Posted in Recharging kit

Top 3 portable solar generators under 250$

Here are the best portable solar generators which you can buy for under 250$. Check out the reviews of the top 3 models and get ready for your future camping trips, holidays in the wilderness as well as power outages.

1. Suaoki 222Wh Portable Generator

A powerful portable solar generator under 200$ – the Suaoki 222Wh features an extraordinary battery capacity of 60000 mAh. This travel buddy can be your helping hand on every trip or potential power outage.

Suaoki 222Wh portable solar generator

Suaoki 222Wh

You wonder: What can it charge?

Well pretty much everything, smartphones, tablets, laptops, power banks, but also TVs, mini refrigerators, drones, cameras, camping CPAP, even your holiday lights! All of your household electronics can have a reliable power source with Suaoki 222Wh.

There’s more

Due to Battery Management System (BMS) safety is guaranteed. It has a unique role of improving battery utilization, prolonging battery life and preventing overheating, over-voltage and over-current. Also, cleaner current is in your hands thanks to the pure sine wave which stops computers from crashing and reduces noise in TVs, fans and other household devices.

Like every portable solar generator this one too has the option of charging in 3 ways: by AC adapter, car adapter or by solar panel (recommend Suaoki’s 40W, 60W, 50W, 100W Portable Solar Panel). It is also very versatile and offers you two 100V/110V AC outlets, two DC outlets (an extra cigarette socket cable), two USB ports and 5 LED lights indicator.

It get’s better

The generator has an aluminum alloy shell which makes it safer and a convenient handle for easy carrying. More compact build is allowed thanks to the high-density lithium-ion battery.

What’s in the box?

The package has arrived, you open it and you see a Suaoki generator, one power charger adapter, one cigarette socket, one AC cable, one car charger cable and one detailed user manual. Yup, it’s all there.

Dimensions and specifications

This portable solar generator has the following dimensions 9.8 x 6.3 x 3.4 inches and it weighs 5.51 pounds.

Technical specifications:

  • Capacity: 60000 mAh.
    Suaoki 222Wh portable solar generator output

    Suaoki 222Wh output

Input:

  • AC Adapter: 12V~20V (Min 15W, Standard: 15V/4.5A)
  • Car Charger: 12V
  • Solar Panel: 12V~24V (Min 30W) 5.5mm Ports

Output:

  • AC output: 100V-110V/60HZ/200W (Pure Sine)
  • AC Continuous Output: 200W
  • AC Peak Output: 250W
  • USB Output: 5V/2*3.1A (Max)
  • DC Output: 12V/2*5A (7A Peak) 5.5mm Ports

PROS

  • Affordable price
  • Huge battery capacity
  • Lithium battery
  • 3 charging options
  • Built-in sine wave inverter
  • Travel friendly
  • Solar capable
  • BMS (Battery Management System)
  • Protection of devices

CONS

  • Solar panel not included

To conclude

Suaoki 220Wh is a portable solar generator which will improve your lifestyle greatly. Reliable, safe and sturdy – it will be your source of energy anytime and anywhere. Moreover, your sensitive electronic devices are protected from any power related damage. If you need a high capacity solar generator that is also lightweight and under 200$, then this your perfect match.

Click to buy from Amazon

2. GrantMaya 300

Another great portable generator- GrantMaya 300 offers 300 watts of energy and 220Wh high quality Lithium batteries. It is extremely easy to recharge due to the three charging options: AC adapter: just plug it in and in 7-8 hours it’s fully charged; 12V cigarette lighter or power outlet inside of a car or boat; or just use solar panels during the day anyplace (full solar charging lasts 10 hours).

GrantMaya 300 portable solar generator

GrantMaya 300

What can it charge?

Everything you want it to charge. It has various outputs suitable for smartphones, tablets, cameras, laptops, GPS devices, portable gaming systems and also for power tools, TVs, lights, fans and other household devices.

With UL safety certificate, you do not have to worry about a thing. You are provided with protection from overheating, over-current, over-load, short circuit and low voltage. Also, battery life is prolonged and its utilization is improved immensely.

