Whole House Solar Generator EcoFlow Delta Pro 240v Review

Newer and more powerful solar generators and power stations are constantly coming out. This is wonderful news! The industry is catching up to what people want in an emergency backup power option.

The EcoFlow Delta Pro is one of those systems that has brought to the market things that we’ve never had before. 240v capability, auto transfer switch, charging from EV stations super-fast, and much more. We’ll go over all of those things here in this full review of the Delta Pro in a 120v and 240v configuration.

Are you looking to run your well pump, keep all of the food in the fridge and freezer cold, and even run some air conditioning during the extreme heat of the summer? The EcoFlow Delta Pro is fully capable of accomplishing this. But is it the right system for you to go with? Does it perform better than the Bluetti AC300? Will it outpower anything that the Renogy Lycan Power Box 5000 can do? By the end of this review, we’ll know for sure.

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Output 120v

The Delta Pro launched in early 2022, and when it launched it officially became the most powerful system on the market in terms of how much power it can continuously output. Using a pure sine wave inverter and a full 120v and 30a of power output, the Delta Pro can push out 3,600w non-stop for as long as the batteries and solar can last.

It is full of all the necessary outlets to run without any issues. With 4 house-style outlets (Nema 5-15R) to run appliances like fridges, freezers, lights, fans, chargers, microwaves, toasters, coffee makers, TVs, Wi-Fi, security systems, and much more. It is easy to run a power strip off of those 4 outlets as well if there are a lot of things you need to run. Each outlet is rated to push out up to 20a but cannot do more than 30a total from all of the outlets combined which is normal. 20a out of a single outlet is impressive and is the highest rated output for any Heavycap or Ultracap solar generator on the market.

It has a 30a RV plug (TT-30R) that is rated to a true 30a output. The Titan, MPS3K, and AC300 all have the same plug but are only rated to 25a output. Do you need 30a of real output? Probably not, but if you need it, it’s good to have it. Having run my Titan solar generator in my RV for over 2 years now I’ve never had a problem with having a 3,000w inverter.

Some would say that the 3,600w inverter is overkill and not necessary since most people have been very happy with 3,000w of output from other solar generators. But if you can have more power potential, why not have it?

It has four USB-A charging ports and two 100w USB-C ports for extra fast power to compatible devices. The DC outlets are pretty standard with one 12v/10a DC cigarette lighter style port and two 12v/3a 5521 ports. But there is now a 12v/30a Anderson Powerpole port which will be very good for people who need a lot of DC power for running things like HAM radios.

The inverter will peak at 7,200w which makes it capable of running heavier equipment like air compressors, chop saws, and water pumps that have a really high starting wattage. Keep in mind that as a single Delta Pro unit, it cannot run a 240v well pump or any other 240v appliance. For that, two Delta Pros and a 240v Connection Hub are required.

It is possible to connect a single Delta Pro to an electrical panel but it will only supply power to one side of the electrical panel and only 120v power. Do not turn on any of the 240v breakers when only one Delta Pro is connected or it could cause damage to the device that uses 240v power and possibly the Delta Pro as well. I found for my electrical panel when I connect just one Delta Pro to my transfer switch that the right side of my panel has power and my left side does not.

My transfer switch is an SS2-50R connection, the connection types vary so be sure to identify which plug your transfer switch is.

Output 240v

This is hands down the best feature about the EcoFlow Delta Pro is that you can link two units together with the 240v Connection Hub and supply 240v power. Using the connection hub there is the option to use the L14-30R port and power something directly such as an electric dryer. Or it’s possible to take that and run it to a transfer switch and power an entire electrical panel up to 30a output at 240v.

When two Delta Pros are connected together, they can supply up to 7,200w of output power constantly through the large 4-prong plug on the 240v connection hub.

I personally chose to use my home transfer switch and use the proper cables to get my two Delta Pros connected to my household electrical panel. Keep in mind that it’s not possible to run any 240v equipment above 30a. Volts x Amps = Watts. 240v x 30a = 7,200w. Or it’s capable of still pushing out 120v and 30a from each unit which would total 120v and 60a for the 7,200w output.

I find it easiest to use the transfer switch, so I do not have to run extension cords anywhere around the house. This is how I run my well pump and have water throughout my entire house just like normal.

The way it works is that within an electrical panel there are two sides of breakers. Each side carries 120v of power. Where there are 240v breakers you’ll typically see two of the breakers joined together to make the 240v power. That’s because one breaker is touching the left side of the electrical panel and the second breaker is touching the right side of the electrical panel, therefore making 240v power.

By running 240v power to the electrical panel I am able to run everything in my house without any issues including my electric dryer. But since I have a propane dryer and an electric dryer, I don’t use the electric dryer when using the Delta Pros because it consumes 5,800w to run! That’s a ton of power. The best option is to use a clothesline.

I do not have central air conditioning and have found that most central air conditioners use at least 50a to run which means even a double Delta Pro setup in 240v will still not run central air conditioners. Window and portable air conditioners are definitely possible with either just one or two Delta Pros.

Click Here for the Best Prices on Complete Delta Pro Kits

Output X-Factor

One thing that nearly no one considers with solar generators is the “idle power consumption rate.” This is how much power is being used just to have the inverter (AC power) turned on while not running any equipment. The Delta Pro will automatically turn off after 12 hours of no AC power being drawn unless you change that setting within the app.

This is a big deal because if the unit is turned on but not running anything, it will steadily drain the battery. The EcoFlow Delta Pro has a phenomenally low idle power consumption rate of just 14w. This is similar to the Titan solar generator which varies but is around the same. For the Delta Pro, if it were turned on for 24 hours and not running anything, it would consume 336wh which is about 9% of the internal battery capacity.

But the big reason the Delta Pro is the preferred unit between it and the Bluetti AC300 is that the AC300 has an idle power consumption rate of 63 watts! The AC300’s battery, the B300, has a capacity of 3,072wh. And if put through the same condition of being left on for 24 hours while not running any equipment, it would consume 1,512wh total. That is 49% of the battery! The Delta Pro’s inverter is much more efficient and uses 5x less power than the Bluetti AC300. That is why it is the preferred choice between those two units.

Batteries and Expansion

The Delta Pro has a built-in battery of capacity of 3,600wh using LifePo4 cells. Using LiFePo4 cells greatly increases the weight of a Delta Pro to 100lbs. but it gives the solar generator a lot more life cycles. By using LiFePo4 instead of lighter Lithium NMC the Delta Pro will have at least 3,500 cycles before it reaches 80% efficiency. That’s basically 10 years of non-stop use before the battery reaches the 80% efficiency level.

The Delta Pro is capable of adding up to two Delta Pro Expansion Batteries. Each expansion battery also is 3,600wh of capacity. This gives a single Delta Pro with two batteries a grand total of 10,800wh of battery capacity! That is a lot of battery for anyone. To compare to the Titan solar generator, it would take 5 Titan expansion batteries to have a similar battery capacity.

