Blog

Jun 24, 2025

The 6 Best Solar Generators of 2025 - Portable Power Stations

Though “solar generator” is a bit of a misnomer, these can keep the power flowing wherever the sun shines. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from

Though “solar generator” is a bit of a misnomer, these can keep the power flowing wherever the sun shines.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

In the last five years or so, portable gas-fueled generators and electrical power stations have become increasingly essential. For campers, as well as semi-off-grid living in RVs and converted vans, they give you an easy means of charging everything you need for day-to-day life–phones and laptops, lights, and even a mini appliance or two. While very few portable power solutions can realistically draw and store enough juice for a proper full-home backup, they’ve also become an important safeguard for folks dealing with power outages in the wake of extreme weather.

Amid the range of power stations, portable “solar generators” give you a way to draw in clean electric power from our most abundant resource, sunlight. However, using one effectively is a little more complicated than many people realize. Technically, the devices commonly sold as “solar generators” are actually electric “power stations,” or giant battery packs, with the ports you need to plug in solar panels for charging. A solar generator can't actually harness solar power unless you have both. What’s more, most of these generators are large enough that charging up exclusively with solar power usually isn't feasible: More often than not, you’ll need to plug it in to charge, then use solar power to keep it going as long as possible.

Though even the best portable solar generators don’t offer an eco-friendly magic bullet to off-grid power needs, they’re helpful in many situations, including when you truly have no access to electricity or fuel. From highly portable options that are easy to carry on day-trips, to fairly heavy-duty models that can keep the lights on for days, these are the best portable “solar generators” we’ve tested to date.

To pick the best solar generators, we tested some of these power stations for charging capacity, ease of use, weight, and different use cases. Some picks were reviewed by Popular Mechanics test editor Brad Ford, who provided input for the larger-capacity units. Others on this list were selected because they are newer versions of models we previously tested and still meet the criteria of our guide, noting any changes or upgrades.

Our primary concerns were portability and convenience, which means we appreciate fast wall and solar charging. Ease of use was also important—was the display easy to read? Did the screen readouts make sense? Bonus points if we could tell how much power is available at a glance. In the past few years, these criteria have become easier to meet. There are now plenty of compact, affordable units that have better charging capabilities than before. Think of these as giant versions of battery power banks used to charge phones during travel or when outlets are scarce.

This model replaces the original Jackery 1000, but many of the same observations made of the first model still apply. The new version has a slightly higher capacity of 1,070 watt-hours and uses a newer lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, which is a newer battery technology that offers a longer lifespan (4,000 cycles vs. 500 cycles for this model) and better performance in extreme temperatures.

Expert Maggie Slepian used the previous model on a media trip where she had to keep multiple camera batteries charged during a week-long outing. She found that while the capacity was lower than you'll find with others on this list, it could actually power items for longer than some higher-capacity models. She also charged her photographer’s camera batteries while charging the power bank on solar power (it was a very sunny winter day), which proved effective and efficient.

The newer V2 model has seven ports, including three AC outlets, two USB-C ports (one 30-watt and one 100-watt), a 12-volt car port, and one standard 18-watt USB-A outlet. It can charge a typical laptop eight times or power a small refrigerator or a powered cooler for over 15 hours.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 can be charged with a 200-watt or a 12-volt outlet in your vehicle while you’re on the move. It has fairly standard charging times, with 11.5 hours in a car outlet, 6.5 hours for solar panels, and just 5.5 hours to fully charge in a wall outlet. This won’t be your best bet for powering larger appliances, but it’s an ideal power station for smaller items and off-grid camping. —David Dritsas, Reviews Editor

The sixth iteration of Goal Zero’s Goldilocks-sized power station, the Yeti 500, has a similar capacity and capabilities as the previous model, the Yeti 500 X, but has been upgraded with a more efficient LiFePO4 battery. It’s a fantastic middle ground for anyone looking for an off-grid weekend, or who might not need to power appliances during an extended outage, but who wants peace of mind in case of emergencies.

The 500-watt AC power doubles to 1000 watts with the surge mode, providing enough power to run a refrigerator, lights in a camper, and small kitchen appliances. Even with a power outage, you can still have your morning coffee and keep your perishable items safe.

Goal Zero’s entire line is rugged, built for outdoor and travel use. The Yeti 500 is highly water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, is shockproof, and can maintain power output (though less efficiently) at temperatures below zero.

It also has a faster charging time compared to previous models, and it can be fully recharged in less than 90 minutes in a standard AC outlet. Solar panel charging will take around three hours with a 200-watt panel.

We originally included the EcoFlow Delta in this list, but newer models in the line have since been released, the most recent of which is the EcoFlow Delta 3. Like its predecessor, this newer model delivers a good amount of power (up to 1,800 watts of total output with 1,024 Wh capacity) in a small form factor that weighs just 28 pounds and for a lower list price. It also includes the same number of outputs—13 total.

