Solar generators are essentially environmentally friendly power generators. They don’t smell and don’t emit any CO₂ when in use. They are also much quieter than standard generators. I analyzed 9 of the current top portable solar generators in the Philippines. These are the results.

A solar generator is a battery with a built-in inverter and one or more solar panels. The generator is charged with solar energy via the solar panels. Most models can also be charged via a socket.

These devices were initially intended for camping.

However, they have proven so successful that they are now also used in households, garden sheds, or on construction sites. However, such portable batteries are insufficient for an emergency power solution in the house because they do not provide enough watt-hours.

The average daily electricity consumption of a two-person household is around 6.6 kWh.

Of course, a solar generator cannot cover your entire daily requirement. After all, large consumers want refrigerators and washing machines to be supplied there. If you work non-stop with your laptop for a day, you can quickly consume 1 kWh. 

The more storage capacity a battery has, the larger it becomes. Many devices, therefore, have wheels on the bottom to make them easier to transport. I analyzed solar generators in the price range from around 50k PHP to around 150k PHP.

1. Anker Power House 767

The CHIP test center gave the Anker Power House 767 a grade of 1.5. This means that the device takes first place in the test. The strong Li-FePO4 battery and the energy yield of 1455 Wh were convincing.

Of the nominal 2,048 watt-hours, 1,455 watt-hours were usable via the AC output in the test, and even 1,719 watt-hours on USB-C. The solar generator only needs 1:27 hours for a full charge. If you don’t want to overload a weak home network, you can also throttle the charging speed. In the cheapest shop, the Anker solar generator costs 130k PHP.

However, CHIP describes this price as relatively expensive. Because the battery has a lot of power, it is one of the most cumbersome models at just under 31 kilograms. Regarding mobility, CHIP gives it a poor rating, even though the device has wheels on the bottom. The overall efficiency is 62%, which is average. However, there are devices with higher efficiency.

Advantages

CHIP test winner
High continuous load
Loads very quickly
Display via display and app

Disadvantages

Heavy and big
Expensive
It is a bit noisy when charging the AC
High inverter losses

2. Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro

With an overall grade of 1.8, CHIP awarded second place to the solar generator from Jackery. It costs 105k PHP in the cheapest shop and is therefore considered relatively inexpensive.

The generator runs on a Li-NMC battery and delivers an energy output of 1657 Wh. It takes less than two hours for it to be fully charged again. In the test, the 2,160 Wh solar generator can also supply power-hungry consumers.

The two 230-volt sockets can supply several consumers with 2,200 watts. That’s even enough for a washing machine. However, of the 2,160 watt hours specified by the manufacturer, only 1,657 watt hours are usable.

By converting direct current into alternating current, part of the electrical energy is lost as heat. The maximum output at the USB-C output is 1,815 watt hours. Nevertheless, it remains relatively quiet at full power.

However, only solar panels from the manufacturer fit into the DX input. If you use special switches, you can even connect six panels with a total output of 1,200 watts. Thanks to the relatively compact design, with solid hand straps and just under 20 kilograms, the Jackery can be easily transported.

Advantages

Internal power supply
Good mobility
Quiet operation
High continuous AC load
Cheaper price

Disadvantages

No app
Only two AC outputs
No temperature display on the display

3. UGREEN PowerRoam 1200

The UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 delivers 1,200 watts in normal mode through both AC outlets. In U-Turbo mode, it even creates 2.5 kW. However, the power output in the test with a 2 kilowatt consumer is only 1.2 kW. CHIP awarded an overall grade of 2.2 on the test and thus third place. The device costs 70k PHP.

The Li-FePO4 battery charges entirely in one hour and 16 minutes. In the test, the average energy yield was 819 Wh. The overall efficiency determined was 71%. CHIP rates mobility and volume as very good. The facilities are also good. The generator weighs only 11.6 kilograms, making it one of the lightest in the test.

