Solar generators have come a long way, and now you can snag some pretty capable units for cheap. If you’re looking for a reliable power source for your outdoor trips, plenty of affordable options might surprise you.
I’ve tested many of these budget-friendly models and found some real gems. Stick around, and I’ll show you the best solar generators under $1000 I discovered.
Overview
It’s good to know what you’re getting into when looking at specific models.
First off, it’s important to keep your expectations in check. With these units, you won’t power your whole house or run major appliances. But that’s okay. For most of us, that’s not what we’re after anyway.
These generators are perfect for keeping your gadgets charged up on camping trips. Some can even power a small fridge at your gathering or run some lights and a laptop during a short power cut at home.
One of the best things about these budget-friendly units is their easy use. They’re the kind of thing you can throw in your car without worrying about space or weight.
Most of them are pretty much plug-and-play, which is great when you’re out in the middle of nowhere and just want your coffee maker to work.
Best Solar Generators Under $1000
Bluetti AC70 – Best Overall
Specifications
- Capacity: 768Wh
- Battery technology: LiFePO4
- Life cycles: 3000 cycles
- Max total AC output: 1000W (2000W surge)
- Max total input: 950W (AC), 500W (Solar)
- Charing options: Solar, AC, and car adapters
Today’s best deals: Amazon
For this budget, the Bluetti AC70 takes the cake. It’s a well-rounded powerhouse that’s caught my eye for its blend of performance and portability.
This unit packs 768 Wh capacity and can dish out 1000W of power (2000W surge). You get a mix of 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, a DC, and 2 AC ports. It can recharge at 950W (AC mode), while the top solar input is 500W.
Reasons to Buy
The AC70 has become my go-to for both home and outdoor use. Its power delivery is no slouch. The 1000W output handled most of my gear without breaking a sweat. I’ve run everything from my laptop to small power tools off it.
While it claims a 2000W surge capacity, I noticed it struggles past 1800W, and even then, only for short bursts. But honestly, for most uses, you’ll rarely push it that hard.
Charging has always been a strong point of Bluetti power stations. I hooked it up to a 350W solar panel on a sunny day and was impressed with the input. It still managed to trickle charge, albeit slowly, even on overcast days.
Car charging is decent, too. I got about 110W input from my vehicle, filling the battery in roughly 7 hours. But plug it into a wall socket, and that’s where the real deal is. I went from zero to 80% in just 55 minutes – the fastest among models listed here.
The design doesn’t disappoint, either. It’s compact enough to carry around without feeling like you’re lugging a brick. The dark gray color and smooth edges give it a sleek look. I’ve taken it camping several times, and it’s held up well to the occasional bump and jostle.
Reasons to Avoid
The onboard controls are pretty basic, and I found myself relying on the Bluetti app for anything beyond simple operations. It’s not a huge issue, but it’s worth noting if you prefer physical controls.
Another potential downside is the lack of weatherproofing. There’s no official IP rating, so you’ll want to keep it sheltered from rain and dust. The port covers offer some protection, but I wouldn’t risk leaving it exposed to the elements.
EcoFlow River 2 Pro – Compact Choice
Specifications
- Capacity: 768Wh
- Battery technology: LiFePO4
- Life cycles: 3000 cycles
- Max total AC output: 800W (1600W surge)
- Max AC input: 940W
- Charing options: Solar, AC, USB-C, and car adapters
Today’s best deals: Amazon
The EcoFlow River 2 Pro packs a punch for its size. It’s small, efficient, and surprisingly capable.
The machine offers 768Wh capacity with an 800W output (1600W surge). It’s built with a long-lasting LiFePO4 battery and can handle up to 220W of solar input or 940W from AC. You get a good mix of ports: 4 AC, 1 car, 1 USB-C PD, and 3 USB-A.
Reasons to Buy
EcoFlow clearly put some thought into the design. It tips the scales at just 17.2 pounds and measures a mere 10.6″ x 10.2″ x 8.9″. That’s smaller than most coolers I’ve lugged around. The handle’s been moved to the back and molded into the casing, making it a breeze to carry and a dream to stack and store.
With 768Wh, you’re not going to power your whole house, but it’s perfect for weekend adventures or as a backup during short outages. I’ve used it to keep my mini-fridge running, power a TV for movie night under the stars, and even run a small fan during a sticky summer camping trip.
The port selection is pretty impressive for such a compact unit. Four AC outlets, a car charger port, and a bunch of USB options, including a 100W USB-C PD port that’s been a lifesaver for my laptop. I do wish there was another USB-C port or two, but that isn’t a big deal.
Plug the AC cable into a wall, and you’re looking at a full charge in just over an hour. You can even charge it using the USB-C port up to 100W. If you’ve got a MacBook charger lying around, you’re good to go. It’s not the fastest method, but handy in a pinch.
Solar charging is decent, though not the fastest out there. The 220W max input is slightly lower than some competitors, so it’ll take longer.
