If you are in a hurry, here is a summary of the best portable solar generators of 2023:
- Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium Portable Station.
- Renogy Phoenix Portable Generator.
- Yeti 400 Lithium Power Station.
- Suaoki 550Wh G500 Portable Power Station.
Please, kindly note that all links above open to Amazon, directly.
Now, let’s get to the meaty details – if you want to read that.
* * *
I am an active participant in the Amazon Affiliate Program. This means that, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on Amazon.com (or any of its affiliated sites).
* * *
When Hurricane Irma struck in late 2017, the world (particularly Americans) was not ready.
Ravaging Eastern US (especially Florida), this hurricane lived true to its description as the very strongest ever witnessed in the Atlantic. It also proved to be the very strongest storm recorded (so far) in the open Atlantic region!
When it finally abated in mid-September 2017, the damage it caused amounted to $64.76 billion – the 5th costliest cyclone in recorded history!!
Amidst the deaths, pains, destruction, and general inconvenience this hurricane caused Americans (and the rest of the world), one pain was so great and recurring that all the stories told about it revolved around it: power failure – and uncertainty as to power restoration.
Floridians were completely uncertain, as they were evacuated, what was going to happen next.
With power cut out and with no reliable means of reaching out to the world – or getting the world to reach out to them, it was truly one of the very worst moments for most of the affected persons.
And, the grand reason was that very many Americans had NOT hitherto taken the idea of a portable solar generator seriously (thanks to the super steady power supply from the grid).
However, in one sweep moment, perspectives changed – and the concept of portable solar (or even, non-solar) power was immensely seductive and everyone wanted a piece of these smart little devices that had the rare ability to ensure a steady source of the power supply using the sun and the sun alone.
Thanks, also to the reality that Florida is sunny – and bright. The reality reached orgasmic levels fast.
It is not however only those who are super conscious about such emergencies or do not want to be stranded when the grid fails that look up to these little pieces of tech called portable solar generators.
There are the energetic folks who are interested in exploring the wild – and camping, going to places where civilization is yet to reach, and ultimately sleeping and working in such places that have not as much as seen the national grid in the entirety of their existence.
And then, there are those, who hate the very idea of reliance on the grid, 100%, and also, hate (with a rare passion) the fact that gasoline generators are fire threats, are loud, and produce extremely poisonous and unfriendly gases.
It is especially for these fine categories of persons that I have rounded up the best top 4 portable solar generators for the money in 2023.
Shall I?
Best Top 4 Best Portable Solar Generators For The Money In 2023
1. Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium Portable Power Station
The major challenge many users (who are new to the reality of solar generators) face is the fear of how much a portable solar station can actually power.
Such users, usually, have a ton of things that must be kept running when the grid fails or when they go out of reach of civilization.
Before now, this was a real challenge – as there were truly no solutions that were powerful enough to power the major household gadgets (such as a refrigerator), with the generator maintaining portability itself, despite its huge capacity and power.
It was truly a challenge: if you wanted power, then, portability had to go; if you wanted portability, then, power (sadly) had to go!
It was truly impossible to have the best of these 2 important worlds: one inevitably had to choose.
This, without doubt, was often a very painful choice.
This was until the Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium Portable Station came on board.
What Makes The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium Portable Power Station A Smart Option Today?
The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 is a monster – no doubt.
It is also a powerful monster at that – this is common knowledge.
It’s natural to be curious though: what makes this unit from Goal Zero a smart option today and the very best portable solar generator for the money in 2023?
It’s simple, actually.
First, the Yeti 1400 lithium is designed around the simple concept of ‘plug and play’. Accordingly thus, all you need to do is charge the device, get it to where you need to use it, plug what you want powered in and business begins!
This makes the unit very friendly to beginners and all users who are not interested in the challenges of understanding ultra-complex (solar) tech.
Second, the Yeti 1400 lithium is not just simple, easy, and intuitive to use: it is a beast – and powers everything with majestic ease from portable air conditioners to freezers, water boilers, and coffee makers.
Thanks to an impressive, mammoth 132,000mAh lithium-ion battery that sits majestically in the unit and powers everything up with enough muscles to impress even the most skeptical 🙂
Third, this smart piece of tech is powered by a lithium-ion battery that has a shelf life of 12 awesome months!
The implication of this is quite simple and straightforward: power will always be available (on an emergency basis) should any emergency come around.
This, it is worth remembering, is the very essence of why such a piece is even bought in the first place.
Fourth, the solar generator is rechargeable either by the wall (grid) or by an equally portable solar panel that truly fits the description of both ‘solar’ and ‘portable’.
With these smart charging options, it is quite impossible to be out of power or have a drained-up unit whether you plan on using the device in the sky scrappers of New York or the natural Safari resorts of Africa.
Finally, this portable solar generator is also smart – and is one of the very few options in the market to be so designed.
Built around the concept of WiFi connectivity, the Yeti 1400 lithium can be managed remotely, via an app – downloaded to a smartphone.