There’s more

GrantMaya 300 is very compact due to its super slim size and lightweight. It will be your best friend on every single trip. In addition, it has a rubber cover which protects even in falling cases.

What’s in the box?

This box of delights hides one portable power bank, one 15V/2.5A power adapter, one instruction manual, a 12-month warranty. Also have in mind that there is a very friendly customer service.

Dimensions and specifications

GrantMaya 300 portable solar generator dimensions

Dimensions

The dimensions of this generator are 7.9 x 7.9 x 3.1 inches and it weighs only 2.74 pounds! Light as a feather.

Technical specifications:

  • Battery power: 220 Wh
  • Charging time: 7-8 hours
  • Operation temperature: -10℃-40℃
  • Lifecycle: around 1000 times

 

  • Input Charging: 15V/2.5A DC Input
  • Solar Panel Input: 13V~20V/2.5A Max
  • DC 12V Output: one 12V/10A(Max) DC Output
  • AC Output: Pure Sine Wave Output
  • AC Continuous Output: 300W (Peak Power Output:600W)
  • AC Voltage: 110/120VAC ± 5%
  • Output Frequency: 60Hz ± 5%
  • USB Output: four USB 5V/2.4A (Max:3.1A)

PROS

  • Affordable price
  • Powerful battery
  • Easy to recharge
  • Lithium battery
  • Solar capable
  • Durable
  • Charges a wide range of devices
  • 3 possible charging options
  • Super slim
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • Solar panel not included

Also check out Top 3 solar generator under 150$

Click to buy from Amazon

To conclude

GrantMaya 300 stores a large amount of energy which is at your disposal any given time or place. Great performance and a reliable power source on every trip or power outage. Every characteristic of this solar generator is true to the bone and the charging process is quick and easy. This device gets the job done!

3. Goal Zero Yeti 150

Goal Zero signifies high quality and this is the case with Yeti 150, with the 150Wh and 14Ah (12V) battery capacity. This power station has the ability of charging up to 5 devices at once.

Goal Zero Yeti 150 portable solar generator

Goal Zero Yeti 150

Another feature is the three different options when it comes to charging. First one is the wall charger (45W), the recharge process last about 6 hours. The second option is the cart charger (30W) which lasts 8 hours maximum. And the last, eco-friendly, charging option is by solar power: with Nomad 14 Plus Solar Panel it lasts 26-52 hours, Nomad 28 Plus Solar Panel it lasts 13-26 hours and with the Boulder 50 Solar Panel around 6-12 hours.

What can it charge?

The mighty Yeti can charge pretty much everything you want starting with phones and laptops and going over to smaller household appliances. It will provide your smartphone with 9-12 recharges, a POV camera 25 recharges, a tablet 6 recharges, laptop 1-2 recharges and headlamp 25-50 recharges.

It has 12V ports that are suitable for any low power lights as well as a 80W modified sine wave AC inverter which is a perfect match for your laptop or a DSLR camera batteries.

What’s in the box?

The package contains a Goal Zero Yeti 150 power pack with a wall charger and a 4.7mm to 8.0mm Legacy Nomad Panel Adapter. Modest but powerful.

Dimensions and specifications

The dimensions of Goal Zero Yeti 150 are 7.75 x 5.75 x 6.75 in (19.7 x 14.6 x 17.2 cm) and it weighs 12 pounds (5.4kg).

Technical specifications:

  • Operating usage temperature: 32-104 F (0-40 C)
  • Battery cell chemistry: AGM Lead Acid
  • Battery peak capacity: 168Wh (12V, 14Ah)
  • Lifecycles: hundreds of cycles
  • Shelf-life: Keep plugged in/charge every 3-6 months

Ports:

  • 2 USB ports (output): 5V, up to 2.1A (10W max)
  • 6mm port (output, 6mm, green, hexagon): 12V, up to 10A (120W max)
  • 12V car port (output): 12V, up to 10A (120W max)
  • AC inverter (output, modified sine wave): 110V, 60Hz, 0.7A (80W continuous, 160W surge max)
  • Charging port (input, 8mm, blue, circle): 14-29V, up to 5A (60W max)

Check out the full Goal Zero Yeti 150 review.

