Posted in Solar 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.

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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

How to choose the best solar briefcase?

If you are here, it can mean only one thing: you are having troubles or doubts about choosing the best briefcase solar charger. Don’t worry, we are here to give you a helping hand.

There are a few crucial things you need to have in mind when purchasing a briefcase solar charger, so let’s start from the beginning.

1. The Capacity

At the very start, you need to make a decision: what will you use the solar briefcase for?

Solar briefcases are typically designed with 12V box battery charging, so you need to decide if you need more or less power than usual.Solar briefcase capacity

  • More than 12V – if you require the solar briefcase to charge something larger and more demanding it will be necessary to expand the solar briefcase system with additional panels.
  • Equal or less than 12V – if your requirements are equal or less than to what a 12V battery contains, any model of the solar briefcase is suitable.

Pay attention to:

Watt-hours per day and total watts capacity.

Type of battery used (the best solar briefcase models use sealed, gel or the traditional flooded batteries).

2. Solar charge controller

Although it sounds unnecessary, the solar charger controller is very important and every solar Solar charge controllerbriefcase should have a built-in one. But not every one does and this usually reflects the price.

Role of the solar charge controller:

  • It dramatically increases the efficiency of conversion of energy from solar to usable electricity.
  • Protects batteries from overcharging, over discharging, short circuits, over load and reverse connection errors.

It can be bought also separately, but my advice is to simply buy a briefcase solar charger with this component already built-in. Why you wonder? Well first, you will save some money, and second this solar controller is specially configured to work well with that certain solar briefcase. You will avoid potential compatibility issues.

3. The connectivity

You need instant connectivity.

A BIG NO for messy wiring.

  • Look for a solar briefcase with a clip on MC 4 connector. This will make the connecting process to a battery a piece of cake.
  • Also look at the length of the cables – the optimal length is at least 10 to 15 feet.

Some manufacturers tend to make amazing solar briefcases but when you get it you realize that the wires are short and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Monocrystalline cells4. Quality of the solar panel

  • Look for solar briefcase models that contain the monocrystalline cells. They pack in the most density of energy absorbing cells (the ones made in Germany have the highest quality).
  • In low light conditions, the high-end solar panels will provide you with the charging capabilities.
  • Look for a solar charger that uses a low voltage system. This helps avoid and reduce the possibility of having electric shock hazards.

5. Durable construction

Durability is crucial since you will be carrying the solar briefcase around and laying it open in the sun.Goal Zero Boulder 100 solar briefcase

  • Look for briefcases made of aluminum.
  • Look for briefcases resistant to humidity, water and salt corrosion.
  • Look for a waterproof solar briefcase.
  • Look for an adjustable and durable kickstand (allows the adjustment of the angle of the sun).
  • Look for a briefcase that has a durable and heavy duty carrying handle.

6. The space

See the size of the solar briefcase in folded and unfolded forms. This will help you see if it can fit in your car, boat, RV or other place where you are planning to keep it.

7. The Expandability

You can never know for what you will be needing the solar briefcase for. A possibility of different usage always exists, so it is useful to look for a solar briefcase that has expandability option.

Make sure it will be suitable with solar panels of other brands (simple add on connection).

8. The warranty

Look for a good warranty program! Some solar briefcases have a 25 year warranty while other have just a 5 year one.

Now you are armed with information. Go and pick out your solar briefcase!

Check out the best portable solar generator!

Review: Renogy Rugged Power Pack

A review of the multi functional portable solar generator called Renogy rugged power pack.

Renogy Rugged power pack

Renogy Rugged Power Pack

Yet again Renogy gives us a high quality product on which you can rely on in case of unexpected blackouts and power outages. Suitable for camping, road trips and it will always give power to your devices. The 400Wh Lithium ion battery can be recharged with AC power, car power and solar power (120W max).

It get’s better

This solar generator has a large LCD screen which shows capacity, error status and charge-discharge. It also has three buttons with LED indicators. As far as protection is concered it has a short-circuit one and also over charging and discharging protection. Another great feature is the Battery Management System that prevents over-temperature, over-current and over voltage.

When it comes to application, there is a broad choice of usage, such as power car devices, laptops, phones, tables iPads, Bluetooth devices, digital cameras, e-readers,display monitors as well as LED bulbs.

