Recently, there has been a rise in people switching to solar power as a means of lowering electricity costs. Plus, it is a renewable source of energy. Nevertheless, you don't have to break the bank to own such a device; you can get the best solar generator for under $500.
In case of power outages, the most sought solution is solar generators, and some can be quite expensive, especially if you need help understanding the features. Our article will help you choose the best solar generators under $500 to keep your electricity on during emergencies.
What Is a Solar Generator?
A solar generator is not a "generator" but a large rechargeable battery pack (it resembles the devices you carry around to charge your phone when traveling). It is a device you use as backup power to generate electricity for your appliances in case of an outage or when you don't have access to grid power.
Moreover, the solar generator integrates an uninterruptible power supply with surge protection and an inverter that powers your AC devices.
Image Credits: electrec.com
This collection of parts is what we call solar generators since they have a design that is charged using a solar panel, making them suitable for use during emergencies or when off the grid. Plus, you can also charge them via a wall outlet.
These solar generators are available in different capacities, ranging from large models that can power a mobile home or critical appliances to lightweight models that help in camping.
These solar-powered generators have a variety of AC outlets to supply power to different appliances at once, 12V DC ports, a standard cigarette port, and 5521 barrel-type ports. They also have Anderson power ports.
Sometimes, you can get sophisticated solar-powered generators with 125V and 30A outlets that can power an RV.
Solar power generators also have USB ports that enable phone charging. The number of USB ports may vary from two to four, depending on the size, and can be as high as six on larger ones. They also have a mix of USB-A 2.4v, 5V ports, and USB-C with power delivery ports from 18W to 100W capacities.
How To Charge a Solar Generator in 3 Ways?
Every solar generator has two main parts:
- The battery which powers up the system
- AC inverter, which converts DC to AC power
Image Credits: palmetosolar.com
You will use the stored battery power when you plug any electronic device into your solar generator. However, when this battery is empty, you can recharge your battery in three ways:
1. Grid Charging
This is the easiest way to charge your solar-powered generator- plug it into a wall outlet and charge it the way you would any battery-run device until it reaches 100%. This is the easiest and fastest way to go from 0% to 80% in less than an hour. However, grid charging is only possible when you have access to it.
2. Solar Charging
Solar panels are a source of free and clean power harnessed during the day as it gets energy from the sun. Solar charging speed is determined by the size and number of your panels, the battery capacity, and the solar input power that the generator takes.
If you want to charge your solar generator via a solar panel, you need a solar adapter cable that the manufacturer includes in the solar generator kit. Charging a solar generator can take around 5 hours, but large generators have a dual-charging mode that lets you simultaneously charge from the grid and solar panels.
3. Car Charging
Using a 12V car charger is the slowest way of charging a solar generator. However, if you have to drive for a camping trip the whole night, you might get your solar generator loaded before arriving at your destination.
Best Solar Generators Under $500
1. Apowking Solar Generator
- SOLAR POWERED GENERATOR WITH PANELS INCLUDED: Apowking portable...
- PORTABLE POWER STATION WITH LARGE CAPACITY: This portable power...
- SOLAR POWERED GENERATOR WITH 7 OUTPUTS: This portable solar...
- BRIGHT DUAL LED FLASHLIGHT: The portable power station solar...
- SECURED SOLAR GENERATOR: The Battery Management System (BMS)...
The first aspect of the Apowking Solar Generator that we were drawn to was how compact and lightweight it was, which was handy when taking on our travels. The included 40W solar panels did exceptionally well in less than optimal lighting and were still able to provide enough charge to power our electronics. It seemed so comforting to have such convenience on camping and electricity trips and even short blackouts.
The power station has a reasonable capacity of 146Wh, which was enough to run phones, tablets, and small fans for this experiment. More choice provided by the seven outlets was useful; we could powering several gadgets at once as smoothly as a song. Well, its versatility can be appreciated when you are having a weekend trip in the woods, and that was our case.
