Best Whole House Solar Generator for Power Outages (2023)

Power outages can happen unexpectedly and last for hours or even days, leaving you without electricity at home. In these situations, having backup power is essential to ensure the safety and comfort of your household. Whole house solar generators harness the energy from the sun to provide a reliable and environmentally friendly solution during power outages. These systems are designed specifically for generating enough electricity to support your entire house during grid downtime.

When considering a whole house solar generator, it’s crucial to pay attention to factors such as system size, battery capacity, and installation requirements. These factors will determine whether the generator can provide sufficient power to meet your needs during an outage. Be sure to take an inventory of the essential appliances you need to power and calculate the total energy requirements, so you choose the right generator for your home.

With numerous options available on the market, it’s vital to do thorough research and evaluation to ensure the whole house solar generator you select is the best fit for your needs. We’ve spent countless hours comparing and assessing different models to help simplify your decision process and lead you to the perfect whole house solar generator for power outages.

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Top Whole House Solar Generators for Power Outages

Check out our list of the best whole house solar generators to keep your home powered during those unexpected outages. Trust us, you’ll be glad you’ve got these lifesavers on hand.

OUKITEL P5000 Power Station

For those facing frequent power outages, this OUKITEL P5000 solar generator is a reliable solution for powering your entire home.

Pros

Massive 5120Wh capacity and 2200W AC output
Ultra-fast charging options: 2.8 hrs by wall outlet or 5 hrs by solar panels
Durable and long-lasting LiFePO4 battery with 10-year lifespan

Cons

Hefty weight at 115 pounds
Limited customer reviews
High price tag compared to smaller solar generators

During power outages, the OUKITEL P5000 Power Station comes in handy, giving you the ability to power 99% of the home devices in your house or workshop, from refrigerators to washing machines. With its 5120Wh capacity and 2200W AC output, you’ll have an impressive amount of power ready to be used, making it a fantastic investment for anyone that frequently encounters power outages.

Charging speeds make this product stand out, with the ability to fully charge the solar generator in just 2.8 hours via wall outlet or 5 hours with 3 400W solar panels. It also boasts industry-leading solar conversion efficiency of up to 23%, ensuring you can recharge the generator in a rapid manner, when needed.

The built-in LiFePO4 battery offers excellent safety and long service life. You can expect to use this generator for about 10 years without issues, which makes it a solid choice for long-term use. However, the trade-off is the weight, clocking in at a hefty 115 pounds. And while it’s lighter and more compact than other options with similar capacity, it might still be a challenge to move around easily.

EF ECOFLOW 240V/7200Wh Home Backup Solution

This whole house solar generator is a powerful, compact, and easy-to-use solution for power outages.

Pros

High wattage output (7200W) for running various appliances
Simple plug-and-play setup with minimal installation
Smart App Control for easy monitoring and customization

Cons

Requires a qualified licensed electrician for installation
May need to reboot when charging stops on low solar input
Additional accessories such as extra batteries may be hard to obtain

When it comes to whole house solar generators, the EF ECOFLOW 240V/7200Wh Home Backup Solution stands out with its impressive 7200W power output. This high wattage range allows you to run almost all your home appliances, including clothes dryers and electric heaters, ensuring you stay comfortable during power outages.

I appreciate how easy this generator is to set up and use. The package comes with everything you need, including a double voltage hub, a 6-circuit manual transfer switch, and an adapter cord. Just be aware that you’ll need a qualified licensed electrician to handle the installation for you.

One of my favorite aspects of this product is the Smart App Control. You can easily monitor and control your generator’s charging status, temperature, input/output, and customize its settings to fit your energy needs. This makes managing your power consumption a breeze.

However, some users reported that the generator needs to be unplugged and rebooted when solar input is low, which can be slightly inconvenient. Also, finding extra batteries and other accessories might be challenging.

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 PRO 400W

This Jackery Solar Generator 3000 PRO 400W is a game-changer for powering your home during outages or when camping off-grid.

