What is a good brand of solar generators?

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Mac11187@reddit

Am I the only person who has a mental hangup with calling these things "solar generators?'

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Mac11187@reddit

Off topic, but in the cryptocurrency arena, it always bugged me when they called their blockchain client software and key storage devices, "wallets."

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Nah, someone always brings it up. Every time. Then the other side says but, with a solar panel, it can provide electricity like a generator for longer, then the other side poo poos the battery since they can't make as much /store as much power as a REAL fuel generator, then both sides just downvote and yell at each other. :)

ya ya, I get technically a generator "produces" electricity, and a battery just stores electricity, so you're right, its not TECHNICALLY a generator. On the other hand, a 2500 watt honda with a 5 gallon can of gas is also really just storing power too right? Instead of in a battery, the honda is storing the power in the fuel ...

and so on :)

What would you have folks call these? I have an ecoflow delta pro x 2, can hook into a regular generator 220v transfer switch and keeps electricty going for awhile. Should we just call these "really big batteries" ? :)

It think generator has stuck just cause it sounds cooler than "really big battery".

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Mac11187@reddit

Power Stations.

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Patient-War-4964@reddit

I love my Jackery but definitely only buy one if it’s on sale, and they always have sales. I got my Jackery Explorer 1000 with 2 SolarSaga 100 Solar panels for $899, normally $1649, on the last Amazon Prime Days.

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slayerbizkit@reddit

How well does the solar panel work on the jackery?

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Holiday_Albatross441@reddit

I think that's true of most solar generators. Bluetti has sales all the time, for example.

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SheDrinksScotch@reddit

I bought a Bluetti on sale and HEAVILY regretted it.

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Playamonkey@reddit

Me too, solid, if you can get it for a great price. Good luck

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KaleidoscopeDizzy491@reddit

Have had this Jackery Explorer 300 for 2 years now, I bought it to power my CPAP when camping or touring on the motorcycle across the states. Will power my CPAP for 3 nights before needing charged. When on the motorcycle, I carry it in the saddlebag that has a 12V outlet and it charges during the day as I ride. When using it in the camper when we are boondocking, I charge it off the 12VDC battery as we travel to the next site. Will easily power my CPAP and charge phones for several nights. Very happy with it. Has worked flawlessly on about 6 trips over the last 2 years.

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Chemical_Sherbert_57@reddit

Finding the right solar generator really revolves around your specific needs and circumstances. IMO, you should consider a generator that is durable, reliable, and efficient. For a compact and portable solution, you might like this compact solar generator, it offers a good balance between power output and portability, making it ideal for your faraday cage project. On the other hand, if you're looking for a larger and more stationary unit, this heavy-duty solar generator is a phenomenal option with high power output- perfect for running larger electronic appliances. Don't skimp on quality here. Remember, it's not just about finding a power source, it's about investing in a solution that will last. A compact solar generator.

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SnooLobsters1308@reddit

Hi, welcome to prepping! This question you can also search, I think its been asked with several replies each time a couple times a week the last few weeks, someone just had a thread yesterday. We've also discussed what size, brands, etc..

Ecoflow, jackery, anker seem to be the most used here for the bigger sizes. I have ecoflow. u/cityprepping 's video is awesome, has some great info.

Now, those brands are most common for the batteries. "solar generator" also implies panels, and I usually do NOT recommend those brands of panels, they generally don't make their own panels and they are very expensive. Nothing wrong with them, just tend to be expensive. For panels, you also need what size and if you want a folding one or rigid. A couple of 100W rigid panels should be pretty cheap, a 400w foldable more expensive.

EXAMPLE - allpowers 140w foldable, $200

https://www.amazon.com/ALLPOWERS-Portable-Foldable-Generator-Cellphone/dp/B08R1M7NFT/

Renogy is a long stable panel manufacture, 100w rigid panel for $90

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Monocrystalline-Solar-Compact-Design/dp/B07GF5JY35/

There are lots and lots of panel brands, much more diverse than the battery suppliers.

