5 Best Solar Generators in 2025
Solar generators are rapidly cornering the market for off-grid and home backup power.
EcoFlow solar generators pair portable, rigid, and/or flexible solar panels with a portable power station or Power Kit to generate and store clean, renewable electricity.
You can generate electricity anywhere the sun shines — and for almost any use case.
Solar generators are ideal for off-grid adventures like camping, reliable home backup, and full-time RV living.
So how do you choose the right solar generator? It requires a clear understanding of your power needs, from storage capacity to portability.
In addition to helping you determine which solar generator will meet your needs, we’ve also sifted through all the solar generator options on the market and narrowed them down to the very best.
Read on for a round-up of the five best solar generators on the market in 2025 and detailed info on the factors you must consider to choose the perfect off-grid power solution for you.
What Is a Solar Generator?
EcoFlow solar generators are portable power stations that offer solar panel charging as one of the options to recharge the unit's battery pack.
Portable power stations come in many different configurations, from camping power stations that fit in a backpack to whole home generators that can run almost any house off-grid.
Almost all of EcoFlow’s power stations support solar panel charging with the exception of power banks and some TRAIL DC Series products.
Simply connect rigid or portable solar panels to an EcoFlow RIVER 3 or DELTA 3 Series portable power station and the built-in balance of system handles every aspect of solar charging effortlessly.
Balance of system components for off-grid or hybrid solar systems with battery storage include:
Solar connectors, wiring, and mounting hardware
The most crucial component for solar power charging are the photovoltaic (PV) modules, such as solar panels or shingles, that convert solar irradiance into direct current (DC) electricity using the photovoltaic effect.
All types of solar panels that convert sunlight into direct current (amperage) and voltage use photovoltaic (solar) cells as the primary semiconductive component required to generate electricity (typically measured in watts).
In grid-connected residential solar power systems, PV modules send DC power to a solar inverter for conversion to alternating current (AC) electricity for immediate consumption, or in locations with net metering or similar programs, transmits unused power to the utility grid.
It’s essential to note, however:
Grid-tied solar panel systems DO NOT work during blackouts.
Because of an electrical phenomenon known as islanding, all grid-connected residential photovoltaic systems must automatically shut down instantaneously during power outages and remain offline until utility grid power is restored.
Otherwise, islanding can kill or injure utility workers or cause further damage to transformers and other grid infrastructure.
EcoFlow solar generators allow you to connect to grid power to recharge the home backup battery, but unlike grid-tied systems, grid connection is one-way — not bidirectional — meaning EcoFlow portable power stations can provide an uninterruptible power supply during even extended outages.
What To Consider When Buying a Solar Generator
Before purchasing a solar generator, there are numerous crucial factors to consider to ensure you get the right model for your needs and the best value for your money.
Purchasing a solar generator with insufficient storage or AC output capacity can be a very expensive mistake.
Keep reading to learn about critical factors you'll want to consider when buying a new solar generator.
Power Output: What Can You Run?
To choose the right solar generator, the most important factor to understand is power output. Measured in watts (W) and kilowatts (kW), this determines which devices and appliances your generator can start and run at the same time.
It’s essential to distinguish between two types of power: continuous power (also called running watts) and surge power (also called starting watts).
Continuous Power is the operating wattage a generator provides to keep your appliances running.
Surge Power is a short, powerful burst of electricity needed to start up appliances with motors or compressors, like refrigerators, pumps, or air conditioners. If you’ve ever seen the lights dim for a moment when your fridge kicks on, you’ve seen the demand for surge power in action.
Without sufficient surge power, these critical appliances won’t even start, rendering your backup power useless when you need it most.
This is where EcoFlow solar generators have a distinct advantage.
They come equipped with proprietary X-Boost technology, which allows them to output a surge of power up to double their rated output, a feature most gas and inverter generators can't match.
How to Estimate Your Power Needs
The best way to ensure you have enough power is to calculate the total wattage of all the devices you plan to run simultaneously.
Avoid just using your monthly electricity bill, as it only shows average usage and won't tell you your peak power needs during an outage.
Follow these simple steps:
List Your Essential Appliances. Identify all the devices you want to run at once (e.g., refrigerator, a few lights, a phone charger, and an air conditioner or space heater).
Find the Running and Starting Watts. Check the labels or owner's manuals for each device. If they list power in amps and volts, you can calculate the running watts with this formula: Volts (V) x Amps (A) = Watts (W).
Calculate Your Total Running Watts. Add up the Rated (Running) Watts of all the devices you want to run simultaneously. This total is the minimum continuous power your generator needs.