Pros

Huge 3024Wh capacity supporting 99% of appliances
Fast charging: 2.4h via wall outlet and 3-4h with solar panels
Smart app control via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth

Cons

Heavy at 99.2 pounds
The mobile app can be clunky
Pricey when considering solar panels

When an unexpected power outage strikes, you’ll be grateful for the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 PRO. Its massive 3024Wh capacity and 3000W power output ensure that it can handle just about everything in your home or RV. This solar generator is also perfect for camping trips, providing solar-powered energy on the go.

One of the most impressive features of this solar generator is its fast charging capabilities. You can fully charge it in just 2.4 hours using a wall outlet or by connecting the optional 200W solar panels using the up to 25% solar conversion efficiency. Even in low light conditions, it will still generate 50% more power. However, be prepared to spend extra on the solar panels or endure the significant 99.2-pound weight.

The generator comes with a smart app that can be controlled via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, offering real-time monitoring of the battery level, estimated running time, and input/output wattages. Although the app can be somewhat clunky and requires you to sign in periodically, it allows you to tailor the settings to your specific needs.

Overall, the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 PRO 400W is a reliable and versatile power solution for emergencies and off-grid adventures. However, keep in mind that it’s quite heavy and may require additional investment for solar panels.

BLUETTI AC200P Solar Generator with Panels Included

BLUETTI’s got your back during power outages with this powerful solar generator and panels combo.

Pros

Portable with solar panels included
Fast recharge options
High-capacity and efficient battery

Cons

Heavy and bulky
Touchscreen visibility issues in sunlight
No returns and customer service could be better

When you’re looking for a whole house solar generator for power outages, the BLUETTI AC200P has you covered. It offers a whopping 2000 watt-hours of power, making it perfect for keeping your essential appliances running during emergencies or while camping off-grid. Plus, you don’t have to worry about finding solar panels to pair with it – this bundle includes three 120W foldable panels.

One thing that sets the BLUETTI AC200P apart from other solar generators on the market is its fast recharge capabilities. With a wide range of options like AC, car, and generator charging, you can get this bad boy recharged in no time. Its built-in MPPT solar charge controller ensures that your solar panels can efficiently top off the battery, giving you peace of mind knowing you’ll have power when you need it most.

But don’t let its powerful specs fool you – this unit is quite cumbersome and not for the faint of heart when it comes to lifting. Weighing in at 60.6 pounds, the BLUETTI AC200P can be a hassle to move around. Further, while the touchscreen display provides essential information regarding charge and discharge status, it can be tricky to see in direct sunlight. You may find yourself shielding the screen with your hand or a cloth to view crucial details.

Overall, the BLUETTI AC200P Solar Generator with Panels Included offers a reliable source of backup power for your whole house during extended power outages. Its high capacity and fast recharge options make it a solid choice for anyone focusing on preparedness. However, be prepared to deal with its significant weight and potential issues regarding customer support.

Buying Guide

As an emergency preparedness expert, let me tell you what to consider when looking for the best whole house solar generator for power outages.

Capacity

Determine the capacity you need. Figure out how much power your home uses during an outage, including essentials like lighting, refrigerators, and heating/cooling systems. After totaling up watts, consider a generator with at least 20% more capacity than your requirements for some wiggle room.

Battery Type & Life

Choose a generator with long-lasting batteries. Lithium-ion batteries offer better performance, durability, and life span than traditional lead-acid batteries. Keep an eye on the cycle life – the higher the number of cycles, the longer your battery will last.

Inverter Quality

The inverter’s job is to convert DC power from solar panels into AC power for your home appliances. Look for a generator with pure sine wave inverters, as they provide clean, consistent power that’s safe for sensitive electronics.

Scalability

If you plan on expanding your solar setup in the future or want the flexibility to add more solar panels or batteries, go for a solar generator that’s scalable. Some models allow you to daisy-chain multiple units for increased capacity.

Warranty & Support

You’ll want your investment to be protected. A decent warranty, at least 5 years on the inverter and 10 years on solar panels, is a must. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of customer support – look out for manufacturers that offer responsive and helpful assistance.

Remember these factors when choosing a whole house solar generator, and you’ll be well-prepared for any power outage.