By this means, the unit is smartly made to manage load, regulate itself and significantly, maximize its battery for maximum efficiency, all remotely!
I have a philosophy that I have brought to bear on The Solar Generator Genius: I don’t bother with overspeaking or writing about what is very good.
I’ll rather show you, directly – or encourage you to take a look directly.
This case is no different: take a look at the Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium on Amazon directly.
2. Renogy Phoenix Portable Generator
The very first option we have here (the Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium) is a monster that can brilliantly tackle all that is thrown at it: from the handheld cell phone to the portable AC and freezer.
However, not everyone needs such monster power: as a matter of fact, great chances are that you’re hunting for a smart power alternative that will simply ensure that your handhelds stay powered throughout an emergency, power outage, hike, or camp.
If this is you, you’ll also appreciate the reality that such a solar generator that meets such specs needs to be ultra-portable, and light and must be designed in a manner that will ensure both easy carriage and usage – all rolled into one.
However, that would not be all, you’ll also be looking up to something sturdy, durable, and that will certainly withstand the challenges of daily use, especially in an emergency.
Well, the manufacturers of the Renogy Phoenix Portable Generator thought of all these and made a smart solar station that is light, powerful for its class, durable, reliable, and above all, super portable – being modeled after the standard official brief-case design.
What Makes The Renogy Phoenix Portable Generator A Smart Option Today?
Of all the smartest (and super easy solar power stations) available today, I sincerely think the Renogy Phoenix is way top on the list.
However, this is my opinion: an opinion that you may not agree with, despite my many years (and experience) in the industry.
However, what if I show you what makes me truly doff my hat for this piece of tech?
Shall I?
First, this portable power station, designed in the classic briefcase fashion is smart; one of the very smartest that I have seen in recent times.
If you add it up to the things you own, without a doubt, it would lend itself to easy storage, will pose no challenge connecting it up during the hours of need, and importantly, would pose no challenge during transportation, even if you do not have a car of your own (this is largely due to its ultra slim and portable briefcase design).
Second, the Renogy Phoenix is not madly expensive. As a matter of fact, it is one of the cheapest emergency solar power options available on the market today.
This makes it within the reach of everyone – irrespective of either status or budget.
After all, when challenges present themselves, they do not only focus on the rich and wealthy of society – everyone goes down with them.
Why then should portable solar generators only be affordable to a certain class of persons or only those who have wads of dollars to spare?
Third, this portable solar power station comes standard with its own inbuilt solar panels. These panels make it super easy to charge the device: just place it right over where it can capture sun rays and the charging process has already begun.
You thus do not need to go out looking for a separate solar panel to charge the unit when you eventually buy it. This further contributes to keeping the cost of using the device in its true ‘solar state’ well lower than competitors not so equipped.
However, it is also worth knowing that this in-built solar charging process can take some time; in some cases, more time than you would love – especially when the sun is poor outside or the weather is not at its best.
This is the type of scenario where the standard PV terminal (the device has) proves to be brilliant and super smart. This terminal allows the addition of external solar panels to help charge the device faster, especially on cloudy days!
Fourth and finally, the portable solar station can be recharged by means of solar, the grid, or the 12V power outlet standard in most vehicles.
With such a plethora of manners to replace power, it is difficult to imagine a scenario where you would have the generator flat, without any juice.
I once used this generator: and for my power needs, it was singularly the best thing to happen to me by way of ensuring that my gadgets were kept powered and ready for action – whenever and wherever the action was needed.
I loved the unit with my life – and only had to let it go when I got married and had more power needs than (it could satisfactorily handle).
If your power needs are not monster nor major, you should be excited about this ultra smart (and portable) power briefcase.
Want to check it out? Here’s the direct link for the Renogy Phoenix portable power station on Amazon.
3. Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium Portable Power Station
Currently, Goal Zero is the world’s leader so far as portable solar generators are concerned. It should therefore not come as a surprise to you that another of the company’s products have made the list of the best portable power stations money can conveniently buy at the moment.
In line with the durability, style, and function that the company is known for; the Yeti 400 Lithium Power Station does not disappoint.
Falling in range ahead of the just discussed Renogy Phoenix and right below its sibling, the monster Yeti 1400 Lithium, this piece of tech is meant to serve those who are interested in powering regular household appliances with portable power for longer but do not fancy either the money or the power that monster options command.
This is where, in my estimation, the bulk of the needs fall today – where solar power of the portable variant is concerned.
In the automotive world, we would say that this unit represents cross-overs or light SUVs: options that ride like cars but offer the ability, clearance, and view of an SUV…the best of two awesome worlds I’d say.
To live up to this ideal is what the unit must do – and it does that brilliantly, in my professional opinion.
When I tested, this unit charged my laptop about 6 times, charged my iPad more than 10 times, and most awesomely, replaced the juice in my digital camera from 0-100% more than 20 times!
This, I call, exceeding expectations not meeting them!
What Makes The Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium Portable Power Station A Smart Option Today?
