5 Best Solar Generators for Home Use: Small/Portable – Large/Powerful

When it comes to backup power for the home, you can never go wrong with making sure you have the power when you need it.

Solar generators make a great alternative for gas-powered backup generators because they don’t emit any fumes, cost less in the long term, and create far less noise.

The top five models listed below come in various sizes.

For example, the Titan (best overall) is nearly ten times larger than the Jackery Explorer 240 (listed at number four).

This is because I’ve factored in various cases where backup power would be needed.

Sometimes, you just need to recharge your phones and devices. Other times, you need to power larger appliances like your refrigerator.

Model RankingHighlights
1. Best Overall – Point Zero Energy Titan– 2,000W solar input max
– 3,000W continuous AC inverter
– Expandable batteries
2. Best Recharging Times – EcoFlow Delta 1300– Recharges from 0-80% in one hour from wall
– 1,800W continuous AC inverter
– 13 total output ports
3. Best Technology – EcoFlow River Max– Can connect to a smartphone via EcoFlow App
– 600W continuous AC inverter
– Removable & replaceable battery
4. Best Budget Option – Jackery Explorer 240– Easy to use
– Has an MPPT charge controller
– 12V output is regulated
5. Best Size/Weight – Jackery Explorer 1000– Weighs 22 lbs (lightest for its battery size)
– Anderson Powerpole input for solar panels
– 1,000W continuous AC inverter
Each solar generator on this list has features that differ. Some have better technology while others are lighter and/or have better batteries.

Let’s get into it now with a slightly more in-depth view of the generators we will be going over in this list.

You can also click on specific models in the table to view my full reviews (if applicable).

Model
Point Zero Energy Titan
EcoFlow Delta 1300
EcoFlow River Max
Jackery Explorer 240
Jackery Explorer 1000
Ranking
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
ImageTitan solar generator front view

EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA, UPS Power Supply 1260Wh Battery Pack with 6 1800W (3300W Surge) AC Outlets, Solar Battery Generator for Outdoor Camping RV

EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER Max, 1.6hrs Fully Recharge 576Wh Backup Lithium Battery with 3 x 600W (Peak 1200W) AC Outlets, Clean & Silent Solar Generator for Outdoor Camping RV (Solar Panel Optional)

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240, 240Wh Backup Lithium Battery, 110V/200W Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet, Solar Generator (Solar Panel Not Included) for Outdoors Camping Travel Hunting Emergency

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000, 1002Wh Solar Generator (Solar Panel Optional) with 3x110V/1000W AC Outlets, Solar Mobile Lithium Battery Pack for Outdoor RV/Van Camping, Emergency

Battery Capacity2,000Wh+1,260Wh576Wh240Wh1,002Wh
Price$3,000+$1,100-1,200$450-500$200$1,000
Inverter3,000W Continuous, 6,000W Max1,800W Continuous, 3,300W Max600W Continuous, 1,200W Max200W Continuous, 400W Max1,000W Continuous, 2,000W Max
Battery Lifecycles2,000 cycles to 80% capacity800 cycles to 60% capacity≥500 cycles to 80% capacity≥500 cycles to 80% capacity≥500 cycles to 80% capacity
Weight67 lbs30.9 lbs17 lbs6.6 lbs22.04 lbs
Dimensions 18.5 x 12 x 12 in15.7 x 8.3 x 10.6 in11.4 x 7.3 x 9.3 in5.2 x 9.1 x 7.7 in13.1 x 9.1 x 11.1 in
Product ReviewTitan ReviewN/AEcoFlow River Max ReviewJackery Explorer 240 ReviewJackery Explorer 1000 Review
Where to BuyShop Solar KitsAmazonAmazonAmazonAmazon

All but one of the solar generators in this list have lithium-ion batteries. For a longer-lasting solar generator lineup, I wrote an article on the best LiFePO4 solar generators.

These models have batteries that can last over ten times longer than lithium-ion ones. If you’re interested, you can check it out here: 6 Best LiFePO4 Solar Generators (Stats, Pricing, and Analysis).

1. Titan – Best Large Solar Generator for the Home

Titan power station outside charging with solar panels
Titan solar generator with two batteries

The Point Zero Energy Titan remains one of the most powerful solar generators ever made.

This expansive system sits at 67 lbs (with one battery) and can power several different appliances and devices. It even has a 30A output port to power appliances within an RV.