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Users liked: * Efficient solar charging (backed by 3 comments) * Versatile connectors and accessories (backed by 3 comments) * Portable and lightweight design (backed by 3 comments)

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Web_Trauma@reddit

Make sure it’s a lifepo4. Ecoflow is good. Keep an eye on r/preppersales as I see them find good deals on em from time to time

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jstbcs@reddit

I like my ecoflow. It’s more powerful than my old goal zero. But I can charge the goal zero off the 110 port in my 4Runner. Not the ecoflow. The eco requires puresinwave not modified. The goal zero doesn’t care. It eats whatever I give it.

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AdOne7575@reddit

My goal zero has held up great the last ten years.

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SheDrinksScotch@reddit

I really like Jackery. They have regular sales and the warranties are excellent.

I recently bought a Bluetti and had to return it because it was absolutely horrific. They blocked my negative review from showing up on their website, and I had to start and then escalate a PayPal dispute to get my refund.

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buschkraft@reddit

Not to long ago there was a breakdown of power output to price and Pecron had the top 3 or 4 slots. I've got a Vtoman with two 100 watt solar panels that can jumpstart a car.

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KellenRH@reddit

Ecoflow >

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wakanda_banana@reddit

That entirely depends on your power needs which you need to calculate in reverse. What are you seeking to power? For how long? How much does it take to power those devices per hour?

Go look at city prepping channel on youtube and filter to solar generators. Here’s (their spreadsheet)[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/2/d/1E3McBfU9KpsnVJcwEE5VLzMoTUrEUetGAxUVrX3K3M8/htmlview#gid=1034043500]

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Mala_Suerte1@reddit

Bluetti, Ecoflow, Jackery are all good quality.

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7f00dbbe@reddit

There's a guy on YouTube called HoboTech that does a lot of really good reviews on solar generators and other off-grid tech.

https://youtube.com/@hobotech?si=blAMX7PdL6_CMWwk

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Mala_Suerte1@reddit

+1 for Hobotech. He gives a great, layman's terms, break down of the different brands. His info on solar panels is top knotch as well.

u/cityprepping also has a good YT channel and I believe he did a great review of solar generators. Just found his video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4XJM1nIjZ8

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7f00dbbe@reddit

Also check out DIY Solar With Will Prowse, he talks a lot about batteries and goes into some of the math too.

Most of the off-grid electrical type questions that people ask here could probably be answered by watching him.

https://youtube.com/@willprowse?si=qCI7E8a8bEVtqhAM

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smeeg123@reddit

Ecoflow, anker, bluetti

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iiDaddyBearii@reddit

I have read that GoalZero is among the highest efficiency you'll get from the consumer market but I have no hands on experience with them.

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roundblackjoob@reddit

They are all junk. Overpriced camping batteries basically and as about as reliable as a chinese made camping fridge. But don't take my word for it, blow a grand on one and see for yourself.

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Halizza@reddit

At this point they are only 20-30% more than DIY except you can plug and play, and come with 8y warranty.

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Vegetaman916@reddit

I have had pretty good results with both Jackery and Ecoflow.

The best option is always going to be building your own custom system, but that is really only viable for an isolated bugout location. Too bulky and complex for easy portability, and since any real SHTF scenario will see you getting out of dodge quickly, it is best to have small, portable systems at home, and then an extensive, custom system wherever your bunker/compound is.

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PVPicker@reddit

For large/stationary you'd probably want to DIY an off grid inverter unit for long-term upgradeability.

My setup:

EG4 3000W off grid inverter: $600ish (signaturesolar, if you click around on their site a coupon will appear offering $50 off for new customers)

3x 48V 50AH batteries: $400 to $500ish each (eBay)

4,000W used panels: $800 (santansolar)

Assorted cables/wiring/etc: $300+

I have 7.5kwhr of battery, can charge at up to 5000W, can handle loads of 3000W sustained and surges of 6000W.. I generate around 15-20kwhr a day, past 3 days has been 18kwhr. I can add more batteries, or even add another solar charge controller and mix even more panels into it. I have it running a window air conditioner for free, since I cannot export to the grid it's a 'use it or lose it' type situation with the power.