When you have two Delta Pros you can have two batteries on each unit which means the grand total battery capacity maxes out at 21,600wh. For most people just running household essentials during power outages and emergencies will supply 3+ days of non-stop power just from the batteries without solar panels connected. If more equipment is run, then obviously that time goes down.

Each expansion battery uses the same LiFePo4 battery and connects directly to the back of the Delta Pro solar generator.

One of the greatest benefits of using the EcoFlow Delta Pro expansion batteries is that they do not need to be balanced or be at the same voltage as the main battery when connecting them together. Regardless of the state of charge of the main unit and external batteries, you simply connect them together, and the unit will auto-balance the entire system.

When there are two Delta Pros together for 240v power, the two Delta Pros will work independently of each other. If one has more battery than the other, it will not charge the one with less battery percentage.

Recharging

The EcoFlow Delta Pro can charge in multiple ways including wall charging, solar, car, and even electric vehicle charging stations.

When using the wall charger there is a switch on the back of the Delta Pro that allows you to select between slow charging and fast charging. The slow charger will charge the Delta Pro and any attached batteries at a rate of 400w total. When using the fast mode, it will charge up to 1,800w total. Some people prefer to slow charge because it is easier on the batteries and can help increase the life cycles. I personally prefer the fast mode.

If you want to go really fast, then use a 240v EV charger. On the front right side of the Delta Pro, there is a charging port called the Infinity port. You need the special EV Charging Adapter, but it will allow you to take the Delta Pro to an EV charging station and charge at a rate of 3,400w. This is called “level 2” charging and can be done at home with your own EV charger or at an EV charging station.

This makes it a very viable option to use the Delta Pro within a Van or an RV because it can be changed so quickly while on the road if the weather is bad or there are not enough solar panels to fully recharge the system each day.

When it comes to charging from solar, this is likely the weakest part of the Delta Pro. It has an MPPT charge controller that is very high quality and capable of inputting up to 1,600w of solar into the battery. But the charge parameter that is built into the MPPT charge controller is what makes it hard to reach having 1,600w of solar panels connected.

The charge parameter is 11-150v and 15a. It’s okay to have more than 15amps in solar panels connected but you never want to exceed 150v. In fact, it’s best to not exceed 130v it at all possible. If you exceed the recommended voltage, you will burn out the charge controller and have to send the unit it, and have a new one installed, and that’s not covered under the warranty.

The reason this is the weakest point of the Delta Pro is it’s hard to attach 1,600w of panels and stay within the charge parameter. For example, the EcoFlow 400w folding solar panel should be a perfect fit because if you have four of those solar panels there’ll be 1,600w in solar connected. When connecting solar panels, the most important specs to pay attention to on the sticker is the VOC (open circuit voltage) and the ISC (short circuit current). The VOC is the most voltage the panel can make, and ISC is the most amperage the panel can make.

When solar panels are connected in series, the total voltage goes up with each panel connected, but the total amperage stays the same. On the EcoFlow 400w folding solar panel the VOC is 48v, and the ISC is 11a. If four of those panels are connected in series, the total voltage connected would be 192v which would absolutely burn out the charge controller and ruin it. At most, only 3 of those can be connected and they would be at a total of 144v which is still above the recommended 130v.

That means to use those solar panels the only option is to have two groups of two for a series/parallel combo. The total voltage with four of those solar panels would be 96v and the total amps would be 22a. But since the charge controller can’t use amps higher than 15a, each solar panel cannot produce a full 400w of power, which means it can’t push in 1,600w into the Delta Pro.

With the high-quality Rigid 100 solar panels, their VOC is 21.59v and the ISC is 5.48a, it’s possible to get 1,800w of solar panels connected. There would be three groups with six solar panels in each group. This would be a series/parallel combo connection but does give the ability to over-panel just a little bit. But it’s barely reaching the full 1,600w rated capacity.

The Rigid 200 solar panels have performed the best in all of my testing, and we have successfully connected up to 2,400w of solar panels to each Delta Pro so they are over-paneled as much as possible. This makes it possible to get more than the average 5 solar peak hours in a day.

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Comparison

How does the Delta Pro compare to other units like the Bluetti AC300, and Renogy Lycan Power Box 5000?

Well the AC300 we know is inferior to the Delta Pro simply for the fact that the AC300 will burn battery power just by being turned on. The AC300 can do 240v power as well and can add a little more battery capacity and even more solar capacity, but that is basically negated by the fact that the energy is just burned off due to the unit being on. It really is a big killer for the AC300 that it uses so much power just to be turned on. It’s almost not worth getting the AC300 unless the extra batteries and solar are added just to help offset that idle power consumption.

The Renogy Lycan Power Box 5000 is a similar system with a 3,500w inverter, 4,800wh battery, and a massive 4,400w of solar input capacity. But it cannot do 240v power. And after reviewing the Renogy Lycan Power Box 5000 it appears to be impossible to get more than about 2,000w of solar to really go into the power station. So there seems to be some misinformation being reviewed and spread with the Lycan. Not to mention that the Lycan weighs 264lbs before adding extra batteries. So in my opinion, I feel the Delta Pro has many factors that are better than the Renogy Lycan.

The Titan solar generator is a very similar system with a 3,000w inverter, 2,000wh batteries that can be expanded to any capacity, and 2,000w of solar input. If a single Titan and a single Delta Pro were compared side by side, they’re pretty similar. A Titan would need one extra battery to be close to the same amount of battery capacity as a single Delta Pro. I’d say the biggest advantage the Delta Pro has over the Titan is its ability to expand more than the Titan. The Titan cannot make 240v power and when two Delta Pros are put together, they can easily have over 3,600w of solar connected which beats the Titan’s 2,000w of solar input capacity. The other huge advantage is that the Titan is perpetually in a backorder of about 8 weeks on average whereas the Delta Pro is usually in stock and ready to ship.

Pros and X-Factors

What sets the Delta Pro apart from the other solar generators on the market is its ability to make 240v power and connect to a house through a transfer switch. It’s also possible to use the EcoFlow Home Smart Panel which is like a transfer switch but will automatically transfer power from the Delta Pros to the house when the power goes out.

The Delta Pro is one of the fastest charging power stations from a wall charger, and also from an EV charger. The batteries will hold a charge for up to a year.

The EcoFlow App is a wonderful bonus to use with the Delta Pro. Once the Delta Pro is powered on, it’s recommended to connect it to the local Wi-Fi and then update the firmware to make sure it performs at its best. But in addition to that, once it’s connected to Wi-Fi it can be monitored from your phone regardless of where you are. You do not have to be at home or close to the unit to monitor if it’s connected to Wi-Fi. Within the app, you can also see how much power is coming in from the solar panels, how much power is going out, turn on and off outlets, change charge settings, and much more. The app is very easy to use and a huge bonus for Delta Pro and all the EcoFlow solar generators.