Having a modular design, the Titan can expand its battery capacity easily by adding additional batteries to the bottom or to the side of the solar generator.

Each battery is capable of about 2,000 charge cycles to 80% capacity, which is one of the highest charge cycle rates among its competitors for lithium-ion batteries (most have 500 cycles).

Key Features

1. High-Powered and High Capacity

The Titan solar generator carries a 2,000Wh lithium-ion battery and can draw 1,500W continuous and 3,000W of surge power with one battery.

The inverter’s continuous power output with two batteries or more can get as high as 3,000W continuous and peak at 6,000W.

This output capability makes it the ideal solution during any form of emergency power crisis at home.

2. Fast Recharging Times

The Titan can get recharged at an extremely fast rate from solar and AC charging.

This is because it has a 600W AC wall charger and is capable of up to 1,000W of solar input when there is one battery attached to its module.

However, with two or more batteries attached, you can double both the AC and solar recharging times to 1,200W from the wall and 2,000W from solar panels. This is because the Titan has two Anderson Powerpole inputs for solar panels (1,000W each) and two wall-charging inputs (600W each).

The Titan comes with an AC charger, but you will need to purchase an additional AC charger if you want to get the fastest possible charging times.

With the maximum solar input with one battery (1,000W) or two or more batteries (2,000W), the Titan will recharge completely in as little as two hours. This is one of the fastest-charging solar generators for its size.

Charging with one battery and one AC charger (600W) or two batteries and two AC chargers (1,200W) will fully charge the Titan in about four hours.

As with solar charging, this is one of the fastest-charging solar generators from wall outlets.

3. Two MPPT Charge Controllers

Titan solar generator front view
With one battery, the Titan’s solar input max and AC output max are halved from its full capabilities. With two or more batteries, it can use its full input/output power.

This device is installed with two MPPT charge controllers, which allow for the most efficient and safe charging process compared to PWM controllers.

Say you have one battery with a maximum solar input of 1,000W. If you have 1,100W of solar input coming in, the MPPT controller will be able to downgrade the input to its maximum of 1,000W.

This gives you safety and versatility with this system.

4. Simultaneous Charging

You can recharge the Titan using all three of its charging methods (car, wall, and solar). This is a great feature that is not standard amongst its competition.

This allows you to charge your system at a fast rate and can also give you versatility if you only have a few solar panels and could use the boosted recharging power from adding an AC charger or car charger input.

5. Shelf-Life Before Recharge

The Titan can last up to five years in storage without needing to recharge it, which can give you peace of mind since you won’t need to check on it often when you’re not using it.

If you are considering using this system and storing it only for power outages, make sure to charge it completely before storing it.

This will keep the battery secure and allow it to retain as much of its battery life as possible for when you need it most.

Can the Titan Solar Generator Power a House?

The Titan solar generator cannot power an entire house because its AC power output is limited to 3,000W of continuous power (6,000W surge). This is not enough power to support an entire household because large appliances like washers and air conditioners typically consume over 3,000W combined.

However, the Titan can power most full-size refrigerators.

If you want to learn more about specifically how this works, I wrote an article that lists five different full-size fridges and I compare their power consumption to what the Titan (and other generators) can do.

You can find my post on this topic here: 3 Best Solar Generators for Your Fridge (With Run Times).

Summary

With the Titan, you can power several different devices and appliances with ease. This is the most powerful and longest-lasting solar generator in this article.

Its 2,000 cycles to 80% battery capacity will let you use it for years to come. With two batteries, this generator is one of the most powerful in the industry, tying the Bluetti EP500Pro for 3,000W continuous and 6,000W surge power from its AC ports.

This is the ideal solar generator to have for your home either to use during a power outage or to use it with your grid power to lower utility bills.

You can find the Point Zero Energy Titan below on Shop Solar Kits’ website (affiliate link). They have several different kit options available as well with solar panels and/or additional batteries.

My article specifically on the Titan will dive deeper into its features and compare it to similar solar generators. Read it here: Titan Solar Generator Review – The Best Large Solar Generator?

2. EcoFlow Delta 1300 – Extremely Powerful & Fast-Charging

EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA, UPS Power Supply 1260Wh Battery Pack with 6 1800W (3300W Surge) AC Outlets, Solar Battery Generator for Outdoor Camping RV
EcoFlow Delta 1300

The EcoFlow Delta remains one of the most powerful portable power stations on the market for its size.

Its quick recharge time and AC power output have made it a leader among mid-sized solar generators (1,000-1,500Wh).

