As solar generators are gaining more popularity, the market is getting flooded with options.
Although there are multiple factors to review in a solar generator before you make the choice to get one, a common feature that can be overlooked is the addition of an MPPT charge controller.
These MPPT’s allow for the most efficient charging process. The faster your solar generator’s battery charges, the more accessible it is to you.
The following is a table highlighting a variety of solar generators with MPPTs.
| Titan | River 600 | Yeti 500X | Flex | EB150 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2,000Wh | 288Wh | 505Wh | 1,069Wh | 1,500Wh |
| Expandable? | Y | Y | N | Y | N |
| AC Output | 3,000W (6,000W Surge) | 600W (1,200W Surge) | 300W (1,200W Surge) | 1,500W (3,000W Surge) | 1,000W (1,200W Surge) |
| Weight | 67 lbs | 11 lbs | 12.9 lbs | 30 lbs | 37.9 lbs |
Although the above models aren’t the only ones with MPPTs, they have individual qualities that make them ideal for recharging. Below, I dive deeper into why I chose each model.
1. Titan Solar Generator by Point Zero Energy
Basic Product Specs & Features
- 2x MPPT charge controllers (allows up to 2,000W of solar input w/ 2x batteries attached)
- 2,000 watt-hour battery
- 3,000-watt high-efficiency inverter capable of producing 6,000 watts of peak power
- 67 pounds — 32 pounds without the battery
- Fast charging using AC charger — can also jump-start it and charge using a car’s cigarette lighter port
- (6) 15A outlets, (1) 30A RV outlet
- (4) 12V ports
- (6) smart USB, (2) USB-C ports
Product Overview
Touted as the most versatile portable generator on the market, the Titan Solar Generator has a slew of features and benefits that will be sure to please.
This solar generator was designed with quality in mind so that you can rest assured knowing you’ll have solar power anywhere and everywhere you go.
One of the innovative techniques employed in this Titan unit is the removable and expandable battery that comes included.
Being easily removable, replacing old and worn-out batteries will be a breeze — as will transportation since you can remove the battery and carry it separately from the rest of the unit!
Combining that with the ability to add more battery packs to expand the storage capacity, this Titan generator will allow you to customize your battery needs for your personal uses and situations.
The included battery has a storage capacity of 2kWh, more than enough to power most things you’d be using a generator for all day.
The reason why the Titan is #1 on this list is that it’s the only solar generator that has two MPPT charge controllers within it. This comes standard in every Titan.
Each MPPT allows for up to 1,000W of solar panel input. With one battery, the company that makes the Titan recommends maxing out at 1,000W of solar. But with two batteries attached (like the image above), you can utilize up to 2,000W of solar input.
Although there is at least one competitor to the Titan in terms of solar input power (the Bluetti EP500Pro), the Titan has been available for a much longer time period, allowing users to experience the Titan and test if it lives up to its specifications. This is why the Titan is considered the best solar generator with an MPPT charge controller.
The Titan generator comes with a massive 3,000-watt pure sine wave inverter that is twice as powerful as what you’ll find on most typical solar generators.
The great thing about this powerful inverter is that it’s of high enough quality so that it runs efficiently — even more so than much smaller inverters!
The charge controller used on the Titan is also of the highest quality, capable of handling 145 volts which is upwards of three times more than typical charge controllers.
The benefit of this is that your solar panels can run lower amps and be more efficient as well.
This also enables you to fully charge the system in only four hours, and you can additional chargers as needed if you expand the battery packs.
Pros:
- High-capacity battery which can also be removed and expanded easily
- Powerful, high-efficiency inverter
- All sorts of outlets for you to plug your devices into
- Fast charging with multiple ways to charge
Cons:
- Expensive and often back-ordered
- Cannot be paralleled together with other units to produce 240V
Overall, the Titan is a force to be reckoned with as it has high input and output power, battery expansion, and long-lasting batteries.
It is clear that this solar generator sets the standard for MPPT charging.
You can read additional product details and comparisons in my review of the Titan here: Titan Solar Generator Review – The Best Large Solar Generator?