The ability to add batteries is a big bonus since it’s a very large battery capacity when maxed out.

There’s a 2-year manufacturer warranty to make sure you’re covered if anything stops working randomly. As long as the firmware is updated, there shouldn’t be any issues.

Cons & Issues

Many people have an interest in keeping this in the back of their EV (electric vehicle) in order to recharge their EV battery to get a little further. The Delta Pro cannot recharge an EV. There is technically a way to do it, but it is not recommended, and it will void the warranty on the Delta Pro. Some people don’t need EV charging so it may not be an issue for you.

Customer service has been mentioned many times on forums and groups stating that it’s lacking in help. Many people have called in for what they felt was a simple issue that should have a simple solution and no solution could be found with help from customer service. That and it doesn’t appear that their customer service team is located in the USA which gives a lack of faith to many people. For example, the customer service team insists that it’s impossible to run 240v power to a house using a standard transfer switch. They insist the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel is required, but many others and I have powered our houses without the Smart Home Panel. Whether this is a push to sell those units or not is debatable.

The expansion batteries must be EcoFlow’s expansion batteries. You cannot use other branded batteries. This isn’t a huge deal breaker because they have many great features like auto-balancing but it would be nice to have the ability to use other batteries. The Titan solar generator is the only unit capable of using other brands of batteries with the Titan.

It’s heavy, each Delta Pro is 100lbs. and each battery is 84lbs. But they do have built-in telescoping handles and wheels which do make a big difference on flat surfaces.

Click Here for the Best Prices on Complete Delta Pro Kits

Conclusion

There are many pros and cons to the EcoFlow Delta Pro system that I have covered in this full review. Personally, I really love this system. Is it the “end-all-be-all” of all solar generators? Probably not. But the ability to have 240v power and run my house comfortably for many days on end is something that’s hard to put a price on. I have personally run my house for four days straight with just 2,520w of solar panels connected which wasn’t even the max solar I could connect.

Anyone looking to make themselves and their families very comfortable during power outages should seriously look at the EcoFlow Delta Pro. And if you’re truly interested in it, you should order it sooner than later because we never know what new supply chain issues may arise.

I love mine and am 100% sure you will love yours too.

Continue ReadingWhole House Solar Generator EcoFlow Delta Pro 240v Review

Top 5 Solar Generators for the PG&E California Blackouts

Top 5 Solar Generators for PG&E Blackouts

The PG&E blackouts are severely disrupting the entire state of California. The power outages are typically lasting anywhere from a few days up to a couple of weeks. This is a harsh reality for Californians as PG&E tries to combat potential deadly forest fires.

Getting a gas generator is not a real solution since many people have reported that they wait for hours to fill up gas cans at the gas station and sometimes do not get any gas at all. It has been said by the CEO of PG&E that the power outages will likely be going on over the next 10 years! A long term, easy to use solution is needed for this.

There are multiple easy solutions with solar generators that will give plenty of power to run essentials such as fridge, freezer, lights, computers, phones, medical devices and so on for extended periods of time. Since California gets a lot of high-quality sunshine a portable solar generator is a perfect match for the multi-day to weeklong recurring blackouts.

#1 Solar Generator Option

The #1 solution is the Titan. The Titan is unrivaled by any other portable solar generator when it comes to power output, battery capacity, solar input, expandability and ease of use. There’s simply nothing like it at all. The power module is the top section of the Titan which houses the inverter, plugs, fuses and everything besides the battery. It only weighs 31lbs which is easy to move around and is separates from the battery for easy portability.

The battery weighs 35lbs and is a 2,000wh lithium-ion battery. It has a much higher capacity than the vast majority of portable solar generators on the market. With the ability to expand to an infinite amount of batteries by simply stacking together the Titan can become a huge powerhouse that holds multiple days’ worth of power inside without needing to charge.

The only other portable solar generator that has a larger battery is the Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Lithium. The main issue with the Yeti 3000 is that its battery is very large, and its solar charge input is too low. It can charge up to 720 watts per hour but that is split between two charge controllers, a PWM, and an MPPT. It is unlikely to ever be able to produce a full 720 watts of power so, in essence, it’s impossible to charge the Yeti 3000 in less than 5 hours. A solar generator needs to charge in 5 or less because there are only 5 hours a day that the max solar charge rate can be achieved. And if it can’t charge in less than 5 hours, and items such as fridges and freezers need to be run during the day, it will lead to a never full battery. It also costs more than a Titan.

Charging the Titan is extremely easy since it uses a very common Anderson Powerpole connector and comes with an adapter to connect to PV Connector solar panel connectors. The Titan has not one, but two built-in MPPT charge controllers. With one 2,000wh battery attached to the Titan, it will easily handle up to 1,000 watts of power from the solar panels. The panels cannot exceed 145v and 30amps which is more than any other portable solar generator. Not only that but once there is a total of two or more batteries on the Titan it will handle up to 2,000 watts of solar panels. This means it can quite easily run heavy-duty equipment all day long since it creates so much power from the panels and the battery capacity is so large.

Not only that but the way the Titan MPPT charge controllers are set up it is safe to exceed 1,000 watts in panels into each solar charge port. Why would anyone do that?As long as the panels do not exceed 145v and 30a going into each port I can add as many panels as I want. This means I could have 1,500 watts of panels plugged into one of the two solar input ports, with one battery on the Titan, and it will only let 1,000 watts in. Since it’s rare to have perfect days where the panels make their full power potential, I can overbuild my panel array to more than 1,000 watts and guarantee that a full 1,000 watts is going in.

The #1 selling and used Titan solar generator kit is the Titan 1000 Flexx Kit.

titan portable solar kit 1000W

Kit Includes:

1 Titan Solar Generator
10 Flexx 100-Watt Solar Panels
1 Set of 75ft Panel Extension Cables
2 Sets of 15ft Panel Extension Cables
1 2-Way PV Connector Connector
1 Panel Adapter Plug
1 PV Connector Panel Connector Tool Set
2 EMP Proof Faraday Bags
4 USB Chainable Lights
1 Titan Reset Cable
1 Car Charger
1 Wall Charger
2 Solar Panel Carry Cases
1 Cable and Accessories Carry Case

It has 1,000 watts of solar panels which means in ideal conditions it will recharge the 2,000wh Titan battery in 2 hours. Since there are 5 hours in a day where maximum solar power can be achieved the Titan 1000 Flexx kit will make up to 10,000wh of battery capacity in ideal conditions. This means the Titan could be at 0% when the sun comes up, get fully charged, drained completely again, then recharged all before the sun ever goes down. Because the 1,000 watts in panels can make so much power it is easily possible to add a second battery to the Titan to increase the amount of stored power.

#2 Solar Generator Option

The second-best solution for the PG&E blackouts is the Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium. The reason the Goal Zero 1400 gets second place is that when compared to all the other solar generators it has the second-highest solar input charge rate. It can input a max of 720 watts from solar panels. The 720 watts are split between two charge controllers.