Advantages

Protective caps on almost all ports of IApp connection
Whisper quiet
AC continuous load in U-Turbo mode up to 2.5 kW

Disadvantages

There is no storage space above
U-Turbo effectively delivers a maximum of 1.2 kW

4. Bluetti AC200Max

According to the manufacturer, this generator from Bluetti has a battery capacity of 2048 Wh. In the test, an energy yield of 1375 Wh was usable for the inverter and almost as much at 1373 for the UCB-C connection.

However, it took almost 5 hours for the battery to charge fully. The device weighs under 30 kilograms and has no wheels on the bottom. Therefore, rated mobility as inadequate. The overall efficiency in the test was 56%.

The equipment impressed with a solid overall grade of 1.9. Unfortunately, there is no integrated power supply, but the display shows the charge level in percent. In the cheapest shop, you can currently get this generator for 90k PHP

Advantages

Solid equipment
App connection
Good performance

Disadvantages

Relatively expensive
Poor mobility
Long loading time
Quite loud

5. Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro

This solar generator from Jackery fully charges the Li-NMC battery in less than two hours. In the test, the actual energy yield of the inverter was 782 Wh. With USB-C, it was even 829 Wh. The efficiency is impressive at 65%. With the maximum power of 100 watts on the USB-C output, a laptop can be charged well.

Unfortunately, you cannot operate this generator via the app. What is positive is mobility. At just 11.5 kilograms, the generator is very light and can be easily carried back and forth despite the lack of transport wheels. The volume is also impressive. In the cheapest shop, the device costs 70k PHP.

Advantages

Good efficiency
Easy to transport
Relatively short loading time
Integrated power supply

Disadvantages

Relatively expensive
Poor mobility
Long loading time
Only satisfactory energy yield

6. Anker Power House 555

The Anker PowerHouse solar generator has a battery capacity of 1024 Wh. However, the Li-FePO4 battery takes almost 6 hours before fully charging. The actual energy yield of the inverter is 888 Wh. With USB-C, it is 920 Wh.

The overall efficiency is optimal at 74%. Two connections exist for 230-volt sockets with a maximum continuous output of 1000 watts. The three USB-C outputs deliver 100 watts. An integrated power supply is missing, as is an operating app.

In the cheapest shop, the device costs 60k PHP. The device is relatively quiet during operation and charging and, therefore, does not cause any disturbance at night. Transport rollers are missing, but they are unnecessary, given the weight of only 14 kilograms.

Advantages

Quiet operationIVery good efficiency
Easy transportation
Cheap price

Disadvantages

Very long loading time
Poor mobility

7. Pearl Revolt HSG-1100

In the test, this solar generator from Pearl Revolte received an overall grade of 3.1 and was therefore classified as satisfactory. The Li-FePO4 battery has a capacity of 1120 Wh, according to the manufacturer.

However, it takes over 11 hours to charge and is the longest of all devices. The energy yield in the test was 993 Wh. The USB-C managed 1048 Wh. The overall efficiency is good at 72%.

However, the equipment is lacking. There is no app, and the display shows no remaining time when loading and unloading. There is also no integrated power supply. There is also only one USB-C output.

However, mobility and volume were rated as good. With a weight of 13.6 kilograms, the missing transport rollers are negligible. In the cheapest shop, you can get the generator for 50k PHP.

Advantages

Affordable priceIQuiet operation
Good mobility
Efficiency outstanding

Disadvantages

Very long loading time
Only minimal equipment

8. Bluetti EB70

The Bluetti solar generator has an output of 716 Wh, of which 634 Wh can be effectively used in the test with a maximum load of 1,000 watts. This is enough for many modern laptops. The Li-FePO4 battery takes over four hours before it is fully charged. During this time, he was very loud. The overall efficiency in the test was 69%, which is good.

If you charge the generator with a solar panel, the battery can supply 200 watts. It is ideal for those who want to carry it often and over long distances, as it weighs less than 10 kilograms without the power adapter.

