This post is broken down into two main sections. The first part showcases the top three cheapest 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.
The second section in this post goes over three affordable solar generators that range from 150-200Wh of battery capacity and cost between $100 and $140.
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.
| Ranking | Model | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest Small Solar Generator | Jackery Explorer 240 | – 4.8/5 avg. customer rating on Amazon (over 10k ratings) – Simple, easy-to-use design |
| 2. Cheapest 500W Solar Generator | Bluetti EB55 | – 2,500 battery lifecycles (lasts longer than most of the competition) – LiFePO4 battery – High-powered AC ports – rated for 700W continuous (1,400W surge) |
| 3. Cheapest 1,000-1,500W Solar Generator | Bluetti EB150 | – 2,500 battery lifecycles – $500-$1,000 cheaper than similar-sized systems (ex: Jackery 1500 & Yeti 1500X) |
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.
I’ll be comparing each system to similar models later on, but below you’ll find another table showing the actual cost over the lifetime of each solar generator.
Most notable are the Bluetti models due to their long-lasting batteries.
| Model | Jackery Explorer 240 | Bluetti EB55 | Bluetti EB150 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #1 Cheapest Small Solar Generator | #2 Cheapest 500W Solar Generator | #3 Cheapest 1,000W-1,500W Solar Generator |
| Image |  |  |  |
| Price | $200 | $500 | $800 |
| Battery Capacity | 240Wh | 537Wh | 1,500Wh |
| Battery Cycle Life | 500 cycles to 80% capacity | 2,500 cycles to 80% capacity | 2,500 cycles to 80% capacity |
| Usable Power to 80% Battery Capacity (Capacity x Cycle Life) | 120kWh | 1,342.5kWh | 3,750kWh |
| Cost Per Usable kWh (Price / Usable Power) | $1.67 / kWh | $0.37 / kWh | $0.29 / kWh |
| Find On | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon |
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.
Now, let’s dive into the top three cheapest solar generators and what makes them unique in addition to their low prices.
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
Top 3 Affordable Solar Generators From $100-$140 – Best Deals
Since solar-powered generators are generally expensive, I’ve gathered some inexpensive options with a good online reputation.
The following models are small but portable options that will last much longer than your typical power bank.
| Ranking | Model | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Best Overall | Jackery Explorer 160 | – Optional compatible solar panel (SolarSaga 60) – Avg. Amazon rating of 4.7/5 – Comes with car & wall chargers |
| 2. Best Price | NEXPOW Portable Power Station | – 45W USB-C PD port – Comes with car & AC chargers, USB cable, and 12V adapter – $99.99 |
| 3. Best AC Output | FlashFish 166Wh Backup Power Pack | – AC ports rated for 150W (200W peak) – 7x output ports – Comes with car & AC chargers and 12V adapter |
If you’d like a long-lasting power bank instead, I personally use the Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC.
It’s smaller in size than the affordable solar generators listed and has an AC output. You can read my review of it here: Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC – Fastest Charging Solar Power Bank.
How We Picked Our Selection
Plain and simple, we browsed Amazon.com for solar generators, scrolled past all of the cheaper solar generators that had little customer feedback, and selected the least-expensive solar generators with the highest ratings (minimum 1,500 ratings).
For each portable power station, you’ll find the Amazon rating, the number of reviews it had, and a link to the product on Amazon.
But first, you’ll find a quick view of all solar generators mentioned in this article below.
| Model | Jackery Explorer 160 | NEXPOW Portable Power Station | FlashFish 166Wh Backup Power Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #1 | #2 | #3 |
 |  |  | |
| Battery Capacity | 167Wh | 178Wh | 166Wh |
| Weight | 3.84 lbs | 3.1 lbs | 4.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | 7.4 L x 4.59 W x 6.73 H inches | 8.86 L x 3.15 W x 4.09 H inches | 8.3 L x 4.7 W x 7.1 H inches |
| Price | $139.99 (Amazon) | $99.99 (Amazon) | $129.99 (Amazon) |
Small Solar Generators – What to Look For
Before we get too far ahead, what should you be looking for in a good backup generator?
