This post breaks down the top three most affordable solar generators that deliver the highest long-term value.
Each model has a different battery size and is the cheapest system compared to its competition. The battery capacities of these models range from 240-1,500Wh and cost between $200 and $800.
I’ve factored out other systems that had the following concerns:
- Came from an unestablished or unknown brand
- Had mixed customer feedback/ratings/reviews
Below you’ll find my top three cheapest solar generators listed out along with some of their highlights and features. But first, you should know my process for selecting these power stations.
My Ranking Process – What’s Involved In It?
I picked each model considering its price as well as its battery cycle life compared to its competition. Most solar generators have similar performance in terms of input and output power, so the long-term value was most important in my ranking process.
- In addition to low pricing, understanding how long each one lasts is crucial for solving lifetime value. This is done by reviewing the rated cycle life of each solar generator’s battery.
- For each model I compare the actual cost over the lifetime of each solar generator. Most notable are the Bluetti models due to their long-lasting batteries.
1. Cheapest Small Solar Generator – Jackery Explorer 240
 |
| Highlights: – 4.8/5 avg. customer rating on Amazon (over 10k ratings) – Simple, easy-to-use design |
| Price: $200 (Amazon) |
| Battery Capacity: 240Wh |
| Battery Cycle Life: 500 cycles to 80% capacity |
| Usable Power to 80% Battery Capacity*: 120kWh |
| Cost Per Usable kWh**: $1.67 / kWh |
2. Cheapest 500W Solar Generator – Bluetti EB55
 |
| Highlights: – 2,500 battery lifecycles (lasts longer than most of the competition) – LiFePO4 battery – High-powered AC ports – rated for 700W continuous (1,400W surge) |
| Price: $500 (Amazon) |
| Battery Capacity: 537Wh |
| Battery Cycle Life: 2,500 cycles to 80% capacity |
| Usable Power to 80% Battery Capacity*: 1,342.5kWh |
| Cost Per Usable kWh**: $0.37 / kWh |
3. Cheapest 1,000W+ Solar Generator – Bluetti EB150
 |
| Highlights: – 2,500 battery lifecycles – $500-$1,000 cheaper than similar-sized systems (i.e. Jackery 1500 & Yeti 1500X) |
| Price: $800 (Amazon) |
| Battery Capacity: 1,500Wh |
| Battery Cycle Life: 2,500 cycles to 80% capacity |
| Usable Power to 80% Battery Capacity*: 3,750kWh |
| Cost Per Usable kWh**: $0.29 / kWh |
If you’d like to dive into the specifics of what makes a solar generator worth buying, I recommend checking out my informational post here: Are Solar Generators Worth the Money? How To Decide.
1. Jackery Explorer 240
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and easy to carry | Only four output port options |
| Inexpensive versus competitors | No USB-C ports |
| High ratings on Amazon (4.8/5) with over 10k ratings | Longer charging times compared to the competition |
The Jackery Explorer 240 is a portable power station designed for on-the-go power needs. Indoor or outdoor, regardless of where you need power, you can count on this compact and affordable unit.
In terms of its battery, Jackery Explorer 240 has an inbuilt 240 watt-hour (16.8Ah, 14.4V) lithium-ion battery.
The power station will automatically turn off in 6 hours when power is being drawn under 10W to ensure power saving.
It weighs just 6.6 lbs which makes it super portable. It is built for outdoor recreational activities, camping, and emergency power needs.
The Jackery power station features an AC outlet (110V 200W 400W Peak), 2 USB-A ports, and one 12V DC car port. It also features an LCD display screen.
This gives you a clear picture of power use, the battery level, and helps you visualize the discharge rate. Its backlight feature also enables easy reading under the sun.
Key Features & Specifications
| Dimensions | 5.19 x 9.05 x 7.67 inches |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs (3 kg) |
| Battery Capacity | 240Wh (14.4V, 16.8Ah) |
| Cell Chemistry | Lithium-ion NMC |
| AC Power Output | 200W continuous (400W surge) |
| Battery Cycle Life | ≥500 cycles to 80% battery capacity |
| Warranty | 24 months |
Although the Explorer 240’s specifications don’t really stand out compared to similar models, its low price creates a higher value to those who don’t mind its simple layout and few port options.