PROS

  • High quality
  • Silent operation
  • Affordable price
  • Variety of powering options
  • Portable
  • Lightweight
  • 3 charging options
  • Reliable
  • Travel friendly

CONS

  • Solar panel not included

To conclude

Goal Zero Yeti 150 is a travel friendly portable solar generator which is also safe for airline travel. It is designed in cooperation with the US based customer service center by power station experts which had the user in mind. You are on a camping trip, or have an emergency or simply you are going through a power outage: whenever you need energy, the Yeti will be there to help. See for yourself that Yeti is the friend that is always there for you.

Click to buy from Amazon

Goal Zero Sherpa 100 starter solar kit

Power anything, anywhere

sherpa 50 reviewGoal Zero is a thriving company, which offers portable solar power products to help you get the energy you need and whenever you need it. If you are in a quest for portable solar panels, lanterns and lighting, power packs, generators, speakers and similar things, this is the place to start your search. These products give customers what they need so that they never have to slow down or hold back. They also open up new possibilities for remote explorers and provide everyday adventurers the power they need. Goal Zero believes in the human potential to go farther and make a bigger difference in the world, and that means fulfilling energy needs throughout the planet. And this is precisely the reason they have developed and provided portable equipment to help people all over the world to get the power they need, especially Africans. Their projects gave light to villages and created sustainable power systems in local communities. Not only do they sell quality products but they are also humanitarians. Power anything, anywhere with Goal zero and you will not make a mistake.

Goal zero nomad 20 solar panel

The Nomad 20 Solar Panel combines highly efficient monocrystalline technology in a foldable, transportable, plug-and-play form. With a built-in junction box and innovative smart chip, the Nomad 20 can directly charge handheld USB and 12-Volt devices directly from the sun with the same speed as the wall. Sounds pretty amazing right?!

sherpa 50 review

Another great feature of this solar panel is that in itself it is a normal panel which you can attach with any battery pack or solar generator, recommended ones being Goal Zero 22002 Sherpa 100 portable recharger and Goal Zero (25001) 110V Sherpa AC Inverter. This magic threesome is very frequently bought together by users.

Check price here

Brace yourself, here comes another amazing feature: Under sunlight, you can spread out its 3 solar panels in a way it gets better exposure to sunlight, and after use, you can fold it down to a small, back-pack friendly unit. I also have to mention that it is made of sturdy materials and is very nice for portability since it is foldable to a tiny unit.

Dimensions and specific features

Nomad 20 is the largest foldable panel that Goal Zero makes. It folds up to about 8.5″ x 13″ x 1″, and unfolds to its full size of 30.5″ x 13″ x 1″ for charging. It weighs only 2.5 pounds which makes it light enough to follow you around anywhere you go. And the coolest thing about it is that it is slim enough to go into a pack. Pack the energy and hit the road, and have no fear, your Goal Zero nomad is here.

My opinion

On Amazon, this solar panel has the rating 4.5 out of 5 which is pretty high, and can indicate that it is very popular among the crowd. As a user, I have to say that I am extremely pleased with this solar panel. Beside the beauty of charging two devices at the same time, it can also charge my IPhone 5, while using the internet and any app! It is faithfully described, practical and gets the job done with no trouble. So if you purchase it, you will be one happy camper.

Pros and Cons

There are really a lot of pros for this device, some of them being powering handheld USB and 12 volt gear, highly efficient mono-crystalline solar pumps which out more power, it is foldable and portable for any usage, and also very weather – resistant and will not be harmed if exposed to rain or snow. As far as cons go, please use original chargers so that you don’t have additional problems and it does not work indoors.

Goal Zero 22002 Sherpa 100 Portable Recharger

This is one of devices frequently bought along with the solar panel. Designed to power all the gear in your kit, the Sherpa 100’s versatile array of ports include ultra-fast, smart USBs for phones and tablets, a 12-Volt port for lights, an innovative port specifically for laptops and a detachable AC inverter for DSLR cameras. The Sherpa 100 recharges from the wall or car and combined with Goal Zero’s portable line of solar panels, it recharges from the power of the sun. You need to know that it takes the same amount of time to charge your device from a Goal Zero power pack as it does from the wall. This device requires an AC inverter which is sold separately, the recommended being Goal Zero (25001) 110V Sherpa AC Inverter.