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CaptPikel@reddit

Yup. I looked around a lot and went diy. I have a growatt 24v with 10kwh of batteries on a harbor freight cart. I picked up some new old stock solar panels from a local installer that had them lying around. All in with batteries, inverter, panels, and miscellaneous was under 3500.

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HomeOfTheBRAAVE@reddit

Great post and great info! How do you have your solar panels mounted?

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ROHANG020@reddit

DIY

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SubstantialAbility17@reddit

If you have some skills, you can build your own system with better components. I would rather trust that my back up systems are robust and reliable. Not too sure on the all in one systems yet.

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Fubar14235@reddit

I went with the basic jackery 1000. It’s not LiFePO4 but I hardly use it so I’m not too worried about how many cycles it can do but still it will in theory have 80% capacity after 500 full cycles. The older battery means it’s better $/wh.

If you plan on relying on it a lot then you do want to go LiFePO4. Ecoflow look like a good brand but the best thing would be to build your own. It likely won’t be as compact or fancy looking but you get to choose exactly how many watts/wh and what its cases in and it will be cheaper.

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MinerDon@reddit

The term "solar generator" is an oxymoron. No one opens the hood to their vehicle, points to the interstate battery sitting there, and proclaims "that's my solar generator!"

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GGAllinzGhost@reddit

Yeah but your battery isn't a solar generator.

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Jettyboy72@reddit

Any, if it’s going into a faraday cage you’ll never use it anyways.

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GGAllinzGhost@reddit

???

I have an EF delta pro in a faraday cage. Why would I never use it?

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rrn30@reddit

I have two Jackery 290’s, one Jackery 300, one Ecoflow Delta Pro Power station and two Ecoflow Delta Pro Smart Batteries. The Jackery’s are so everyone can have their own power bank should the need arise, the Ecoflow setup is purely to run the fridge for however long I need to. The Ecoflow units are HEAVY, transportable but very heavy. Built like a tank though. The Jackery’s are very light in comparison and easily transportable, kinda of a grab & go type unit.

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Yugen42@reddit

I have a Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro which I do not recommend. It works but for the price I expected more: - buggy undervoltage protection means you have to reconnect the panels at least once a day - no connectivity whatsoever - nonstandard solar panel connectors

Kind of a shame since the basics are all great, but then they messed up the relatively easy part around it.

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cityprepping@reddit

Hope this helps: Best Solar Generator for 2024 (The Ultimate Guide)

https://youtu.be/d4XJM1nIjZ8

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errdaddy@reddit

I love this channel. If you’re looking for information without politics or conspiracy theories this guy does a great job without fear mongering.

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beerinmysippycup@reddit

I was about to tag this channel until I saw you posted. This is the way.

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Prestigious_Yak8551@reddit

I would love to see your cage but I would understand if you wouldnt want to post a picture of it.

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Playamonkey@reddit

I don't understand, please explain.

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Prestigious_Yak8551@reddit

I was wondering what it might look like

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Playamonkey@reddit

I was asking why he wouldn't want to show it as your comment states.

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Prestigious_Yak8551@reddit

OPSEC

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Playamonkey@reddit

😆

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Prestigious_Yak8551@reddit

😘

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armedsquatch@reddit

This is a great question. The market is completely flooded with brands right now. I went with jackery for my 2 large ones because it’s what our fire lookout tower was issued when our solar system broke mid fire season and the forestry dept airlifted a setup to us until we could have the solar system totally redone. I also bought a smaller ECOFLOW because of a crazy good sale.

With dozens and dozens of brands on the market it can be tough to make the best choice. I have no idea if I made the best choice with the jackerys.

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agent_flounder@reddit

Hopefully a solid choice at least. That's what I went with because I wheeled with a guy that swore by their stuff. I'm pretty pleased so far

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