I tested solar generators for months. These are the two I recommend

 

The best solar generators we tested

Best solar generator: Bluetti Elite 200 V2 Portable Power Station

Best large-capacity solar generator: Anker F3000 Portable Power Station

A backup power supply is essential when it comes to natural disaster preparation, and if you’re interested in maintaining that supply for an extended period of time, using one of the best solar generators is the perfect choice.

Solar generators, which are essentially portable power stations connected to a solar panel, combine the convenience and safe operation of a power bank with the regenerative capabilities of a traditional gas-powered generator. Solar options can generate power even when other fuel sources are unavailable.

These generators and their panels are also available in a wide range of sizes, making them useful for various emergency or power-loss scenarios. You can use a large-capacity model to keep essential appliances, electronics and emergency radios running while hunkering down during a power outage. Conversely, smaller, more mobile models can be tossed into a vehicle during an evacuation. This portability also makes solar generators useful for camping and RV excursions, allowing you to keep your phones, rechargeable flashlights, headlamps and outdoor lighting topped off throughout your trip.

To find the best solar generators, I tested medium- and large-capacity models from brands like Bluetti, Anker and Jackery. I ran each through a series of standardized tests to compare things like battery capacity, portability, solar-charging performance and overall value. After testing seven different generators, I found two that I consider the best.