With limited space for solar panels, finding the right solar generator for your apartment or condo might be a confusing quest.
I’ve considered the fact that most people in an apartment or condo don’t have space for multiple solar panels to either:
- Hang from windows, or,
- Set up on a balcony
So I factored out the largest models available since they need a lot of solar power to charge up.
The best solar generator for apartments is the Bluetti AC200P due to its high battery capacity, power output, and number of output ports. It also has a long-lasting LiFePO4 battery, an LCD touchscreen, and relatively low price.
However, the AC200P may be too big for some people. Due to this, my three recommendations all have different battery sizes and output capabilities.
Below is an overview of the solar generators we are going to discuss.
Quick View – Top 3 Apartment/Condo Solar Generators
| Generator Model | Bluetti AC200P | Jackery Explorer 1000 | EcoFlow River Max | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|  |  | ||||
| Battery Capacity | 2,000Wh | 1,002Wh | 576Wh | |||
| AC Output | 2,000W continuous (4,800W surge) | 1,000W continuous (2,000W surge) | 600W continuous (1,200W surge) | |||
| Weight | 60.6 lbs | 22 lbs | 17 lbs | |||
| Dimensions | 16.5 x 11 x 15.1 in | 13.1 x 9.2 x 11.1 in | 11.4 x 7.3 x 9.3 in | |||
| Price | $1,400-1,600 | $1,000-1,200 | $450-550 | |||
| Where to Find | Amazon | Amazon | EcoFlow |
Similar: 3 Best Solar Generators for Off-Grid Living
1. Bluetti AC200P
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Large & long-lasting battery | 1. Heavy (60.6 lbs) – Limited portability |
| 2. Multiple output ports (17 total) | 2. No roll cart for easier maneuverability |
| 3. High AC power output (2,000W continuous) | 3. May not solar charge fast w/ limited apartment space |
The Bluetti AC200P is the predecessor to the AC200MAX, which has a few upgrades that may make it a more desireable system for some. However, the AC200P has several of the same features and comes at a lower cost compared to the newer AC200MAX.
The reason it’s number one on my list is because it has:
- Enough battery power to keep your fridge running for about one day
- Multiple output ports to charge and power most electronics and/or appliances
- A LiFePO4 battery, which extends the overall lifetime of the system over lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries
Specifications of the Bluetti AC200P
| Model | Bluetti AC200P |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 2,000Wh |
| Battery Type | LiFePO4 |
| Battery Cycle Life | 3,500 cycles to 80% capacity |
| Weight | 60.6 lbs |
| Recharging Speed | AC charging: 5-6 hours Solar charging: 3.5-4 hours (@ 700W max) |
| Output Ports | 6x AC outlets: 2,000W (4,800W surge) 1x DC 12V/25A 1x DC 12V/10A 2x DC 12V/3A 4x USB-A 1x USB-C PD 2x Wireless charging ports |
What the AC200P Can Power
| Device/Appliance | Est. Recharges/Runtimes |
|---|---|
| Smartphone (12Wh) | 165 recharges |
| Laptop (55Wh) | 35 recharges |
| CPAP (65W) | 30 hours |
| 42″ LED TV (100W) | 17 hours |
| Microwave (950W) | 1.8 hours |
| Full-Size Refrigerator (80W) | 22 hours |
| Space Heater (1,500W) | 1 hour |
Best Uses for the Bluetti AC200P
The AC200P is ideal for powering your fridge along with other large appliances when the power goes out. It has a large battery, so it may take a long time to recharge from an apartment or condo with solar panels.
However, it has the highest power output, biggest battery, and the most port options of the three systems mentioned in this post.
It can also be used to power several USB and 12V DC devices at the same time.
2. Jackery Explorer 1000
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Lightweight for battery size (22 lbs) | 1. Average battery cycle life (500 cycles to 80%) |
| 2. Labeled port sections make it easy to use | 2. Limited solar input (163W max) |
| 3. Large battery & powerful AC output | 3. No 60W USB-C (has two 18W USB-Cs) |
The Jackery Explorer 1000 has a battery capacity of 1,002Wh and 1,000W rated power with 2,000W surge power. The Jackery Explorer 1000 also features multiple charge/discharge ports.
