The desire for more environmentally friendly ways to power appliances is becoming increasingly popular. One product that is becoming highly sought after is a sustainable solar generator. Solar generators create power through solar panels, converting it into electrical power that can be stored in the battery for use at a later date.
Solar generators are most commonly used as an eco-friendly energy source when camping or kept at home as a backup during power outages. Most people choose to use their generators to power their refrigerators when there is limited access to electricity.
What's In This Article
Quick Comparison
Image | Product | Details | |
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Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000 |
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Point Zero Energy Titan |
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Goal Zero Yeti 1000 |
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ROCKPALS 250-Watt Portable Generator |
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View Today’s Price | |
Duracell PowerSource Solar Generator |
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View Today’s Price |
The compact generators can keep your food fresh for you until you have access to power once more whilst also having a more positive impact on climate change. If you’re going camping or are looking for a backup in case of emergencies then solar generators are the way to go.
However, with so many on the market to choose from, finding the generator that suits you can be difficult. You need a generator that is powerful enough to run your refrigerator for the required amount of time, is easily transported, and stays nice and quiet
To help, we have put together a guide for you. Our guide includes 5 of the best solar generators for refrigerators that you can buy right now, looking at what they offer.
Let’s not waste any more time, let’s dive straight into the article.
What Is A Solar Generator?
A solar generator is a convenient device that works with solar panels to provide essential clean backup power to your home or camping appliances when you need it. They come in handy during those frustrating power outages and can also be used for off-grid living. Solar generators vary massively in size, style, function, and brand with each model offering something different.
Unlike their gas counterparts, solar generators which often don’t typically come with the solar panels included are quiet, smell-free, and most importantly don’t contribute to global warming.
How Do Solar Generators Work?
How a solar generator works may sound complex but it is actually quite straightforward. Solar generators work by converting sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity that passes through the charge controller. Once the solar energy has been stored inside the battery, the inverter turns the electricity into accessible alternating current (AC) power.
Best Solar Generator For Refrigerator
1. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000
Specifications
Brand: Jackery
Wattage: 1000 watts
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 13.1 x 9.2 x 11.1 inches
We start our list with an excellent portable solar generator perfect for your full-size refrigerator or mini-fridge you take camping. This small, compact solar generator is well worth your investment.
Also used as a home backup power source we found the combination of 1000W wattage and 1002Wh provides more than enough power to run a small fridge or other small household or camping appliances.
This solar generator also has added professional MPPT technology which can harness more PV (photovoltaic) power (30%) from the Jackery Portable Power Station solar generator, saving you more money.
With a running time of 7 hours from an AC outlet or 14 hours from 12V carports, you can expect this generator to successfully see you through a power outage. Weighing just 22lbs you can easily take this generator on your next overnight adventure.
Features:
- 8 hour charging time.
- 3 standard PURE SINE WAVE AC outlet
- Professional MPPT technology
- Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station
- AC adapter
- Car charger cable
- SolarSaga parallel adapter cable
Pros:
- Portable– This lightweight generator can be easily carried.
- Multiple uses– The generator can be used to power a variety of appliances.
- Adapters included– All the necessary adapters and chargers come with the generator.
- Durable and quiet– The Jackery Portable Power Station can handle everything your camping trip throws at it and still stay quiet.
Cons:
- No permanent backlight– The backlight doesn’t stay on permanently. You have to press a button to turn it on every time it goes off if you can’t see the screen properly.
2. Point Zero Energy Titan
Specifications
Weight: 35lbs approximately
Size: 12×18.5×4.5 in
Battery capacity: 74ah (usable) 2000 watt hours (usable)
The Titan solar generator is one of the most efficient solar generators you can buy. They are perfect for refrigerators.
Right at the very top of the market with their technology, the designers behind the Point Zero Energy Titan included two MPPT charge controllers that allow you to charge with up to 1,000W of solar panels with one battery. This statistic makes it one of the fastest charging solar generators available today.
In terms of powering your refrigerator, this portable generator performs magnificently well. This solar generator will effortlessly power your full-size refrigerator, smartphones, and the lights around your house for three days before needing to be charged. This incredible performance makes it a reliable model to own in the event of any unexpected outages.
