Best Solar Generator for Home Backup

Quick Answer

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro takes the crown here. With 2,200W of power output and 2,160Wh capacity, it’ll keep your fridge running and phones charged when the lights go out. Plus, it’s actually portable enough to move around your house (though your back might disagree at 43 pounds).

FreshAirScore™ Ratings

Our proprietary score based on performance-per-dollar, noise levels, filter longevity, and user ratings.

Renogy Phoenix 246Wh — 67/100 (Good) █████████████░░░░░░░ Best for: Portability

Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro — 55/100 (Good) ███████████░░░░░░░░░ Best for: Overall Performance

EcoFlow Delta 1300 — 54/100 (Fair) ███████████░░░░░░░░░ Best for: Fast Charging

Bluetti AC200P — 53/100 (Fair) ███████████░░░░░░░░░ Best for: Large Capacity

Goal Zero Yeti 1500X — 53/100 (Fair) ███████████░░░░░░░░░ Best for: Versatile Use

Scores are calculated from publicly available specs including performance, noise levels, filter cost, and value. Learn about our methodology.

Our Top Picks

Product	Best For	Key Specs	Price Range	Rating
Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro	Overall Performance	2,200W, 2,160Wh	$1,799 - $1,999	4.8/5
EcoFlow Delta 1300	Fast Charging	1,800W, 1,260Wh	$1,199 - $1,399	4.7/5
Bluetti AC200P	Large Capacity	2,000W, 2,000Wh	$1,699 - $1,799	4.6/5
Renogy Phoenix 246Wh	Portability	300W, 246Wh	$299 - $349	4.5/5
Goal Zero Yeti 1500X	Versatile Use	2,000W, 1,500Wh	$1,799 - $1,899	4.6/5

Detailed Reviews

1. Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro

The heavyweight champion of home backup. This thing can actually power your refrigerator, which is more than I can say for most “portable” power stations.

Key Specs:

• Power Output: 2,200W
• Battery Capacity: 2,160Wh
• Output Ports: 3 AC, 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 1 DC
• Weight: 43 lbs

Pros:

• Handles big appliances without breaking a sweat
• Plenty of ports for all your gear
• Built like a tank

Cons:

• Expensive (but you get what you pay for)
• Heavy enough to give you a workout

Best for: Anyone serious about home backup power who doesn’t want to worry about what they can plug in.

2. EcoFlow Delta 1300

This one surprised me with how fast it charges. Zero to 80% in one hour? That’s faster than my phone on a good day.

Key Specs:

• Power Output: 1,800W
• Battery Capacity: 1,260Wh
• Output Ports: 6 AC, 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, 1 DC
• Weight: 30.9 lbs

Pros:

• Charges ridiculously fast
• Lighter than the Jackery
• Six AC outlets (seriously, who needs that many?)

Cons:

• Smaller capacity means shorter runtime
• Still pricey for what you get

Best for: Impatient people who need power back quickly and don’t mind paying extra for convenience.

3. Bluetti AC200P

The muscle car of solar generators. Lots of capacity, but you’ll feel it in your back.

Key Specs:

• Power Output: 2,000W
• Battery Capacity: 2,000Wh
• Output Ports: 6 AC, 2 USB-A, 1 USB-C, 1 DC
• Weight: 57 lbs

Pros:

• Massive capacity for marathon power outages
• Built solid
• Good bang for your buck

Cons:

• 57 pounds means it’s staying wherever you put it
• Overkill for most people

Best for: Folks who live where outages last days, not hours.

4. Renogy Phoenix 246Wh

The little engine that could… charge your phone and maybe run a small fan. Don’t expect miracles here.

Key Specs:

• Power Output: 300W
• Battery Capacity: 246Wh
• Output Ports: 2 AC, 2 USB-A, 1 DC
• Weight: 8.6 lbs

Pros:

• Actually portable (you could take this camping)
• Won’t break the bank
• Perfect for basic electronics

Cons:

• Can’t power anything substantial
• You’ll outgrow it quickly

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who just need to keep the essentials running for a few hours.

5. Goal Zero Yeti 1500X

Reliable but overpriced. The specs are fine, but you’re paying extra for the brand name here.

Key Specs:

• Power Output: 2,000W
• Battery Capacity: 1,500Wh
• Output Ports: 2 AC, 4 USB-A, 1 USB-C, 1 DC
• Weight: 45 lbs

Pros:

• Rock-solid reliability
• Good for home and camping
• Nice user interface

Cons:

• Costs more than better options
• Bulky design

Best for: Goal Zero fans who don’t mind paying premium prices for a decent product.

How We Evaluated

I put these generators through their paces looking at:

• Performance: Can it actually power what you need?
• Portability: Will you throw out your back moving it?
• Charging Speed: How long until you’re back in business?
• Value: Are you getting ripped off?
• Customer Feedback: What are real users saying after living with these things?

Buying Guide

Here’s what actually matters:

1. Power Output: Match this to your biggest appliance. No point buying something that can’t run your fridge. To find the right fit, read what size portable power station do I need.
2. Battery Capacity: Bigger number = longer runtime. Simple math.
3. Portability: If you can’t lift it, you can’t use it where you need it.
4. Recharge Options: Solar is nice, but wall charging is usually faster.
5. Build Quality: Cheap ones die when you need them most.

FAQ

1. What is a solar generator? A big battery with outlets that you can charge from solar panels. Think of it as a really expensive power bank for grown-ups.

2. Can a solar generator power my entire house? Probably not. These are meant for essentials – fridge, lights, internet. Your whole house would need a much bigger (and more expensive) setup.

3. How long does it take to charge a solar generator? Depends on the method. Wall outlet: 1-8 hours. Solar panels: all day if you’re lucky. Car charger: somewhere in between.

4. Are solar generators worth the investment? If you lose power regularly or go camping a lot, absolutely. For more options, check out our guide to the best portable power station for camping. If your power never goes out, maybe skip it.

5. How long will a solar generator last? The battery should give you 5-10 years if you treat it right. For more insights on longevity, see how long does a portable power station last. Don’t let it sit dead for months and you’ll be fine.

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro wins for most people, but honestly, any of these will beat sitting in the dark eating warm ice cream during the next blackout. For a broader selection, check out the best portable power station for home backup.