Harnessing the Sun’s Energy for Alternative Power
When the power goes out, a solar generator can provide quiet, low-maintenance, and indoor-friendly electricity without relying on gasoline, propane, or diesel deliveries. Instead of burning fuel, a solar generator uses solar panels to capture energy from the sun, stores that energy in a battery, and then makes it available through standard outlets and USB ports.
This page focuses on solar generators as standalone backup solutions - from small portable units to larger systems that support selected household circuits. While they can power a meaningful number of devices and appliances, most solar generators are not designed to run an entire home continuously. For a broader look at solar as a fuel option, see the Solar Power Options page, and for more on solar panels and charging gear, see the Charging Devices page.
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What is a solar generator?
A solar generator is essentially a compact power system that brings several components together:
- Solar panels: capture sunlight and convert it into electricity
- Charge controller: regulates the flow of power into the battery
- Battery: stores electrical energy for use when needed
- Inverter: converts the battery’s DC power into AC power for household outlets
- Output ports: (AC, DC, and USB) allow you to plug in devices and appliances
When the sun is shining, the panels feed energy into the system. That energy can either power devices directly or charge the internal battery for later use. When the sun goes down - or when clouds reduce panel output - the battery continues supplying power until it is depleted.
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There are three main types of solar generator setups commonly used for emergency preparedness. Each offers different capabilities, costs, and ideal use cases.
Portable Solar Generators
Portable solar generators are compact, self-contained power stations paired with one or more solar panels. They’re designed to be carried or rolled into place and used anywhere you can set out a panel in the sun. Most are sized to run phones, laptops, small appliances, medical devices, and a handful of essential loads during an outage or while camping - no installation or permanent wiring.
Typically Includes
- built-in battery
- inverter
- multiple outputs (AC outlets, USB and DC ports)
- input ports (for solar panels, grid, or vehicle charging)
Best Uses
- short-term outages
- small devices, LED lights, fans
- small CPAP machines
- grab & go bags and car kits
- camping, RVs, apartments
Limitations
Because they’re compact, portable solar generators are limited by smaller batteries and inverters. They are usually not intended to run large appliances for long periods, but they can keep essential electronics and a few small devices powered if sized appropriately.
Limitations
Because they’re compact, portable solar generators are limited by smaller batteries and inverters. They are usually not intended to run large appliances for long periods, but they can keep essential electronics and a few small devices powered if sized appropriately.
Limitations
- limited by smaller batteries and inverters
- not intended to run large appliances for long periods
Capacity Range
~200Wh – 2,000Wh (some up to ~3,000Wh)
Brands
Popular brands include Grid Doctor, Jackery, Goal Zero, Anker, Bluetti, and EcoFlow.
Typical Costs
Portable solar generator bundles (a power station plus solar panels) typically range from about $300 on the low end to $5,000 or more for high-capacity systems. Most households looking for emergency backup or camping power will spend around $600–$2,500, depending on battery capacity, inverter size, and how many panels are included.
Home Backup Solar Generator Systems
A backup solar generator system goes a step further by tying into your home’s electrical panel. Backup solar generator systems are modular setups built to keep key home circuits running during an outage. They usually combine a higher-capacity power station, optional expansion batteries, and multiple solar panels, and may connect to your home through a transfer switch. This system has a longer runtime than portable units.
Equipment Used
- larger battery system
- inverter or inverter-charger
- connection to your home’s circuits via a transfer switch or smart panel
- dedicated solar input, and often the option to charge from the grid
Best Uses
- backing up key home circuits for fridge, lights, modem/router, medical devices, and other necessities
- some cooking or heating loads during outages
Typical Capacity Range
~2,000Wh – 10,000Wh+ (often expandable)
Brands
Common brands in this category include EcoFlow, Jackery, Bluetti, Renogy, Geneverse, and Generac’s solar-plus-battery offerings.
Example Installation
Usually installed as a modular backup kit. May connect to a home transfer switch or dedicated backup circuits. Panels can be roof-mounted or ground-mounted, but the core system is still technically "plug & play".
Typical Costs
Backup-focused solar generator systems designed for home use typically range from about $2,000 to $10,000 for smaller or modular setups. Costs increase as you add larger battery banks, more solar panels, automatic transfer switches, or professional installation. Whole-home backup systems from some manufacturers can go higher once fully installed.
Stand-Alone/Whole-Home Solar + Battery Systems
Stand-alone systems are whole-home solar + battery systems designed to supplement your grid power or fully power your home, depending on its size, configuration, and the installation.
Equipment Used
- higher-wattage solar panels
- larger battery bank
- more robust charge controller
- more robust inverter
- central power unit
- multiple outputs
Best Use
- whole-home use
- near-whole-home use
- partial off-grid capability
- daily solar & grid use
- support selected circuits or high-priority loads
- long-term resilience
Real World Performance
Actual performance depends on total battery storage (watt-hours or kilowatt-hours); inverter continuous and surge ratings; the number and size of solar panels; and how much energy your appliances and devices use.
Real World Performance
Actual performance depends on total battery storage (watt-hours or kilowatt-hours); inverter continuous and surge ratings; the number and size of solar panels; and how much energy your appliances and devices use.