Goal Zero has made for itself a name that is today, synonymous with smart, portable solar generators. It, therefore, sells itself – just by the name alone.
The company and its products are that good.
However, I’m not going the ‘names way’ here today: I’ll give you smart, real reasons why this portable unit deserves your attention and why, importantly, you should consider buying this little ‘bad boy’.
First, this generator is moderately sized, moderately priced, and moderately powerful: the sweet spot of almost 98% of portable solar power seekers today.
Great chance is that you’re in this all-important and inclusive 98%.
If you are, it should gladden your heart to know that this unit is fairly priced and sold at an amount that will ensure you still have some change in your wallet or purse after you actually buy it.
However, unlike other similar units that compromise on price at the expense of quality and power, you would be glad and delighted at the same time to learn that while you get a smart deal here, this deal does not affect the quality or power of what you eventually get.
Second, weighing only 17lbs, this is about the most powerful portable power unit in its weight category: you carry the unit in one hand for as long as the task at hand demands and you never get tired, or get weighed down!
This has been made possible due to the fact that the unit uses the lithium-ion battery type: known the world over for its high-tech, low weight, and extreme power (when compared to either their physical size or weight).
Third, with its monster battery (39,600mAh), the generator can conveniently power up to 7 devices at the same time.
For its size – and the cost it is worth, this is an amazing fact that you should never overlook as a buyer.
Seven devices at the same time? I was personally impressed when I got to understand this bit (and trust me, I’m not so easily impressed!)
Finally, this unit is powered by a smart informative LCD display.
With just a quick glance, you have, with glaring reality, the juice left in the unit.
That aside, with still a simple glance, you can figure out just how long the same battery will take you. This eliminates guesswork from the operation of this unit, completely.
To cap it up, the LCD also features an input and output meter.
Really, does it get better than this?
If you’ll love to take the love you have for portable power stations to the next level, Amazon has all the information you need on the Yeti 400 Lithium Power Station to make up your mind.
4. Suaoki 500Wh G500 Portable Power Station
Suaoki is fast taking the world by storm – and for good reason: the company is one of the major challenges of Goal Zero, the current (undisputed) leader of the portable solar power world.
However, there is something distinct about Suaoki that is endearing the brand to the whole world: its brand makes quality products and these products are also reliable and extremely durable.
It’s that simple: reliability, durability, and affordability; in this regard, the Suaoki 550Wh G500 Portable Power Station is no exception.
Designed in a simple and smart manner, this unit is something that meets and exceeds expectations – as far as they are reasonable.
In my test, the Suaoki G500 powered my laptop about 4 times (from a completely flat battery), my tablet for well over 10 times and the cell phone, for more times than I could remember.
However, the biggest advantage of this little beast over the rest options here is that, it has the smart ability to lend itself to be charged in a car – in addition to both solar and AC.
Now, tell me, who truly hates versatility – especially with a brand that will ensure that you are not left stranded at a time when you should not?
What Makes The Suaoki 500Wh G500 Portable Power Station A Smart Option Today?
As I opined earlier, many things make the upcoming Suaoki brand very competitive when viewed vis a vis the better established brands.
Chief amongst these issues is a rising standard and quality that it is difficult to ignore.
Let’s now take a detailed look at these and see why opting for a G500 can be such a smart choice today.
First, the G500 is insanely affordable – while possessing the quality of brands that are better established than it is.
Going with Suaoki on this one means that while you save money big time and grow your savings (or reserve it for other things), you actually get the highest quality possible.
Isn’t this a WIN-WIN?
Second, this generator lends itself to be recharged by 3 principal means: AC, solar, and DC originating from your vehicle.
With these 3 smart recharging options, it is easy to see that you’ll never be in short of power any day or time.
It is also easy to see that with an array of recharging options, you’ll never be stranded ever again.
Third and finally, this affordable generator is powered by a pure sine wave inverter.
The implication of this is that, despite the fact that the unit is affordable and is what everyone who is serious about portable solar power can afford, its output is of the cleanest power variant there is.
Made to power the most delicate appliances, you are sure not to experience any hiccups in the smooth operation of either of the units.
As a matter of fact, the power this unit generates is as clean as what the grid offers!
In my world, pictures and customer experiences are usually worth more than a million words – they are often worth a billion. Or more.
This is why you should check out the details of the Suaoki 550Wh G500 Portable Power Station on Amazon directly.
Wrapping Up The Best Portable Solar Power Station Discourse
Getting – and buying a smart, portable solar generator that would serve you off-grid (or when an emergency knocks) used to be a big-time challenge.
Not anymore.
Today, I have made sure of that.
However, something important to ponder on: these generators are completely maintenance-free and do not need constant recharging when not in use. However, before the very first use, they need to be properly juiced up before they can be any good.
It is thus a smart move to get one as soon as possible, instead of waiting for the announcement of doomsday before making the smart attempt.
Or, would you rather go powerless, when you have the sun as your backup, round the year?