You want to make sure whatever model you buy is a reliable source for emergency situations or outdoor trips. So what features should be included in the model you’re looking for? A few of the basic ones are as follows:
- Portability: Your generator shouldn’t be too heavy to carry around. It should be light and easy to transport for emergency or travel situations.
- Solar Charging: When your power has gone out it is important to have a generator that can use what you have on hand in order to charge. Having solar charging capabilities is both efficient and environmentally conscious.
- Multiple Output/Input Ports: Having a variety of output or input options make it easy for you to plug in and charge or power multiple devices or appliances.
These are only the basic features that these generators should be equipped with, but let’s get more in-depth as we look into the four models we’ve selected for your consideration.
1. Jackery Explorer 160
Unlike some of the other models listed, this power station has a recommended solar panel from the same company that you can purchase to use for efficient solar charging.
It can handle devices up to 100W and has multiple input and output ports for all of your indoor and outdoor needs.
Weighing in at 3.84 lbs (1.74 kg), you’ll find carrying this generator to be a breeze. The device also comes with safety guarantees for temperature control, voltage control, and protection against short-circuiting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. LCD screen that supplies you with the wattage currently being used, as well as the power level left. | 1. It is not able to support CPAP machines for extended periods of time (battery is too small). |
| 2. The brand has a compatible solar panel with which to charge (SolarSaga 60). | 2. Its USB-C output is only rated for 15W maximum. |
| 3. Quick recharging time at about five hours for each charging method. | 3. Has a low AC output rating of 100W continuous. |
Similar: Top 4 Solar Generators for CPAP Machines (500-1,300Wh)
Personal Thoughts on the Jackery 160
This generator is great for outdoorsmen. It really supplies all of the features that someone would need when heading out on a camping trip.
It comes with high-powered LED lighting and a screen that lets you know when it might be time to charge up your generator for prolonged usage. It mentions being able to support 100W from its AC ports (150W peak) so you can power small appliances or chargers if desired.
I was pleased to see that Jackery has a compatible solar panel that you can buy to charge with, as most brands say you can solar charge without providing options for what kind of panel to use.
You can find multiple reviews of this solar panel on YouTube (just search “SolarSaga 60 by Jackery”) and they are mostly positive.
All in all, I think it is a great option for someone who is looking to travel with their generator and needs something that can keep up with them.
Amazon.com Details (As of 2022):
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Number of Reviews: 5,000+
- Link to the Jackery 160 on Amazon
I personally own the larger Jackery Explorer 300 and I use it on the go more often than some of my other power stations because it’s lightweight and it can fit in my backpack.
If you think you could use more power than the Jackery 160 offers, I recommend reading my review of the Jackery 300 here: Jackery Explorer 300 Review & Test (Plus Comparisons).
2. NEXPOW Portable Power Station
The NEXPOW Portable Power Station is an efficient 178Wh solar generator that comes equipped with a polymer lithium-ion battery, making it ideal for all your indoor or outdoor power needs.
Due to its larger power capacity, you’ll be able to charge multiple devices at the same time with no issue.
The NEXPOW is also light and portable, weighing in at 3.1 lbs (1.43 kg), so you aren’t forced to lug around a heavy generator on your next camping trip.
With its LCD display, you’re also able to keep track of how much power the generator still has before it needs to be charged. A light will also flash as the power level drops.
The generator can be solar charged by connecting with a solar panel, but also comes with several other recharging options to make it easier for you.
It can charge for five hours in a wall outlet or can be plugged into your car’s charging port with the included car charger.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Least expensive power station of the three in this post. | 1. Uses a lithium polymer battery, which doesn’t last as long as lithium-ion. |
| 2. Comes with four different cables (car & wall chargers, 12V adapter, and USB cable). | 2. The LCD screen is small and only reads its battery percentage. |
| 3. Has a powerful 45W USB-C PD port. | 3. Charges slow from solar panels. |
Similar: Portable Solar Panel Sizes – Models and More (14W to 100W)
My Analysis of the NEXPOW Power Station
Since updating this article, there have been several additional reviews of this solar generator. Since 2020, it has retained its 4.5/5 stars on Amazon, which tells me that it continues to be effective for its users.
