“I want to buy a ‘solar generator‘, are they worth it?”
Yes! But… Do you mean portable power stations? If so let me clear up some confusion a lot of people have.
Manufacturers market those boxes with outlets and USB ports as “solar generators,” but they aren’t generators at all. No one’s trying to deceive you—it’s just a catchy marketing term. What they really are is battery packs with built-in inverters that store energy and convert DC power from solar panels (or any other power source) into AC power.
A generator produces electricity, typically by burning fuel like gas, diesel, or propane. These don’t. They store power, not generate it. The term “solar generator” comes from the fact that they can be charged with solar panels, but without solar, they’re just portable power stations or battery backups—not generators.
This mislabeling sometimes leads people to believe they work like traditional fuel generators, running indefinitely in the sun. In reality, their performance depends entirely on battery capacity and solar input rate. Can you charge them quickly? Sure—if you have a big enough solar array. The more solar panels you add, the faster you can refill your battery pack.
What is a “solar generator“?
They’re called photovoltaics, or solar panels, and they convert (not generate) solar energy into electrical energy. You can then store it in the portable power station’s battery pack.
An inverter inside the unit converts the DC electric current output from the solar panels into AC electric current to power the 110V outlets you plug your appliances and devices into. The USB, USBC and other power outlets work the same way.
Interesting science fact. In reality there’s really no such thing as a generator. “Generators” actual “convert” energy, they don’t produce it. The First Law Of Thermodynamics states: “energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be converted from one form to another“, but that gets into some physics and the laws of thermodynamics, and the point of this article isn’t to confuse you (or anyone), but to help you understand what you’re actually buying when you buy a “solar generator”.
SCIENCE NOTE: If you’re interested in the science I’ve got an article over here explaining why there’s no such thing as a generator.
Should I buy a “solar generator“?
Absolutely! I own one, and millions of other people do too. They’re amazing technology and they work well to power your appliances and charge your devices.
A portable power station is a versatile and reliable backup power solution.
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Reliable Backup Power – Provides an emergency power source during blackouts, keeping essential devices like lights, phones, and medical equipment running.
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Off-Grid & Outdoor Use – Perfect for camping, RVing, and off-grid adventures, allowing you to power appliances, charge batteries, and run lights without relying on a grid connection.
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Quiet & Eco-Friendly – Unlike gas generators, portable power stations operate silently and produce no emissions, making them ideal for indoor use and eco-conscious users.
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Rechargeable & Renewable – Can be recharged via solar panels, wall outlets, or car chargers, giving you multiple options for sustainable power generation.
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Lightweight & Portable – Compact and easy to carry, making them more convenient than traditional generators, especially for travel and emergencies.
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Safe & User-Friendly – No fuel, fumes, or moving parts, reducing the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Most models have simple plug-and-play functionality.
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Multi-Device Charging – Equipped with multiple outlets (AC, USB, DC, etc.), allowing you to charge laptops, phones, drones, small refrigerators, and even CPAP machines.
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Cost-Effective in the Long Run – No fuel costs, low maintenance, and long-lasting lithium battery technology make it a great investment compared to gas generators.
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Disaster Preparedness – Ideal for hurricanes, wildfires, or other emergencies when the power grid is down, ensuring you have a dependable energy source.
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Power for Work & Events – Useful for construction sites, mobile workstations, food trucks, and outdoor events where grid power is unavailable.
The main takeaway is that now you know what you’re buying when you buy a solar generator.
HAPPY OFF GRIDDING!
MAY ALL YOUR OFF GRID DREAMS COME TRUE!
