4 Best Solar Generators for Home Backup in 2025

EcoFlow
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With power outages becoming more frequent and unpredictable, having a reliable home backup solution is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether you’re dealing with severe weather, winter storms, summer heatwaves, or aging infrastructure, keeping your essential appliances and devices running can make all the difference. Solar generators are the best home backup since they are safe for use indoors or outdoors and offer a quiet, clean, and portable way to maintain power without relying on fuel or the grid. In this article, we will explore the best solar generators for home backup and provide tips on choosing the right one for you. 

EcoFlow’s Best Solar Generators for Home Backup

  1. Best for Basic Home Backup: EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator

  2. Best Expandable Option: EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max + 2x110W Solar Panels

  3. Best Affordable, Whole-Home Backup: EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series Solar Generator (PV220W)

  4. Best for Comprehensive Essential Backup: EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W)

Best for Basic Home Backup: EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator

The EcoFlow RIVER 3 is ideal for those looking for a basic home backup to keep your electronics running, charge your devices, and run some LED lights. It’s also suitable for laptops since you can plug your computer directly into it without worrying about power surges or outages causing lost work or damaging your system. 

It’s also compact and lightweight, so you can move it from room to room wherever needed. This makes it great for carrying it into the yard or shed to run lights or electronic devices while you work or play. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 comes with an incredibly efficient 45W portable solar panel that’s also easy to carry and folds up to the size of a laptop. That way, you can also travel with it on a road trip, camping, fishing, or another off-grid adventure. 

EcoFlow RIVER 3 Specifications

  • Storage Capacity: 245Wh

  • Expandability EB300 (286Wh), EB600Wh (572Wh)

  • AC Output: 2 outlets, 300W total (Surge 600W, X-Boost 600W)

  • Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 110W

  • Weight: 7.8 lb

  • Dimensions: 10×8.3×4.4 in

  • UPS Auto-Switchover Time: ~20ms

  • Operating Noise Level: <30 dB

  • Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car/USB-C Charging

  • Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)

  • Depth of Discharge: 100%

  • Warranty: 5 years

  • App Monitoring and Control?: Yes

EcoFlow 45W Solar Panel Specifications

  • Rated Power: 45W

  • Efficiency: 25%

  • Solar Cell Type: N-Type TOPCon Monocrystalline Silicon

  • Weight: 3 lbs (0.45kg)

  • Folded Dimensions: 8.7×12.2×1.6 in

  • Unfolded Dimensions: 38.6×12.2×0.6 in

  • Waterproof/Dustproof Rating: IP68

  • Open Circuit Voltage: 25.6V

  • Short Circuit Current: 2.06A

  • Recommended Portable Power Station: EcoFlow RIVER 3

Pros

  • Compact, lightweight, and portable

  • Great for charging laptops and electronic devices

  • Protects laptops from power surges and outages

  • Use it at home or on the road

Cons

  • Not powerful enough to run most appliances

Best Expandable Option: EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Solar Generator

If you need to run a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, or other essential appliances during an outage, the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max has you covered. Its starting capacity is plenty enough to run multiple mainstay household appliances simultaneously. Still, you can expand it up to 6kWh with additional batteries, making it perfect for those who want a backup system but know their energy needs will increase (like those with a growing family). That way, you won’t have to worry about replacing your system; just add more storage. 

It comes with an efficient 220W bifacial solar panel, which is portable and great for people with tricky lighting situations since it can collect solar energy from the front and back. However, you can also expand the solar input up to 1kW to increase your daily output power, which is excellent for those days when you need more energy than usual, or to help you get through an extended blackout. Since it operates just above a whisper and produces no emissions, it’s perfectly safe and convenient for both indoor and outdoor use.  