Several factors for consideration were thought of especially concerning the maximum output. With the continuous power limit of 100W, we struggled to power large appliances within the house. Although the charging times can fluctuate, we maintained confidence that hot summer days would make a difference.
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2. ZeroKor Portable Solar Generator
- Portable Generator with 60W Solar Panel Included: With a superior...
- Multiple Charging outlets for camping gear with SOS Flashlight:...
- Multiple Charging Optional, Solar Panel 60W Included: ZeroKor...
- Configure Multiple Protection Mechanisms: Built in BMS, ZeroKor...
- HIGH CONVERSION EFFICIENCY: ZeroKor solar panels 60W...
We have recently employed the ZeroKor Portable Solar Generator in one of our camping sessions, and it was remarkably easy to operate. That is why it was convenient to carry it due to the possibilities provided by the lightweight design. The 60W of solar panel included in the product helped in charging the generator fully during day light and also charged our smartphones and other small gadgetry after sundown.
As with the previous model, we enjoyed the various charging solutions that we had at our disposal. Besides two AC outlets, a DC port, and several ports for USB this unit allowed connecting our devices easily. Nevertheless, it did not work so well with appliances that had higher wattage and one has to bear this in mind at all times.
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3. GRECELL Portable Power Station
- 【288Wh Capacity, 330W Output】330W (600W surge) pure sine wave...
- 【Upgraded Battery Management System】We promise to adopt...
- 【USB-C PD 60W, USB-A QC 18W】PD60W fast charging makes it...
- 【Power 8 Device simultaneously】Equipped with 1*AC output,...
- 【3 Ways To Recharge, Built-in MPPT Controller】GRECELL power...
We have recently used the GRECELL Portable Power Station on some camping trips and the experience was great. It has a compact design with weights standing at 4.9 pounds making it very portable. So far, we were able to charge our gadgets, including phones, tablets, and even a Small 12V mini fridge since it has 288Wh of power capacity. Thus, knowing that we have a standby source of electric power in the house while enjoying the sun is comforting.
The options provided in this unit for charging are handy. It can be recharged with help of AC outlet, solar panel, and even in a car. The integrated MPPT controller enables optimal charging to be made out of the readily available power. Furthermore, the variety of USB ports as well as a fast-charging USB-C ensures the versatility of the connections we make.
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4. Westinghouse iGEN600S Portable Power Station & Solar Generator
- VERSATILE OUTLETS CHARGE UP TO 8 DEVICES AT THE SAME TIME:...
- HOURS & HOURS OF POWER ON A SINGLE CHARGE: 596 Watt-Hours of...
- MORE COMPACT THAN A 5 QT. MINI COOLER: At 11.3 lb. Lighter Than a...
- CHARGES AT HOME, ON THE GO, OR IN THE FIELD: Charges to 80% in...
- ECO-FRIENDLY POWER GENERATOR: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint for...
If you are looking for a portable solar generator, then the Westinghouse iGen600S is the one. Additionally, it is the go-to power station in times of emergency. Plus, we found it useful in outdoor activities, such as camping and long road trips with no power. After all, it was an independent power source for all important electronic devices.
It was lightweight as it was only 11.3 lbs and gave a continuous power supply of 600W with an impressive 1200W peak power, which met all our power needs. Also, the device power output charged eight devices at a time.
Other devices in the power station package included a car and AC wall charger, which we could use with an optional solar panel or a portable generator. If the wall socket fails, you can plug it into your car charger for half an hour to kickstart the battery. Moreover, it took 7-8 hours to charge it on a household outlet, 8-9 hours on a solar panel, and 8-9 hours on a car outlet.
This portable power station is best for outdoor activities as it will support all your electrical needs. However, you can also use it indoors during power blackouts in a storm.
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5. ALLWEI Portable Power Station 300W
- 【Empower Your Life】The outdoor generator has 280Wh 78000mAh,...
- 【Fast Charge】It can be recharged by AC Wall Charging, car...
- 【Power 9 Devices】With 9 AC USB DC ports, the battery...