Dimensions and specific features

The product dimensions are 5.8 x 5.2 x 1.5 inches and it weighs only 1.9 pounds. It requires one Lithium ion battery which is included in the pack.

sherpa 100 review

There are three ways to power your devices. USB: The USB port best charges all your medium USB powered devices; laptop Port: Use the included laptop tips to power your laptop without the need of the laptop wall charger; AC inverter: Plug in your device just as you would to the wall with the removable inverter.

My opinion

I was looking for a battery which had four things: more power storage, more USB plugs, same solar charging and same ruggedness. And this recharger scores really high. It takes less than three hours to charge from the wall outlet. Goal Zero’s tend to be pricey, but you get what you pay for.

Pros and cons

As far as pros go, there are many: it is long-lasting, versatile power integrated USB, it gives the most efficient charge without overheating or overcharging, you can refuel any time from wall, car or sun. Cons: in order to reach its full potential, you will need to buy the AC inverter.

100m

Goal Zero (25001) 110V Sherpa AC Inverter

Features and dimensions

This inverter makes your Sherpa power pack into a useful wall plug. It gives you the option of powering most laptops, tablets and camera batteries wherever life takes you. Just take your wall outlet with you on your next adventure, business trip, while preparing for a power outage, or just on the couch. It is 110V AC inverter for Goal Zero Sherpa v2, a 75 watt inverter when attached to Sherpa 50 v2, and a 100 watt inverter when attached to Sherpa 100. The dimensions are 1.00″ h x 5.25″ w x 1.50″ l and it weighs 30 pounds.

My opinion

It’s lightweight, it fits perfectly on the Sherpa and does the job. I love the fact that I now have the capability to keep my “plug in” devices powered if the power ever went out! I used it on my trip around Europe and it kept my phone, camera and iPad safe and charged throughout.

If you use it properly you should not have any problems.

To conclude

The Goal Zero Nomad 20 Solar Panel is indeed a perfect pick for an outdoor enthusiast to keep his/her gadgets alive always. It works well for all the commonly used handhelds like smart phones, tablet, GPS and digital cameras. And if you add the magnificent AC inverter and portable charger it will work like a charm.

Click to buy Sherpa 100 starter kit on Amazon

Review: Goal Zero Sherpa 100 Vs Sherpa 50

About the manufacturer

The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Bluffdale, Utah. It is a company which offers solar energy with which you can power anything, anywhere. Their products are really high quality ones, some of them being solar panels, rechargeable batteries, and accessories including lights, lanterns, flashlights, and speakers. The people at Goal Zero believe that the potential which each human has can make a big difference in the world, meaning it could create devices which will match energetically needs of people on the entire planet, without endangering it further. Their portable equipment is especially significant in villages and local communities in Africa. It is made to serve people worldwide and keeps them powered.

Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Solar Recharging Kit with 110V Inverter

sherpa 50 reviewThe Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Solar Recharging Kit and Power Inverter offers a versatile, go-anywhere power source that charges USB-, 12V- and AC devices such as laptops, tablets, e-readers and smartphones. The Sherpa 50 could be charged with the included Nomad 13 solar panel in 6-12 hours (if you want to do it quicker use Boulder 30 solar panel, estimated 4-8 hours). The second charging option is the wall charger (2 hours) and the last one is with your car 12V adapter (3 hours). When fully charged, the Sherpa 50 can double the battery life of a laptop or tablet, and can extend the battery life of an e-reader by 5 times and a smartphone by 7 times.

What’s in the box?

In this delightful package you will find a lot of goodies: A Sherpa 50 recharger, a Nomad 13 Solar panel, a Sherpa Inverter, and AC wall charger and a 12V Adapter. For the money spent, you get a full basket.

sherpa 50 review

Dimensions and specific features

The dimensions of the Sherpa 50 are 4.5 x 1.5 x 5.25 in (11.4 x 3.8 x 13.3 cm) and it weighs only 544g or 1.2 lbs.