Similar: Top 15 Best Solar Generators for Camping (Small to Large)
2. EcoFlow River 600
Basic Product Specs & Features
- MPPT allows for up to 200W of solar panel input
- Modular design – You can add an expansion battery to the bottom of the unit for extended power
- 288 watt-hour battery capacity for single R600
- Smart 600-watt inverter can downgrade/upgrade the output needed from larger devices to run them more efficiently
- Incredibly fast charging from all three methods (solar, wall, car)
Product Overview
EcoFlow’s River 600 starts out at 288Wh. This is the base model as seen above. Under the R600 are four long screws that can be removed to attach an additional battery that doubles its capacity to 576Wh.
This model is known as the River 600 Max and I have this model (as seen in the image below).
What makes this portable power station unique is its recharging capabilities – specifically from solar panels.
As a side note, the River 600 charges faster than any power station within its battery capacity from its wall charger. However, its MPPT controller is often overlooked due to its wall charging performance. More on this later.
The River can take up to 200W from solar panels to charge up. As a comparison, a model mentioned later in this post is the Yeti 500X, which is impressive for its own solar input capabilities.
However, the River can take in 25% more power from solar than the 500X model.
I tested this with my own River Max power station and you can find my results in my review post here: EcoFlow River 600 Review – Testing My River Max + Comparisons.
The R600 also has an innovative smart 600-watt inverter that’s capable of running devices with up to 1,200 watts of power through EcoFlow’s patented X-Boost technology.
Pros:
- Can add or remove additional battery depending on what you intend to use it for
- Smart inverter can run several different heavy-duty appliances
- Fastest-charging solar generator for its size
Cons:
- Short running time on high-demand appliances – The River’s battery is small for its inverter output, so you can only run high-demand appliances for a short period of time before needing to recharge the River
- Relatively heavy – the standard EcoFlow River is 11 pounds – the Yeti 500X (next on the list) has over 200Wh of additional battery capacity, yet weighs only 12.9 pounds
After evaluating all of its specifications, the River 600’s ability to take in 200W from solar panels beats its competition.
In addition, its wall charging capabilities, inverter output, and its ability to connect to your smartphone via the EcoFlow application are some of the things that you will not be able to find in another power station of this size.
You can read more information on my experience with my EcoFlow River Max via my review post here: EcoFlow River 600 Review – Testing My River Max + Comparisons.
3. Goal Zero Yeti 500X
Basic Product Specs & Features
- 150W max of solar input
- $699.95
- 505 watt-hour battery capacity
- 300-watt AC inverter
- 12.9 pounds
- (2) AC outlets
- (2) Standard USB-A ports
- (1) 60W USB-C port
- (1) 18W USB-C PD port
- (1) 6mm power port
- (1) 12V car port
Product Overview
The Yeti 500X is capable of a higher solar input (150W) than most of its competitors.
Although it’s not as good as the EcoFlow River’s capabilities, most solar generators in the 500Wh battery range cannot input more than 120W of solar.
For a 30W difference, 150W versus 120W doesn’t seem like much; however, let me put this into perspective.
A 500Wh power station will recharge in the following periods of time based on these inputs:
- 120W solar input recharge time: 4.2 hours
- 150W solar input recharge time: 3.3 hours
As seen above, the 30W difference reduces the charging time by nearly an entire hour.
Coupled with the 300-watt inverter, the Yeti 500X will certainly provide less potential power and for less time than the others on this list.
The 500X is perfect for powering cameras, phones, tablets, laptops, CPAP machines, pellet grills, and even TVs for a limited time.
Similar to some of the other units on this list, the Yeti 500X can be charged through the power port in your car, the AC outlet on your walls, or through the use of solar panels.
Pros:
- Compact and very lightweight makes it easy to transport
- Perfect for smaller devices and taking on camping trips or road trips
- Regulated 12V output ports
Cons:
- AC ports only provide a 300W continuous output, which is below average compared to similar models
- Expensive – The Yeti 500X is one of the most expensive portable power stations in the 500Wh battery range
Although I don’t recommend the Yeti 500X due to its high price tag, its MPPT allows for faster recharging from solar than most other similar models.
4. Inergy Flex 1500 Power Station
Product Highlights (Flex AC Version)
- 400W max solar input (1,200W with optional MPPT Supercharger)
- $1,350 ($1,225 for DC power station)
- 1,069 watt-hour batteries
- 1,500-watt AC inverter, 3,000 watts peak power
- 29 pounds
- (6) AC outlets
- (2) USB-A ports
- (2) USB-C ports
- (2) 10A cigarette lighter ports
Product Overview
For the sake of comparing apples to apples, this will focus mainly on the Flex AC version since it provides AC power like all other products listed here. The DC Power Station is a great option for anyone looking for a DC-only solar generator.