- 【Lightweight Portable】The solar generator for home use with...
- 【Warm Tips】Please charge your devices within 300 watts...
One feature about the ALLWEI Portable Power Station that we found particularly commendable is that is very flexible. Recently, we took it on a camping trip for a weekend and safely ran a small refrigerator and mobile devices. Being just 6.5 pounds, it was light enough to bring along and conveniently stow in our equipment.
Charging options are notable. It can be recharged using the car during a drive and it takes only a few hours to get fully charged. At some point, on sunny days, it came fully loaded with a solar panel in a way that one could charge on the go and not necessarily depend on conventional power sources.
It also features the aspect of servicing multiple devices at the same time, and we liked that very much. The 9 AC, USB, and DC ports allowed us to charge all of our phones, laptops, and even our drone as we enjoyed the outdoors. Just do not forget to take care of the power capacity; over 300 watts and it will not operate properly.
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Factors to Consider Before Purchasing The Best Solar Generators Under 500
1. Portability
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Regardless of what you want to charge with your solar generator, it should be portable enough for easy maneuvering. If you love outdoor activities, you know that portability is key to any device. However, you already have a lot of things to carry around, so choose a portable solar generator with a solid carrying handle.
2. High Solar Power Input and Charging Speed
The solar power input wattage determines how much power the generator can receive from solar panels. For instance, if a solar generator has 700 watts, you can hook it up to 7-100 watt or 3-200 watt solar panels, and its 2000Wh battery recharges in 3-4 hours. Such efficient solar charging is made possible by the MPPT(Multiple Power Point Tracking) controllers.
Image Credits: zdnet.com
The solar generator can even out the voltage difference between an undercharged battery and the solar panels. As a result, solar energy is used to charge the generator. The MPPT is a standard feature for most solar generators, but you should also go through other specs before purchasing.
Also, if you want to include fast solar charging, you should look for solar generators with a lot of solar input. A high solar input is better, but you must purchase more than 2 solar panels to reach it.
3. Look for More Outlets
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It is best to get generators with at least three AC outlets if you rarely use all six USB ports. Alternatively, a regulated 12V and a fast-charging 60W USB-C port can charge a laptop and leave a 110V outlet free for another electronic appliance.
4. Choose Lithium-ion Battery
Lithium-ion batteries are a gold standard for solar generators. They are lightweight and can discharge up to 80-90% without losing capacity over time. These batteries are rated via their life cycles or how many times you can fully charge and discharge the battery until it gets below 80%.
The life cycles of lithium batteries always spark discussions as people question how much is too much or too little. The answer is simple; if you use your solar generator twice a month, even a 500-cycle Jackery Explorer can last a decade. However, if you use your solar generator frequently, go for something with more life cycles like the Bluetti AC200P.
Frequently Asked Questions on The Best Solar Generators Under $500
What are the features of a solar generator?
Solar generators have inverters with a maximum wattage rating, so you can plug a power strip into a single AC port and use the maximum wattage of the generator.
These generators also have inverters that give out the cleanest power you can get from any AC generator. These inverters create a steady, continuous wave of electricity that provides smooth, oscillating currents. Plus, some electronics also require pure sinewave electricity; they include medical equipment or appliances with AC motors, pumps, and compressors.
Others use transformer bricks that resemble the ones you see on other consumer appliances such as computers.
They have a separate power supply that generates less heat and lowers the generator's weight. The larger units have integrated fans that cool the battery compartment and are controlled by the battery management system. It spins it up and down when needed.
These solar generators have LED and LCDs that display basic data such as the state of the charge, current wattage output, input, and estimated times of full charge and depletion. Some also have touchscreen user interfaces.
Some generators also have wireless capabilities, so you can manage them via your mobile applications using WI-FI or Bluetooth. The advantage is that you have remote visibility into real-time generator performance from the comfort of wherever you are.
In addition, you can alter the settings, such as activating or deactivating the inverse ports, changing the inverter charge speed, or even updating the firmware.
Featured Image Credits: solarreviews.com