Determine Your Peak Surge Wattage. Identify the single appliance with the highest Starting Watts from your list. You only need to account for the highest surge, as it's unlikely your major appliances will all start at the exact same second.
Calculate Your Total Power Requirement. Add the highest Starting Watts from Step 4 to your Total Running Watts from Step 3 (minus the running watts of that single surge appliance). The final number is the minimum surge power your generator must provide.
Average Starting and Running Watts of Typical Household Appliances
Appliance | Rated (Running) Watts | Starting Watts |
Dishwasher | 1300 | 1800 |
Washing Machine | 1200 | 2300 |
Refrigerator/Freezer | 700 | 2200 |
Light Bulb | 60-75 | 0 |
Microwave | 600-1000 | 0 |
TV | 500 | 0 |
Toaster | 900 | 0 |
Vacuum | 1440 | 2500 |
Coffee Maker | 1000 | 0 |
Blender | 300 | 800 |
Clothing Iron | 1500 | 0 |
Dryer | 5400 | 7000 |
Toaster Oven | 1200 | 0 |
Curling Iron | 1500 | 0 |
Space Heater | 2000 | 0 |
Laptop | 50-300 | 0 |
20” Box Fan | 200 | 350 |
Storage Capacity: How Long Can You Go Between Charges?
Solar generators have varying battery storage capacities, typically measured in watt-hours (Wh) and kilowatt-hours (kWh) — just like the cents per kilowatt-hour (¢/kWh) charges on your electricity bills.
According to the Energy Information Agency (EIA), the average American household consumes “10,791 kilowatthours (kWh) annually, an average of about 899 kWh per month.”
But you may use much more — or less.
Just like determining your continuous and surge power requirements is essential to ensure your generator can run everything you want it to, deciding which appliances you want to operate and for how long between charges is crucial to choosing a solar battery backup that meets your needs.
For example, a compact solar generator like EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max with a 160W solar panel is highly compact but only has 512Wh storage. Its small, lightweight build is perfect for backpacking or camping, but you can’t use it to power multiple high-wattage appliances simultaneously.
If you’re looking for a home backup solution that can run appliances like your washing machine and fridge, consider a solar generator with expandable storage capacity, such as the DELTA Pro with a 400W solar panel.
With enough battery capacity and solar panels for electricity generation, you’ll never run out of power when you need it most.
Battery Type (Chemistry): Cycle Life, Safety, and Performance
Rechargeable battery chemistry is the most significant determiner of many aspects of solar generator longevity, safety, and performance.
Solar batteries typically use a type of lithium-ion (Li-on) or sealed lead acid (SLA) cell chemistry to store electricity.
The subtype of lithium-ion battery chemistry best suited for use in portable power stations is lithium iron phosphate (LFP), also known as LiFePO4.
All of the solar generators reviewed here use industry-leading LFP/LiFePO4 battery chemistry.
LFP batteries support deep discharging and have an exceptionally long cycle life making them an excellent long-term investment.
Because Li-ion battery types don’t degrade significantly over time, cycle life is a far more accurate measure of lifespan than years.
A battery “cycle” is a full charge/discharge of the battery.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series solar generators have an average cycle life of 4,000 before storage capacity diminishes by approximately 20% — enough for 10+ years of routine daily use.
LiFePO4 batteries charge fast and require no maintenance.
The primary advantage of flooded lead-acid (FLA) batteries is that they’re cheap. But they also require regular maintenance, must be monitored for proper voltage levels and topped up with distilled water to prevent damage or safety hazards.
SLA/VRLA “deep cycle batteries” are maintenance-free but offer a significantly shorter lifespan — typically 3-8 years of regular use.
With a much shorter cycle life, greater sensitivity to depth of discharge and environmental factors like temperature, and longer recharge times, SLA batteries get beat hands down by LiFePO4 on everything but price.
Here are some helpful tables to help you make an informed purchase decision.