Lifecycles of Goal Zero 1400 Lithium

The Yeti 1400 Lithium comes with a built-in PWM charge controller. A PWM charge controller is not as good as an MPPT charge controller. The PWM charge controller will make less power from the solar panels on both sunny and cloudy days. It is said that the MPPT charge controller can be up to 40% more efficient than a PWM charge controller. Or in other words, it can make up to 40% more power when compared to the PWM charge controller that’s built into the Goal Zero 1400 Lithium.

The MPPT charge controller is an upgrade to the Yeti 1400 and is absolutely worth it. Basically, the only reason the Yeti 1400 makes it into second place is because of the MPPT charge controller. It is not common for the upgraded MPPT charge controller to make 40% more power than the PWM charge controller. It is most commonly found that the MPPT charge controller increases solar input by 10% to 20% over the PWM. Truly, the goal behind adding the MPPT charge controller is to get a second array of solar panels connected so it can charge faster.

With a 1,500w inverter and a 1,425wh battery, the Yeti 1400 is plenty large enough to handle running common essentials. Running items like the refrigerator, freezer, lights, computer, TV, medical devices and so on are not difficult. Weighing about 44lbs it’s not too bad to move around as long as both hands are used.

The biggest limit that the Goal Zero 1400 Lithium generator has is that it only has 2 wall outlet plugs which make it hard to connect multiple devices to it. For this reason, it is important to get a couple of high amp outlet splitters so more than two items can be run off the Yeti 1400.

The max solar input of the Yeti 1400 Lithium is 720 watts. The 720 watts of solar input is split between the two charge controllers. The PWM charge controller allows for a maximum input of 360 watts and the MPPT charge controller allows the same amount. The issue that I have found is that making 360 watts is not easy. The easiest thing I have found to do is put only 600 watts of solar panels on the Goal Zero Yeti 1400. The PWM gets 300 watts and the MPPT gets 300 watts.

Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Wiring DiagramIt’s much easier to use six 100-watt solar panels with the Yeti and it also makes sure that the maximum solar input isn’t reached. But why wouldn’t it be good to put the maximum solar input on the Yeti? The faster the battery is charged the shorter the life of the battery will be. So, by only inputting 600 watts which is still a really good amount of power it will charge quickly each day and extend the life of the battery. Since the PG&E power outages are expected to happen over the next 10 years it’s important to make the equipment last as long as possible.

With 600 watts coming in, it will charge the 1,425wh battery from 0% to 100% in 2.4hrs in ideal conditions. That means it can be at 0% in the morning, get fully charged in a couple of hours, be drained again during the day, and still get fully charged back up to 100% before the sun goes down all in one day.

The panels have to be connected in parallel which increases the amps coming in but allows the voltage to stay below 22v which is the max voltage limit of the Yeti 1400.

Goal Zero 1400 Max KitThe Max Yeti 1400 Lithium Kit:

1 Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium Solar Generator
1 MPPT Charge Controller
6 100-Watt Solar Panels (option 1)
6 100-Watt Solar Panels (option 2)
2 Panel Adapters (Type 1)
2 Sets 70ft. 10 AWG Solar Panel Extension Cable (4 cables total)
2 Sets 3-Way PV Connector Branch Connector
2 Outlet Timers
2 1ft High Amp Outlet Splitter

Having this complete kit will allow for up to 600 watts of solar to go into the Yeti 1400 daily. This gives the best chance of extending the life of the battery so it will last for years on end, as well as makes sure it charges fast enough to have a full battery before the end of each day.

Having 70ft of panel cable makes it easy to reach anywhere in the yard or wherever the panels need to go to get full sunlight. Using the outlet timers on a fridge and freezer will make sure that those units don’t drain the battery more than it needs to be. A normal fridge and freezer will still be the same temperature if run for only 15 minutes of every hour. Especially at night the fridge and freezer can be run even more sporadically to save battery power and keep all the food cold.

Using the high amp outlet splitters will make it easier to run more than two things at the same time off the Yeti 1400. The majority of splitters out there are not rated to 15 amps like they should be. Don’t be fooled thinking any splitter will do because some will simply not handle the power needs of the equipment in the house.

The Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Lithium is identical to the Yeti 1400 Lithium besides the battery size. The battery capacity on the Yeti 1000 is 1,045wh. It will still run 1,500w off the inverter and can upgrade to have the second MPPT charge controller. If this is more in the budget, then it can be as good as the Yeti 1400. The smaller battery will make for shorter charge times. Try not to charge it faster than 2 hours to keep the battery healthy.

#3 Solar Generator Option

Third place is taken up by the ECOFLOW Delta 1300. This almost made second place but for one big reason, it did not make it there. The solar input charge rate is too low to make second place as I’ll explain.

Ecoflow Delta 1300

The Delta appears to be an extremely good system. It has a 1,800-watt inverter which is the second largest in the list. It has a 1,295wh battery which a decent size and is large enough for long term power outages for running essentials and it is lithium-ion. Weighing in at only 31lbs it’s one of the lighter units out there especially for the size of its inverter and battery. It has six AC wall outlet plugs which is phenomenal. It can even chain up to six Delta generators together to expand battery capacity.

Delta Connection DiagramThe one major drawback is that its maximum solar input is only 400 watts. With a 1,295wh battery, it would charge that battery in 3.25hrs which normally is perfectly fine. The only issue is it’s uncommon to have ideal weather conditions. This means that there is a chance that it will not be fully charged by the end of the day. This is especially true if the equipment is being run during the day such as a fridge, freezer, chargers, fans and so on. If only it had a larger solar input rate, then this would for sure be second place.

The solar panel charge port is truly limited to 10-65v and 10a. Very similar to the Bluetti and Alpha as seen in fourth place.

This large limitation is sad but in every other way, the Delta is a very good unit. But if I was in a blackout like the ones in California with PG&E I would rather go with the Titan or Yeti 1400 for sure.

I love that it has a 1,800-watt inverter because that means it can truly run anything that would run off a normal house outlet. By adding more Delta generators, it increases the battery capacity with each one by 1,295wh. That means it has a max battery storage capacity of 1,295wh x 6 Deltas = 7,770wh. The major problem with adding more Deltas to increase the battery capacity is that they chain together using the solar input port. This means that no matter how many are chained together, the max solar input is 400 watts. By adding a second Delta the total battery capacity would be 2,590wh but would take 6.5hrs to charge in perfect conditions. Essentially, it cannot be recharged in a day.ECOFLOW Delta Max Kit

The Max Delta Kit:

1 Delta
4 100-Watt Solar Panels (option 1)
4 100-Watt Solar Panels (option 2)
1 Set of 100ft 12 AWG Panel Extension Cable (2 total)
1 Set of 2-Way PV Connector Branch Connector

One of the major differences between the Bluetti/Alpha and Delta is that the Bluetti/Alpha both are rated to 1,000 cycles on the battery. The Delta is rated to 500 cycles on the battery. This means that according to those reported numbers the Bluetti and Alpha will both last twice as long as the Delta. But on the flip side the Delta has a larger inverter, weighs less and has more outlets. The Delta, Bluetti and Alpha are almost tied for third place.