Key Features

1. Fast Recharge Time

The EcoFlow Delta 1300 houses a 1,260Wh lithium-ion battery capable of being charged to 80% via its AC charger within an hour.

Charging can be done via an AC Adapter, car charger, or solar panel. Solar panels usually yield full charging within 4-6 hours, with a maximum input of 400W.

2. High Efficiency

The EcoFlow Delta 1300 has 1,800W of maximum continuous output power (3,300W surge power).

3. LCD Digital Display

The EcoFlow Delta 1300 comes with a digital display that informs users on levels of power input and output. The device also shows its remaining battery life. 

4. Easy to Carry

The EcoFlow Delta 1300 is compact for its battery capacity. It weighs just 31 lbs; hence, it is relatively easy to move around for short distances.

Output Ports

EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA, UPS Power Supply 1260Wh Battery Pack with 6 1800W (3300W Surge) AC Outlets, Solar Battery Generator for Outdoor Camping RV
The EcoFlow Delta’s six AC ports and one car port outputs are on its rear, leaving the USB ports on the front side of the system.

Offering a total of 13 output options, the details of each port can be seen below:

  • (6) AC ports
  • (2) Standard USB-A ports
  • (2) Quick-charge USB-A ports
  • (2) USB-C ports (60W max)
  • (1) Car output (13.6V)

Overall Specs

  • Size: 15.7 x 8.3 x 10.6 in
  • Material: Plastic
  • Weight: 30.9 lbs
  • Output USB: 2 USB-A; 2 USB-C Ports; 2 quick-charge USB-A ports
  • Battery capacity: 1,260Wh
  • Output DC: 12V Car output (regulated to 13.6V)
  • Input DC: Wall charger port (1,200W max); Solar charger port (400W max)

Summary

Not only does the EcoFlow Delta have a fast-charging capability, but it also has a powerful inverter. This can be an important addition to the home in order to power not just small devices, but larger appliances like a refrigerator.

Its 13 output ports will be able to provide sufficient power to a multitude of devices at the same time.

Out of those 13 ports, six of them are USB ports. This means you can use these to charge smaller devices like smartphones while the six AC ports can be used for other more powerful needs.

Check out the EcoFlow Delta below on Shop Solar Kits’ website (affiliate link).

I put the Delta up against the Bluetti EB150 to find out which one had the best value for your money. I recommend reviewing this piece because you may like the EB150 better.

Find this comparison here: Bluetti EB150 vs EcoFlow Delta 1300 – Which Solar Generator is Best?.

3. EcoFlow River Max – A Small (Yet Powerful) Home Solar Generator

Front section of River Max
The River Max has a removable/replaceable 288Wh battery located underneath its ambient light.

The River Max is the middle-tier solar generator in EcoFlow’s River series. It is actually the standard River 600 system with an additional battery.

Its technology along with its power (both recharging and discharging) make it one of the most powerful 500-600Wh models on the market.

Key Features

1. Charging Times

Like the EcoFlow Delta, the River Max recharges from 0-80% battery in one hour. This is due to EcoFlow’s patented X-STREAM technology.

Its solar input maximum is 200W, which means that it will recharge in 3-4 hours with this maximum input.

Although its car-charging times are average (typically 10-12 hours), the Delta’s solar and AC charging methods will probably be used more frequently and give you a fast recharging experience.

2. EcoFlow App

EcoFlow app features
The EcoFlow app features are more than I expected when using it with my River Max.

The EcoFlow App can be used with the River Max, which allows you to use your tablet or smartphone to connect and control the power station as long as you have a WiFi connection.

Although this feature can’t be used in a power outage, it can be useful if you want to run it to offset grid utility power.

3. Safe

The Battery Management System (BMS) enables voltage and temperature control as well as other advanced safety measures to make sure you can use it effectively with ease.

4. LCD Display

River 600 Max USB-C port testing
River 600 Max USB port testing

The device has an LCD screen that can display the operational information of the device. Operational information includes battery levels, remaining charge time, output watts, input watts, and other important information.

Having input watts is an important feature to have when charging from solar panels so you can gauge what angles work best when placing the solar panel towards the sun.

Package Details

  • (1) EcoFlow River Max
  • (1) Wall charger
  • (1) Car charger
  • (1) USB-C to USB-C cable
  • (1) USB-A to Lightning and Micro-USB cable
  • (1) MC4 to XT60 adapter (for solar panels)

Summary

There are several convenient features within the River solar generator, including a high-powered AC inverter, high solar input, and fast AC recharging.