Average Lifespan by Battery Chemistry Type
Chemistry | Average Lifespan (Years) | Primary Factors Affecting Lifespan | Notes |
Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) | 3-8 | Maintenance (watering), Depth of Discharge (DoD), temperature, cycle life. | Cheap, but requires regular maintenance and has the shortest lifespan. Not frequently used for new solar installations due to maintenance demands and inferior performance |
Gel Cell (SLA/VRLA) | 3-7 | Depth of Discharge (DoD), temperature, overcharging | Commonly referred to as Deep Cycle or Maintenance Free. Sensitive to overcharging. |
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) (SLA/VRLA) | 5-10 | Depth of Discharge (DoD), temperature, cycle life | Commonly referred to as Deep Cycle or Maintenance Free.More robust than Gel Cell, good for high-discharge applications. |
Traditional Lithium-ion (Li-ion/NCA/NCO) | 5-10 | Temperature, Depth of Discharge (DoD), cycle life, cell quality. | Energy-dense, used in many EV/portable device applications. Less suitable for photovoltaic applications than newer Li-ion subtypes like NMC and LFP. |
Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC/NCM/LNMC) | 7-15 | Temperature, Depth of Discharge (DoD), cycle life, cell quality. | Very common in EVs and power tools. Good energy density. |
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP) | 10-20+ | Temperature, Depth of Discharge (DoD), cycle life, cell quality. | Generally considered safer and more stable than NMC. Longer lifespan, but slightly lower energy density. Very popular for solar storage and new EVs. |
Average Cycle Life by Battery Chemistry Type
Chemistry | Approximate Cycle Life (at 80% DoD) | Notes |
Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) | 500-1500 | Cycle life is heavily affected by maintenance and DoD. Regular maintenance and shallow discharges are crucial for achieving the higher end of this range. |
Gel Cell (SLA/VRLA) | 500-1000 | More sensitive to deep discharges and overcharging than AGM. |
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) (SLA/VRLA) | 800-1500 | Generally more robust than Gel Cell for cycling applications. |
Traditional Lithium-ion (Li-ion/NCA/NCO) | 500-1000 | (Older Li-ion chemistries) Cycle life can vary depending on the specific formulation. |
Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC/NCM/LNMC) | 1000-3000 | Very common in EVs and power tools. Good energy density. Cycle life can vary based on specific formulation and operating conditions. |
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP) | 3000-6000+ | Generally considered safer and more stable than NMC. Significantly longer cycle life, especially at shallower DoD. |
Average Temperature Range by Battery Type
Chemistry | Charging Range | Discharging Range | Storage Range |
Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) | 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) | -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C) | 32°F to 77°F (0°C to 25°C) |
Gel Cell (SLA/VRLA) | 5°F to 122°F (-15°C to 50°C) | -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) | 5°F to 104°F (-15°C to 40°C) |
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) (SLA/VRLA) | 5°F to 122°F (-15°C to 50°C) | -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) | 5°F to 104°F (-15°C to 40°C) |
Traditional Lithium-ion (Li-ion/NCA/NCO) | 32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°C) | -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) | 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C) |
Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC/NCM/LNMC) | 32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°C) | -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) | 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C) |
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP) | 14°F to 131°F (-10°C to 55°C) | -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) | 14°F to 95°F (-10°C to 35°C) |
Charging Options and Speed
How long it takes to recharge your solar generator depends on the charging method, the wattage of the power source (such as a 400W solar panel), and the battery’s capacity.
Since larger batteries hold more electricity, they generally take longer to recharge than smaller units of the same battery type.
The fastest solo recharging method for EcoFlow’s portable power stations and solar generators is to connect to a household electrical outlet or integrate with your home circuitry using Smart Home Panel 3 or an automatic transfer switch.
EcoFlow solar generators offer multiple charging methods including grid and solar power.
For example, EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 offers 7 charging and 18 fast multi-charging methods including grid (AC) electricity, solar panels, vehicle alternator charging, fossil fuel generators, and more.
Your charging source will impact your recharge speed, with wall charging being the fastest non-multi-charge option, topping up most models in under an hour.
Solar Charging Time
How long it takes to recharge using solar panels depends on numerous factors — some of which are beyond your control. Here are some of the most crucial:
Maximum solar input (charging) capacity of the generator
Peak sunlight hours (in most parts of the world, the sun’s highest irradiance occurs from around noon to 3 or 4 pm). Technically, a peak sunlight hour = 1000 W/m2.
Temperature: Solar panels actually get less efficient once they get hotter than 25°C (77°C). Extreme cold can also adversely affect efficiency.
Clouds/Snow/Rain: Contrary to a common misconception, solar panels still capture energy on overcast or rainy days. However, they may produce significantly less electricity than on a sunny day.
Shade and Debris: It’s a best practice to keep your solar panels clean and free of debris (or snow). You should also position panels where they won’t be cast in shade from overhanging trees or other buildings whenever possible.
Positioning and Orientation: The direction, placement, and angle at which you install your panels to maximize electricity generation vary by geographical location. In the northern hemisphere, your PV panels should face true south at an angle perpendicular to the sun’s position during peak sunlight hours.
Optimizing electricity generation from solar panels is a science in itself, which is one reason why many people opt to work with professional installers for mountable PV panel installations.
One advantage of EcoFlow’s portable solar panels is that you can quickly change the position and angle of the panel to follow the sun throughout the day.