But given its smaller capacity, the difference isn’t huge. I hooked it up to a 200W panel on a sunny day, and it was fully charged in about 5 hours. It’s not too shabby for a day at the beach. And thanks to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, I can check on everything from the comfort of my phone.
Reasons to Avoid
When this thing is charging, it can get pretty noisy as the fan runs at high speed. If you plan on charging it in your bedroom, maybe consider earplugs.
The display does the job but is about as basic as it comes. It can only show you the bare essentials like charge level and power flow.
Goal Zero Yeti 1000x – Best High-Capacity
Specifications
- Capacity: 983Wh
- Battery technology: Li-ion NMC
- Life cycles: 500 cycles
- Max total AC output: 1500W (3500W surge)
- Max AC input: 600W
- Charing options: Solar, AC
Today’s best deals: Amazon
The Yeti 1000X has become a solid high-capacity contender in the under $1000 category due to a recent price drop from Goal Zero.
The base battery capacity is 983Wh. You can hook it up to expansion batteries and beef it up to a whopping 5833Wh. It’s got a 1500W continuous output with a 3500W peak. Under perfect conditions, it can take a 600W max input (solar and AC).
Reasons to Buy
The 983Wh might not sound earth-shattering, but at this price point, it’s a steal. I lugged this thing around in my van for a week, using it for everything from inflating tires to powering a projector for movie nights. It never broke a sweat.
I even set up a little endurance test by hooking up a desk lamp and letting it run until it conked out. The Yeti kept that light burning for almost 5 days straight. The most impressive thing was that the unit’s display was spot-on with that power estimate.
The Yeti 1000x isn’t exactly pocket-sized, but it’s manageable, and the build quality is rock-solid. With two quality handles, moving it around is less of a chore. There’s also a nifty storage compartment on top for the charging cable, with some thoughtful cable routing options.
If you’re already invested in the Goal Zero ecosystem, you’ll appreciate that this unit plays well with them. You can expand the capacity (up to 4 more batteries) or add fast charging if you’re willing to spend more on a special adapter.
Reasons to Avoid
Solar charging isn’t winning any speed records. With the standard panels, you’re looking at anywhere from 9 to 18 hours for a full charge. Its battery tech is also slightly behind the curve, using Lion NMC instead of the newer LiFePO4.
After about 500 charge cycles, you should notice the battery holding only 80% of its original capacity. That’s not terrible, but it’s not great either, especially when you stack it against other models in this price range.
Deeno X1500 – For Charging Multiple Devices
Specifications
- Capacity: 1036Wh
- Battery technology: LiFePO4
- Life cycles: 3500 cycles
- Max total AC output: 1500W (3000W surge)
- Max solar input: 200W
- Charing options: Solar, AC, generator, and car adapters
Today’s best deals: Amazon
It’s not flashy, but the Deeno X1500 gets the job done, especially if you have many gadgets.
At the heart of this unit is a 1036Wh battery, which can deliver 1500W of continuous power, peaking at 3000W. There are also 12 ports: 3 AC outlets, 3 USB-A, 2 USB-C, a car outlet, and 2 DC5.5 ports. When it’s time to recharge, you have four options: plug it into your car, a wall outlet, a generator, or hook it up to some solar panels.
Reasons to Buy
I took this on a camping trip with my family a while back, and it was nice not to worry about power. We ran some lights, charged our phones and tablets, and kept our flashlights ready, all without a hitch. This thing will have you covered for a few days out in the woods.
One thing that surprised me was how it handled some heavier equipment. I’ve run carpet cleaners, shop vacs, and even space heaters off this thing at home without issues, too.
The ability to act as a basic UPS can come in handy sometimes. I tried it with a Mac Studio and two 4K displays, and when I unplugged it from the wall, everything kept running smoothly as butter. But fair warning: it didn’t fare as well with my gaming rig or console setup. Those shut down when I pulled the plug.
The design’s pretty straightforward to use. The handles extend out when you grab them, giving your hands some space.
Deeno uses fireproof materials for the shell. The light bar on the back is a lifesaver for camping or power outages, with three brightness levels and an SOS mode.
Reasons to Avoid
This thing takes its sweet time to charge, in particular, 5.5 to 6.5 hours from empty to full via AC. The solar charging wasn’t very impressive, either. It took me 7-9 hours for a full recharge, which might be unsustainable when you push the X1500 to the limit.
At 32.6 pounds, it’s not super portable, either. It’s not back-breaking, but you might think twice before moving it around too much.
How I Tested The Solar Generators
My approach is pretty straightforward. I use these power stations to see how they hold up in real-life situations.
For instance, if I’ve got a camping trip coming up, you can bet I’m packing one of these units along. It’s the perfect opportunity to see how they perform when you rely on them for all your power needs.
But we don’t stop there. Back at home, I intentionally push these generators to their limits. That might mean hooking up power-hungry appliances or running multiple devices simultaneously to see how they cope under pressure.
The idea is to replicate scenarios you might encounter daily or during emergencies.
Why You Can Trust My Reviews
I’m not just some guy who decided to review power stations on a whim. My technical background gives me a solid foundation for understanding these devices.