With a battery capacity of over 1,000 watt-hours and an inverter pumping out 1,500 watts of power, the Flex power station will provide you with ample power and enough capacity for most of what you’ll be using it for.
The Inergy Flex is capable of accepting up to 96 Flex batteries through battery expansion to up the capacity even more.
What brings the Flex to this list is its solar charging capabilities. Through its standard MPPT, the Flex will take in up to 400W of solar input, which can recharge its battery in as little as 2.5 hours.
On top of this is the optional Flex MPPT Supercharger, which triples the standard input to 1,200W max.
With the Supercharger installed, the Flex would be one of the fastest power stations to recharge from solar panels depending on the number of batteries attached.
The reason why this power station isn’t higher on this list is that it’s still new to the market. Not enough people have reported results from actually using the Flex, so it will still need to be proven that it can perform to its current listed specifications.
Pros:
- Expandable battery packs make this unit have the potential to store much more power
- 14 total output port options
- AC and DC versions with optional MPPT Supercharger option
Cons:
- Expensive for a 1,000Wh power station (if you get it with one battery)
- DC Power Station is not as useful for many applications and most large devices/appliances
The Flex is unique as it has the ability to stack its batteries like the Titan and its MPPT Supercharger option. Its battery capacity and AC power output are exactly half of what the Titan is listed at, making it ideal for less power-intensive needs.
Similar: Inergy Apex vs EcoFlow Delta 1300 – Which is the Superior Solar Generator?
5. Bluetti EB150 & EB240
Product Highlights
- 500W max solar input (both models)
- $1,229.99 ($1,899.99 for the EB240)
- 1,500 watt-hour battery capacity (2,400 watt-hours for EB240)
- 1,000-watt inverters, which provide ample power for various needs
- 37.9 pounds (48.5 pounds for EB240)
- Takes 10-12 hours to charge through AC wall outlet, solar panel charging takes less time
Product Overview
The Bluetti EB150 and EB240 are both portable solar generators that boast high-capacity battery options with powerful inverters.
They are similar devices for the most part which is why their overview can be bundled together.
The main difference between the two models is of course their battery capacity. The EB150 has 1,500 watt-hours worth of capacity and the EB240 has 2,400 watt-hours of capacity.
The Bluetti models offer industry-leading output options including AC outlets, high-powered 45W USB-C, as well as USB-A ports.
Both the EB150 and EB240 have powerful 1,000-watt (continuous) inverters to provide power to all sorts of different appliances.
Some of the devices/appliances they power off the EB240 include:
- 800-watt electrical drill – over 2.5 hours of use
- 60-watt laptop – over 30 recharges
- Smartphones – over 250 recharges
- 100-watt LCD TV – over 24 hours
Not only do the Bluetti models offer powerful devices, but they also come included with top-quality LG batteries.
Both models are rated for 2,500 battery cycles to 80% capacity – meaning that you can recharge and discharge a full battery 2,500 times before the battery capacity reduces to 80% of its original number of watt-hours.
This number is five times higher than the typical battery cycle life of many common solar generators that only are rated for 500 cycles.
The reason why these Bluetti models are on this list is due to both their solar panel input and price.
To illustrate this (specifically with the EB150) here are a couple of common solar generators with the same battery capacity as the EB150 along with their solar input, pricing, and more:
Yeti 1500X vs. Explorer 1500 vs. EB150
| Model | Goal Zero Yeti 1500X | Jackery Explorer 1500 | Bluetti EB150 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,000 | $1,600 | $1,040 |
| Battery Capacity | 1,516Wh | 1,534Wh | 1,500Wh |
| Battery cycle life | 500 cycles to 80% capacity | 500 cycles to 80% capacity | 2,500 cycles to 80% capacity |
| Max Solar Input | 600W | 500W | 500W |
| AC Inverter Output | 2,000W continuous, 3,500W surge | 1,800W continuous, 3,600W surge | 1,000W continuous, 1,200W surge |
| Weight | 45.64 lbs | 35.2 lbs | 37.9 lbs |
As seen above, the EB150 is less powerful from its AC ports than the other two models. However, it is significantly less expensive, has a similar solar input maximum, and has five times more battery lifecycles than the other two.