Smartphones can be charged ideally using the inductive pad on the top. If the battery discharges, it remains almost silent at 100 watts. If the value is higher, the volume is still not disturbing. CHIP awarded the test a grade of 3.2. In the cheapest shop, the device currently costs 30k PHP and is the cheapest among the 8. It is fully charged in just under four hours.

Advantages

Folding bracket
Relatively easy
Inductive charging pad

Disadvantages

No external power supply
Slow loading speed
Only one DC input

9. Goal Zero Yeti 1000X

You can get the Goal Zero Veto solar generator from the cheapest shop for 80k PHP. The Li-NMC battery has a capacity of 983 Wh and takes just over 9 hours for a full charge. The inverter managed 854 Wh in the test, and the USB-C connection was 791 Wh.

According to the manufacturer, 500 charging cycles are realistic. At just under 15 kilograms, the device can be easily transported without wheels. A cable compartment offers storage space, but there is no integrated power supply.

In terms of volume, the generator performed well, with a score of 1.8. When discharging over 1000 watts, it is a little louder but still completely within limits. The efficiency is very high at 73%. The device costs 80k PHP from the cheapest manufacturer.

Advantages

Good mobility and quiet operation
Integrated cable compartment

Disadvantages

No external power supply
Long loading time is costly

Can I use the solar generator as a reserve canister for the electric car?

In principle, this would be possible, but there are technical and economic reasons that speak against it. First of all, the capacity of a solar generator in the 2 kWh class would be sufficient for just 10 to 15 kilometers — and that is only when the device is fully charged.

However, putting a fully charged battery in the trunk and not using it isn’t good for the device’s lifespan. The solar generator is far too expensive, and it’s a shame to age prematurely in this way.

Pure electrical power is another hurdle: the Schuko chargers in most electric cars charge with ten amps at 230 volts, i.e., with 2.3 kW of power, which is already too much of a good thing for many solar generators.

The result: Either the circuit breaker on the solar generator trips or the voltage drops so low that the car charger switches off. Charging cables that reduce the current directly on the charger, such as six amps, would help here. Setting two kilowatt hours then takes one and a half hours.

The most important thing about solar generators

If you want to supply yourself with electricity, you should pay attention to the following when purchasing solar modules and the associated power stations:

Area of ​​application:

Solar generators serve as a type of XL power bank and provide e.g., B. energy for your cell phone when camping in nature or provide new energy if there is a problem with the power supply in the household due to technical defects.

Size:

Depending on whether you are looking for a compact model for outdoor use in van life or a device with a lot of power for caravan air conditioning, very different solutions come into question. Our test check, therefore, includes solar generations with 240 to 2,016 Wh capacity.

Charging options:

In addition to flexible or permanently mounted solar panels, the storage solutions I recommend can also be charged before traveling via a classic socket or a 12-volt cigarette lighter connection in the car.

Connections:

Standard solar generators are equipped for almost all usage habits and offer, e.g., B. USB-C or DC ports for various devices.

Buying advice: This is crucial when choosing a solar generator

Mobile solar panels for 600-watt balcony power plants, facades, or garden houses have been around for a while. Still, the demand for and supply of portable solar modules constantly increases in the camping sector.

Ultimately, more and more people want to enjoy nature as self-sufficiently as possible and rely on environmentally friendly solutions for generating and storing energy.

However, so that those interested do not lose track of the highly diverse range of solutions, I have summarized the most crucial purchasing criteria:

Areas of application:

Solar generators can be used as a power bank or station wherever energy is required independently of the public power grid. As, e.g., B. when camping.

Storage capacity:

With all solar generators, such as B. Balcony power plants with storage, laypeople would probably prefer the most significant possible capacity. Still, they can quickly fall into a cost trap. 

