Advances in LiFepO4 battery technology have made it easier, safer and quieter to charge all home appliances and electronics. On top of this, campers are no longer using noisy, stinky diesel generators to power their RV, which is purely awesome if you're staying at a campsite with quiet hours. In addition, solar powered generators, that are also known as a portable power stations, as far as charging capacity goes, are marked with a relatively low price tag. The best LiFepO4 Solar Generator is listed below.
What’s a LiFePO4 Solar Generator?
A LiFePO4 Solar Generator is a combination of a battery charger that uses solar panels and a storage battery. It is a portable device working with solar panel systems that collect solar energy and store it on batteries. The energy is stored later converted at this power station with inverters. In addition, the device is used to power homes and business as backup, and also for camping and other outdoor activities.
LiFePO4 solar generators are a little more expensive than lead acid batteries, but if you need a strong, long lasting, portable power option, then they will be a good investment.
Finally, now that you know what is a LiFePO4 solar generator let’s take a look at the best LiFePO4 solar generator models that you can use for home and camping use.
1. BLUETTI Portable Solar Generator AC200P, Power Station
- [Power Monster] - With the remarkable 2000Wh of capacity and a...
- [3500+ Life Cycles to 80%] - The ultra-safe LiFePO4 battery cells...
- [Efficient Recharging Rate] - AC200P supports up to 700W solar...
- [17 Versatile Outlets] - 6 AC ports, standard USB-A/Type-C/Car...
- [What You Get] - BLUETTI AC200P portable power station, AC...
The power capacity of Bluetti AC200P Power Station is 2000W. It will power practically any household device in a pinch, from our fridge, to our toaster, to our microwave, to our room heater. Moreover, the AC200P's surge power of 4800W is enough to enable the starting of power tools and equipment, which power their AC motors.
The AC200P comes with 3,500 cycles to 80 percent capacity. Also, the new lithium-iron technology results in an impressive battery life That means I don't have to go buying a new one every 10 years and only use it once!
Bluetti AC200P is undoubtedly one of the best solar generators since it checks almost all the criteria. For its size it is usually packed with a lot of punch. The package has 17 output ports to power your devices, two of them being ultra convenient wireless charging pads.
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2. Anker 521 Portable Power Station Upgraded with LiFePO4 Battery
- 10 Years of Long-Lasting Power: Anker 521 Portable Power Station...
- USB-C Port Built In: Ditch bulky adapters and use a single cable...
- 600W of Upgraded Power: Anker 521 Portable Power Station uses...
- 256Wh Capacity for Weekend Trips: When you're getting away for...
- 6 Ports for More Charging: Plug in 6 devices or appliances for...
The Anker 521 Portable Power Station is a small, lightweight, and reliable power source suitable for taking along on your camping trips, road trips, and as emergency backup. It packs a powerful output punch, comes with multiple charging capability, and has an upgraded LiFePO4 battery to provide an efficient charging option for your devices and even small appliances.
With Anker 521 Portable Power Station, you have a definite, simple yet useful solution for your light power needs. The upgraded LiFePO4 is the best battery and with the high speed USB C charging and as solar compatibility it's a great choice for outdoor activities, short time backup and eco minded people. It’s compact, efficient and versatile, making it a power station for all scenarios.
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3. BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC180, 1152Wh LiFePO4 Battery Backup
- [Charged in 1 Hour] - The AC180 packs a 1152Wh LiFePO4 battery,...
- [Power All Your Needs] - The AC180 boasts 1800W output and 11...
- [Solar Fast Charge] - Built-in MPPT charge controller for up to...
- [Reliable UPS] - More than an outdoor power source, the AC180 can...
- [What You Get] - BLUETTI AC180 portable power station, AC...
The BLUETTI AC180 Portable Power Station is a powerful and versatile energy solution that can be conveniently used camping, for off grid enthusiasts, in case of emergency power outages. This unit comes with a high capacity (1152 Wh,) LiFePO4 battery, is built with advanced features like fast charging and solar compatibility, making it reliable and convenient in small package.
Furthermore, the BLUETTI AC180 Portable Power Station is a one stop power station with impressive power and durability as well as fast charging capability. It is powered by its robust LiFePO4 battery and has flexible charging options that make it ideal for the camper, off grid freak and anyone preparing for power outages. This reliable station delivers outstanding performance whether letting you power essential appliances or keep devices ready to go.
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4. BLUETTI LiFePO4 Expandable Power Station AC300 & B300
- [Expand Your Power At Will] - An AC300 with a 3000W inverter...
- [16 Versatile Ports] - The NEMA TT-30 is perfect for a travel...
- [Fast Recharging] - BLUETTI AC300&B300 can be fed up in less than...
- [24/7 UPS Home Backup] - Tie the AC300&B300 power system to your...
- [What You Get] - BLUETTI AC300 power station, B300 expansion...
To significantly boost power capacity up to 12,288Wh, AC300 Power Station is paired with B300 batteries. As a result, you have a means of dealing with your electricity needs for days during power loss. Plus, the unit boasts 16 versatile ports, so the NEMA TT-30 is great for travel trailers, while the 30A RV port is perfect for vehicle powered equipment.
We normally charge the unit less than 1.5 hours using the dual charger inputs. This Bluetti AC300 can join your home grid and power your home in a blackout. However, a professional electrician must do the work.
The DC cable can be used to charge your power station from your car (including DC6V output), and offers 3A and 5A charging cables, a 4 year warranty, a user manual and friendly local/online customer service.
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5. EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 2 Pro, 768Wh LiFePO4 Battery
- [Fastest Charging in the Industry] - Fully recharge using an AC...
- [Power 80% of Your Appliances] - With an output of up to 1600W,...
- [LFP Long-Life Battery] - Using LFP battery cells, use and...