Though this model of solar generator weighs approximately 35lbs which is more than the Jackery Portable Power Station you can also use this generator during a camping trip. If you are traveling by RV or car to your destination the Point Zero Energy Titan generator can easily be taken with you.
Features:
- Lithium-ion NMC battery
- 2,000Wh battery capacity
- 2,000 cycle battery life
- AC output ports
- RV 20A outlet
- USB adapters
- DC car cigarette lighter output
- 5-20W inverter power consumption
- Weight of 35lbs
Pros:
- Perfect for outages– This powerful generator will keep you going during outages.
- Customizable– You can add extra batteries to this generator if you need more power.
- Versatile– The Titan solar generator can power your whole house.
Cons:
- Not easily portable– Titan’s solar power generator is not as easy to transport as smaller generators.
3. Goal Zero Yeti 1000
Specifications
Dimensions: 9.86 x 15.25 x 10.23 inches (25.04 x 38.74 x 25.98 cm)
Weight: 31.68 lbs (14.37 kg)
Peak Capacity: 1200Wh (12V, 100Ah)
If it’s a reliable solar generator you’re after that can power the biggest of refrigerators then the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 could be a great option for you. Goal Zero is one of the big hitters in the solar generator industry, offering a variety of impressive products. The Yeti 1000 is one of their best to date.
Weighing in at 31.68lbs this portable power station comes with a rolling cart so that you can move it around your property with ease in the event of a power outage. With a capacity of 1,200Wh, you can expect this solar generator to successfully get you through any unexpected outage.
We found that this solar generator is too large to easily take on your camping trip but if you are going on a fun RV trip and have the room it is well worth taking for those days you go off the grid, just don’t forget to take the roll cart with you.
Complete with a variety of output ports and adaptable charging ports you can easily hook your generator up to a variety of appliances if you wish to charge other items.
Features:
- AGM lead acid battery
- Capacity of 1,200Wh
- Weighs 31.68lbs
- Roll cart included
- USB port
- 12V carport
- 12V power pole port
- AC inverter
- Charging port
- Power pole charging port
- Charge time of at least 9 hours
Pros:
- Fits a variety of devices– This solar generator powers a large variety of different devices thanks to the USB, AC, and DC ports.
- Powerful– The Yeti 1000 will power your refrigerator for a couple of days at a time.
- Solar panels included– Some solar generators don’t come with solar panels but that’s not the case with this product. All the solar panels you need are included.
Cons:
- Long charging time– It will take you at least 9 hours to charge this generator. If you are charging the generator from a car or wall charger it could take anything from 18 hours to 44 hours.
- Assembly required– You will have to put the generator together.
4. Rockpals 250-watt Portable Solar Generator
Specifications
Brand: ROCKPALS
Wattage:250 watts
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 8.86 x 3.94 x 6.3 inches
If you don’t need a monster of a generator then why not take a look at the ultralightweight Rockpals solar generator. This generator is absolutely perfect for those who have a mini-fridge they need to power whilst traveling. With a weight of just 5.95 pounds, you can easily carry this generator everywhere you go.
When we tested this generator we were pleased to find that its weight doesn’t limit its power. The generator has a 64800mAh power capacity that easily powers not only a small mini-fridge but also other small devices such as your smartphone, TV, or laptop.
Though this generator isn’t well suited to powering your home during an outage it could come in useful if you need to power smaller appliances during a blackout.
Other advantages of the Rockpals generator include its noise levels and adaptability. Thanks to its well-thought design features like the pure sine wave inverter this model of generator stays nice and quiet.
The adaptability features the generator offers are fantastic too. You can connect an array of different devices and appliances. This helps the generator suit your needs better.
We must also note that this generator looks great. Its compact lightweight nature and neat orange and black design let the generator fit in with the surroundings rather than stand out like a sore thumb. We highly recommend this generator if you want an awesome product that will support your needs as you travel.
