The best solar generators to buy in 2024, according to reviews - nj.com

Some of the top-rated solar generators you can buy for backup power are available online, including the popular EF ECOFLOW RIVER 2 Pro model.Amazon

A power outage can create a panic situation that leaves you scrambling to charge your phone and keep the food in your refrigerator cold.

A solar generator offers a backup power solution that can keep your electronic devices charged and essential appliances going until your electricity is restored. These generators also allow for a recharge using solar panels, which can be beneficial if your power outage goes longer than anticipated or in remote areas where recharging isn’t possible.

But with so many different solar generators to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to buy.

To help, here are some of the most recommended solar generators available, including models from Jackery and Anker.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Solar Generator: “This model has 2kWh of storage built-in, but you can expand that capacity with extra external daisy-chained batteries. It gives a total max storage of up to 24kWh—enough for a serious off-grid job. The optional solar panels charge the battery quickly and efficiently. Jackery claims roughly two hours of charging time via the optional solar panels, and I found it took more like 2.5 hours, but that includes battling some passing clouds. With two straight hours of direct sun, it could likely get the job done,” Popular Science says.

Anker SOLIX 521 Solar Generator: “Anker’s 521 Portable Power Station includes a handful of features that makes it the best choice for people on the go. For starters, it has a 65-watt solar input, and it’s able to solar charge in just four hours. It can also be fully charged by a USB-C port in just two and a half hours. It features one car outlet, one USB-C port, two USB-A ports, and two AC outlets. At under 10 pounds, it is light enough to be lifted with ease in and out of a car and it comes with a built-in handle that makes it even easier to bring around with you,” Better Homes & Gardens says.

EcoFlow River 2 Pro Solar Generator: “The River 2 Pro features four fully grounded 110 VAC ports, 4 USB ports, and three 12-volt ports (one car and dual 5521 ports). A 480W solar input allows for connecting one or two 160W panels, like Ecoflow’s own panels, which are compact, easy to carry and simple to set up. They feature MC4-type locking connectors and a folding, four-segment flexible design. Charging over solar took us between 4.5 and 9 hours, depending on conditions. Alternately, the River 2 Prop rapidly charges fully from AC in 70 minutes. You can also charge simultaneously from AC and solar,” CNN says.

BLUETTI AC200L Solar Generator: “For home backup, Bluetti’s AC200L is a powerful solar generator that allows you to stay off-grid while keeping appliances running. This is an update of the AC200MAX, which has a quieter operation, allows app control from either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (the MAX was Bluetooth only), and 200 watts of additional output. The 2,048 watt-hours battery capacity and 2,400-watt power output can handle everything from a refrigerator to keeping travel trailer lights on,” Popular Mechanics says.

DEENO X1500 Solar Generator: “Almost all battery generators can be powered by solar panels, but what sets the DEENO X1500 apart is just how well it takes a charge from the sun. On a clear, sunny day, when you connect its 200-watt solar panels, you can expect the X1500 to be fully charged up in six hours. And when fully charged, it can power your many devices for well over twice that time; in fact, it could power a full-size refrigerator for more than 14 hours, or nearly a dozen smaller devices for even longer,” The Strategist says.

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