Here is a useful charging chart:

Renogy rugged power pack charging chart

Renogy rugged power pack: charging chart

What’s in the box?

The package has the following contents: a portable power supply, jump starter clamps, user manual, a 2-year warranty Card and three types of chargers: AC wall charger, car charging cable, solar charging cable.

Renogy Rugged power pack contents

Renogy Rugged power pack contents

 

Check price on Amazon

Dimensions and specifications

The dimensions of the product are 9.1 x 5.8 x 9.3 inches and it weighs 12.5 pounds.

Technical specifications:

  • Battery: Li-ion battery (400Wh)
  • AC Wall Charger: 7~8hours (70W)
  • DC Car Charger: 10~11hours (48W)
  • PV Input Voltage: 120W Max (14~40Vdc)
  • AC Output Rated Output Power 300W
  • Peak Output 600W
  • Output Voltage 100V/110V/120Vac/220V/230V/240Vac
  • Output Frequency 50Hz/60Hz
  • Overload Ability 116%
  • DC Output 4XUSB Port 2x5V 2.1A;2x5V 1A
  • 1X12V Car Port 120W
  • 2XDC 6mm Port 2x12V 3A

THE PROS

  • Affordable price
  • Great quality
  • Portable solar generator
  • Various application
  • Excellent capacity
  • Secure usage

THE CONS

  • If are hear any I’ll let you know.

Final verdict

The rating of the Renogy Rugged Power Pack of 4.4 stars by users on Amazon speaks for it self. The users are the most honest critics and they only have words of praise for this product. The unit is very light but it holds a lot of power. Due to the protection systems it never get’s hot and the three types of charging are also a nice touch. A solar power pack worthy of your money, highly recommended.

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The best portable solar generator 2018: Renogy Phoenix review

The best portable solar generator in 2018 is presented in this article.

Imagine you are watching your favorite movie with your loved ones and suddenly the power goes out. You might think that your night is ruined, but have no fear, Renogy Phoenix is here.

Renogy Phoenix portable solar generator system

Renogy Phoenix

It is praised to be one of the best portable solar generators on the market and I agree.

It doesn’t matter weather you are getting ready for a road trip, a camping trip, or simply taking your girl out for a romantic weekend in the wilderness under the stars, Renogy Phoenix is the the right choice for you.

The portable briefcase

A briefcase contains important things, well this one possesses a solar power system ideal for off-grid applications as well as emergencies. Sounds important, right? This all-in-one portable system represents the combination of extremely efficient 20W Monocrystalline Solar Panels and also has the possibility of expansion up to 100 watts with additional solar panels. The replaceable 16Ah lithium-ion battery bank is placed on the bottom of the unit. It is made of lithium-ion NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) cells and has the lifespan of around 1500 charging cycles.

The charging process can be done in three ways:

  • by solar power (from 6 – 8 hours)
  • by AC power
  • by car power

The thing that interests most people is the types of devices this solar generator can power. It can support AC appliances and devices up to 150W. It also has outlets for both AC and DC power types and a built in pure sine wave inverter.

Check price on Amazon

Here is a useful charging chart:

Charging chart for Renogy Phoenix

Charging chart for Renogy Phoenix

Dimensions and Specifications

The dimensions are 13.8 x 16.1 x 3.9 inches and it weighs 12.8 pounds.

Renogy phoenix right side of the solar kit

Renogy phoenix right side of the solar kit

On the right side:

  •  4 USB ports (5V 2.4A)
  • two 12V ports (3A)
  • a 12V 12.5A cigarette socket
  • a standard 3-prong 110V AC outlet

 

Renogy Phoenix portable solar generator left side

Renogy Phoenix left side of the solar kit

 

On the left side:

  •  input ports
  •  an AC plug
  •  a 12V input for car charging
  •  2 ports for additional solar panels

 

And now the power specifications:

DC Output: 2 x 12V@3A max (6A Total)
USB Output: 4 x 5V@2.4A max (6A Total)
Cigarette Socket: 12V 12.5A
Output AC Voltage: 110 vac
Output AC Frequency: 60 Hz
Min Inverter Efficiency: 80%
Max Continuous Output Power: 150 w
Overload Protection: 170W Max