Portability (Dimensions and Weight)
Solar generators come in many different sizes.
The weight and dimensions affect the portability (and often the capacity) of the device.
If you’re backpacking an 8-mile trail to your campsite, carrying a 100-lb generator on your back doesn’t make sense.
Lightweight options like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series solar generators weigh as little as 7.8 lbs (3.5 kg) and can easily fit in your rucksack or be carried handheld.
If you’re looking to power multiple heavy-wattage appliances, portability probably isn’t as much of an issue.
In that case, a high-powered solar generator like EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus may be your best bet.
At 75 lbs (34kg), it’s easy enough to move around with the built-in wheels — kind of like a compact but heavy suitcase.
As a general rule, more power = decreased portability.
That’s why EcoFlow offers so many different solar generator models to help you strike the right balance.
Expandability
If you have the budget, purchasing a solar generator that gives your off-grid electricity requirements room to grow helps to future-proof your investment.
With the exception of EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic, all DELTA 3 series and DELTA Pro Series whole home generators give you the ability to scale up your electricity storage capacity over time.
DELTA Pro 3 and DELTA Pro Ultra X also let you connect several units together to double or triple your AC output in addition to offering modular battery storage scalability.
Expandability may not be a critical factor if you have a specific use case that is covered by the generator’s built-in solar battery storage.
However, for whole house generators, expandability is often an essential consideration.
Budget and Price
The cost of solar generators has decreased significantly in recent years and, at the same time, technology has improved substantially.
However, there’s no getting around the fact that investing in off-grid power can get expensive, especially for standby generator applications.
Until the end of 2025, whole home generators like EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X qualify for the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit.
If you’re a US income taxpayer installing solar panels and/or a home backup battery with a 3kWh capacity or more, you can save 30% of the total purchase and installation costs of eligible Clean Energy Property under the Residential Clean Energy Credit, a non-refundable credit against your personal income tax liability.
If the amount of the credit exceeds your tax liability for the year you purchase and install the system, you can roll the balance over to subsequent years.
Originally scheduled to run through 2032, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ends the Residential Clean Energy Credit as of December 31st, 2025.
That’s why many homeowners are rushing to install solar generators before the end of this year.
The good news is, low-to-no interest rate financing is available if you purchase directly from a manufacturer like EcoFlow.
Consult a tax professional, but you should be eligible to claim 30% off the final purchase and installation costs even if you pay the system off over time.
But only if the system is purchased and installed before January 1st, 2026.
EcoFlow’s Top Solar Generators of 2025 by Use Case
Below we review EcoFlow’s best solar generators in 2026, including their ideal use cases, benefits, and product specifications.
Best for Content Creators and Vloggers: EcoFlow TRAIL 300 DC (288wH) + 60W Solar Panel + Free Rapid 30W GaN Charger
Best for Camping and Off-Grid Adventures: EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic (1024Wh) + 220W Solar Panel
Best for Essential Home Backup and RVs: EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus + 400W Portable Solar Panel
Best for Renters and Condo Owners: EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus + 400W Portable Solar Panel
Best Whole Home Generator: EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X
Best for Content Creators and Vloggers: EcoFlow TRAIL 300 DC (288wH) + 60W Solar Panel + Free Rapid 30W GaN Charger
Trail 300 DC (288Wh) is a unique solar generator from EcoFlow as the Trail Series is the only portable power station the company offers that doesn’t come with a built-in inverter to convert DC into AC electricity.
That means you can’t use EcoFlow Trail 300 DC (288Wh) to power everyday household appliances that plug into a standard electrical outlet.
Instead, the Trail Series offers 300W of Pure DC power output, enough to run laptops, hard drives, digital SLR and action cameras, Android and iPhones and more.
If you’re a vlogger or content creator making professional grade video or taking photos outdoors or off the grid, EcoFlow TRAIL DC (288wH) has all the power you need and you can top up anywhere there’s sunlight with the 60W Portable Solar Panel.
For a limited time, EcoFlow TRAIL 300 DC (288wH) comes with a free RAPID 30W GaN charger so you can fast charge quickly before you hit the road.