Features:
- Weighs just 5.95lbs
- Charging time of 8 hours
- Running time ranges from 2-4 hours depending on the size of the refrigerator and devices being powered.
- 250W continuous dual AC outputs
- 2 USB ports
- 4 DC 12V ports
- Lithium polymer batteries
- Pure sine wave inverter
- Car charger cable included
Pros:
- Ultra Lightweight- Weighing less than 6lbs this generator is by far the lightest and most portable solar generator on this list.
- Power multiple appliances and devices– With the Rockpals generator you can charge all of your small devices or appliances.
- Small but powerful– This generator may be small but it still packs a big punch.
- Durable handle– To make things even easier for you the generator is fitted with a strong handle for transporting the product around.
Cons:
- Can’t power bigger items– This solar generator is not powerful enough to charge bigger appliances such as your full-sized refrigerator.
5. Duracell PowerSource Quiet Gasless Portable
Specifications
Brand: Duracell
Wattage: 1440 watts
Item Dimensions LxWxH:19.9 x 8.9 x 12.8 inches
Also known as the Duracell PowerSource 666 you can depend on this generator to provide you with the power you need anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re stuck in the house during an emergency or enjoying the great outdoors the PowerSource will provide you with clean, quiet power.
With 660 Watt-hours of battery capacity, we found that this generator has no problem powering a large variety of devices and appliances including full-sized refrigerators.
An impressive feature with the Duracell PowerSource is also its ability to power up to 4 things simultaneously thanks to its 4 plug sockets. Aside from the plug sockets, this generator is also packed with two USB ports to make charging smaller devices such as your phone even easier.
Duracell has fitted their solar generator with a convenient LCD display that allows you to monitor the status of the PowerSource. The “input” section indicates whether the unit is recharging from AC or solar power.
The “output” section informs you of the amount of power being drawn from the unit in watts. Finally, the “level” section reports information regarding how much battery the unit has remaining. These features come in super handy when using the unit and ensure you don’t unexpectedly run out of power when you need it most.
Features:
- Weight of 57.9 pounds
- A running time of 5 hours when powering a full-size refrigerator.
- Charging time of 10 hours
- 660-watt hour battery capacity
- 4 AC outlets
- Solar controller
- Anderson connector
- LCD monitor
Pros:
- Durable– This solar generator can take an impact without getting damaged.
- Quiet– You won’t hear too much noise from the PowerSource generator.
- Portability– The PowerSource only weighs 57.9lbs, making it fairly easy to move around.
Cons:
- Solar panels not included– Unfortunately you will have to source your own solar panels if you want to use the generator effectively.
Buyers Guide
When looking to buy a solar generator it is vital that you consider the important factors behind each generator. By doing so you can rest assured that you are purchasing the solar generator that suits you best.
Without carefully considering the features and design of the generator you are buying, you could be left with buyers’ regret and a generator that doesn’t provide you with the power or suitability you require. To avoid these issues we have put together this useful buyers guide that looks at the key things you need to consider.
Power
The power a solar generator offers you is by far the most important factor you need to consider. The power you need from a generator firstly depends on what you need it for.
If you’re looking to power a full-sized refrigerator all day during an outage you will need a generator that offers enough power to do so. This generator will need to be a lot more powerful than one that is designed to power much smaller appliances like a mini-fridge.
A 100-watt solar panel can only run a refrigerator for a short time and a battery would also be needed. This is because 100 watts of solar panels can only generate about 400 watt-hours of energy every day.
With this in mind to run a full-sized refrigerator for the whole day, you would need 2,000 watt-hours. As a result of this, you will need to invest in a solar generator that has 2,000+ watts of power if you want to run it for the entire day. Obviously, if you only want to power a mini-fridge you can look at a less powerful generator.
Size and Weight
Before you start looking for a solar generator you need to strongly consider the size and weight of the generator you need. Generators come in all shapes and sizes so it is important you find the best one for you. Some weigh over 100lbs while others weigh just 5lbs. This is a huge difference and one that could impact your experience massively.
If you’re looking to carry your generator around, taking it on a camping trip then clearly you won’t be able to carry 100lbs of weight with you. Therefore, you need to purchase a generator that is compact and lightweight. This way you won’t encounter any issues during transportation.