Some improvements EcoFlow has made with this series include better battery technology (LiFePO4) and faster charging, whether that’s from AC, solar, or a car. Using AC power, for example, you can fully charge it in just under an hour. It can also accept more charging power from solar, up to 100 watts more than the original Delta, which means you can charge the Delta 3 in two hours using a 500-watt solar array.

The outputs have been improved, too, with both USB-C and USB-A outputs (two each) offering fast charging capabilities. Its X-Boost technology has been improved, too, offering the ability to power devices up to 3,600 watts, which would be enough to power even some electric ovens.

Higher-level improvements were made, as well. This Delta 3 is the first to include a built-in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that can automatically detect a power out (when it's plugged into the home electrical system) and switch over to backup power for devices it’s connected to, such as a computer or home server. It’s also been upgraded to pair with a Delta 3 extra battery or a dual-fuel EcoFlow Smart Generator 3000 so that you can expand your power options.

There have been some notable downgrades, however. The capacity has decreased from 1,260Wh, which could mean slightly less available run time for higher-powered devices. Also, in order to change some advanced customization settings (e.g. battery optimization), you have to log in to a user account on the mobile app. Customer reviews we looked at mentioned that this wasn’t possible when camping off-grid. Even so, the upgrades and the lower price are great improvements to this already — David Dritsas, Reviews Editor

The EcoFlow Delta Pro is a large portable power station, with an output that rivals some gas portable generators. When sold in a bundle with solar panels, like the package with two 220-watt portable panels we tested, it becomes a powerful solar generator. With an output of 3,600 watts, the Delta Pro can handle multiple appliances, and you can bump the output to 4,500 watts with its built in X-Boost technology if more power is needed.

To get an idea of the run time, we used the Delta Pro to power a full-size, 25-cubic-foot refrigerator—which it did for a remarkable 51 hours and 24 minutes. When recharged from a standard outlet it took only 2 hours and 36 minutes. But, you can also charge the system, with the included adapter, at EV charging stations, using a DC car adapter, or with the solar panels that came with our test unit.

The combined potential of the two panels is 440 watts, but as we’ve mentioned before, that number is a maximum output, in optimal conditions. In bright mid-day sun, in Pennsylvania’s late spring weather we typically hit the high 300’s and maintaining that requires frequent repositioning. With the Delta Pro’s large capacity, it generally takes longer to charge than most portable power stations, including the models we’ve tested. The good news is the Delta Pro can accept up to 1,600 watts of solar input, so you can charge it quickly by connecting more panels.

In practice, with only the two 220-watt panels, you likely won’t be able to recharge fully in one day. Under significant loads your panels will merely extend its already considerable run time. However, if you need to power a camper, off-grid cabin, or even critical systems in your home, during power outages, you probably have the room to install/set up more portable or rigid panels to get to the max 1,600-watt input limit, which will reduce charge times, nearly four-fold.

The heavy-duty wheels and telescoping handle on Anker’s Solix F2000 are easy to use, allow you to stand upright when pulling, and are a dream for people who regularly find themselves moving their power station around, whether it’s at a campsite or to different parts of the house during a power outage.

Along with convenience, this generator is a powerhouse, and can easily keep your refrigerator running, a heater for greenhouses (yes, we received questions about this) and your RV bright and warm.

We’re also impressed with Anker’s app that allows us to check the charging status or power being generated without continually going outside to check. The app also lets you turn power to the AC and USB ports on and off remotely, keeping tabs on how much energy is being utilized.

The Solix F2000 has 12 ports, including two car ports, an RV-specific outlet, four AC ports, three USB-C charging ports, and two for USB-A. In sunny conditions and moderate temperatures, this can recharge with a 200-watt solar panel in just a few hours, and can support up to 1,000 watts of solar input.

Tested and Reviewed by Brad Ford

(Note: this model is available with two or three solar panels. We only tested it with one, so I’m doubling my findings with respect to solar observations, to align with performance for two panels)

Yoshino’s B2000 Solar Generator is different from virtually any other on the market, in that it utilizes a solid state battery. This means the electrolyte in the battery is solid, rather than a liquid. There are a couple advantages of a solid electrolyte—First, it has a higher energy density, allowing the battery size/weight to be reduced. Second, solid electrolytes are more stable and won’t leak. Regarding weight, the B2000 is both light and compact for its capacity.

We tested solar charging on a cloudless, winter day in Northeast, PA. In the bright, mid-day sun, using one portable 200-watt panel, we topped out at 181 watts input. With two panels, that would translate to 362 watts and an estimated charge time between three and four hours. Over the course of five hours, we repositioned the panel twice, to keep optimal alignment with the sun as input slowly dropped to 70-watts for the one panel.

On average we were able to charge the battery at about 10 percent per hour, which is pretty respectable for portable panels. Adding a second panel doubles the watts, and cuts charging time in half.

The power station itself performed well when tested running a 21-cubic foot, full size refrigerator. We were able to get an impressive 18 hours and 8 minutes of run time, from 100-percent charge, until the B2000 shut down. And with Wi-Fi connectivity, we were able to monitor the power usage remotely with Yoshino’s app, on a smartphone.