The Delta has to use its panels connected in a series/parallel connection just like the Bluetti and Alpha which is explained below.

#4 Solar Generator Option

In Fourth place for prolonged power outages are the MAXOAK Bluetti or the ExpertPower Alpha. They are 100% identical units in every way except the branding on the side of the unit. They both weigh 38lbs.

Bluetti and Alpha Generators

There are two reasons why it gets fourth place, the inverter and charge rate. The Bluetti and Alpha both have great sized lithium-ion batteries at 1,500wh each but the inverters are limited to 1,000 watts. Initially, my reaction was “why would anyone put in a 1,500wh battery and then put in an inverter that doesn’t match the battery wattage?” The reason is something most people NEVER consider when looking at solar generators.

An inverter draws its power from the battery. But not all batteries can drain as fast as the inverter can run. With the Bluetti and Alpha, a 1,000w inverter was installed because that’s how fast the battery can drain and still give out full power. Whereas I wish the inverter was bigger I am very glad that I don’t have to pay an additional $100 for the unit just to find out that the battery can’t drain as fast as the inverter can run. They matched the inverter size to the drain capacity of the battery.

Bluetti Alpha Connection DiagramThere are other units that have larger inverters than the battery can drain and that’ll be shown in the fifth-place unit.

The second reason why the Bluetti and Alpha are in fourth place is the solar charge rate. It says in the user manual that they can input up to 500 watts of solar power to recharge the battery. This is great because that means it will recharge in 3 hours which leaves plenty of time during the day to run equipment while recharging. The problem is that I have not been able to successfully charge more than 400 watts into the Bluetti and Alpha.

The user manual says 500 watts of solar input, but the true limit is 16-60 volts and 10 amps. When solar panels are connected in series (positive connector on panel 1 to negative connector on panel 2 etc.…) the voltage increases and the amps stay the same. The average 100-watt solar panel will make about 18 to 21 volts and 5 to 6 amps. When two 100-watt panels are connected to each other in series, their average combined power is 20v x 2 = 40v and 5 amps.

If three panels are connected in series the average voltage will be 60 volts and 5 amps. Since the true solar input limit is 60v and 10a at a max that would mean adding more than 300 watts in panels is impossible.

What needs to be done is the panels need to be configured into a Series/Parallel connection. This means there are two sets of solar panels and each set has two panels. The first set of two panels will be connected in series as well as the second set. Then the two sets will be paralleled together. This means there will be two sets that are each making about 40v and 5a. When the two sets combine it will be 40v and 10a.

Having tested this many times this seems to be the max input achievable without adding two 50-watt panels to the array. Typically, I find that adding a 50-watt solar panel to each set puts the voltage higher than what the Bluetti and Alpha can handle. Luckily if the volts or amps go higher than they can handle they will simply have an error code come up on the screen. It will not burn out the system because it will simply turn off the charge port, so no power goes in.MAXOAK Bluetti Max Kit

The Max Bluetti/Alpha Kit:

1 MAXOAK Bluetti
4 100-Watt Solar Panels (option 1)
4 100-Watt Solar Panels (option 2)
1 Set of 100ft 12 AWG Panel Extension Cable (2 total)
1 Set of 2-Way PV Connector Branch Connector

I personally do not recommend getting the 50-watt panels to add because they may work when it’s a bit cloudy but if the clouds go away and the sun comes out then it will exceed the input limit and cause an error. This would stop it from charging at all.

With 400 watts in solar panels and a 1,500wh capacity, the Bluetti and Alpha can be charged in 3.75hrs in ideal conditions. This is a fair amount of power to come in during the day which means running essentials during the day is still possible while charging. There is however a slightly higher chance, depending on what is being run, that by the end of the day the battery will not be 100% topped off. Most of the time the battery is topped off because the panels will make power outside of the 5-hour max solar panel production window.

#5 Solar Generator Option

Fifth place is the Inergy Apex solar generator. When the Apex was announced it was supposed to be better than any other solar generator on the market. Certain limitations of the Apex though made it so that it is not even in the top 3 for solar generators that can be depended on for long term power outages. It is a good system except for the battery discharge rate as mentioned earlier.

Inergy Apex Solar Generator

The Apex has a 1,500w inverter and a 1,100wh battery with a built-in MPPT charge controller. Weighing in at only 25lbs it is very lightweight and easy to use. With the ability to charge up to 500 watts from solar panels it will charge in just over two hours quite easily.

Up until recently though, it was required to use Inergy branded panels. Finally, the company changed its mind and now has an EC8 to PV Connector adapter available for purchase. Using the Linx Flexible panels from Inergy works fine but it is important to note that the EC8 connector is not UV proof. This means after a long time exposed to the sun it will crumble to pieces and break. It is also not waterproof so additional items will need to be purchased in order to keep the panels in good working condition.

Apex Connection DiagramBesides the limitations of the panels, the biggest concern of the Apex is that it cannot run more than 550 watts continuously for more than 2.5mins. After two and a half minutes the inverter will turn off power to the AC plugs. It is said that this is done to protect the battery from having a short life. This does mean though that if more than 550 watts need to be run continuously for more than 2.5mins that the Apex will not stand up to the task.

Even though it has a 1,500-watt inverter it will not run more than 550 watts nonstop. The biggest concern would be an example like running a refrigerator, freezer, and TV at the same time. If the condensers on the fridge and freezer happen to be running at the same time as the TV it will very likely be more than 550 watts continuously for more than 2.5 minutes.

If the power was out and you were enjoying a movie after a long day of work and having to come home to the power being out, the move may be interrupted. You could run into issues with having other things running at the same time as well. This includes many other items that use more than 550 watts continuously or having multiple items running at the same time that their combined power draw exceeds 550 watts.

The only reason it would be recommended to use the Apex is if you know that you will rarely need to run more than 550 watts continuously. Also, if you will rarely need to do that you will want to make sure that when it does happen that it doesn’t last longer than 2.5 minutes.

There is a way to pull more than 550 watts for longer than 2.5 minutes. The only way I have found I can do that is when the solar panels are charging the Apex. The battery can only drain at 550 watts continuously. But if I have 400 watts of power coming in from the panels then I can draw 950 watts (550w from battery + 400 watts from panels) off the Apex for as long as I have 400 watts coming from the panels. The other option is to have another external battery attached to the Apex because then the draw is being shared between the Apex battery and the external battery.

 

The other thing to be aware of is that the 110/120v household plugs on the Apex are only rated to 10 amps. The way watts are calculated is you take Volts x Amps = Watts. This means that each AC plug is rated to: 120v x 10a = 1,200 watts. Running things like microwaves, toasters, electric cooktops and so on will likely not work or will only barely work depending on the actual device.

