Plug-n-play Mobile Solar Power Systems
A Solar Generator
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Solar Panels
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Off Grid Power
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Buy a solar generator, and buy a solar panel, and you are done. A solar generator comes with a battery, inverter, solar charge controller, fuse box, large battery cables, voltage read out monitors and much more, all in a small box.
Pros:
Cons:
In the following years, solar generators will become the main "go-to" solution for mobile solar power generation. There will always be a market for do-it-yourself mobile solar power, but I have a feeling that these plug-n-play systems will take over the market.
Pros:
- Easy to use. Takes minutes to assemble.
- Durable. Some are made to withstand the elements.
- Size and weight savings. Solar generators are light and small. Huge advantage! Most solar generators are built with lithium batteries (which cause huge weight savings), and having all the components of a solar power system located in one box means small form factor.
- Safe to use. Multiple safety systems on-board to regulate temperature, current usage and more.
- Long Lasting Batteries. Most Generators are built with lithium battery cells, which have a charge cycle life (how many times you can charge and recharge the battery) of 1000-5000 cycles. Compare that to a typical home built solar power system with sealed lead acid batteries will only last for 500 cycles. This means that over the long run, most solar generators are much cheaper than most lead acid based solar power systems.
Cons:
- Under-powered for the cost. Dollar for dollar, a solar generator will give you less power than if you were to build your own modular solar power system. This is slowly starting to change in recent times as solar generator manufacturers are using higher quality lithium cells that last 2-8x longer than a typical sealed lead acid battery, making most high quality solar generators to be cheaper in the long run than a do-it-yourself modular system.
- Limited Solar Input Amperage (typically 7-15 amps. Some can handle 40 amps though). This means you will usually only be able to use a 100-200 watt panel. The generator I recommend below can actually handle 600 watts, but most generators are not able to do this.
- Limited Solar Input Voltage. They usually can only handle 12 volt solar panels. This means that you cannot connect 24+ volt solar panels to the generator. This also means you cannot series connect your solar panels. (more on this in a second)
- Limited DC battery charging input. Most battery isolators/alternators/converters can safely charge a battery bank at 30-100 amps. If your solar generator can only handle 10 amps input, it will take forever to charge it. Not fun. The generator I recommend below can actually charge at 40 amps, which is pretty great.
- Limited Inverter Size. For some reason, most solar generators come with 200-500 watt inverters. Not that great. 1000 watts minimum is preferable.
In the following years, solar generators will become the main "go-to" solution for mobile solar power generation. There will always be a market for do-it-yourself mobile solar power, but I have a feeling that these plug-n-play systems will take over the market.
How to Safely connect multiple/different Brand Solar panels to a solar generator
The biggest issue you will have with a solar generator is the limited solar input rating. No matter what solar generator you buy, you will need to figure out how many solar panels you can safely connect to it. If you plan to use an off brand solar panel, you will need to buy an adapter.
- Read the manual of your generator and find the "Maximum Solar Panel Input" Wattage rating. If you are using a Inergy Kodiak, the max wattage is 600. Most Chinese generators have a max solar input wattage of 100. Goal zero Generators are usually 120 watts max, but some can handle 360 watts.
- Buy multiple 12 volt, 60\100 watt solar panels until you reach the "maximum solar panel input wattage" of your generator:
If your generator can only handle 600 watts, buy 6x 12volt, 100 watt solar panels.
If your generator can only handle 120 watts, buy 2x 12 volt, 60 watt solar panels.
If your generator can only handle 360 watts, buy 6x 12 volt, 60 watt solar panels, or 3x 12 volt,100 watt solar panels (less powerful but easier to mount larger panels).
If you are connecting multiple solar panels together, it is advisable to use the same type of solar panel, with the same voltage/watt rating. - Here is the most important part: Connect Mutiple Solar Panels together with a "MC-4 Branch Adapter". Connect all of the solar panels to the MC-4 branch adapter, then connect the MC-4 branch adapter to your solar generator.
- If the solar panels are far from the generator, use a MC-4 extension cable.
Multiple 12 volt Solar Panels
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Important Piece For Connecting Multiple Solar Panels to a Solar Generator:
1x MC-4 Branch Adapter
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Important Piece for Connecting Off Brand Solar panels to your Solar Generator:
1x MC-4 Adapter
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Solar Generator
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The reason we need to use a MC-4 Branch Adapter with Solar generators is because most generators do not like large voltages. When you use a branch adapter, it will parallel connect the solar panels, which will keep the voltage at 12 volts (open circuit voltage of 20 volts).
If you do not understand electrical jargon, it's ok! As long as you do not exceed the max solar input wattage, and you use 12 volt solar panels with a MC-4 branch adapter, you will be good to go. Just plug it all together and it will work great!