Jackery Explorer 240 vs. Yeti 200X vs. EcoFlow River
Both the Yeti 200X and EcoFlow River came out years after the Explorer 240. Due to this difference, you can see that the newer models have better port options as well as recharging times.
However, the Jackery 240 has continued to be a top-selling power station over the years because it is reliable, inexpensive, and easy to use.
Check out the differences between these systems below.
| Model | Jackery Explorer 240 | Goal Zero Yeti 200X | EcoFlow River 600 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image | |  |  |
| Battery Capacity | 240Wh | 187Wh | 288Wh+ |
| Price | $200 | $300 | $300-$350 |
| Battery Cycle Life | 500 cycles to 80% capacity | 500 cycles to 80% capacity | 500 cycles to 80% capacity |
| Output Ports | 1x 110V AC port (200W continuous, 400W peak) 1x DC car port (12V, 10A) 2x Standard USB-A ports (12W max per port) | 1x AC port (120W continuous, 200W peak) 1x 6mm port (12V, 10A) 1x DC car port (12V, 10A) 2x Standard USB-A ports (12W max per port) 1x USB-C port (18W max) 1x USB-C PD port (60W max) | 3x 120V AC ports (600W continuous, 1,200W peak) 1x DC car port (13.6V, 10A) 2x DC5521 ports (13.6V, 3A max per port) 1x USB-C port (100W max) 1x USB-A Fast Charge (28W max) 2x Standard USB-A ports (12W max per port) |
| Charge Times | AC Wall Charging: 7 hours Solar Charging (at max input of 65W): 7 hours Car Charging: 6.5 hours | AC Wall Charger (60W): 4.5 hours Solar Charging (at max input of 100W): 1.9 hours | AC Wall Charging: 1.6 hours Solar Charging (at max input of 200W): 1.6-3 hours Car Charging: 3 hours |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs | 5 lbs | 11 lbs |
| Individual Review | Jackery Explorer 240 Review | Goal Zero Yeti 200X Review | EcoFlow River Max Review |
As you can see, the Yeti 200X and EcoFlow River offer more options for recharging or powering devices/appliances.
If you don’t need USB-C ports as well as the fastest possibly recharging times, then the Explorer 240 may be the right system for you.
However, everyone’s off-grid power needs are different.
In The Box
- 1x Explorer 240 power station
- 1x AC adapter
- 1x Car charger cable
- 1x User guide
Verdict
The Jackery 240W unit is an excellent backup power source for people who don’t need advanced port options. If you want updated tech along with additional features, you can find better models out there. But for the price, the Explorer 240 can be a simple solution to off-grid energy.
You can read more information on the Explorer 240 in my review post found here: The Jackery Explorer 240 Review – Solar Charger for the Outdoors.
Next up is a larger and more advanced solar generator with over ten output ports, one of which is a wireless charging port.
2. Bluetti EB55
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lasts much longer than the average 500Wh systems at 2,500 cycles – Typically 500 cycles | Heavy for its battery size |
| 13 total output ports | LCD screen only shows charging status in 20% increments |
| Powerful AC ports | Only one USB-C port |
Bluetti is one of a handful of popular solar generator companies. Throughout the years they’ve continued to innovate their power stations with advanced features while also keeping their prices competitive.
The EB55 is one of the smallest portable power stations to feature a LiFePO4 battery. This adds a lot of value to it because most similar models from other brands use a lithium-ion battery, which tends to limit its overall lifespan.
Along with good internals are its output ports. The EB55 has thirteen outputs:
- 4x AC ports
- 5x USB ports
- 1x Wireless port
- 3x 12V ports
I’ll be covering the specs of each port in my comparison table below, but one feature I want to highlight is its AC power. With its four AC ports, you can get a total of 700W of continuous power. This is higher than most other 500Wh power stations.
Its battery is also longer lasting than several other similar competitors.
At 16.5 lbs, it’s not meant for long-distance carry, but it can be a useful tool at a campsite, a tailgate, for van living, or in your home as a backup power source.
Key Features & Specifications
| Dimensions | 10.94 x 7.87 x 7.79 inches |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs |
| Battery Capacity | 537Wh |
| Cell Chemistry | LiFePO4 |
| AC Power Output | 700W continuous (1,400W surge) |
| Battery Cycle Life | 2,500+ cycles to 80% battery capacity |
| Warranty | 24 months |
With its basic specs in mind, I’ll be comparing it to yet again another Goal Zero and EcoFlow power station.