Additionally, the Explorer 1000 solar generator meets the power supply needs of most power electrical appliances. As an added feature, it has an LCD screen that shows the charge/discharge status.
Specifications
| Model | Jackery Explorer 1000 |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 1,002Wh |
| Battery Type | Li-ion NMC |
| Battery Cycle Life | 500 cycles to 80% capacity |
| Weight | 22 lbs |
| Recharging Speed | AC charging: 7 hours Solar charging: 8 hours (@ 163W max input) |
| Output Ports | 1x 12V DC Car Port 2x 18W USB-C ports 2x USB-A ports (5V, 2.4A & Quick Charge 3.0) 3x AC Outputs – 1,000W continuous (2,000W surge) |
What the Jackery Explorer 1000 Can Power
| Device/Appliance | Est. Recharges/Runtimes |
|---|---|
| Smartphone (12Wh) | 85 recharges |
| Laptop (55Wh) | 18 recharges |
| CPAP (65W) | 15 hours |
| 42″ LED TV (100W) | 8.2 hours |
| Microwave (950W) | 50 minutes |
| Full-Size Refrigerator (80W) | 10 hours |
Best Uses for the Jackery 1000
Being about one-third the weight of the Bluetti AC200P, the Jackery 1000 can be carried from room to room in your apartment if needed. It’s AC ports can power multiple large appliances with its 1,000W output.
This model is ideal for short-term backup power.
My review of the Jackery 1000 can be found here: Jackery Explorer 1000 Power Station Review – Complete Value Analysis.
3. EcoFlow River Max
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. App-enabled via WiFi (EcoFlow app) | 1. Average battery cycle life (500 cycles to 80%) |
| 2. Fast solar charging (200W max) | 2. Won’t run large appliances for extended periods of time |
| 3. High AC output for size (600W continuous) | 3. Uses uncommon XT60 solar input |
Although smaller in battery capacity than the previous two options, the EcoFlow River Max has several features that make it a versatile solar generator for your apartment.
It can run appliances at 600W continuously, which is only one a few solar generators in the 500-600Wh battery size to have this capability.
Equally as important as output power is recharging speed, which is also impressive for its size (200W max solar input).
Lastly, it is compatible with the EcoFlow app over WiFi. The app includes several settings that aren’t usually found in other systems. What does this do for you? It allows for customizability.
Specifications of the EcoFlow River Max
| Model | EcoFlow River Max |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 576Wh |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Cycle Life | 500 cycles to 80% capacity |
| Weight | 17 lbs |
| Recharging Speed | AC charging: 1.6 hours Solar charging: 3-4 hours (@ 200W max) |
| Output Ports | 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) |
What the River Max Can Power
| Device/Appliance | Est. Recharges/Runtimes |
|---|---|
| Smartphone (12Wh) | 45 recharges |
| Laptop (55Wh) | 10 recharges |
| CPAP (65W) | 9 hours |
| 42″ LED TV (100W) | 5 hours |
| Small Space Heater (500W) | 1 hour |
Best Uses for the EcoFlow River Max
If you want a system that you can customize to your liking, then this is a top pick.
It can power large appliances for short periods if needed, and it can charge your devices via USB and 12V DC ports. It has a 100W USB-C output, which can recharge your laptop fast.
Although it won’t be able to power as many large appliances like the AC200P and Jackery 1000, it still packs a punch with its 600W AC output.
Honorable Mention: Jackery Explorer 240
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Simple design makes it easy to use | 1. No USB-C output (only USB-A) |
| 2. Inexpensive compared to similar models | 2. Only four outputs (below average) |
| 3. Compact & portable (6.6 lbs) | 3. Relatively slow recharging rate |
With the Explorer 240, you can charge your smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even small appliances like electric blankets, mini coolers, etc.
It’s not very powerful, but it can be a great option for recharging devices if the power goes out.
