Portable Solar Generators: What Are They and Why Do You Need One?

Power - by Joe Weber - updated on 5/16/2024

Solar generators are becoming increasingly popular compared to traditional standby and gas generators. Their portability, clean energy source, ease of use, and suitability for indoor settings make them a preferred option. Keep reading to discover more about the workings of solar generators and the different models you can find on the market.

What Are Solar Generators?

In general terms, a "solar generator" refers to a streamlined setup that combines portable solar panels, a battery, a battery charger, and an inverter into a single, convenient package. This system is designed to efficiently capture, store, and distribute energy collected from the sun but can also be used on its own without solar panels.

Solar generators are in high demand for a range of outdoor pursuits, including camping, boating, RV trips and so much more. They offer the convenience of being detachable from the solar panels, allowing you to carry them along and ensure a continuous power supply as well as the ability to stay energized when you are running low on power by using solar panels to collect additional power. Larger units can also be used as a reliable source of clean, quiet backup power in emergencies for your home.

How Do Solar Generators Work?

A portable solar generator is essentially a combination of a portable power station and a solar panel. The power station contains batteries to store energy, and the solar panels are designed to capture solar energy to recharge the batteries when they get low. Although it can be charged via an electrical outlet, connecting it to solar panels is a much quicker way to power up the station.

This versatile tool proves useful for maintaining power supply during disasters, unforeseen events, and enjoyable outdoor activities. Solar generators are capable of energizing minor appliances such as lights, computers, and phone chargers, as well as more substantial equipment including televisions, refrigerators, and even heating and cooling systems.

Are There Different Types of Solar Generators?

Typically, there are two types of solar generators that people use for their backup or portable power needs.

• Portable Solar Generators (Power Stations w/ Solar Panels)
  Portable solar generators are compact, self-contained, easily transportable devices suitable for a wide range of applications and power demands. Charged via a solar panel, these units are equipped with integrated batteries designed to store solar energy for use during periods of limited sunlight.
• Permanent Solar Generators
  Solar backup generators are installed as a permanent fixture to your home or business, connecting directly to your electrical panel. They activate automatically in the event of a power outage and continue to supply backup electricity as long as there is sunlight available.

Both portable and permanent solar generators are essentially the same thing, just different sizes. You wouldn't want to hardwire a small 200-watt power station as a whole home backup system, there just isn't nearly enough power for large appliances.

What Sizes of Solar Generators Are Available?

At Batteries Plus we are proud to offer two great brands in several sizes to fit your needs.

X2Power

Recently we announced the launch of our very own X2Power lithium power stations in three great sizes.

• The X2Power X2-300 is compact and versatile, providing portable power for all your small electronics, laptops and more.
• The X2Power X2-600 is small enough to go anywhere but strong enough to power all your gear out in the wilderness or roughing it at home while the power is out.
• The X2Power X2-1500 is powerful enough to be used as a backup if the power goes out while still being small enough to tuck away in a closet when it isn't being used.

Along with three great power stations, we are also happy to offer an X2Power solar panel that can charge your power stations when you are not near an outlet, keeping you charged at all times.

Goal Zero

Goal Zero Yeti Power Stations come in several sizes for your power demands. Yetis start at 200 watts and go up to 6,000. There is truly a Yeti for everyone and every situation.

• The Yeti 1500X is powerful enough for emergency home backup with 1,516 Watt-hours while still being portable enough for van life or use on a job site.
• The Yeti 3000X packs a punch with 3,032 Watt-hours to back up home circuits when you lose power and it has ports to run everything from power tools to refrigerators.
• The Yeti 6000X is a beast with 6,071 Watt-hours and seven ports for power-hungry devices and appliances to power home circuits, RVs, trailers, work sites, and more.

It's important to remember that all of these units can and should be paired with a Goal Zero solar panel to provide the best charging solution while using portable or backup power. Solar panel charging is generally much faster than your standard wall outlet.

In addition to solar panels, you can also increase the capacity of your larger Yeti systems with Goal Zero Expansion Tanks. Expansion tanks will only work on the Yeti 1500 and larger, do not try to use them with smaller systems. Expand your energy storage by up to 4,800 Watt Hours to turn your Yeti solar generator into the perfect solar home backup system. Shop all of the Goal Zero products we offer now!

Why You Should Have A Solar Generator

In a world where electronic devices rule, the importance of portable solar or solar backup generators cannot be overstated. These versatile power generators cater to a range of scenarios.

If you live in a region of the country prone to frequent hurricanes, tornadoes or other harsh weather conditions capable of knocking out the power for hours or days on end, these generators offer an essential lifeline to keep you and your family safe and connected.

Likewise, for adventurous individuals who can't live without the outdoors, camping and hiking in the untouched wilderness where plugging devices into outlets is impossible, these solar generators prove to be important companions so you can keep your personal electronics charged and ready for use.

Why Solar Generators Are So Popular

Portable solar generators are gaining popularity for many reasons:

• Their superior efficiency is a standout advantage compared to traditional gas generators.
• Power stations can safely be used indoors.
• They use solar panels to transform sunlight into electrical energy, storing it in power stations for future use.
• Perfectly sized for portability to silently generate power when you are out in the wilderness with no access to outlets.
• Even when the sun is not shining, solar energy is stored for future use, making solar generators an exceptional choice for activities like camping, where the noise and fumes from a gas generator may interfere with camping activities.

To learn more about the differences between these two backup generators take a look at our recent blog post "Power Station vs. Generator: Which Is Better?".

What Should I Consider When Buying A Solar Generator?

There are a few things to consider when choosing a solar generator to ensure you are getting the best bang for your buck.

1. To begin, it's crucial to determine the power output that you need. If you aren't sure how much power you need you can use our helpful calculator to see which of our three X2Power power stations would be a great option for you.
2. Next, think about where you plan to store your generator. Keep in mind that if you intend on hardwiring your larger Goal Zero Yeti to your home electric system, you will need to keep it close to the electric box in the basement or garage.
   1. Wherever you choose to store it you must keep it in a secure and sheltered area where it can be protected from the elements to prevent any potential damage.
3. Lastly, you should determine how often you will be using your generator. If it's only going to be an occasional need, a smaller model might suffice. But, if you anticipate using it often, or as a home backup system, it might be a good idea to explore larger models capable of delivering greater power.

Why You Should Get Your New Solar Generator at Batteries Plus

Batteries Plus is your one-stop-shop for your lithium power station, solar generator and portable power needs. We are proud to carry the amazing X2Power power station ecosystem to power your home and your adventures.

There are several reasons why you should pick up an X2Power solar generator today.

• Affordable - X2Power power stations provide excellent value. They are inexpensive to charge, or even free with solar panels, and require no maintenance or fuel.
• Ease of Use - Even for the inexperienced, the X2Power lithium power station is easy to use. With a handy digital display and push-button operation, they are simple to use for everyone.
• Portable - Even the big X2-1500 is easy to move and transport. It doesn't matter if you're tailgating, road-tripping or camping, an X2Power power station can come with you.
• Reliable - With excellent warranties, X2Power products are guaranteed to work when you need them, wherever you need them.
• Safety - With no harmful fumes or noise from a gas generator, power stations are designed with your safety in mind.

Shop all of our X2Power products online, give us a call or visit your local store to learn more about all of the amazing X2Power batteries and solar products available to power your home, car, boat and all your adventures.