Overall it is a powerful personal generator and you’ll get a lot of good use out of it.
The only thing to be wary of is what you end up plugging into it. Stick to things like laptops, smartphones, and other small appliances so you don’t overload the power station.
Amazon.com Details (As of 2022):
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Number of Reviews: 1,800+
- Link to the NEXPOW solar generator on Amazon
3. FlashFish 166Wh Backup Power Pack
FlashFish is known for its small portable power stations, and this 166Wh model is among the smallest in its lineup. This model is unique because it has more output port options than the others mentioned in this post, including:
- 2x AC outputs: 150W continuous (200W peak)
- 2x DC outputs: 9~12V, 10A (max)
- 2x USB-A QC 3.0
- 1x Standard USB-A: 5V, 2.4A
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Comes with two QC 3.0 USB-A ports. | 1. Tends to get very warm when charging. |
| 2. Has the most output ports of the three (seven total). | 2. At 5.5 lbs, it is the heaviest solar generator reviewed in this article. |
| 3. Has the highest continuous output from its AC ports (150W max). | 3. Slow recharging speed (7-9 hours with 50W solar panel). |
My Thoughts on the FlashFish Power Station
The FlashFish 166Wh generator has a lot of power for its size. It is the smaller version of the FlashFish 300Wh solar generator (link to Amazon). They both have the same design, but the 300Wh generator is clearly larger than the 166Wh version.
This is important because the 166Wh version will be able to be more versatile in terms of where you can go with it. At 5.5 lbs, it is the heaviest solar generator being reviewed, but it is also still only 5.5 lbs and is small enough to fit in a standard backpack.
This is a true portable solar generator because you can take it pretty much anywhere without any struggle.
Amazon.com Details (As of 2022):
- Rating: 4.3/5
- Number of Reviews: 2,000+
- Link to the FlashFish Generator on Amazon
How to Calculate Value in a Solar Generator
After buying the Yeti 200X and realizing how much money I wasted by overpaying for it, I like to let my readers know about a simple equation to estimate the value of a solar generator versus its listed price.
I use this general estimate by understanding how much the generator costs and seeing how close that price is to the listed watt-hours of the battery.
For example, let’s take the NEXPOW and compare it to the Yeti 200X. The Yeti 200X costs about $300. The battery capacity is 187 watt-hours.
I then divide the watt-hours by the price and find out how much it costs per watt-hour. In the Yeti 200X’s case, each watt-hour costs about $1.60. That’s extremely high on average.
Now let’s examine the NEXPOW. This unit costs about $120 and it has 178Wh of battery capacity. Taking the cost and dividing it by the battery capacity will cost me about $0.67 per watt-hour.
As you can see, this is nearly one-third of the cost of the Yeti 200X even though they have similar battery sizes.
I use this as a basic tool to help me gauge if it’s the right price or if it’s too high. However, measuring battery capacity against pricing does not cover several other possible aspects of the solar generator, so make sure to understand all features of the product before estimating its value.
The generator may have some really useful technology that is not reflected in its battery capacity.
Final Thoughts
Whatever generator you choose from this list will be one that suits your individual needs. We’ve recommended these specific ones as they all came with features that every good generator should come equipped with.
While there is some variance in overall extra features, these are all incredibly efficient power stations that you can grab for cheap.
They all come with good battery power, multiple port options, and protections that ensure a secure and long charging process.
Not to mention they are all equipped with the capability to be recharged via solar panels, which makes them completely off-grid capable.
So whether you’re looking for a generator that will have your back in an emergency, or keep things running while you’re out on a camping trip, these systems can provide power to smaller devices with ease.