Typical Capacity Range
~10kWh – 40kWh+ usable storage (often expandable; some systems scale higher)
Brands
Brands in this space include Geneverse, Jackery, Anker, Bluetti, EcoFlow, Generac, as well as other solar-plus-battery providers.
Example Installation
Permanently installed by a licensed electrician. Tied into the main service panel, often integrated with rooftop solar. May provide automatic whole-home or large partial-home backup.
Typical Costs
Larger stand-alone "home solar generator" systems typically range from about $2,000 for very small packages to $25,000 or more for higher-capacity systems with professional rooftop solar and battery installation. Final cost depends on battery size, inverter capacity, how many circuits or loads are backed up, and whether you’re adding new solar panels or pairing with an existing array.
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1. List Your Essential Devices & Appliances
Begin by identifying the items you’d like to keep running during an outage, such as:
- phones, tablets, and laptops
- LED lights or lanterns
- modem and router
- CPAP or other medical devices
- refrigerator or mini-fridge
- radio or communication gear
For each item, note its wattage (W). This information is usually found on a label on the device or in the owner’s manual.
2. Consider Starting vs. Running Wattage
Some appliances, like refrigerators or pumps, need extra power for a brief moment when they start up - this is called surge or starting wattage. After they’re running, they draw less power, known as running wattage.
- the surge wattage for starting appliances, and
- the running wattage for continuous operation
If you exceed these ratings, the generator may shut down or fail to run the appliance properly.
3. Estimate Energy Use Over Time
Capacity is often measured in watt-hours (Wh). To estimate your needs:
- multiply the wattage of each device by the number of hours you plan to run it
- add these values together to estimate your daily energy requirement
For example, a 100-watt device running for 5 hours uses about 500 Wh. Comparing your estimated needs to the generator’s battery capacity will give you a rough idea of how long it can sustain your essential loads before needing to be recharged.
4. Match the Generator to Your Plan
Once you know your approximate wattage and energy needs:
- choose a generator with an inverter rating high enough for your combined loads (plus some margin)
- select a battery size that can support your priority devices for the length of outage you’re planning for
- ensure you have enough solar panel capacity to reasonably recharge the system between uses, based on your local sunlight conditions
When in doubt, consider starting with a realistic "critical loads" list rather than trying to power everything. Solar generators work best when used intentionally for the most important items.
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- Quiet operation with no exhaust fumes
- No fuel storage, rotation, or refilling required
- Can be safely used indoors when operated as directed
- Scalable—additional panels or batteries can sometimes be added over time
- Well-suited for long-term disruptions where fuel deliveries may be uncertain
Strengths
- Higher upfront cost compared to some fuel generators
- Performance is dependent on sunlight and weather
- Solar generators can still charge on cloudy days, but their efficiency drops
- Solar generators are limited by battery capacity and inverter size
- Not ideal for very high-demand loads or whole-home coverage unless part of a larger, well-designed system
Limitations
What about cloudy weather
On overcast days, many solar panels may produce roughly 10–25% or more of their typical output, depending on conditions. Here are some practical suggestions:
- Before a storm: If possible, fully charge your solar generator and batteries while grid power is available.
- During cloudy periods: Expect slower charging and plan your usage accordingly. Use power sparingly for truly essential needs.
- Extended dark or stormy weather: If several low-sun days occur in a row, stored energy may be used faster than it can be replenished. In these situations, having additional backup options - such as fuel-based generators or battery-only reserves - provides an extra layer of security.
Combining Backup Options
Used wisely, solar generators can play a powerful role in emergency preparedness, especially when combined with other backup options such as home battery systems, fuel-based generators, and battery-powered devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a portable solar generator right for you?
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What is a solar generator and how does it work?
A solar generator collects energy from solar panels, stores it in a battery, and converts it into usable electricity through an inverter. It's a clean, quiet, and renewable way to run small appliances and power devices during power outages.
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What can I power with a solar generator during an outage?
Depending on its capacity, a solar generator can run essentials like phones, lights, medical devices, laptops, fans, and even small appliances for short periods depending on the wattage rating.
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Can a solar generator power a refrigerator?
Some high-capacity solar generators can power a refrigerator, but it depends on the wattage and battery size. For continuous operation, you'll need a generator with at least 1000–2000W output and sufficient battery storage.
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Is a solar generator enough for long-term emergency use?
A solar generator can support basic needs in long-term outages, especially when paired with good sunlight and energy-saving habits. However, it may not be sufficient for heavy appliances or continuous high-demand use.
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What should I look for when buying a solar generator?
Look for capacity (measured in Wh), inverter wattage, solar input compatibility, battery chemistry (LiFePO4 is preferred), and number of outlets. Consider your emergency load and charging needs.
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Can I use a solar generator indoors?
Yes. Solar generators are safe to use indoors since they don’t emit fumes or require combustion. Just place the solar panels outside and run the cables to your generator inside.
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Are solar generators better than gas generators for emergencies?
Solar generators are cleaner, quieter, and require no fuel, making them ideal for indoor or long-term use. However, gas generators typically provide more power and work in all weather conditions. The best choice depends on your needs.