EcoFlow TRAIL 300 DC Average Charging/Operating Times
Appliance | TRAIL 200 (192Wh) | TRAIL 300/Plus 300 (288Wh) | Units |
Phone | 11 | 16 | times |
Tablet | 6 | 8 | times |
Laptop | 3 | 5 | times |
Portable Wi-Fi router | 6 | 9 | working hours |
Satellite communicator | 38 | 57 | times |
Security camera | 5 | 7 | times |
Skylight | N/A | 8 | working hours |
LED strip | 48 | 71 | working hours |
Head torch | 31 | 46 | times |
Speaker | 10 | 15 | times |
Portable projector | 4 | 6 | times |
Game console | 4 | 5 | times |
Camera (DSLR) | 15 | 22 | times |
Action camera | 25 | 38 | times |
Drone | 8 | 12 | times |
12V Fish finder | N/A | 22 | working hours |
12V Fishing light | N/A | 15 | working hours |
12V Electric cooler | N/A | 23 | working hours |
12V Heated pad | N/A | 11 | working hours |
Air pump | 36 | 54 | times |
Mini fan | 4 | 5 | times |
EcoFlow TRAIL Series isn’t just for influencers, it can power a wide variety of camping, fishing, and outdoor recreational devices.
EcoFlow TRAIL 300 DC (288wH) Specs
Storage Capacity (Minimum): | 288Wh |
Maximum Discharging Power (DC) | 300W |
Net Weight: | 5.69 lb (2.58 kg) |
Dimensions: | 6.57*4.53*6.54 in (167*115*166 mm) |
Charging Options: | AC/USB-C/Solar/Car Input |
Solar/Car Input (Maximum Charging Power): | 110W |
Car Outlet (Maximum Charging Power): | 120W |
USB Outputs: | USB-A: 2*12W / USB-C: 2*140W (in & out) |
Battery Chemistry: | LFP (LiFePO4) |
IP Rating: | IP30 |
Warranty: | 3 years |
WiFi/Bluetooth/App Monitoring and Control?: | No |
Multi-function Camping Light: | No |
Handle Type: | Woven Handle |
Protection Types: | Over Voltage Protection, Overload Protection, Over Temperature Protection, Short Circuit Protection, Low Temperature Protection, Low Voltage Protection, Overcurrent Protection |
Best for Camping and Off-Grid Adventures: EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic (1024Wh) + 220W Solar Panel
EcoFlow TRAIL Series is perfect for powering rechargeable electronic devices, but if you’re doing some serious overnight camping, road trips, or other off-grid adventures, you’re probably going to want a portable power station that outputs AC (household) electricity.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic + 220W Solar Panel is the most affordable solar generator in the new DELTA 3 Series of portable power stations.
It comes with the exceptionally efficient (25% rating) EcoFlow NextGen 220W Bifacial Solar Panel.
Its unique two-in-one design features photovoltaic cells on both the front and rear of the panel, capturing up to 25% more solar energy than standard monofacial PV modules.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic charges from 0-80% in just 45 minutes when plugged into grid power.
Once you’re outdoors, you can top up anywhere with sunlight with your solar panel.
With an IP68 rating for waterproof and dust protection, this solar panel can take anything Mother Nature can throw at it, it can even be submerged in water, making it ideal for fishing and camping.
With 1800W pure sine wave AC output (2600W X-Boost/3600W Surge), EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic can power multiple camping and RV appliances like cookers, portable refrigerators, and more.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic Specs
Storage Capacity (Minimum): | 1024Wh |
Storage Capacity (Maximum): | N/A |
AC Output (Minimum): | 1800 W (2600W X-Boost/3600 W Surge) |
AC Output (Maximum): | N/A |
Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): | 500 W |
Weight: | 27 lbs (12.1 kg) |
Dimensions: | 15.67 in × 7.87 in × 11.14 in (398mm × 200mm × 283mm) |
Operating Noise Level: | ~25 dB |
Charging Options: | AC; Solar; Generator; Car Charger (DC); AC+PV |
Multi-Charge Options? | Yes (multi-charge) |
Battery Chemistry: | LFP (LiFePO4) |
UPS | 10ms Auto-Switchover |
Warranty: | 5-year |
App Monitoring and Control? | Yes |
EcoFlow 220W NextGen Bifacial Portable Solar Panel Specs
Rated Power: | 220W (±5W) Front/175W Rear |
Efficiency: | 25% |
Solar Cell Type: | N Type TOPCon Monocrystalline Silicon |
Weight: | Approx. 15.4 lb (7.0 kg) |
Folded Dimensions: | 24.2×23.2×1.3 in/615×590×32 mm |
Unfolded Dimensions: | 24.2×84.8×1.0 in/615×2155×25 mm |
Waterproof/Dustproof Rating: | IP68 |
Open Circuit Voltage: | 21.5V (Vmp 18.4V) |
Short Circuit Current: | 12.4A (Imp 11.9A) Front Side/ 9.9A (Imp 9.5A) Rear Side |
Recommended Portable Power Station: | RIVER 3/DELTA 3 Series |
Best for Essential Home Backup and RVs: EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus + 400W Portable Solar Panel
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus + 400W Portable Solar Panel is a perfect blend of affordability and scalability.