Bluetti EB55 vs. Yeti 500X vs. EcoFlow River Max
| Model | Bluetti EB55 | Goal Zero Yeti 500X | EcoFlow River 600 Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image | |  |  |
| Battery Capacity | 537Wh | 505Wh | 576Wh |
| Price | $500 | $700 | $450-500 |
| Battery Cycle Life | 2,500+ cycles to 80% capacity | 500 cycles to 80% capacity | 500 cycles to 80% capacity |
| Output Ports | 4x 110V AC ports (700W continuous, 1,400W peak) 1x DC car port (12V, 10A) 2x DC ports (12V, 3A max per port) 1x USB-C port (100W max) 4x USB-A ports (15W max per port) 1x Wireless charging pad (15W max) | 2x AC ports (300W continuous, 1,200W peak) 1x 6mm port (12V, 10A) 1x DC car port (12V, 10A) 2x Standard USB-A ports (12W max per port) 1x USB-C port (18W max) 1x USB-C PD port (60W max) | 3x 120V AC ports (600W continuous, 1,200W peak) 1x DC car port (13.6V, 10A) 2x DC5521 ports (13.6V, 3A max per port) 1x USB-C port (100W max) 1x USB-A Fast Charge (28W max) 2x Standard USB-A ports (12W max per port) |
| Charge Times | AC Wall Charger (200W): 3.2 hours Solar Charging (at max input of 200W): 2.7 hours Car Charging: 6 hours (12V), 3 hours (24V) | AC Wall charger (60W): 10 hours Car charger (120W): 4.5 hours Solar Charging (at max input of 150W): 3.4 hours | AC Wall Charging: 96 minutes Solar Charging (at max input of 200W): 2.9 hours Car Charging: 6.5 hours |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs | 12.9 lbs | 17 lbs |
| Individual Review | N/A | Goal Zero Yeti 500X Review | EcoFlow River Max Review |
Looking at what each model offers and then reviewing prices, the EcoFlow River Max is quite competitive with the Bluetti EB55. In fact, I own the River Max because I was impressed with its features.
I like my River Max and would recommend it to anyone who wants some cool features that aren’t found in the EB55, including:
- Pairing the River Max with your smartphone with the EcoFlow App
- Fastest recharging time from a wall charger
- The ability to remove one of the batteries for a lighter and more portable system
However, what sets the EB55 apart from the River Max in terms of long-term value is its battery cycle life, which is five times higher than the River, at 2,500 cycles.
This means that if you were to use both the River Max and EB55 every day, the EB55 would last about 5.5 years longer than the River.
| Model | Bluetti EB55 | EcoFlow River Max |
|---|---|---|
| Rated Battery Cycle Life | 2,500 cycles to 80% | 500 cycles to 80% |
| Years of Daily Use (1x cycle/day to 80% capacity) | 6.85 years | 1.37 years |
In The Box
- 1x EB55 power station
- 1x 200W AC adapter & charging cable
- 1x Solar charging cable (MC4 to XT60-F)
- 1x Car charging cable (Car to XT60-F)
- 1x User manual
Verdict
It’s clear that when you combine the initial price, specs/features, and battery longevity together, you can distinguish which power station carries the most value for your money.
In the 500Wh range, the EB55 is the best system you can get for a return on your investment.
But there may be features on one system that fit your situation better.
You can check out my review and testing of the River Max power station for a closer look at what it can do.
Since it can be paired to your smartphone, there are a lot of additional features that I didn’t cover in this comparison: EcoFlow River 600 Review – Testing My River Max + Comparisons.
3. Bluetti EB150
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Costs significantly less than competitors | AC power is much less than the competition |
| Long battery cycle life | Not as many advanced features compared to competitors |
| 5x USB ports (4x USB-A, 1x USB-C) | 12V car port output is rated for 9A (most others are 10A) |
As solar generators increase in battery size, there are fewer competitors. With less competition, it can be difficult to find an outlier that has both high value as well as a low price.
Since Bluetti has several solar generator models that were created after the EB150 model (with more features and higher performance specs), this model has lowered in price with each successor.