30a to 15a Adapter

 

The best thing to do in order to pull a full 1,500 watts is to use the 30amp RV plug with a 30a to 15a plug adapter. The RV plug is capable of putting out the full 1,500 watts that the inverter can do.

 

Inergy Apex Max Kit

The Max Apex Kit:

1 Apex
5 100-Watt Solar Panels (option 1)
5 100-Watt Solar Panels (option 2)
1 Set of 70ft 8AWG Panel Extension Cable (2 total)
2 Sets of 5ft 8AWG Panel Extension Cables (4 total, panels 1 and 5 need extensions to reach connector)
1 EC8 to PV Connector Adapter
1 5 to 1 PV Connector Branch Connector
1 30amp to 15amp Plug Adapter
1/Linx Panel Cord Cover (Only if using Inergy Linx Panels)

EC8 6ft and 30ft CablesAnother thing to be aware of with the Inergy Linx solar panels is that each panel will not directly connect to each other. The cables that come off of the Linx panels are both male EC8 connectors. Each panel has a 6ft adapter cable that goes between the panels. This means it is absolutely crucial that those 6ft connector cables are not misplaced and are always with the 30ft EC8 cable to connect to the Apex. Of course, that only matters if you are using the Linx panels. I do not use the Linx panels because I have found others that I prefer and put out a lot of power.

Conclusion

There truly is nothing better than the Titan as seen in this comparison. With how large the inverter, battery and solar panel input capacities are of the Titan it truly will run for weeks, months and years on end without any problems. The only thing left to figure out is what size kit is needed in order to run everything for however long it is required.

The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium is definitely a great second choice as long as the MPPT charge controller is added to it. Without that then there’s hardly anything different between it and the Delta, Bluetti, Alpha or Apex.

There are varying sizes of kits of the Titan to fit everyone’s needs and is easily expandable down the road too if you find you need more panels or batteries. Hopefully, the PG&E power outages will get worked out sooner rather than later. This simply goes to show that we can’t take electricity for granted. We need to be prepared with long term power options like solar generators. There’s nothing else that will provide long term power without any issues since gas generators require so much maintenance. Now is definitely the time to get a solar generator.

Continue ReadingTop 5 Solar Generators for the PG&E California Blackouts

Patriot Power Solar Generator the Best Option?

What happens when the power grid goes down? It could just be a few days like many power outages are in natural disasters. But really I’m talking about the whole power grid going down for a few weeks, months, and in some possible cases years. If you were left with absolutely no power, do you think you would survive? Unfortunately, not many of us would.

Look at the aftermath in Puerto Rico after hurricane Maria. After seven months they still had severe power outages blacking out the entire territory. Their hospitals were not capable of caring for their patients because of the power grid failure. Some places still didn’t have power after a whole year! The question really is “Will the Patriot Power generator truly last me for a few days, weeks, months or years?”

The short answer: Sadly, no.

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The explained answer: When most people think about no power they think “no lights, no smartphones, no television, no tablets, or no computers.” What they should really think is “no heat, no air conditioning, no lights, no gas, no police, no protection.” The world would look much more different than it probably does today. We have become accustomed to the comforts of life and electronics. In case you are not aware, the nation’s power grid is under serious threat.

Besides the threat to the power grid, every year parts of the country are victims of power outages due to flooding, hurricanes, winter storms, tornadoes, wind storms and much more. These bring power outages for days or weeks every year.

It doesn’t matter if you live on an island, along the coast, in the mountains or in a cave; when the power goes out, there are problems. Those problems turn into really big problems if the power doesn’t get restored.

What is the Titan Solar Generator?

It is these events that necessitated the creation of solar generators such as the Patriot 1500 power generator, and Titan solar generator among others. The makers of different solar generators are aware that power grid failure scenarios can be some of the worst kinds of disasters. In such cases, it’s not uncommon for people to act like animals and for chaos to ensue, resulting in instances of looting, assault, and many other horrible crimes.

When we are engulfed in darkness, none of us will be safe. You might not even be able to get in touch with your family and colleagues to ensure that they are alright. There is a wide array of solar generators available you can choose from. In fact, in the years of research I have done I have found these top solar generators. The lithium battery systems have proven time and time again that they are the best way to go. The Patriot, Titan and many other units use lithium type batteries.

Renowned for their high quality as well as convenience, this lithium, or Li-on, generators are designed to last for quite some time and offer a sustainable power supply in the event of a blackout.

They are also designed to ensure easy portability, so they can be carried along with you whenever and wherever you want regardless of the location either for regular home use or going to another location. They can be used for bug-in locations, bug-out locations, RVs, tiny homes, normal homes, camp trailers, campsites and so on.

Which of these two solar generators is the most ideal?

To identify the perfect option, it is essential to understand each of these solar generators, their distinct features, as well as what sets them apart from each other. It is also important to take into account each person’s situation and what will suit their needs. To me, it seems that one stands out far above the other.

The Patriot Power 1500


Undoubtedly, anyone looking for a solar generator is serious about spending a lot ofmoney to have one of the most important emergency preparedness items. Everyone will want to ensure they have the absolute best option to make sure their investment is worthwhile. The Patriot Power Generator 1500 is one of the most well-known ones on the market.

 

The Patriot comes in a general kit with solar panels, some bags of food storage, some books and other accessories.

Features of the Patriot Solar Generator:

Pros:

  • Strong Lithium Iron (not Ion) battery
  • The Pure Sine Wave inverter is 1,500-watts continuous and 3,000-watts peak
  • Uses a very common Anderson Powerpole charging port
  • Charges in 3.5hrs, due to its small 500watt battery.
  • Holds a charge for 6 months

Cons:

  • Only 500watt battery
  • Only inputs 150 watts of solar panels
  • Heavy 38lbs for what power is given
  • Does not use an MPPT controller to increase efficiency
  • No RV connection
  • Not expandable with other batteries
  • Does not have car charger capability
  • Costs $4.00 per watt in battery capacity ($2,000 cost for 500-watt battery)
  • Does not have many plugs

It all depends on what needs you must meet, so this may be a good fit for you. It has:

  • 2 AC/Wall outlets (120v)
  • 4 USB 2.0 Ports
  • 1 12v DC Port (cigarette lighter)
  • 1 12v DC Anderson Powerpole plug
  • 1 Wall charger plug

If this fits your needs then you can find it online from a few different dealers and get all squared away. I have been studying solar generators for multiple years now and have learned A LOT.

The Titan

Since most people are looking for the best bang for their buck when purchasing a fuelless generator, it is important to understand how far that “buck” will go. The Titan is the newest and most innovative solar generator on the market since its launch in 2019.

Unlike the Patriot, the Titan is still one of the most unknown solar generators on the market. That does not make it the weakest by any means. This is by far the best investment in a solar generator, period.