It’s an ideal entry point for essential home backup.
With 2048Wh of built-in storage expandable up to 10kWh with Smart Extra Batteries, EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus can keep high-wattage home appliances like refrigerators, space heaters, window ACs, and microwaves operational for hours during a power outage.
It’s also ideal for home office use and sensitive electronics such as gaming consoles, UltraHD televisions, and high-end home entertainment systems.
That’s because EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus functions as a data center level UPS backup that can save your desktop computer, external hard drives, and other precision electronics from damage and corruption during blackouts, brownouts, and electrical fluctuations like voltage drops and spikes.
Surge protector strips offer very limited protection against voltage spikes and none whatsoever against drops in voltage or current.
Unlike most home office UPS devices, which typically only provide 10-20 minutes of backup power for you to shutdown your systems, EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus can keep your home office running for hours.
Just plug your computer, hard drives, Wi-Fi router, etc., directly into the unit and connect the portable power station to a standard electrical outlet for reliable <10ms auto-switchover during an outage.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus Specs
Storage Capacity (Minimum): | 2048Wh |
Storage Capacity (Maximum): | 10kWh (w/Extra Batteries) |
AC Output (Minimum): | 2400W (3400W X-Boost/4800W Surge) |
AC Output (Maximum): | N/A |
Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): | 500 W |
Weight: | 45 lbs (20.3 kg) |
Dimensions: | 19.45 in×9.41 in×12.01 in (494mm×239mm×305mm) |
Operating Noise Level: | ~30 dB |
Charging Options: | AC; Solar; Alternator; Generator; AC+PV |
Multi-Charge Options? | Yes (multi-charge) |
Battery Chemistry: | LFP (LiFePO4) |
UPS | <10ms Auto-Switchover |
Warranty: | 5-year |
App Monitoring and Control? | Yes |
EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel Specs
Rated Power: | 400W |
Efficiency: | 22.6 % |
Solar Cell Type: | Monocrystalline Silicon |
Weight: | 35.3 lbs (16.0 KG) |
Folded Dimensions: | 41.7×24.4×1.0 in (105.8×62.0×2.5 cm) |
Unfolded Dimensions: | 41.7×93,1×1.0 in (105.8×236.5×2.5 cm) |
Waterproof/Dustproof Rating: | IP68 |
Open Circuit Voltage: | 48V (Vmp 41V) |
Short Circuit Current: | 11A (lmp 9.8 A) |
Recommended Portable Power Station: | EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series |
Best for Renters and Condo Owners: EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus + 400W Portable Solar Panel
Up until recently, apartment dwellers had zero options for home backup power.
Portable gas and standby generators that burn fossil fuels emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) and noxious exhaust that can be fatal within minutes if operated indoors or in a confined space.
According to the National Institutes of Health, between 1,200 - 1,300 people per year die from carbon monoxide poisoning (all sources), with about half the deaths being unintentional.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that “One portable generator can produce the same amount of carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars,” and attributes about 85 deaths a year to improper use of fossil fuel generators.
Thankfully, EcoFlow’s portable power stations and solar generators produce no harmful emissions and are completely safe for indoor use.
(Source: Hearing Health Foundation)
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus is also whisper quiet, with operating noise as low as 30 decibels (dB), unlike portable gas generators which can reach volumes of 70 - 80 dB under similar electrical load.
The EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel is small enough to fit on almost any roof, balcony or fire escape, and because of its IP68 rated, you can leave it outdoors collecting sunshine year round without having to worry about rain, sleet, snow, or extreme heat.
Overall, EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus is the ideal solar generator for renters and condo owners whose buildings don’t have standby generators.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus Specs
Storage Capacity (Minimum): | 3072Wh |
Storage Capacity (Maximum): | 10 kWh |
AC Output (Minimum): | 3600W (4600W X-Boost/7200W Surge) |
AC Output (Maximum): | N/A |
Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): | 1600W |
Weight: | 75 lbs (34kg) |
Dimensions: | 24 in × 13 in × 15.55 in (613 mm × 328 mm × 395 mm) |
Operating Noise Level: | ~30 dB |
Charging Options: | AC; Solar; Alternator; Generator; AC+PV |
Multi-Charge Options? | Yes (multi-charge) |
Battery Chemistry: | LFP (LiFePO4) |
UPS | <10ms Auto-Switchover |
Warranty: | 5-year |
App Monitoring and Control? | Yes |
EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel Specs
Rated Power: | 400W |
Efficiency: | 22.6 % |
Solar Cell Type: | Monocrystalline Silicon |
Weight: | 35.3 lbs (16.0 KG) |
Folded Dimensions: | 41.7×24.4×1.0 in (105.8×62.0×2.5 cm) |
Unfolded Dimensions: | 41.7×93,1×1.0 in (105.8×236.5×2.5 cm) |
Waterproof/Dustproof Rating: | IP68 |
Open Circuit Voltage: | 48V (Vmp 41V) |
Short Circuit Current: | 11A (lmp 9.8 A) |
Recommended Portable Power Station: | EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series |
Best Whole Home Solar Generator: EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X
If you’re ready to take your home completely off-grid or at least have the option to be fully energy independent with a hybrid whole home generator, EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X is hands-down the best choice.