The EB150 isn’t the most advanced solar generator, but it carries the fundamentals of a good system, which allows it to retain its value to this day:
- Long battery cycle life
- Multiple useful port options
- Fast recharging times
- Intuitive LCD screen
Key Features & Specifications
| Dimensions | 14.6 x 6.5 x 14.4 inches |
| Weight | 37.9 lbs |
| Battery Capacity | 1,500Wh |
| Cell Chemistry | Lithium-ion |
| AC Power Output | 1,000W continuous (1,200W surge) |
| Battery Cycle Life | 2,500+ cycles to 80% battery capacity |
| Warranty | 12 months |
Looking at the table above, the EB150 has an average weight for its battery size, long cycle life, and compact dimensions.
One specification to take into account is its AC power output, which is below average as seen in the comparison table below.
Bluetti EB150 vs. Yeti 1500X vs. Jackery 1500
| Model | Bluetti EB150 | Goal Zero Yeti 1500X | Jackery Explorer 1500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image | |  |  |
| Battery Capacity | 1,500Wh | 1,516Wh | 1,534Wh |
| Price | $800 | $2,000 | $1,600 |
| Battery Cycle Life | 2,500+ cycles to 80% capacity | 500 cycles to 80% capacity | 500 cycles to 80% capacity |
| Output Ports | 2x AC ports (1,000W continuous, 1,200W peak) 1x DC car port (12V, 9A) 1x USB-C port (45W max) 4x USB-A ports (15W max per port) | 2x AC ports (2,000W continuous, 3,500W surge) 2x 6mm port (12V, 10A) 1x DC car port (12V, 13A) 1x 12V High Power Port (12V, 30A) 2x Standard USB-A ports (12W max per port) 1x USB-C port (18W max) 1x USB-C PD port (60W max) | 3x AC ports (1,800W continuous, 3,600W surge) 1x DC car port (12V, 10A) 1x Standard USB-A port (12W max) 1x USB-A QC 3.0 port (18W max) 1x USB-C PD port (60W max) |
| Charge Times | AC Wall Charger (200W): 8 hours Solar Charging (at max input of 500W): 3 hours | AC Wall Charger (120W): 14 hours Solar Charging (at max input of 600W): 2.5 hours | AC Wall Charger: 6 hours Solar Charging (at max input of 500W): 3 hours Car Charger (120W): 13 hours |
| Weight | 37.9 lbs | 45.64 lbs | 35.2 lbs |
What seems to be standing out in this table are a few things when comparing the EB150 to the others:
- AC port output – 800-1,000W lower continuous output
- DC car port output – 9A versus 10A and 13A
- Price – $500-$900 cheaper
- Battery cycle life – 5x higher
- Charge times – Competitive to the others
The main detriment of the EB150 compared to the Yeti 1500X and Explorer 1500 is its AC port output. If you need to run high-powered appliances, you will need to make sure they can run with the EB150.
For example, most large space heaters are rated at 1,500W. Both the Yeti 1500X and Explorer 1500 can run this appliance, but the EB150 can’t in most cases.
The two things that separate the EB150 from the others are its price and battery cycle life.
For the same price as the Jackery 1500, you can get the EB150 and an EB55. You can almost get two EB150s for the price of the Yeti 1500X. Because the price difference is so vast, the EB150 delivers a great value depending on the power needs of the one using it.
The second is battery cycle life. At 2,500 cycles, the Bluetti creates another vast difference compared to the others. The Yeti 1500X and Jackery 1500 have the same 500-cycle lifespan until reaching the typical 80% capacity.
If your battery will last five times longer than another one, that is literally five times the value so long as the other features correlate to your needs.
To add to this, you can get the larger Bluetti EB240 model (Amazon link) with 2,400Wh of battery power for $1,400-$1,500. It has all of the same features as the EB150 except for its larger battery.
In The Box
- 1x EB150 power station
- 1x AC wall charger (200W)
- 1x Solar charging cable(DC7909 to MC4, 1.7 meters)
- 1x Manual
Verdict
Overall, for what it can do, the EB150 is clearly the cheapest solar generator you can get in the 1,500Wh range – while also retaining high-quality features.
Of course, it doesn’t perform as well as some of its competitors in terms of AC output as well as a few other enhancements, but it retains the core of what makes a solar generator valuable longterm:
- Long cycle life
- Fast recharging times
- Practical port options