Therefore, before purchasing, it is worth carefully checking which devices you want to operate for how long and intensively with the corresponding solar generator. For smartphones, tablets, etc., it is enough. B. already the Jackery Explorer 240.

Weight and size:

Especially for van life fans who use a converted van as a mobile home, space is often limited and the vehicle’s loading limit is quickly reached. You should, therefore, pay particular attention to a compact storage solution.

Location:

Before one or more products end up in the shopping cart, buyers of a solar panel should check whether the location they plan to use will be in the sun all day to provide power.

For a mobile home in an open field, this is, e.g., B. very likely, but a small household with a west-facing balcony could have problems filling its storage tanks efficiently in the event of a potential power outage.

Charging options:

Solar generators can usually be charged not only with solar energy but in bad weather, and they can also be charged with electricity from a household socket or a cigarette lighter connection in the car.

Controller technology:

In contrast to a PWM controller (pulse-width modulation), an MPPT controller (Maximum Power Point Tracking) does not establish a direct connection between the solar system and a corresponding storage solution. Instead, its input voltage adapts to the respective solar system and is, therefore, usually more efficient than a PMW controller.

Installation:

Some panels are designed for fixed installation and can be easily attached to a caravan roof, but many can also be used mobile, and e.g., B. be placed in front of a tent. The delivery usually contains all the components required for installation.

Weight:

The power stations or solar generators presented in our test comparison weigh between 3 and 11.5 kilograms, depending on their performance. So, if you want to travel with as little luggage as possible to save gas, you should take this factor into account.

What can a solar generator do?

The solar generators we present are power stations that charge with a solar panel and then, e.g., B. for camping, as a portable power source for cell phones, laptops, etc.

If there is no chance of using solar energy in lousy weather, you can also use a power adapter via a classic socket or, e.g., B. in the camper can also be charged with a 12-volt cigarette lighter in the car.

Some solar generators can even be used with a diesel generator in an emergency.

How good are solar generators?

Depending on the price range, the battery capacity also varies. In our test check, the performance is sufficient, for example. B. from 240 Wh for the cheapest model to 2,016 Wh for the most expensive. Accordingly, the number of charging processes varies greatly.

While the inexpensive 240 Wh model from Jackery can, according to the manufacturer, charge a standard cell phone up to 24 times, the mid-range generator from BLUETTI can charge 65 times, and the premium model Jackery 1000 can set 100 times.

Which solar generator is the best?

Unfortunately, there is no one perfect solar generator for everyone. The demands vary greatly, from purist van life fans to luxury motorhome owners to house builders who want to protect themselves against power outages.

Tip: In addition to camping equipment, these devices can also be used to power your own home with solar power. However, they do not offer suitable cables for 230-volt sockets; instead, electrical devices must always be connected directly to the power station of the respective solution.

How much does a solar generator cost?

In our solar generator test comparison, the cheapest device is available for around 20k PHP. However, models that offer more power can cost almost ten times as much.

Important: Before purchasing such a power station, interested parties should look closely at all product information and check on the website of the respective online shop to see whether shipping costs are included in the price.

What are the advantages of a solar generator?

Camping fans who choose a solar generator benefit from the following advantages, among others:

1. The capacity of the power station can be selected to suit your own needs
2. It can be easily charged using a solar panel, car adapter, or socket
3. Thanks to the battery, you can operate electrical devices such as lamps or cell phones anytime and anywhere
4. Usually equipped with a lot of connections such as USB sockets or Schuko ports for all standard electrical devices
5. It can often power many devices at the same time
6. Some with a practical smartphone app

What are the disadvantages of a solar generator?

However, before using a solar generator, interested parties should know the following potential disadvantages.

1. Charging via the cigarette lighter in the car can take a long time
2. Some models are costly

Are there also solar generators for the home?

Yes, balcony power plants are often much cheaper than solar generators because they do not have a battery. However, they are also permanently installed on house facades, balconies, or garages and are therefore unsuitable for camping.