There are many reasons you might lose power, from downed trees or power lines from a storm to technical problems with your area''s electrical grid. (A transformer near my home would routinely fail because squirrels kept trying to make a home there.) And if your power does go out, a portable generator is a great way to run not only household essentials like lights and refrigerators but also power lifesaving medical equipment and electronic gear like computers, phones, and routers that help you stay in touch with the outside world.If you live in an area where weather emergencies are relatively rare—or power is often restored within a few hours—you probably don''t need a permanently installed whole-house generator, which can cost more than $10,000 to buy and install.
That''s where a portable generator comes in handy. Whether you opt for a traditional portable or the more efficient, quieter, and pricier inverter model option, you''ll end up with plenty of power to run most of the key appliances and systems in your home. Even a midsized recreational generator suitable for tailgating, car camping, or van life can help to power some essentials in a pinch.
These workhorses provide 7,000 to more than 8,000 watts of power—but they usually weigh upward of 200 pounds. They''re what you want to use to power most or all of your home''s essentials during a prolonged outage. If you get one of these generators, you''ll probably want to have an electrician install a transfer switch, which allows you to plug the generator into your electrical panel and power hardwired appliances like a water heater or a well pump. Prices for these models currently range from just under $1,000 to over $2,000.
These midsized generators provide 2,500 to 4,900-plus watts of power and weigh about 80 to 180 pounds. They pack plenty of power for a boat, an RV, or a camper, or they can power a few household essentials using heavy-duty extension cords. Note both the price and the power output when you''re shopping; inverter models that deliver modest amounts of power can be pricier than higher-output traditional portables. Prices range quite widely, from around $400 to $2,400.
These generators provide up to 2,500 watts of power and usually weigh around 50 pounds, making them perfect for campsites. You can power a fridge and a few lights with these during a power outage, but for anything beyond that, consider the larger generators above. These more modest units are fuel-efficient and quiet, and you''ll pay around $500 to $1,200.
While safety is essential, our performance testing ensures that a generator will work as promised when you need it most. To do that, our expert engineers load up every model we assess with a variety of essentials you might want to power during an outage, like a space heater, refrigerator, or window air conditioner.
(Check out our guide to see which size generator can power which appliances.)
We make sure the generator can handle the load it''s supposed to and also see what happens when a sudden spike in voltage hits, such as if, say, the compressor in your refrigerator kicks on when the generator is already close to capacity.
The best models take these spikes in stride, while others bog down or even stall. We also look at how easy it is to move and use a generator, as well as how efficiently it uses gasoline and how long it runs on a full tank.
Solar generators are portable power stations that combine batteries with one or more solar panels to provide electricity almost anywhere you need it.
But, not all solar generators are created equal. They''re not all meant for the same purpose, either. Each system has different energy storage capacities, output ports, and maximum power ratings.
No matter how you plan to use a solar generator, at least one will be a great fit for your needs. Our team of solar experts tested a dozen of the latest and greatest portable power stations on the market in 2024 to find the best solar generators for every type of user. You can watch our full video review below or read on to find the right solar-powered generator for you!
After testing 12 generators, we narrowed it down to the five best models:
Best portable solar generator: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro
Best large portable solar generator: Anker SOLIX F2000 (PowerHouse 767)
Best affordable solar generator: OUPES 1200
Best feature-rich solar generator: EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max
Best overall solar generator: Bluetti AC300 + B300
The Anker SOLIX F2000 (PowerHouse 767) is large and in charge, with just over 2 kWh of energy storage in a really cool, rollable form factor. With a collapsible pull handle and heavy-duty wheels, this thing is like a giant YETI cooler, except instead of beverages and ice, it''s filled with go-juice that makes all your electronics come alive.
When paired with solar panels, Anker re-brands the PowerHouse 767 as the SOLIX F2000, but the names are essentially interchangeable.
Even though nobody seems to know how to say OUPES (does it sound like "opus" or rhyme with "hopes"?), we definitely know that we''d recommend their products to anyone looking for a quality solar generator. The OUPES 1200 is our favorite of their lineup, with the perfect match of price, features, and storage capacity.
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max is truly one of the most full-featured portable power stations on the market. Boasting just over 2 kWh of storage in a compact 52.2-pound package, the DELTA 2 Max is the champion of fast charging, versatility, and compact expandability.
If you''re looking for a portable power station with enough outlets and power output for your whole family, the DELTA 2 Max is a great option.
Now we come to the grand finale! Simply put, the Bluetti AC300 + B300 combo offers the most power, storage, and expandability of any battery we tested.
If you need big-time power for off-grid applications, maximum solar input, expandability, and UPS functionality to keep essential appliances running in a power outage, the AC300 + B300 combo is your best option.
Anker SOLIX F2000 (PowerHouse 767)
About Consumer reports best solar generator
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Consumer reports best solar generator have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Consumer reports best solar generator for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Consumer reports best solar generator featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
Related Contents