Pros:

  • Strong 2,00- watt-hour battery
  • Long-lasting Lithium-Ion battery
  • Pure Sine Wave 3,000-watt continuous and 6,000-watt peak inverter
  • Battery draw capacity is 1,500w (3,000w with two or more batteries)
  • 1,000 watts solar panel input, expands up to 2,000 watts when another battery is added
  • Uses common Anderson Powerpole connector
  • Easily charges in 2 hours
  • Can charge from multiple energy sources at once, such as wind and solar
  • Uses two highly efficient MPPT controller
  • Splits into two pieces, each weighing about 33lbs. allowing it to be easily portable
  • Has many plugs for powering lots of equipment
  • 5-year battery shelf life (will store for 5 years without needing a charge)
  • 2-year warranty on Power Module (top half)
  • 1-year warranty on battery (bottom half)
  • Stackable/expandable lithium-ion battery packs (can expand up to unlimited amount of batteries).
  • Can charge up to 10,000wh of battery capacity per day.

Cons:

  • 11hr car charge (takes a very long time to charge, however that is due to its safety measure to not overdraw from a car plug)

It has:

  • 6 AC/Wall outlets (120v)
  • 4 DC cigarette lighter plugs
  • 6 USB 2.0 plugs
  • 2 USB C plugs
  • 1 30amp RV plug
  • 2 Anderson Powerpole solar panel ports
  • 1 Car charging port
  • 1 Anderson external battery plug
  • 2 Wall charger plug
  • External fuses and Breakers as necessary

As most people will see, there is a reason why the Titan is liked so much more than the Patriot. The Titan brings so many benefits to the table that it makes every other generator, even gas and diesel, look second class.

Charge Time:

On average, there are about 5 hours per day where the maximum amount of solar power can be made. This means that a good generator must be able to charge from 0% back to 100% within that 5-hour period. Ideally, it should be able to charge in 5 hours while still running necessary equipment such as fans, fridge, freezer and so on.

The Patriot Power 1500 only takes 3.5 hours to charge but it is only charging 500 watts. So technically it is charging quickly but that’s only due to the small battery size. Sadly 500 watts is not a lot to run much equipment. An average fridge uses about 80 watts per hour, that means the Patriot will run a fridge for only 6 hours or so. The real concern is during the day the fridge needs to be run which means 80 watts is being used. If the Patriot is taking in 150 watts from solar panels that only leave 70 watts to go to the battery. 500 watts charged at 70 watts per hour takes 7+ hours to charge. This means the Patriot cannot run vital equipment and charge in a day.

On the contrary, the Titan’s input power from solar is 1,000 watts per hour. This means it could easily run an 80-watt fridge, a 50-watt freezer, two 50 watt fans, and many other items. If it was running all those items plus more which equaled 500 watts per hour there would still be another 500 watts going to the battery. At 500 watts per hour to the battery means it will charge from 0% to 100% in just about 4 hours. That’s while plenty of vital pieces of equipment are running! That’s true power.

Inverter Capacity

Looking at other solar generators, it is common to have an inverter size of 1500 watts. The Patriot, Kodiak, Goal Zero Lithium 1400 & 3000, Humless 1500 and other generators use 1500-watt continuous pure sine wave inverters. Most of those units have a 3,000-watt peak/surge as well. This is to say that they can run 1500 watts worth of energy continually without any issue.

They will run 1500 watts of energy for as long as the battery will last. That means on a 1,000-watt battery it will run 1500 watts non-stop for about 40 minutes, or 100 watts non-stop for 10 hours. This size inverter is great for most items such as fridges, fans, freezers, lights, chargers and so on. However, it is not strong enough to run heavier items such as chop/miter saws, power tools, heavy duty water pumps and so on. A larger inverter is necessary.

The Titan doesn’t have this restriction. The Titan is actually capable of running heavy duty items including those just mentioned, even welders. Not everyone will need to run such heavy equipment, but the point is to have options since we never know exactly what things we will need to run.

Weight

This is one of the most important parts of a portable solar generator. Portable is very different for each person. Some people can carry 50lbs in each hand, others can only carry 20lbs. I have found that no more than 35lbs seems to be the average for what most people can handle.

The Patriot weighs in right at 38lbs so it’s just barely above the comfort level of most people but is still manageable. The Titan is technically right over 60lbs which is too much for most people is way too to carry easily. Point Zero saw this flaw and decided to do something about it. This is where they put in the unique design to make the top and bottom separate from each other. This keeps each piece right around 30lbs so that it’s still easily moved around. There’s no way to reconnect it incorrectly.

The Patriot uses a Lithium Iron battery which works just as well as Lithium Ion but is considered more stable. The Titan uses Lithium Ion which has more power per pound and is still very safe. This is why the Titan has  4x the power capacity but the batteries weigh about the same.

For some people, “portable” means being able to carry it, for others it means it has wheels and can be carted around. For me, I find I need to be able to carry it one handed and lift it into a vehicle, place it on a shelf or whatever easily. For me, the Titan is easier than the Patriot because it’s lighter per piece.

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Final Thoughts

For many people, the Patriot will suit there needs and that is great since the whole point of getting prepared is to get prepared for your own needs. For thousands of people I’ve worked with in the last few years, the Titan is what they’ve been asking for. They want more power when they need it, but portable enough when they need to move it.

The Patriot costs about $2,000 and the Titan is not much more than that. In my opinion, the extra money far outweighs the Patriot since the Titan provides so much more capability, power, charge speed and all that I’ve previously mentioned.

“If you fail to prepare, you prepare for failure.” ~Benjamin Franklin

Continue ReadingPatriot Power Solar Generator the Best Option?

How Does A Solar Generator Work?

Do you live in an area that is prone to blackouts, hurricanes, tornadoes, high winds or any other event that could knock power out for a day or more?

Maybe you are simply looking to power an off-grid site such as a cabin, RV/camper, tiny home or campsite.

The best way to combat these power outages and have power off the grid is using solar energy. They don’t need fossil fuel, they are nearly silent, they recharge quickly and, in many cases, can be taken to other locations if needed.

The best way to harness solar power is by using solar generators, but how does a solar generator work? You’ll learn that plus other valuable information about solar generators in this article.

Click Here to See Complete Solar Backup Kits

 

What is a Solar Generator?

A solar generator is a compact electronic box that encompasses three main components, namely:

  • Batteries
  • Charge controller
  • An inverter

The generator draws energy from the sun via solar panels and stores it in a high-capacity battery. Through an inverter, the stored energy is released for use with a wide variety of devices and appliances at home, including smartphones, lights, laptops, and refrigerators.

Solar generators are an excellent power source for people who are concerned about the negative impact of diesel and petrol-powered generators on the environment. These generators don’t emit harmful emissions, thanks to the fact that they use renewable energy.

How Does a Solar Generator Work?

The best way to answer this question is by exploring the main components of a solar generator and their individual functions.