The battery cell type is Li-NMC and the peak capacity 58Wh/11V. Sherpa Inverter puts out up to 110V (75W) via AC plug, enough to power video cameras, laptops, or other mid-size electronic with ease and convenience. State-of-the-art monocrystalline technology in solar panels delivers more power per square inch than any other solar technology available. Includes two extremely durable panels in a weather-resistant, impact-resistant folding envelope made of high-denier textile.

More details on Amazon

Review

Compact, powerful and works correctly right out of the box. Easy to setup and easy to use. The Sherpa has tons of uses with the inverter attached. I was able to watch TV in my bedroom for about 4 (Four) hours before I got sleepy and tuned it off! It works very well and for its size, it packs a lot of battery power.

Pros and cons 

Pros:

  • It holds a full charge for up to 8 months
  • Output ports include USB, 12-volt auto and 12-volt sidecar
  • Compact, lightweight and rugged design
  • Solar panel included
  • The ports offer you the option to power your gear simultaneously

Cons:

  • Has some trouble when charging a MacBook
Click to buy Sherpa 50 on Amazon

Goal Zero 42011 Sherpa 100 Solar Recharging Kit

100l copyThe Sherpa 100 recharges from the wall (3 hours) or car (4 hours) and combined with Goal Zero’s portable line of solar panels, it recharges from the power of the sun. In this package you get a Nomad 20 solar panel which charges it in 10-20 hours. This kit is ideally suited for charging devices from smart phones to laptops and most electronics in between. The Sherpa features four fused multi-voltage output ports with an 8800mAh Li-NMC battery can be charged from the Nomad 20, other compatible Goal Zero solar panels, and 110VAC or 12VDC.

What’s in the box? 

Well first, there is a Sherpa 100 Power Pack, one AC Wall Charger, one 12V Adapter, one Sherpa Laptop Tips, one Nomad 20 Solar Panel and a Sherpa AC Inverter.

 Dimensions and specific features

The dimensions are 5.8 x 1.5 x 5.25 in (14.7 x 3.8 x 13.3 cm) and it weighs 864g/1.9 lbs.

The Sherpa 100 utilizes a playfully futuristic industrial design. It has rounded edges, a two-tone color scheme, and colorful, geometrically shaped light-up ports. A small LCD screen with a battery-shaped indicator broken into fifths indicates the Sherpa 100’s charge state.

sherpa 100 review

The Sherpa 100 features a variety of color and shape-coded charging ports: (2) USB, 12V, Universal Laptop, and 120V AC using the included inverter. While the inclusion of the laptop charging port is a great thought, neither Microsoft nor Apple license out their charging cables to third parties — so if you want to charge your Surface or MacBook, you’ll still have to carry around its dedicated cable and charge the device using the Sherpa 100’s inverter. The Sherpa Inverter has its own on/off switch and LED power indicator.

More details on Amazon

Sherpa 100 review

I spent 23 days off-the-grid while trekking and climbing. The Sherpa 100 solar kit performed exactly as promised. I was able to recharge my SLR camera batteries and the Surface using only power from the sun.

 

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • The ports offer you the option to power your gear simultaneously
  • The highest-power portable battery approved for airplane travel
  • Same device charge time as from the wall
  • Solar panel included
  • Laptop port and tips included

sherpa 100 instruction

Cons:

  • Two Nomad 20 Solar panels recommended for best experience
Click to buy Sherpa 100 on Amazon

Briefly: Goal Zero Sherpa 100 VS Sherpa 50

Goal Zero Sherpa 100 was developed significantly faster than Sherpa 50, and holds a lot more power than the older model. The Sherpa 100 light rings are a bit improved over the Sherpa 50 and is a better value than the Sherpa 50. It doesn’t take up that much more space and you get a lot more power. The Sherpa 100 is twice as powerful as the Sherpa 50, yet it is nearly identical in size and weight. It’s really a fantastic product. When purchasing Sherpa 100 you get a Nomad 20 Solar panel (Nomad 15 is got when you buy Sherpa 50) and the additional Sherpa Laptop Tips. And when we talk about charging time, it is almost the same from wall or car. I am not saying that the Sherpa 50 is bad, on the contrary…it’s just the Sherpa 100 is better.