10 Best Solar Backup Generators 2025 in the United States

The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station is a reliable and versatile option for those needing a solar backup generator for camping, emergencies, RV trips, or off-grid living. It offers a substantial 1,070Wh battery capacity and a powerful 1,500W AC output, which can handle various appliances, including fridges and electric pots. With its lightweight design (23.8 lbs) and foldable handle, it is highly portable and easy to carry around.

The one-hour fast charging feature is particularly impressive, ensuring you can get back to using your devices quickly, although it requires activation through the Jackery App for optimal battery health. The LFP battery promises a long lifespan, capable of maintaining over 70% capacity after 4,000 charge cycles, translating to more than 10 years of use. Multiple charging options, including USB-C, USB-A, DC car port, and AC ports, add to its versatility, allowing you to charge several devices simultaneously.

The smart app control feature enhances user convenience by offering different charging modes to suit various needs. However, it is noteworthy that the solar panels are optional and not included in the package, which might be a drawback for some users. Additionally, while the default 1.7-hour charging mode is designed to preserve battery health, it requires manual switching to the one-hour mode via the app every time, which may be cumbersome for some. The build quality is robust, making it a durable option for outdoor use. This power station is particularly suitable for those who value portability, fast charging, and a long lifespan in their solar backup generator.

The Jackery Solar Generator 300 is a compact and lightweight portable power station with a 293Wh lithium-ion battery and a 300W pure sine wave inverter, making it a solid choice for outdoor activities like camping, road trips, or emergency backup. Its battery capacity is suitable for charging smaller devices such as phones, laptops, drones, and cameras simultaneously, thanks to multiple output ports including two AC outlets, USB-C PD, USB-A fast charge, and a car port. This versatility makes it easy to power several gadgets at once.

Charging is quite flexible and efficient; you can recharge up to 80% in about 2 hours using a wall outlet and USB-C PD port together. Besides AC power, it supports solar charging with the Jackery SolarSaga 100W panel, which includes an MPPT controller for faster and more efficient solar recharge. The solar panel is sold separately, so keep that in mind if you want a full solar charging setup. At just over 7 pounds, the unit is highly portable and easy to carry in a backpack, which is great for users who prioritize mobility. The build quality is decent with a sturdy plastic shell, but it’s not designed for heavy rough use or extremely harsh environments. The pure sine wave inverter ensures stable and safe power output, which is important for sensitive electronics.

The 293Wh capacity and 300W power limit mean it won’t run high-power appliances or provide extended backup for larger devices. Also, the solar panel requires separate purchase, adding to the overall cost if you want the complete solar generator experience. The device is best suited for light to medium power needs rather than heavy-duty use. The Jackery Solar Generator 300 provides a good blend of portability, convenient charging options, and clean power delivery, making it ideal for camping enthusiasts, light emergency backup, and those who need reliable off-grid power for small electronics. If longer runtimes or higher wattage output are required, larger models might be more appropriate.

The EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA2 with 220W Solar Panel is a reliable and versatile option for those needing backup power for home, camping, or RV trips. With a substantial battery capacity of 1024 watt-hours and a power output of 1800 watts, it can handle most household and outdoor appliances. The included 220W bifacial solar panel enhances energy capture by up to 25%, making it efficient for off-grid use. One standout feature is its durability, with the LFP battery offering a lifespan of over 3000 cycles, ensuring long-term use.

Fast charging capabilities mean the generator can be recharged quickly, which is a major plus for emergencies or frequent usage. Portability is decent, although at 58 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for some users to carry around easily. The device is highly versatile, with 15 different outlets and the ability to expand capacity from 1kWh to 3kWh by adding extra batteries.

However, its bulkiness and weight might be drawbacks for those looking for a more compact and lightweight solution. Additionally, while it offers numerous charging options (AC, car, solar), the initial setup might seem complex for some users. Nevertheless, for anyone needing a robust and efficient solar generator, this model, with its solid build quality and extensive features, is definitely worth considering.