar Inverter Generator
When it comes to making an informed purchase decision on the best solar inverter generator for you, there are numerous factors to consider.
Learn more about how to choose the best solar power system here.
No matter what your solar generator requirements are, it’s essential to account for the following.
Total AC Output and Electricity Consumption
Solar generators are a wise mid-to-long-term investment but a significant one in the short term.
Government incentives and direct-from-manufacturer financing can reduce your initial costs, but buying a generator that doesn’t meet your needs can be an expensive mistake.
No matter whether you need a portable generator for camping or whole home backup, calculating how much electricity you need — and for how long between charges or refueling — is essential.
If your AC output or storage capacity is insufficient, it can defeat the purpose of purchasing a generator in the first place.
Learn how to calculate your electricity consumption here.
Efficiency and Performance
Price is frequently a poor indicator of your long-term return on investment.
Quality of manufacture, efficiency, and performance are more accurate metrics over the long term.
Inverter generators, solar panels, and other balance of system components measure efficiency and performance in unique ways.
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)
For example, solar panel efficiency is a specific measurement of electricity generation potential per square meter of photovoltaic cells under standard test conditions.
Familiarize yourself with the specs for each component to ensure you get optimal efficiency and performance.
High-quality solar panels last for decades, even under harsh conditions.
It’s essential to think long-term — not just about sticker price — to get the most bang for your buck.
Peak Sunlight Hours at Your Location
Solar panels don’t work at night.
On cloudy days, electricity generation is reduced.
Most parts of North America get more than enough peak sunlight hours to make solar power an attractive option…
But depending on your electricity consumption needs, powering your home with solar alone can be a challenge.
Once you’ve calculated your electricity consumption requirements, estimate how much power you can produce from solar panels based on your configuration and historical sunlight data.
The beauty of EcoFlow’s hybrid inverter generator solutions is that solar isn’t your only option.
Consider recharging your solar batteries with grid power during off-peak hours or add gas or propane refueling as a backup with a Smart Generator.
Regardless of how many hours of direct sunlight you get, it’s good to have options.
Eligibility for Tax Credits and Other Incentives
There’s no way around it.
Switching to solar power will save or make you money over time…
However, the upfront costs can be substantial.
Fortunately, there are multiple ways to minimize your costs and maximize your investment.
Government incentives like the Federal Solar Tax Credit cover 30% of your total purchase and installation costs of eligible solar power systems.
Depending on where you live, you can combine the 30% credit with state, local, and power company incentives to save even more.
Even if you don’t currently owe federal income taxes, you can apply the credit in the future.
There’s no limit to how many times you can apply for the Residential Clean Energy Credit, enabling you to benefit from expansion in subsequent tax years.
Rented or leased systems are ineligible, but direct from manufacturer financing is encouraged.
Depending on your use case, other federal programs may apply, including:
Switching to clean energy to generate your residential electricity benefits everyone — most of all you.
Frequently Asked Questions
No generator is one-size-fits-all. To determine what size of solar inverter generator you need, consider your total AC output requirements, electricity consumption between charges, and access to gas or propane (if you’re using fossil fuels in addition to solar panels). Don’t forget to factor in the average peak sunlight hours at your location to estimate your electricity production potential.
Final Thoughts
Inverters are a superior option to traditional gas generators when it comes to efficiency and performance.
Solar inverter generators make both look like dinosaurs.
Don’t rely on fossil fuels alone to keep your family safe in a blackout.
Check out EcoFlow’s hybrid inverter + solar generator solutions today.