Also check out Renogy Solar Bundle Kit

PROS

  • Portable and suitable for off grid usage
  •  Very versatile (4 ports for mobile devices with USB connectors)
  •  Good for emergency cases
  •  Quick charging
  •  Full package: panels, connectors, wiring, plugs
  •  Emergency LED light built in
  •  Pure sine wave system (no damage to expensive tech gear)
  •  Possibility of expansion by adding more solar panels
  •  MPPT (maximum power point tracking) which helps you locate the best position for panel charging
  •  The case prevents dust entering when system is not in use
  •  Easy swap battery
  •  Affordable price

CONS

  • Not for powering the entire house or large appliances
  • Sensitive to heat; don’t leave it out in the sun on hot days unless it’s charging

User review

I ordered it and it arrived the next day. I wasn’t very optimistic about it, frankly I thought it was too good to be true. I’m glad that Renogy proved me wrong! It just works like a charm. The case feels and is a high quality one, the usage has never been simpler and the number of cables which provide both the charging and consumption are a great addition.

Click to buy on Amazon

Renogy 400 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit with Wanderer

Start your solar adventure with a Renogy Starter Kit.Four Renogy 100-Watt monocrystalline solar panels can be connected in parallel by three pairs of branch connectors. Ideal output: 2000Wh per day; can fully charge a 200Ah battery from 50% in 3 hours (depending on the availability of sunlight). The charge controller has been upgraded to Renogy’ s new 30A PWM Negative-Ground Charge Controller – the Renogy Wanderer. One pair of 20 feet MC4 connectors adaptor kit extends the cables and makes the system ideal for remote control.

Renogy 400 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit with Wanderer review

Renogy 400 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit with Wanderer

What’s in the box?

 This kit comes a bit crowded but in a good way: four Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panels, a 30A PWM Wanderer Charge Controller, a 20ft 10AWG MC4 Adaptor Kit, an 8ft 10AWG Tray Cable, three pairs of branch connectors, and four sets of Z-brackets. All that you need is here, and for the money given it better be working.

Dimensions and specifications

 Dimensions are 47 x 21.3 x 8 inches and the total package weighs 16.5 pounds.

Check price on Amazon

Specifications

Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel:

  • Maximum Power: 100W
  • Maximum System Voltage: 600V DC (UL)
  • Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp): 18.9V
  • Optimum Operating Current (Imp): 5.29A

(All of this times four!)

Renogy 20ft 10AWG MC4 Adaptor Kit (A pair):

  • Length: 20ft
  • AWG: 10
  • Rating Voltage: 600/1000V
  • Temperature: -40°F to +185°F

bracketsRenogy Solar Panel Mounting Z Brackets (Set):

  • Four Z Shape Solar Panel Brackets
  • Four M6-16 Hex Cap Bolt and Eight #11 Self-Drilling Cap Screw and Plastic Retaining Ring
  • Four M6 Split Lock Washer and Eight M6 Flat Washer
  • Four M6 Hexagonal Nut

Renogy MC4 Branch Connectors (A Pair)          :

  • Withstanding Voltage: 1000V DC(TUV), 600V(UL)
  • Protection Degree: IP67, mated
  • Wiring Size Range: 10, 12, 14 AWG
  • Temperature: -40°F to +195°F

The Renogy Wanderer – 30A PWM Negative-Ground Charge Controller:   

  • Nominal Voltage: 12 VDC
  • Rated Charge Current: 30A
  • Max. PV Input Voltage: 25 VDC
  • Max. PV Input Power: 400W (12V)

Review

This kit comes with almost everything you need to charge a battery or battery bank that is either 12 or 24 volt. I was VERY pleased at the ease of installation and use. The controller was very basic and not hard to understand at all. I thank you for a TOP NOTCH system for both the entry level solar enthusiast. Perfect! Off grid and doing what they said it would produce.

Boris P.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High performance Monocrystalline panels
  • Solid built panels with Al frame
  • Panel output is consistent on all 4 panels
  • Hardware included and easy to put together (use electrical common sense)
  • Reasonable price

Cons:

  • I’ll let you know if I find a flaw with long term usage
Click to buy on Amazon