  • Battery – A solar generator has to store the energy it captures from the sun for later use. That’s the work of the battery. Lithium-ion batteries are more commonly used in solar generators, but you can also get lead-acid batteries. Lithium-Ion batteries have far more benefits than lead-acid batteries and in the long run are actually more affordable.
  • Charge Controller – The charge controller is an integral component of a solar power generator. Its primary purpose is to protect and promote the durability of the solar generator’s battery. Charge controllers normally have different characteristics for charging and discharging depending on your battery type. This is the brain of the generator.
  • Inverter – The work of an inverter is to convert the low DC (Direct Current) power from the battery into AC (Alternating Current) power that can be used to power various AC devices in your home. DC items can actually bypass the inverter completely since the electricity doesn’t need to be converted.

In short, a solar generator works by capturing energy from the sun via solar panels, storing the energy in its in-built battery, and converting the energy into AC power through an inverter before being released for use in household appliances and other electronic devices.

How Solar Connections WorkWhen integrated, the three components defined above make an efficient solar generator like the ones found on our page here. It’s worth noting that solar generators come in different types as outlined in the next section.

Types of Solar Generators

There are two major categories of solar generators, namely:

  • Solar backup generators
  • Portable solar power generators

Solar Backup Generators

If you are tired of constant power outages, a solar backup generator may be a practical solution for you. Solar backup generators are designed to provide an emergency backup in case of a power blackout. They usually have a high-wattage capacity and may be equipped with several batteries to maximize power storage.

These types of generators are designed to power the essential devices and electronics in your home, which may include lights, televisions, computers, and small to mid-range appliances. They are the most efficient power generators you can have without installing a complete system. They normally feature several AC outlets.

If you have high-wattage solar panels for your solar backup generator, it can take less than two days to charge your generator to full capacity, depending on the weather. This ensures that you have uninterrupted energy supply in your house, even during extended outages.

Unlike gas and diesel-powered generators, solar backup power generators are entirely silent and don’t emit carbon dioxide into the air. That means you can keep solar backup generators inside your house. You don’t have to leave them outside.

Despite their many benefits, these types of solar generators are not without some setbacks. They usually are quite heavy. You can have a hard time moving them around when you need to. It can also be quite expensive to purchase solar generators that deliver the same amount of power as their fossil fuel-powered counterparts.

This is why we recommend the Point Zero solar generator for solar backup systems. It has a unique feature where the battery packs can be disconnected from the main system so that each piece can be easily moved. This makes it the perfect setup for backup and for portability.

Click Here for Info on the Point Zero Solar Generator

Portable Solar Generators

With a portable solar power generator, you can enjoy the benefits of renewable electricity while on the go. Portable solar generators are usually lighter than their backup counterparts. You can easily pack, store, and move them around.

They are ideal for camping, outdoor events, and emergencies. They can also serve as small backup sources. While these types of solar generators have a low-wattage capacity, they still can power devices such as smartphones, portable televisions, small appliances,laptops, and lights for considerably long time periods. Moreover, you can usually charge these types of solar generators through AC outlet or with a car adaptor.


Once a portable solar generator runs out of power, the solar panels will effectively recharge its battery for subsequent usage. Some portable solar generators are equipped with a luggage-like pull handle or a simple handle on top to enhance portability.

One of the significant disadvantages of portable solar power generators is that they don’t have adequate wattage to power larger appliances. You might be able to power your refrigerator, but you shouldn’t expect it to last long. Running anything that uses 220v such as a dryer is definitely out of the question.

Another setback is that these generators can take a very long time to charge if you are using low-wattage solar panels. If you are a heavy user who needs to recharge your generator daily, you might need to invest in more expensive solar panels to reliably use your portable solar generator. It is important to understand how fast the generator can charge.

Review the generators battery capacity as well as charge capacity. If the battery is 1,000 watts and the charge capacity is 150 watts it won’t work well. You should count on roughly 5 hours a day for charging. 150 watts charge capacity x 5 hours a day = 750 watts produced a day. That’s not enough to recharge the battery in a day.

Nonetheless, portable solar generators remain an excellent and convenient way to ensure uninterrupted power supply while on the go. They’re typically so small that you can easily carry them in your car’s trunk. They also can come in handy during an emergency at home or when on a road trip.

It’s worth noting that you can purchase solar generators as separate components or as a single package. That brings us to what is known as solar generator kits.

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Solar Generator Kits

When it comes to investing in a solar generator system, you’ll have to acquire several different items: solar panels, charge controllers, and solar generators. All of the above are normally sold separately. It can be overwhelming to look for components that are compatible with each in order to put together a fully functional generator.

Moreover, trying to set up a solar generator can lead to costly mistakes such as miswiring components—that’s where solar generator kits come in handy. For example: simply touching the wrong wires together when building a DIY Lithium solar generator will cause the batteries to completely die, costing hundreds of dollars. A solar generator kit groups all the components together in a single package making it much easier.

Solar generator kits also typically come with components manufactured by one company. So, you’ll generally get panels that are made specifically for your generator. You’ll also get the right charge controller for your system, so you don’t have to worry about your generator’s battery getting damaged due to overcharging.

In this case with PoweredPortableSolar.com, we obtain parts from different manufacturers because we have found these manufacturers to have the absolute best equipment. So we make our own kits that ensure the highest quality using different manufacturers.

There’s a wide selection of solar generators available on the market today, and there are numerous factors to consider to ensure you get the best unit for your needs.

Three Main Factors To Consider When Looking for The Best Solar Generator

  • Battery Capacity – Battery storage capacity is an important thing to look for when determining the usability of a solar generator. Higher capacity means that your generator will keep your devices running for a longer period before it needs to be recharged. So, be sure to go for the highest possible battery capacity for your budget.
  • Inverter Rating – If your solar generator has a low inverter rating, you might not be able to use high-wattage devices and appliances. Be sure to get a generator with an inverter rating that corresponds with the wattage of items you’re planning to power with the generator.

Some solar generators are equipped with inverter chargers. These generators can obtain battery power via other sources apart from solar panels. You might consider investing in these types of generators if you are looking to use high-wattage devices and appliances.

  • Portability –Look for a solar generator that is easy to carry around. If you’re going for a backup solar generator, it’s advisable to choose one that has wheels and extended handles to enhance portability.

When it comes to choosing portable solar charges, some are designed to be more portable than others. Therefore, be sure to select a unit that has properly-designed handles and is relatively lightweight.

In Conclusion

If you are located in a place with no grid power, you’re looking a more cost-effective source of energy, or you want to ensure you have constant power supply even during power outages, solar generators are a solid option. These generators have numerous advantages compared to their fossil fuel-powered counterparts. They get energy from the sun and hence don’t release harmful emissions. They are also very quiet, so you can keep them inside your house. They also require almost no maintenance. Moreover, you’ll always have peace of mind that you have an uninterrupted power supply, no matter what happens to your grid power.

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Continue ReadingHow Does A Solar Generator Work?