If you do not understand electrical jargon, it's ok! As long as you do not exceed the max solar input wattage, and you use 12 volt solar panels with a MC-4 branch adapter, you will be good to go. Just plug it all together and it will work great!
Solar Generators that I recommend:
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The Inergy Kodiak
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What it can power:
This is the best solar generator on the market. You can power nearly anything, add more batteries to make it bigger, and it has the largest solar input capacity currently on the market. This is the only large solar generator that I can fully recommend to people. It is a high quality device built by a great company here in united states.
Plug in some solar panels, and a few appliances, and you are done. If you want more storage, attach a few lead acid batteries.
Stats:
The Kodiak can be attached to 600 watts of solar panels (largest on the market currently), but there is the catch: Total solar panel array input cannot exceed 32 volts, or 40 amps. That means that you can cause damage to the kodiak if you series connect your solar panels! (unless the voltage is under 30 volts) So if you plan to connect multiple solar panels, use a MC-4 Branch connector and you will be good to go (click here).
If you want more capacity, connect some lead acid batteries directly to the Kodiak. Buy some battery cables, and attach some lead acid batteries to the terminals on the side of the Kodiak. You can add as many 12 volt batteries as you would like. Charge rate is 30 amps, so keep this in mind when you add more batteries. The more batteries you add, the longer it will take to charge them. Check out what Sealed Lead Acid Batteries I recommend by clicking here
The Inergy Kodiak does cost more than most solar generators, but it's actually pretty cheap. If you were to build your own 100 amp hour lithium battery solar power system with a 1500 watt pure sine wave inverter and an MPPT charge controller, you would spend about the same amount of money as buying the Inergy Kodiak.
Two Buying Options:
Click Here to buy the adapter
Plug in some solar panels, and a few appliances, and you are done. If you want more storage, attach a few lead acid batteries.
Stats:
- Battery Capacity 1500-watt (1.1kWh Capacity) Life cycles: 2000+. Battery Shelf Life: Up to 10 Years.
- Weight – 20 lbs
- Watts per pound – 55
- Dimensions - 14"W x 7"H x 8"D
- Pure Sine Wave Inverter Outputs (watts) – 1500 watts continuous - 3000 watts peak
- AC Outputs - 7
- USB Outputs – 4
- 12 VDC Outputs – 2
- Minimum Charge Time - 2 hours in optimal conditions
- Warranty 1 Year
- Output Ports: • 6- 110VAC Plugs 1000 watt continuous per outlet, 3000 Watt starting surge maximum,10 amp maximum output per AC plug, 1500 Watt total limit for combined AC & DC output.
- 1- 30 Amp RV plug,125 Volt, NEMA TT-30R
- 2 - 12V DC Universal Car Sockets, 15 Amps maximum per socket
- 4- USB Outlets 5V DC, 1 - 2.1 Amp port and 1 - 1 Amp port, regulated, 15 Watts Maximum per adapter
- 2 - Light Port, 12VDC 5.5 x 2.5mm connector standard 50 Watts maximum output per port
The Kodiak can be attached to 600 watts of solar panels (largest on the market currently), but there is the catch: Total solar panel array input cannot exceed 32 volts, or 40 amps. That means that you can cause damage to the kodiak if you series connect your solar panels! (unless the voltage is under 30 volts) So if you plan to connect multiple solar panels, use a MC-4 Branch connector and you will be good to go (click here).
If you want more capacity, connect some lead acid batteries directly to the Kodiak. Buy some battery cables, and attach some lead acid batteries to the terminals on the side of the Kodiak. You can add as many 12 volt batteries as you would like. Charge rate is 30 amps, so keep this in mind when you add more batteries. The more batteries you add, the longer it will take to charge them. Check out what Sealed Lead Acid Batteries I recommend by clicking here
The Inergy Kodiak does cost more than most solar generators, but it's actually pretty cheap. If you were to build your own 100 amp hour lithium battery solar power system with a 1500 watt pure sine wave inverter and an MPPT charge controller, you would spend about the same amount of money as buying the Inergy Kodiak.
Two Buying Options:
- Buy direct from Inergy with my coupon that gives you 10% off, and free shipping (offer excludes Hawaii and Alaska): Coupon code: "MOBILESOLAR" (Click Here)
- Or buy it on amazon: Click here
Click Here to buy the adapter
Inergy Kodiak with Solar Panels and Adapters
The ultimate beginner kit. Comes with everything you need. Plug the solar panels into the kodiak with the included cables, place solar panels in the sunshine and you are set.