This means that if the AC power output works for your needs, the EB150 is clearly the best 1,500Wh power station you can get for your money based on this comparison.
Although the EB240 model isn’t competitive in terms of solar input for its battery size, it is priced at $1,400, which is still less than the 1,500Wh competition.
Pros:
- Long battery cycle life (significantly higher than comparable units)
- Relatively inexpensive
- Competitive solar input maximum compared to newer models with similar battery sizes
Cons:
- AC inverter is less powerful than competition
- Fewer outlets than other models – fewer devices can be powered simultaneously
Looking at the images of the Bluetti EB150 and EB240, they look identical. However, one carries 900Wh of additional battery life.
After reviewing the fundamental specifications of the EB150 specifically, it matches its competition in terms of solar input power.
Its AC inverter is not as powerful as similar models from other brands; however, its battery longevity and price reveal that it has a lot more to offer if AC output power is not the main concern.
Choosing the Best Solar Generator for You
Now that you’ve seen a handful of some of the best options available on the market today, it’s time to think about what the best option is for you.
This isn’t as simple as just picking the most powerful, or the most affordable, as the best choice for everyone will be different.
Whenever you’re in the market for a solar-powered generator there are three main things that you’ll want to keep in mind for each unit you’re looking at: battery capacity, power output, and charging time.
Battery Capacity
The battery capacity of your solar generator is important because that will directly affect the amount of time that you’ll be able to power the various objects or devices that you’re planning on using with the generator.
You don’t want to get something with a capacity of 500-watt hours if you’re hoping to run power tools for a whole day.
On the flip side, you don’t need something with 3,000 watt-hours worth of capacity if you’re only planning on using it to charge your phone.
This boils down to having an idea of what your goals are for the generator in terms of both what you are planning on powering and for how long you’re going to be powering it.
As a tip, if you have a number in mind, err on the side of caution and look for something a bit larger.
You don’t want to be counting on this generator to provide you power somewhere and the batteries run out of juice in the middle of nowhere.
Power Output
Similar to battery capacity, the power output of your solar generator is incredibly important as it will limit the types of devices you can and can’t power.
If you’re hoping to run a 250-watt electric drill, you don’t want to be looking at solar generators that only have a 200-watt inverter, as that won’t be adequate for what you’re looking for.
This is again why it’s so important to have an idea of the types of items you’re planning on using the generator to power.
You don’t need to have a conclusive list with every single item on it, but knowing the maximum amount of power draw you will require is important when searching for the right unit.
Keep in mind that running multiple devices at once draws the combined power of them, not just the device with the highest power draw.
So you should again err on the side of caution and get a generator that outputs more power than you think you’ll ever need.
Similar: Your Next Solar Generator – The Complete Guide
Charging Time
Another important aspect of the solar generator that you’ll want to keep in mind as you’re shopping is its charging time.
You’ll want to know how long it takes to charge, and through what methods those times refer to.
Can you charge it using solar panels, an AC outlet, and a car’s power port? Or can it only be charged with a wall outlet or solar panels?
You’ll want to know how long it takes so you can base aspects of your trip around it if you’re taking it along with you while you’re out and about.
Top Solar Generators — Final Verdict
As alluded to previously, it’s impossible to determine the best solar generator on the market because everyone’s situation is needed.
Someone looking to charge their phone and laptop on the go won’t need as much power as someone wanting to power an entire job site’s worth of power tools.
So it’s completely subjective and is best determined by figuring out your goals and what you’re planning on doing with the generator.
However, if one must be chosen as the best overall choice, it has to be the Titan Solar Generator.
While the price tag of just about $3,000 is certainly hefty, it has so many features and benefits that it’s hard to buy anything else if you’re in the market.
It’s always best to oversize the battery capacity and power output, and the Titan offers significantly more of both than any other option.
Who knows when you’ll need more battery capacity or power output? But if you do, the Titan’s got you covered!
No matter what your goals for a solar generator are or what your budget is, you’ll find a great option for you on this list and won’t be disappointed with any of these great options.
Continue Reading:
Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station – Review and Analysis