- [Fast Solar Charging] - Use clean, green renewable energy to...
- [Light & Portable] - With a lightweight of only 17.2 lbs, RIVER 2...
EF ECOFLOW RIVER 2 Pro is a small but versatile power station with a resilient LiFePO4 battery, rapid charging, and multiple output choices. Built for use for outdoor adventuring, RV trips, and home backup, we guarantee that you will have all the power you need, at all times, in all places.
Furthermore, it is all in one; portable, fast recharge and versatile. Backed by a solid 768Wh capacity, LiFePO4 toughness and solar compatible, it is without question a great backup power source for outdoor lovers, RV fans and outdoorsy types in general. If you’re going camping, get ready for a power outage, or switching to green energy, the RIVER 2 Pro is your reliable sidekick.
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Why Should You Choose a LiFePO4 Solar Generator?
The main reason why you should pick the LiFepo4 solar generator is that it uses a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. LiFePO4 batteries usually have the advantages that they have compared to lead acid batteries such as higher efficiency in discharge, longer life and the ability to deep cycle the battery without degradation in performance.
Image Source: bestportablesolargenerators.com
Other reasons why you need to consider LiFePO4 solar generators include the following:
1. Lightweight
LiFePO4 batteries are four times lighter than lead, of the same capacity. For example, a 150Ah lead acid battery will weigh approximately 48kg, but a LiFePO4 battery of the same capacity will weigh 14 kg.
2. Fast Charging
LiFePO4 batteries will charge quickly and consistently to 100 percent capacity. On the opposite side, lead-acid battery requires a long time to take in its last 20 per cent charge.
3. Safety
Due to having a stable chemistry, LiFepo4 batteries are exceedingly safe to use. These batteries will not explode even in case of a fire, short circuit, or an accident. Additionally, with their full capacity, there is no chance explosion.
4. Performance
LiFePO4 solar generators have a life span that is substantially longer than that of normal lead acid batteries. In addition, the LiFePO4 batteries have the life cycle of up to 2500 cycle and can runs perfectly for 7 – 15 years.
5. Climate Resistance
In harsh weather LiFePO4 and lead acid batteries would lose capacity. The energy loss from LiFePO4 batteries is, however, less than from lead acid batteries. And that’s why your LiFePO4 battery will retain up to 80% of its capacity at -20 degrees Celsius while only retaining 30% on an AGM battery.
6. Noise Level
Regular generators can be pretty loud and that can be a problem if you’re RVing or camping or just using one outside the house. The one advantage of LiFePO4 solar generators is that when operating, they remain silent since they do not have the various components that are present in gas powered generators.
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best LiFepo4 Solar Generator
1. Portability
You need a relatively easy unit to carry along whether you’re looking a solar generator for backup power at home, for camping, or loading up on your boat. If you like the outdoors, however, this will come as no surprise. Of course, if you are camping, you’ve already got plenty of gear to carry along, and a solar generator is by no means the lightest.
Image Source: railadvent.co.uk
We recommend investing in portable power stations for a pleasant camping. Opt for one with a strong handle that you can carry or with wheels for easy to use.
2. Battery Capacity
Before buying the best LiFepo4 solar generator, you must determine how long the battery will run your appliances without charging. Its value is in watt hours (Wh). For example, a 100W television will run for 25 hours from a 3000Wh generator; a 1250W electric grill will operate for 2.4 hours; and a 60W laptop can be powered for 50 hours.
To calculate maximum load you add all the power ratings you want to run simultaneously and multiply that number of hours. Let us say you need to power:
- Lighting (50W) + fridge (160W) + TV (110W) + electric blanket (100W) = 420 W
For seven hours every day
420W x 7 h = 2940Wh is what you need
3. Solar Charge Controller
While solar generators have zero to little dangers failing, they are still built with most caution; you’ll want to check if the solar generator you wish to buy comes with a solar charge controller or an integrated MPPT charge controller (maximum power point tracking).
Image Source: bluettipower.com
When you charge the solar generator with a solar panel or an AC or DC outlet, there is always the possibility of supplying voltage or current in excess of what can be used to charge the solar generator, which will critically damage the battery. Usually, these charge controllers are placed to avoid this. These charge controllers do their work very easily.
When plugged in, they stop the flow of electricity to the generator, cutting off power when the charge is finished. Consequently, you can charge the solar generator overnight or in the daytime while not hurting the battery at all. Charge controllers with MPPT were a relatively new concept compared to the older charge controllers, which were easier to be compromised and were energy inefficient.
4. I/O ports and Charging Options
The solar panel system is the common input method of solar generator, which can be directly connected to the unit. As soon as it is connected, it can offer a free option of charging the generator and also free energy.
It may seem like the best input method for a solar generator, but it’s not necessarily the most practical as you can not charge it through a solar panel. Along with wet weather, dark woodlands or damaged solar panels, they could provide some reasons. In such a circumstance, an additional input method on the solar generator may be an input via AC or DC can be lifesavers.
5. Durability
When buying the best solar generator for home backup and emergencies, think about its quality coupled with durability. It's particularly essential if your generator is meant to be taken with you on camping as well as road trips. Unfortunately many poor power stations are only comprised of cheap components and weak plastic that seems incapable of withstanding the rigors of the road.
Image Source: solarreviews.com
You can’t determine durability by reading a specification sheet off the internet. Best thing would be to take the solar generator out and see how it holds up. These recommendations, I've used and put to the test of durability.
6. Additional Features
When buying the best lifepo4 solar generator make sure it has USB ports which will allow you to power more than one device at the same time, rechargeable batteries, AC outlets and an LED display for monitoring the system at night. If seeking a warranty, look at units with warranties made by companies having credentials that are well known in the solar industry.