I addition, its LCD display is easy to read and includes several valuable metrics to use when off the grid or when recharging via the AC charger.

Lastly, its mobile application is a useful tool to have to configure different settings and turn on and off ports with ease.

You can read my review of my own River Max for more information. I test its features and show you the application in detail: EcoFlow River 600 Review – Testing My River Max + Comparisons.

4. Jackery Explorer 240 – Best Small Solar Generator for the Home

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240, 240Wh Backup Lithium Battery, 110V/200W Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet, Solar Generator (Solar Panel Not Included) for Outdoors Camping Travel Hunting Emergency
Jackery Explorer 240

The Jackery Explorer 240 is a small solar generator that is about 2-3 times bigger than a large portable power bank.

With its easy-to-carry shape and size, eco-friendly setup, and quiet nature, the Jackery 240 is an excellent companion for the outdoor lifestyle.

It has a lithium-ion battery that gives out up to 200W of continuous power. This allows you to power multiple devices simultaneously from its various output ports.

Key Features

1. More than your Average Battery Pack

The Jackery 240 is packed with a 240 watt-hour (16.8Ah, 14.4V) lithium-ion battery pack. That’s enough power to charge your smartphone 10-20 times over. This battery can also be useful for:

  • Charging camera batteries
  • Charging laptops and tablets
  • Powering lights

2. Solar-Ready

The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer pairs perfectly with the Jackery Solar Saga 60W solar panel for efficient off-grid recharging.

Please note that the solar panels are sold separately from the device.

Solar charging can come in handy when there are power outages at home. With the 60W panel from Jackery, you can recharge the entire system in about five hours.

Since the average amount of quality sunlight during the day is around five hours, the Jackery 240 will be able to fully recharge during the day to power any devices you need during the nighttime.

This benefit outweighs most portable solar chargers because they have very small solar panels attached to them, resulting in very slow recharging times.

Since the Jackery 240 can take in as much as 10-times more watts than portable solar chargers, it will be able to be a useful tool for extended off-grid use. 

3. Lightweight

Weighing 6.6 lbs, the Jackery 240 can be carried around the house with ease. Most of its weight (as with all solar generators) comes from its battery. Its ability to be under seven pounds is due to its lithium-ion battery, which has a high energy-density framework.

Lead-acid batteries are much heavier. For example, the older Yeti 150 is a similar solar generator to the Jackery 240, but it uses a lead-acid battery. This results in a system that weighs 12 lbs, nearly twice the weight of the 240.

Outputs

Solar Charging Jackery Explorer 300
My Jackery Explorer 300 is the next tier up from the Explorer 240. It has updated ports, a larger battery, but costs about $100 more than the Explorer 240.

The Jackery 240 is designed for charging laptops, drones, mini-coolers, and a host of other electronics. The device features:

  • One AC outlet (110V, 200W, 400W peak)
  • One DC cigarette lighter port
  • Two standard USB-A ports

With only four port options, it isn’t as versatile as the other options on this list. But it makes up for this with its low price and portability.

If you want an updated version of the Jackery 240, I own the Jackery Explorer 300, which comes with two additional ports and a larger battery (as seen in the image above).

You can check out the Jackery 300 in my review post here: Jackery Explorer 300 Review & Test (Plus Comparisons).

Package Details

  • (1) Jackery Explorer 240
  • (1) AC adapter
  • (1) Car charger

Summary

This solar generator is portable, quiet, and provides sufficient energy for the charging of all your small devices.

Its various outputs allot you versatility when charging. Charging the Jackery from solar panels can allow you to use it consistently and frequently when the power goes out at home.

Find the Jackery Explorer 240 below on Amazon (affiliate link).

If you’d like to learn more about the internal specifications and features of the Explorer 240, check out my in-depth review of the system here: The Jackery 240 – Solar Charger for the Outdoors.

5. Jackery Explorer 1000 – Most Portable Mid-Range Solar Generator

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000, 1002Wh Solar Generator (Solar Panel Optional) with 3x110V/1000W AC Outlets, Solar Mobile Lithium Battery Pack for Outdoor RV/Van Camping, Emergency
Jackery Explorer 1000

The Jackery 1000 is a beefed-up version of the Jackery 240, providing substantially more power and battery capacity than its smaller model.