We also tested the B2000, using a constant load of 470-watts which it ran for 2 hours and 24 minutes. For reference, we used four 60-watt light bulbs, an oscillating fan, and a small personal heater to reach 470-watts. The unit has two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a wireless charging pad on top.

The B2000 features multiple charging options. Aside from solar, it can also be charged via a 120-volt AC outlet, or 12-volt DC car adapter—included.

One of the main differences in these models is how much charging “juice” they can store, referenced in watt-hours. Watt-hours are a measure of a unit of energy (watts) that can flow over time (hours). Consider the electronics you plan to pack or will need to keep charged, and how much juice you’ll need for each one. This can also pertain to estimating generator size for potential home back-up.

For instance, running a refrigerator will take a lot more power than recharging your phone or powering your lights. Consider making a list of the items you’ll need to charge or power, and checking how much each one needs to run. From there, consider how much time you’ll need to run them, and how long the solar-powered generator will take to recharge once it is depleted.

Note that solar panel specs list the highest capacity the panel is capable of, in the perfect conditions—it is not uncommon to see only 50- to 75 percent of the watts a panel is listed for.

This goes hand in hand with your needs. Once you figure out what you’ll be charging or running with your power station, you can start comparing capacities per full charge or hour of use on each unit. The price goes up as the capacity increases, but most people heading out for an off-grid weekend will want at least around 40 amp-hours, or 500 watt-hours.

If you’re looking for a home-powering backup for power outages, look for a model with at least 3,000Wh, and I recommend 500 watts (minimum) of solar panels for recharging. Keep in mind that solar panels are not usually included with the unit, and I recommend buying both at the same time for maximum efficiency in charging.

I listed the watt hours as “Wh” in the specs for each model for easier comparison.

While weight and size don’t directly correlate to the technicalities of power banks, they impact the convenience of each model. Many camping and overlanding setups have limited space, so the more compact models likely have a higher appeal as a result.

That said, most units weigh at least 10 pounds, and the weight and size increase quickly with greater capacities. Before purchasing, consider where you plan to store the power bank, and the space in your vehicle or camper where it will live while you’re on the road. If you plan to use this power bank solely as a home backup option, portability will matter less, but consider how much effort it will take to move it around within your home or in your outdoor space.

What are your priorities when choosing a solar-powered generator?

I am a low-maintenance camper, and most of my background is in lightweight backcountry travel. That means I prioritize space-saving and ease-of-use, so my go-to power banks have between 250 to 600 watt hours, and weigh less than 15 pounds.

This is perfect for a weekend trip, with the on-the-go (car or solar) charging capabilities to put my mind at ease for longer trips. Mostly I’m charging small items, so one charge lasts a long time. However, plenty of people in the van-life and remote-work world are powering their RVs and vans, and relying on multiple laptop charges. For that, I’d recommend one of the larger units.

What can a solar-powered generator charge and power?

A solar-powered generator can charge and run almost anything that requires power—it just depends on the capacity. These generators can charge power tools in the shop, laptops for remote work, and personal devices like bluetooth headphones and speakers.

A solar-powered generator with a higher power capacity can even power household appliances in the event of a power outage. And the fact that these are solar-compatible means you aren’t reliant on the electrical grid to recharge them.

What is the best way to charge a generator?

Every unit on our list has multiple charging options, including wall (AC outlet), car (12-volt), and solar. Each input method charges your unit at a different speed, and solar also depends on the conditions.

I try to charge up my power banks whenever I can, so I’m never caught off guard trying to leave on a trip with a dying power bank. If this happens (which it has), I’ll charge it in my vehicle's 12-volt port while I’m driving, though this is often slower than solar or a wall unit.

Solar power is the most sustainable and typically fastest way to power these— just be sure you have enough wattage in the solar panels to make it effective. I recommend keeping the generator stored with at least an 80 percent charge, and unplug them once they’re fully charged—keeping them plugged in longer than necessary can degrade the battery.

Most units will have a simple readout display showing the remaining battery charge, and it’s a good practice not to allow your battery pack to get below 20 percent.

Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance writer in the outdoor industry and has tested gear professionally for almost ten years—she is an avid backpacker, trail runner, bikepacker, and horseback rider and has thru-hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian, Colorado, and Ouachita trails, along with backcountry travel on terrain including coastal trails, the desert, and high alpine peaks. Maggie has written for New York Magazine, Huffington Post, REI, and Outside. She is a columnist with Backpacker Magazine and is the co-founder of BackpackingRoutes.com. Contact her at MaggieSlepian.com.

The 5 Best Home Generators of 2025

The 7 Best Portable Power Stations

How to Set Up a Portable Solar Generator

How to DIY Off-Grid Solar

The 8 Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers of 2025

The 5 Best Portable Air Conditioners

7 Best Portable Solar Panels for Renewable Power

The Kamado Joe Jr., Test and Reviewed

The 7 Best Portable Power Banks

The 8 Best Portable Generators

The Best Electric Mowers of 2025

The 6 Best Air Conditioners of 2025