If you plan on keeping the generator at home as a backup energy source the weight doesn’t matter as much but the size does. You need to be able to store the generator in your home without it getting in the way.
It is a good idea to work out where you will keep the generator before looking to buy one. This will help you save time when looking for the right model and also ensure you have no nasty surprises when the generator arrives.
Inverter
You need to consider the type of inverter the generator your after contains. The inverters in the solar generator convert DC from the solar panels to AC. The best inverter you can buy is the pure sine wave inverter because it is the most efficient. However, it is also the most expensive.
If you can afford a generator with this inverter we recommend you do, but if money is tight then you should look for a generator that has a different inverter.
Battery Type
Lead-acid and lithium-ion are the most common types of batteries found in solar generators. Lithium is lightweight and often used to power power tools, whereas lead-acid batteries are better for powering things like automobiles.
Both batteries work brilliantly but deciding which one you want to buy could save you some money. Lithium-ion batteries usually cost more than lead-acid batteries but do last longer. If you’re on a tight budget you might be better looking for a solar generator with a lead-acid battery. If money is no object then consider purchasing a generator with a lithium-ion battery as it will likely last longer.
Charge Controller
Checking for a three-power point tracking (MPPT) is a good idea when looking for the best solar generator. These are the most efficient charge controllers which will help regulate the current between the solar panels and the battery.
Battery Capacity
It is important you understand the battery capacity of the generator you buy. Battery capacity indicates the total amount of electricity a solar generator can store. It is also good to know their power rating. The power rating shows how much power the generator will deliver at a time.
If a generator has a low power rating, but high battery capacity, it’ll likely deliver less electricity, but for a longer period of time. You should always check the Watt for a unit of power and Watt-hour for the total amount of watts generated and consumed in an hour.
FAQs
What can a 300-watt solar generator run?
A 300-watt solar generator is more than capable of powering or charging small electronic devices such as your smartphone or laptop. With 300-watts of power, the generator could also power some larger items like a TV or small refrigerator. Before needing to be recharged you could expect the generator to charge a phone 18 times, a laptop 3 or 4 times, and your refrigerator for a couple of hours.
How long do solar generators last?
Solar generators tend to last between 25 to 35 years depending on the brand and quality of the product. Despite the pricey upfront costs a solar generator is definitely a long-term investment that will be with you for a very long time. Most generators also come with long warranties so if your generator doesn’t last as long as you expect make sure you get in touch with the company you purchased it from.
Whilst solar generators are durable it is worth noting that you can only expect your generator to last 25+ years if you look after it. By storing it away correctly, using it properly, and by transporting it safely your generator will easily last.
Is a solar generator a good investment?
Solar generators require a high initial investment, much more so than traditional gas generators. However, solar generators are definitely worth your investment. In the long run, they come with many benefits. Solar generators have a much lower operating cost, in fact, the running cost is free if you rely solely on solar power.
Over the lifetime of your solar generator, you will spend a lot less. Having said this, the investment you make in a solar generator isn’t just about money. Solar generators use clean, renewable energy which reduces your carbon footprint and has a positive impact on global warming. In our opinion, this advantage on its own makes your investment a good one.
Takeaways
Solar generators are a useful thing to own. Whether you like adventuring in the great outdoors or simply want an effective backup during outages, a solar generator will make your life a lot easier.
A powerful generator will easily power a wider range of appliances and devices including full-sized refrigerators. The best generators will be able to do this for an extended period of time, some even sustaining power for two or three days.
As you can see from our list there is a huge array of different types of solar generators on the market each coming with its own unique features or design. Some are designed with compatibility and portability in mind, these generators are perfect for camping.
Other generators are designed to pack a punch, powering most of your home during blackouts. These models are normally a lot bigger and heavier.
Although finding the right generator can be difficult, with our list you should now be able to narrow your options down. Our list only scratches the surface but the 5 generators we have discussed are the best on offer right now.
Now you have our list at your fingertips carry out your own research to find the generator that suits you best.