Yet, it still carries a similar design and several identical features from the Jackery 240.

The device boasts an outstanding 1,000W of continuous power output from its AC ports and carries with it a 1,002Wh battery capacity. It is portable and easy to carry as it has a handle on top and weighs 22 lbs, which is extremely lightweight for the size of its battery.

Key Features

The Jackery 1000 has the capacity to power devices (and even some appliances) during a power outage at home.

Devices that can be powered include blenders, pellet smokers, TVs, small household ice shavers, portable coffeemaker, mini-fridges, cooling fans, full-size fridges, radios, phones, and a host of other devices.

As several of Jackery’s smaller power stations share a similar design, this remains an easy-to-use tool for extended use off the grid.

1. High Power Output and Battery Capacity

The Jackery 1000 boasts a very high 1,000W continuous and 2,000W of surge power from its three pure sine wave AC outlets.

This device fulfills the need to power a full-size (150W) refrigerator for up to eight hours.

2. MPPT Technology Allows for an Efficient Solar Recharge

The Jackery 1000 can be recharged at a much faster rate if connected to two SolarSaga 100W solar panels together using an adapter cable.

The recharge time for a single 100W solar panel connection is 16 hours. However, when two of these panels are used, the recharge time is halved to eight hours.

Also note that the dual solar panel adapter cable comes with the purchase of the Jackery 1000, as seen below.

Recharging can also be done from AC outlets and 12V vehicle accessory ports. Recharge time with AC outlet is seven hours, while recharge time when using a 12V car output is 14 hours.

Output Ports

Jackery Explorer 1000 on my desk
As you can see from this closeup of my Jackery 1000, each port section is divided into AC ports, DC ports (far left), and input ports (upper left).

The device features:

  • (2) USB-C ports
  • (1) Standard USB-A port
  • (1) Quick Charge 3.0 USB-A port
  • (3) AC wall outlets
  • (1) Car output 

Package Details

Jackery Explorer 1000 in the box
  • (1) Jackery Explorer 1000
  • (1) Car charger cable
  • (1) AC wall charger
  • (1) User manual
  • (1) SolarSaga parallel adapter cable

Summary

This system is easy to use and does not take a significant amount of effort to set up, which can be great for beginners in the solar generator field.

Its solar input is maxed out at about 163W, which doesn’t allow for fast recharging times. However, its Anderson Powerpole input allows you to use third-party solar panels – so you can choose which panel(s) are best for you.

Weighing only 22 lbs, this portable power station can be carried around the house with relative ease.

You can find the Jackery 1000 below on Amazon. This is an affiliate link where I make a small commission on every sale.

I recommend reading my review of the Jackery 1000 for details on hooking up the right solar panels as well as a pros/cons list.

Check it out here: Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station – Review and Analysis.

Conclusion

home illustration
You may not be able to power your entire home with a solar generator, but there are options out there (like the Titan) than can power some heavy-duty appliances if needed.

These solar generators should give you some good options to choose from and allow you to get the power you need for whatever electronics or appliances you intend to run with these systems.

With a nice solar panel setup, you will be taken care of when you have a backup battery system at your side.

In the case of a power outage at home, all of these solar generators will be able to support (at the very least) charging your smartphone.

The higher-end solar generators mentioned (1,000Wh and up) will be able to power more demanding appliances if and when you need them powered.

It is always a good idea to mitigate the risk of having no available electricity due to a grid power outage.

With a solar generator at your disposal along with some good solar panels, you’ll be able to have the power to carry out tasks for yourself and your family until the power returns at home.

Overall, the best option of these listed is the Titan solar generator because it is better in almost every important category compared to other systems.

  • Its battery capacity can expand to however large you need
  • Its solar input is among the highest in the industry
  • It has one of the most powerful AC inverters in the industry

For an idea of what it can power, I made an article discussing the best solar generators to run a full-size fridge, and, of course, the Titan is #1.

I recommend reading this article if you are seriously considering getting a high-powered solar generator for home use: 3 Best Solar Generators for Your Fridge (With Run Times).

Continue Reading:

Your Next Solar Generator – The Complete Guide

Can a Solar Generator Run an AC Unit?

Food Storage for Doomsday Preppers

Max Peters

Hi! I'm Max and I am passionate about off-grid solar technology and adventure! I'm using my knowledge of solar generators, solar panels, and everything in between to provide you with the best tools to keep you powered while off the grid. Read more about me here: About Max Peters."

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