Best solar generator for home

When switching from grid power to solar power, it’s important to prepare and understand what is needed.

What kind of solar generator should I buy? What are the best solar-powered generators available for home use? Can a solar generator power a whole house? What is the best solar generator for backup power? How much battery capacity do I need?

Some want to live a more sustainable life, reduce utility expenses and be more independent in case of a power outage. Solar generators can also be used as emergency power supplies.

Solar-powered generators are an investment because of the large amount of power they need to power a home. Although they provide a great amount of power thanks to their large battery capacity, they also come at a price.

They can either be portable or set up more permanently. They provide clean and sustainable energy, unlike gas generators.

So read on to learn all you need to know about the best solar-powered generators!

How does a solar generator work?

In order to harness solar power, a solar generator will be plugged into a solar panel which will then convert sunlight into DC electricity (direct current). This DC electricity first passes through a charge controller.

The energy harnessed will then be stored in the battery contained in the solar generator. Within the solar generator, an inverter will transform the electricity into AC power or alternating current which can then be used to power and recharge your devices.

Many solar generators will be advertised containing a pure sine wave inverter (PSWI).

The term solar generator may be a misnomer as it is more about the way a solar generator works rather than what it actually is. It doesn’t actually generate the energy but rather converts the energy created by the sun. A solar generator is the combination of the three components and the process explained above. Solar panels are an integral component of harnessing that energy.

How to choose the right size generator?

To choose the right solar generator for your home, you must know the use you will have for it in your home and how much power is required for your energy needs. You need to confirm that you can use solar panels if you’d like to place them in a more permanent spot on the roof. The solar panels need to be linked to the solar generator of your choice to ensure that it powers your home in case of a power outage.

Some services are available to determine whether your roof is suitable for solar and can provide quotes from pre-screened solar providers in your area. Local companies are also available and easily found on Google. 

The other option is portable solar generators which can still be plugged into your solar panels, and also be charged through grid power. Portable power stations can still provide for your energy needs but usually have less capacity than the more permanently installed ones.

The advantage of having a large portable power station is that although they can be heavy they can be used for outdoor adventures or events you may run. If you decide to go on a long camping trip in your car or RV, your powerful portable power station will be there with you to power your devices and appliances.

Most portable solar generators are easy to use and plug into solar panels to continuously power your RV or event outdoors.

Battery types

• Solar generators can utilize 2 different types of batteries: lithium-ion batteries or AGM batteries (lead-acid cell chemistry). A lithium-ion battery uses lithium as one of its active components and can be recharged. A variation of this, lithium iron phosphate batteries are a type of lithium-ion battery and they are known for their long lifespan and are safer than other types of batteries. A lead-acid battery is not as safe and will not last as long as lithium batteries.

Battery capacity

• The battery storage capacity is also important when you decide which solar generator fits your power requirements.

Inverter

• An electronic device that converts direct current electricity (DC) from power sources like batteries or solar to alternate current electricity (AC) to use in appliances.

Lifecycles

• The higher number of lifecycles, the longer the lifespan of the battery. Usually, it would function at 80% capacity once you have run through the lifecycles.

Shelf-life

• The shelf life is how long it can be kept ‘on a shelf’ without being used after a first charge. This will be an important point depending on how you will use the solar generator. If it is meant to stay at home and be used somewhat continuously it is not as important.

Charge controller

• Is a current/voltage regulator to stop the batteries from overcharging. It regulates the current/voltage coming from the panels going into the battery.

Costs of buying and potential installation

• Ensure that all the adapters and accessories are also available or whether you need to purchase more, like a PV solar charging cable.

Manufacturer warranties

• Most solar generators will have warranties but it’s important to know how your equipment is protected by the manufacturers. You need to ensure that each part of your solar generator is protected, the battery, the solar panels, and the inverter (the most crucial warranty to have).
• Solar panels usually last 2 decades and manufacturers would provide a 10-15 years warranty. Better solar panels would give you up to 25 years of warranty.
• For batteries, warranties are usually between 5 and 10 years
• The inverter continuously works in the generator and can likely be the first to fail. They usually last 5-10 years and this is also the period of warranty that is offered by a manufacturer.
• You can also be on the lookout for performance and service warranties that may be available from the manufacturers

Solar warranty plans

• A solar protection plan may be worth considering if you’re switching completely to solar power. This would allow you to manage unexpected solar repairs. They usually go beyond the manufacturer’s solar warranty period. Currently, most solar warranties are estimated to be between $300 and $500 per term. They can range between 5 to 15 years on top of the warranty provided by the manufacturer giving you a potential total of 25 years warranty.

More features for portable solar generator

• Number of USB ports, output ports, AC outlets
• Quality of display or screen
• Battery power

To help you select the best solar-powered generators, we have researched this list of top solar generators including both sedentary and portable.

Best solar generators for home and solar backup generators

In order to help you choose the best option for your needs, we have made a first selection of the most powerful and best-performing solar generators that can be used for home use or as backup generators.

Whether you need emergency power you need extra power, or maybe you want to switch to a solar power generator for clean energy, this list will have what you are looking for!

Wrap up

This list provides a good overview of some best solar generator power options, which can switch your home power to solar energy. You can find both portable solar power generators and more sedentary options.

The Bluetti solar generator is our top choice as it is both a portable power station while being one of the most powerful solar generators in its category.

While all can power your entire set of home appliances, some are better suited as backup generators or as an option for power outages and others give you the option of installing it yourself and having it on hand for other uses.

Whatever options you choose, make sure to research what a solar generator power and how to install it safely. If you’re looking for a fixed system with more power, check out our research on 10,000-watt solar power kits.