Click here to buy now
(be sure to use coupon code "mobile solar" for 10% off and free shipping. Sometimes coupon code gives 15% off, so try it out)
How to connect an external battery to the Kodiak:
Goal Zero
I have complained about goal zero products for years and I would not buy most of their products because they are over-priced and a lot of them have quality control issues (especially on the smaller models). They also have slow charge rates, and the charging efficiency is horrid.
But in recent times, they are making huge improvements! I would personally avoid the smaller/extra large units, and the accessories, but if you buy the latest lithium 1400, and you combine it with their high efficiency MPPT charge controller add-on, you will have a great little system! You will not be able to hook as many solar panels to it as you could with the kodiak, but its a great system none the less (and the only one from goal zero that I think would be worth purchasing).
This system is more "beginner friendly" than the kodiak (screen metrics are easier to understand), but you will not have lead acid battery expansion terminals (less ability to scale the system if needed), be limited when it comes to solar (and no way to expand), unless you "daisy chain" it with another goal zero generator (super expensive).
But in recent times, they are making huge improvements! I would personally avoid the smaller/extra large units, and the accessories, but if you buy the latest lithium 1400, and you combine it with their high efficiency MPPT charge controller add-on, you will have a great little system! You will not be able to hook as many solar panels to it as you could with the kodiak, but its a great system none the less (and the only one from goal zero that I think would be worth purchasing).
This system is more "beginner friendly" than the kodiak (screen metrics are easier to understand), but you will not have lead acid battery expansion terminals (less ability to scale the system if needed), be limited when it comes to solar (and no way to expand), unless you "daisy chain" it with another goal zero generator (super expensive).
The only goal zero combo worth buying:
Unfortunately, the mppt charging module has been out of stock intermittently.. If you can find one, and combine it with the 1400, you will be set! Be prepared to spend extra money for adapters to connect the lithium 1400 to your solar panels. This will allow you to connect the lithium 1400 to practically any solar panel available. Be sure to use MC4 branch connectors that will wire your solar panels in parallel! If you do not, you will destroy the lithium 1400.
Again, this goal zero has a few problems, and you will spend more money, but its a great little unit that many of you guys will like. I am still going to stick with the kodiak, but if it is out of stock, or you want something that may be available locally, this goal zero is worth a shot.
Again, this goal zero has a few problems, and you will spend more money, but its a great little unit that many of you guys will like. I am still going to stick with the kodiak, but if it is out of stock, or you want something that may be available locally, this goal zero is worth a shot.
Omega 453 watt hour- The best tiny Solar Generator
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This unit is great for powering a laptop/lights/fans/cellphones and small power tools. For most van dwellers, this is all they need. For its size, it can charge quite quickly. I used this generator for a few weeks, 24/7, and I loved it!
Largest Solar Panel Input Size: 100 watts! Do not attach more than 100 watts of solar panel power to this solar generator! This is the biggest downside.
A Solar Panel Connection Adapter actually comes with this solar generator, but you need to crimp it to the solar panel wires. So be sure to buy some MC-4 connector extension cables with this solar generator: Click here
Here are the specs:
Click here to check out the smaller omega which has a capacity of 288 watt hours (cheaper option)
Largest Solar Panel Input Size: 100 watts! Do not attach more than 100 watts of solar panel power to this solar generator! This is the biggest downside.
A Solar Panel Connection Adapter actually comes with this solar generator, but you need to crimp it to the solar panel wires. So be sure to buy some MC-4 connector extension cables with this solar generator: Click here
Here are the specs:
- Net Size: 4.3*10.95*5.3 in. Net Weight: 6.95 lbs.
- Built-in Panasonic Lithium-ion rechargeable battery: 12V 41Ah 453Wh battery capacity;
2 110V AC outlets
4 USB ports
4 12V DC ports, 4 amps max
Pure Sine Wave AC output (provide cleaner power than modified sine wave): Rated 500W, Peak 1000W;
Jump Start Function for vehicle - Charging Input: AC input port and solar charge input port (100 watts maximum for each input).
- Appliance usage times on full battery:
desktop computer (PC+ one display): around 8 hours;
laptop: at least 15 recharges;
32 inch LCD TV: around 8 hours;
50W fan: around 9 hours;
12V 3W LED lamp: around 150 hours;
20W Energy Saving Light Bulb: around 23 hours;
5V mobile phone: over 55 recharges;
300W projector: around 75 minutes.
Click here to check out the smaller omega which has a capacity of 288 watt hours (cheaper option)
Jackery Power Pro 500 watt hour
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So this one has a slightly bigger battery than the Omega, and comes with a solar panel! But it costs more than double than the Omega. This unit has some good stats though, and has a great design, and good reviews, but it is a little over priced.
- Jackery Power Pro packs 578 Wh of power into a single device that is capable of recharging & powering even your larger electronics multiple times.