The DELTA Pro series has been EcoFlow’s flagship since the company first launched and DELTA Pro Ultra X is the most powerful iteration yet.
With a maximum continuous power output of 36kW and up to 184.32kWh of LFP battery storage capacity, EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X can run almost any home for up to a month between charges or indefinitely with enough solar panels and/or a gas or inverter generator connected to recharge the system.
Modular scalability allows you to add more power output and storage as your electricity needs grow, but even the starter version with 1 x DELTA Pro Ultra X Inverter and 2 x Delta Pro Ultra X Smart Extra Batteries is sufficient to run many homes.
You can truly unlock the full potential of DELTA Pro Ultra X by integrating it with your home circuitry using EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3.
EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 is a smart electric panel with 32 independently controlled circuits.
Fully compatible with DELTA Pro Ultra X, generators, solar panels, and EV chargers, it delivers a seamless whole-home energy experience — with instantaneous (20ms auto-switchover), automatic backup during power outages.
If you elect to stay connected to the grid, EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 3 can help you save big on electricity bills thanks to AI-powered intelligent home energy management.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X Specs
Storage Capacity (Minimum): | 12.288kWh (6144Wh x 2) |
Storage Capacity (Maximum): | Maximum Capacity with 1 inverter 61.440kWh (6144Wh x 10) Maximum Capacity with 3 inverters 184.32kWh (6144Wh x 30) |
AC Output (Minimum): | 12kW, 120/240V, 60Hz |
AC Output (Maximum): | Up to 36kW in 3 parallel units |
Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): | 2 x 5kW solar charge input per inverter for total of 10kW. Maximum solar charge input with 3 inverters = 30kW |
Weight: | Inverter: 34.5±0.2kg（70.06±0.44 lb） Battery: 50.5±0.2kg（111.3±0.44 lb） |
Dimensions: | Inverter: 675 × 475 × 230 mm (26.6 × 18.7 × 9.06 in.) Battery：660 × 455 × 204 mm (26 × 18 × 8 in.) |
Operating Noise Level: | Noise level <30 dB at 0.5 m (ambient temperature 25 °C, 4 kW output) |
Charging Options: | TBC |
Multi-Charge Options? | TBC |
Battery Chemistry: | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4) |
UPS | <10ms standalone, <20ms with Smart Home Panel 3 |
Warranty: | 5-year |
App Monitoring and Control? | Yes |
EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panel Specs
Rated Power | 400W |
Efficiency | 23% |
Solar Cell Type | Monocrystalline |
Weight | 48.1 lbs (21.8 KG) |
Dimensions | 67.8 x 44.6 x 1.38 in (1722 x 1134 x 35 mm ) |
Waterproof/Dustproof Rating | IP68 |
Open Circuit Voltage | 37.10 V (±3%) |
Short Circuit Current | 13.79 A (±5%) |
Recommended Portable Power Station | EcoFlow DELTA 3/DELTA Pro Series |
Understanding Your Savings: The Financial Benefits of Going Solar
Investing in a solar generator isn't just about energy independence, it's also a smart financial decision that can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills over time.
Using EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X as an example, here’s how you can save:
1. Generate Your Own Electricity & Reduce Bills
Every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you generate with your solar panels and store in your EcoFlow solar generator means one less kWh you have to buy from the utility company.
Example (California):
A 10kW solar system can generate about 48kWh of usable electricity per day.
At an average electricity rate of $0.30/kWh, that's $14.40 saved per day just from solar generation!
2. Optimize with Time-of-Use (TOU) Pricing
Many utility companies use Time-of-Use rates, where electricity costs more during peak demand hours (like evenings) and less during off-peak times.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X allows you to:
Charge your battery with solar power (or cheaper off-peak grid power) when rates are low.
Discharge your battery to power your home when grid electricity rates are at their highest.
