Whether you’re planning an off-grid lifestyle, are looking to reduce your reliance on gas powered generators or simply want to be prepared for a power outage, solar powered generators are one of the best choices around. These portable energy sources are light and easy to carry, allowing you to charge and run all your electronic devices without relying on the power grid.

How They Work

To use a solar powered generators , you need to decide what kind of battery storage capacity you need and how much electricity you want to produce. Lithium ion batteries are the best choice for this purpose, as they offer high power output and long lifespans.

The battery in a solar generator stores the sun’s energy, which then gets converted to AC power via an inverter. Inverters typically come with a watt rating, which shows how many watts they can generate at full battery capacity.

Powering Up: A Guide to Choosing the Best Solar-Powered Generator for Your Needs

A solar generator’s surge power output is important for running certain devices, such as air conditioners and TVs. It should be able to quickly surge up to 4,800 watts for a short period of time.

Inverters also vary in their efficiency, which can make a difference to how much power is generated. Generally, the higher the efficiency, the less you’ll need to charge your battery, but that’s not always the case.

If you plan to power your entire home with a solar generator, be sure to look for one that has the largest battery storage capacity possible. This will allow you to store up a large amount of energy to use throughout the day, and then recharge it at night.