In fact, I work for a company that designs and builds solar power systems. I’ve been following the solar generator scene since the early days when these units were far less capable than they are now.
And I don’t just write about these power stations; I use them, too.
In my personal time, I’ve relied on them during power outages, taken them on camping trips, and used them for DIY projects around the house. When friends ask for recommendations, these are also the products I point them toward.
How to Choose A Solar Generator Under $1000
Power Rating
For most people, anything between 300W and 1200W should do the trick, especially if you look at models under a grand.
List what you want to power and add up their wattages. This will give you a good idea of what you need.
At this price point, you won’t be running your whole house. Big appliances like air conditioners or electric stoves are likely off the table. But you should be golden for smaller stuff (laptops, phones, maybe a mini-fridge)
Capacity
Don’t mix up capacity with power. Capacity is all about how long your generator can keep going, usually measured in watt-hours (Wh). In the under-$1000 range, you’re typically looking at less than 1000Wh.
Think about how long you need to keep your essentials running. Are you prepping for short power outages or planning a whole weekend camping trip?
This will help you figure out if you need a generator with more staying power or if a smaller one will do just fine.
Charging
Check how much solar input the generator can handle. This will tell you how fast you can charge it when the sun’s out. Make sure it’ll play nice with solar panels you can afford.
And when you need a quick charge (such as before a trip), look for models that can fill up from a wall outlet in just a few hours.
Outputs
You’ll want a good mix of outlets. Look for AC outlets (like the ones on your wall at home), USB ports (both the old-school Type-A and the newer Type-C), and a 12V DC port (like in your car). Count how many things you’ll want to plug in at once, and make sure your generator can handle it.
Usability
Look for ones with clear displays and controls that make sense. Most generators under $1000 aren’t super heavy, which is great for portability.
Check how noisy it gets if you plan to use it indoors or while camping. A quiet generator can be a real blessing when trying to enjoy peace and quiet.
Durability
You want something that can take a bit of a beating, especially if you’re taking it outdoors. Check out what materials it’s made from and how sturdy it feels. A good warranty is also a plus. Prefer the models that cover both the generator itself and the battery.
Extra Features
A built-in flashlight is great for emergencies or just finding your way around a dark campsite, while wireless charging pads are super convenient if your phone supports it.
Pass-through charging is another cool feature. It lets you power your devices while the generator is charging. And some models even have apps that let you keep an eye on things from your phone.
Just remember, while these extras are nice, they’re not essential. Focus on getting a generator that meets your basic needs first, then see what bells and whistles fit into your budget.
Some Other Alternatives
Jackery Explorer 500
If you’re after something a bit more portable, the Jackery Explorer 500 is a good choice. It weighs in at just 13.8 lbs. With its built-in handle, you can grab it and go with one hand.
Despite its size, it can still produce a 500-watt output with a 550Wh capacity. That should be enough for some of your small appliances and some. The main downside is that it uses a Lithium-ion battery, which some folks prefer to avoid.
Anker Solix C800 Plus
Meanwhile, for those of you who need a bit more power rating, the Anker Solix C800 Plus might be worth a look. This unit has a 768Wh capacity and a 1200W output, which can jump to 1600W with their SurgePad technology.
This model uses LFP batteries, which can charge from 0% to 80% in about an hour using AC power. Plus, it can handle up to 300W of solar input, making it a versatile choice for various situations.
Ecoflow Delta 1300
The Ecoflow Delta 1300 is a bit different from our other picks. I only recommend it if you already have some solar panels lying around.
The idea here is simple. By not bundling solar panels with the unit, you can put more of your budget towards the power station itself.
With 1800W of max output, the Delta 1300 is a league above other picks. It has the ability to handle everything from keeping your fridge running during a blackout to powering your tools on a camping trip.
I also want to mention the 1260Wh capacity and the ability to power 13 devices at once. If you have solar panels to max out its input, you can fully charge this unit in under 6 hours on a good day.
Final Thoughts
I’m sure you’re now ready to find a unit that offers the best bang for your buck. The market has evolved rapidly. You’d be surprised at the quality and performance available in this price range.
The best solar generators under $1000, like what I’ve recommended, won’t leave you feeling like you’ve compromised on reliability or power output.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Common Issues With Solar Generators In This Price Range?
You might find yourself short on ports. Some models also limit the number of solar panels you can hook up, which can slow down charging.
Not every one of them has fancy features like UPS functionality or expandable batteries within this budget, either.
Can A Solar Generator Under $1000 Power A Whole House?
No, a sub-$1000 solar generator isn’t going to keep your entire house running.
It’ll handle a few low-power devices for a short while, maybe long enough to save your work on a computer and avoid data loss. But for energy-hungry appliances like fridges or air conditioners, you’ll need to look at pricier, more powerful options.
Are Solar Generators Under $1000 Worth The Investment?
If your needs align with what these generators offer, they’re absolutely worth considering. They are good solutions for camping trips or outdoor adventures. They can also serve as a decent backup for a small home office setup.