For Example, in California, If you shift just 12kWh of your daily consumption from peak to off-peak using your battery, and the TOU price difference is $0.30/kWh, you save an additional $3.60 per day.
That may not sound like a lot, but those savings quickly add up.
By combining solar generation and smart TOU management, you can save:
Total Daily Savings: $14.40 (solar generation) + $3.60 (TOU optimization) = $18.00 per day
Monthly Savings: $18.00/day × 30 days = $540 per month
Annual Savings: $18.00/day × 365 days = $6,570 per year
Calculating Your Solar Payback Period
The solar payback period is how long it takes for your energy savings to equal your initial investment.
For example, an EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X with a Smart Home Panel 3, two batteries, and a 10kW solar panel system at direct from manufacturer prices has an estimated system cost of $18,000 and can produce annual savings of $6,570
$18,000 (System Cost) / $6,570 (Annual Savings) = 2.75 years (Solar Payback Period)
This means you could potentially recoup your entire investment in less than three years, after which your savings become pure profit.
Money saved is money earned!
Important Considerations:
These savings are estimates based on specific electricity consumption (10kWh/day), a $0.30/kWh rate, and a California example.
Your actual savings may vary significantly depending on your individual electricity usage, local utility rates, solar irradiance in your area, and the specific system configuration you choose.
Always consult a tax professional for information on tax credits and incentives, such as the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (available until the end of 2025 for eligible systems), which can further reduce your upfront costs and shorten your payback period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Worth Getting a Solar Generator?
Solar generators are an excellent long-term investment — both financially and for the future of our planet. Over the long run, a solar generator can save you a substantial amount of money on your electricity bills (or eliminate them altogether). Once you reach the end of the solar payback period, you’ll see a substantial return on investment. Additionally, there are many government tax breaks and incentives for switching to clean, renewable solar power. The upfront cost can be steep, but with generous tax credits and easy financing options, it pays to make the switch.
What Size Solar Generator Should You Get?
When people ask about “size” in reference to generators, they’re usually referring to power output (watts/kilowatts and storage capacity (watt-hours/kilowatt-hours). In that context, the “right size” solar generator almost entirely depends on how much electricity you wish to consume.
Tally up the wattage requirements of the devices and appliances you want to run simultaneously, and make sure you get a solar generator with an AC output (W/kW) that meets or exceeds your needs.
Estimate appliance run times between charges to estimate your battery capacity requirements (Wh/kWh). To be safe, choose a solar generator with at least 10% more output and storage capacity than your estimated consumption.
Depending on your use case, “actual” size and weight might also be a concern. Balance your desire for portability against your electricity consumption requirements.
How Many Years Does a Solar Generator Last?
Solar panels typically last for 25 years or more before needing to be replaced. That’s longer than the average home roof. Solar battery chemistry significantly impacts the lifespan of your solar generator or other balance of system.
LiFePO4 batteries last up to 10 times longer than flooded lead acid batteries — which also require regular maintenance. Ultimately, how long your solar battery lasts depends on how — and how much — you use it.
All currently available battery types diminish in efficiency as they are discharged and recharged. Lithium-ion battery types, like LiFePO4, simply degrade much more slowly..
EcoFlow portable power stations are warrantied for five years and you can expect up to 10 years of use (or more), depending on your usage patterns.
Is There a Limit To How Many Solar Panels You Can Add To a Solar Generator?
Yes, there is a limit to how many solar panels you can add to a solar generator. The solar input (or solar charge) capacity determines the maximum number of panels you can connect to your solar generator or balance of system.
If you exceed the solar charge input wattage, at best, you won’t generate any additional electricity. At worst, you can damage your system — and throw away money on PV panels you can’t use. Or you can upgrade to a solar generator with a higher solar input capacity.
Can Solar Energy Power Your Whole House?
Yes, you can run your house on solar if you have enough solar panels, storage, and output capacity to satisfy your electricity consumption needs. The average US household uses about 29kWh per day. With EcoFlow’s whole home generator, you can run your entire house on solar energy.
Final Thoughts
Gone are the days of going days or even weeks without power because of extreme weather events or failing infrastructure.
With solar generators increasingly more affordable and efficient, you never have to go without essential appliances during a blackout again.
Solar generators are the way to go whether you’re looking for solar energy to power your entire house or want a portable solution for your outdoor camping trips.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus provides a great balance of affordability, portability, and power.
If you need a whole home solar generator, EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X has got you covered.
Use the information in this guide to make an informed decision on your solar generator purchase.
When you’re ready, EcoFlow is the world’s number one retailer and manufacturer of portable power stations and solar generators.
Check out our selection today.