- Jackery Power Pro features a 110V AC output port with a Type A or Type B socket, two 12V DC 6mm output ports & a DC cigarette lighter port for larger electronics such as laptops, lanterns or TVs.
- Real-time Charging Status and Information: Keep track of remaining charges left in the Power Pro as well as input & output wattage in real time on the LCD screen. The pure sine wave inverter maximizes charging efficiency.
- Stay Charged: Whatever, Wherever, Whenever: At only 12 pounds, Jackery Power Pro is light enough to easily tote along for camping trips or summer beach days.
Solar Generators that you should probably avoid:
Suaoki 400 watt hour
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This one seems really nice, but it is very weak (low power output). I do not recommend this unless you wish to power a cellphone and very limited appliances, such as led lights. It does have a lot of good reviews, but quite a few bad reviews that state that the capacity rating is not true, and that it completely failed after some time.
Input:
AC Adapter: 14V~40V(Standard:72W/29.4V)
Car Charger: 12/24V
Solar Panel: 10A(Max)/14V～40V (140 watt solar panel)
Output:
AC Output: 110V-60Hz/300W(Pure Sine)
Starting Outlet Voltage: 12V/600A(Peak)
USB Output: 5V/4×3.5A(Max)
DC Output: 12V/2×3A
Cigarette Lighter Socket: 12V/120W
Click here to see on amazon.com
Input:
AC Adapter: 14V~40V(Standard:72W/29.4V)
Car Charger: 12/24V
Solar Panel: 10A(Max)/14V～40V (140 watt solar panel)
Output:
AC Output: 110V-60Hz/300W(Pure Sine)
Starting Outlet Voltage: 12V/600A(Peak)
USB Output: 5V/4×3.5A(Max)
DC Output: 12V/2×3A
Cigarette Lighter Socket: 12V/120W
Click here to see on amazon.com
Anker Powerhouse
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I am a huge Anker fan. I have a few USB battery banks from them and USB chargers. They make high quality stuff. I was really excited when they came out with a solar generator, but all of the reviews show that it is having problems. It is cheaply made and fails easily. I do not recommend buying this one.
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 10 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Portable Power: Off-grid power supply for camping or emergency backup, capable of powering lamps, phones, laptops, TVs and even mini fridges. PowerHouse boasts triple output modes: a 12V car socket, an 110V AC outlet (for devices up to 120W) and 4 fast-charging USB ports.
- Remarkably Compact: PowerHouse is possibly the smallest and lightest 400Wh power supply on the market. A high-density lithium-ion battery allows for a more compact build than that of lead-acid power packs.
- Safety Guaranteed: Battery Management System (BMS) undertakes voltage control, temperature control and more advanced safety operations, ensuring complete protection for you and your devices.
- What You Get: Anker PowerHouse (434Wh Portable Power Supply), 10ft / 304cm AC adapter, 2ft / 60cm Micro USB charging cable, welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Solarpod 1K
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This system lacks reviews, but it has some great specs. Comes with a lithium iron phosphate battery, so it will last a long time. Not as great as the kodiak, and slightly overpriced.
What I hate about this unit is that it can only handle 100 watt solar input. Unacceptable! It is one of the few solar generators that comes with a lithium iron phosphate battery though, which is nice.
The Solarpod™ 1K is a portable power station that can support most home appliances and electric power tools. The 960Wh battery capacity with 1000W Pure Sine Wave inverter delivers a crisp, clean AC output that enables prolonged self-sufficiency off-the-grid. Apart from serving as a personal power backup or mobile power source Solarpod™ 1K provides professional grade power for disaster relief efforts. The incredibly compact and lightweight Solarpod™ 1K delivers this capability while being remarkably simple to use.
What I hate about this unit is that it can only handle 100 watt solar input. Unacceptable! It is one of the few solar generators that comes with a lithium iron phosphate battery though, which is nice.
The Solarpod™ 1K is a portable power station that can support most home appliances and electric power tools. The 960Wh battery capacity with 1000W Pure Sine Wave inverter delivers a crisp, clean AC output that enables prolonged self-sufficiency off-the-grid. Apart from serving as a personal power backup or mobile power source Solarpod™ 1K provides professional grade power for disaster relief efforts. The incredibly compact and lightweight Solarpod™ 1K delivers this capability while being remarkably simple to use.
- Ultra-compact Plug and Play Solar Powered Generator
- 3 outputs: 2x 110V AC, 12V DC and 4x USB
- High capacity 960 Wh held in an ultra perfomance battery (LifePo4)
- Low cost of use and long lifespan: 2,500+ cycles battery life
- Use for heavy duty, backup power supply, lights, computers, camping.