Specs – Jackery 240
| Model | Jackery Explorer 240 |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 240Wh |
| Battery Type | Li-ion NMC |
| Battery Cycle Life | 500 cycles to 80% capacity |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs |
| Dimensions | 9.0 x 7.8 x 5.2 in |
| Recharging Speed | AC charging: 8 hours Car charging: 8 hours Solar charging: 8-10 hours |
| Output Ports | 1x 120W car port output 2x USB-A ports (5V, 2.4A) 1x AC Output (200W continuous, 400W surge) |
What the Jackery Explorer 240 Can Power
| Device/Appliance | Est. Recharges/Runtimes |
|---|---|
| Smartphone (12Wh) | 20 recharges |
| Laptop (55Wh) | 4 recharges |
| CPAP (65W) | 3.5 hours |
| 42″ LED TV (100W) | 2 hours |
Best Uses for the Jackery Explorer 240
The Explorer 240 makes for an ideal phone or laptop charger when you need it. It’s small and can be stored easily without taking up much space.
If the power goes out in your apartment, this power station can be a reliable backup charger for your phone.
For more information, you can check out my review of the Jackery 240 here. For a slightly larger Jackery model with updated ports, I recommend reading my in-depth review of the Jackery Explorer 300 here: Jackery Explorer 300 Review & Test (Plus Comparisons).
Best Solar Panels for Apartments
The best solar panels for apartments are portable because they’re versatile at capturing sunlight and can be easily stored when not in use. Portable solar panels tend to have both mounting holes (to hang them up) and kickstands to use on your balcony.
Each of the solar generator models mentioned in this post has portable solar panels available from their own brands, but there are also compatible third-party companies that offer similar panels.
Below are my top picks for your condo or apartment, but I also recommend doing some research on your own because there are several different models and types to choose from.
1. Elecaenta 120W Portable Solar Panel
I use this solar panel to charge most of my portable power stations. In fact, I bought a second one to charge them even faster!
The Elecaenta panel has both grommets (mounting holes) and a kickstand to give you options for charging.
It also folds four times over and locks into place with two buckles for storage.
Overall, this solar panel is great for using in small spaces, which is why it’s my #1 pick for use in an apartment.
You can read my review of the Elecaenta panel to get a better picture of its capabilities.
2. ALLPOWERS 100W Portable Solar Panel
The ALLPOWERS portable panel offers a unique styling for efficient charging as well as storage. It has one of the smallest footprints when it’s completely folded, so you can keep it stowed away in a closet when not using it.
When using it to charge up your solar generator, it has mounting loops to hang it up outside.
If your apartment doesn’t have a balcony, you can hang it outside your window using its loops.
3. Renogy 200W Foldable Solar Panel
This is a larger panel than the others, both in input power and in weight. The Renogy 200W panel folds once over and uses its kickstand to charge up your power station.
Renogy has a wide variety of panels to choose from, and this one is one of their “suitcase-styled” models.
It’s not going to be as easy to store as the other models, but its output is about twice as much.
The ideal use of this panel for a condo or apartment is on a balcony.
Although it’s not my first choice, I wanted to show you this style in case you’re looking for a sturdy solar panel with a lot of power.
How to Hook up Solar Panels in Your Apartment
If you have a balcony, a solar panel with a kickstand can be used to charge your solar generator with relative ease.
However, you can also use the mounting loops/holes on these types of panels to hang them up to charge effectively. This can be used with or without a balcony.
1. Get the Solar Panel Mounted
For use on a balcony, place the solar panel on a table with its kickstand to keep the balcony’s handrail from blocking sunlight to the panel
Without a balcony, you can use the mounting holes on the panel to hang outside your window
2. Use Extended Cables if Needed
If you have a large portable power station that you intend to solar charge, you may want to keep it in a location where it doesn’t need to be moved every time you need to charge it.
This can be done by getting solar panel extension cables. Some of these types of cables can give you up to an additional 30 feet of wiring.
However, note that the longer your cable is, the more power you lose from the panel. Typically, the power loss is not significant (5-10W max), but this depends on how long your cable is.
3. Connect to Your Power Station
Lastly, simply connect your solar panel cable into your solar generator’s input port. Make sure that the solar panel’s output adapter is compatible with your solar generator’s input.
If it isn’t, then you would need to buy the appropriate adapter for a successful connection.