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Specifications

  • Storage Capacity (Minimum): 2048 Wh

  • Storage Capacity (Maximum): 6kWh

  • AC Output (Maximum): 2.4kW continuous output (3.4kW surge)

  • Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 11-60V 15A, single port 500W; dual port 1kW

  • Weight: 50.7 lbs  (23 kg)

  • Dimensions: 19.6 × 9.5 × 12 in (49.7 × 24.2 × 30.5 cm)

  • Operating Noise Level: ~50 decibels

  • Charging Options:  Solar/AC/Car Charger

  • Multicharge Options? Yes

  • Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)

  • Cycle Life: 3000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity

  • Depth of Discharge: 100%

  • Warranty: Five years (no cycle life restrictions)

  • App Monitoring and Control?: Yes

EcoFlow 220W Solar Panel Specifications

  • Rated Power: 220W Front Side/155W Rear Side

  • Efficiency:  22%-23%

  • Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline Silicon

  • Weight: 20.9 lbs (9.5 KG)

  • Folded Dimensions: 32.3×19.7×1.3 in (82.0×50.0×3.2 cm)

  • Unfolded Dimensions: 32.3×72.2×1.0 in (82.0×183.5×2.5 cm)

  • Waterproof/Dustproof Rating: IP68

  • Open Circuit Voltage: 21.8V (Vmp 18.4V)

  • Short Circuit Current: 13A (lmp 12.0A) Front Side / 8.8 A (lmp 8.4A) Rear Side

  • Recommended Portable Power Station: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro/EcoFlow DELTA 2

Pros

  • Runs most household appliances with ease

  • Easily expandable storage and solar input capacities

  • Ultra-quiet and safe operation for indoor use, but can also be used outdoors

Cons

  • Does not run 240V appliances

Best Affordable, Whole-Home Backup: EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series Solar Generator (PV220W)

The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series is an excellent choice for those looking to start small and affordable, but want the ability to create a whole home backup solution. While it starts at an affordable 1024Wh capacity, it’s easily expandable up to 5kWh, which is enough for a whole home generator solution for average homes, RVs, and houseboats. It comes with an efficient 220W bifacial solar panel, which can produce a lot of energy. However, you can add more panels up to 500W of input for those with higher energy needs or to help you get through an extended power outage without sacrificing the basic necessities of modern life. 

The other nice thing about this one is that it’s not too heavy, so it works as a dual-purpose home backup and travel generator; an affordable option for those looking for both but without the cash to buy two generators. If you’re going on an extended road trip, camping trip, or other off-road adventure, it will easily fit in your car, truck, or RV.   

EcoFlow DELTA 3 Specifications

  • Storage Capacity (Minimum): 1024Wh

  • Storage Capacity (Maximum): 5kWh

  • AC Output (Minimum): 1800W total (X-Boost: 2200W, Surge 3600W)

  • Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 2 ports, DC Charge Input, 11V-60V 500W Max

  • Weight: 27.6 lbs (13 kg)

  • Dimensions: 398×200×284 mm

  • Operating Noise Level: 600W<30db;1200W<40db

  • Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car/Smart Generator 3000 (Dual Fuel)

  • Multi-Charge Options? Yes

  • Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)

  • Cycle Life: 4000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity

  • Depth of Discharge: 100%

  • Warranty: Five years (no cycle life restrictions) 

  • App Monitoring and Control? Yes

EcoFlow 220W Solar Panel Specifications

  • Rated Power: 220W Front Side/155W Rear Side

  • Efficiency: 22%-23%

  • Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline Silicon

  • Weight: 20.9 lbs (9.5 KG)

  • Folded Dimensions: 32.3×19.7×1.3 in (82.0×50.0×3.2 cm)

  • Unfolded Dimensions: 32.3×72.2×1.0 in (82.0×183.5×2.5 cm)

  • Waterproof/Dustproof Rating: IP68

  • Open Circuit Voltage: 21.8V (Vmp 18.4V)

  • Short Circuit Current: 13A (lmp 12.0A) Front Side / 8.8 A (lmp 8.4A) Rear Side

  • Recommended Portable Power Station: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro/EcoFlow DELTA 2

Pros

  • Powerful enough to run most household appliances

  • Affordable home backup solution

  • Easily expandable with extra batteries and solar panels 

  • Still light enough to bring traveling with you, making it a good dual-use generator option for those on a budget

Cons

  • Not powerful enough to run heavy-duty appliances

Best for Comprehensive Essential Backup: EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W)

The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator is the best option for those with large homes who want a whole-home backup or plan to go off-grid, as well as those who need to run heavy-duty appliances. With a starting capacity of 4kWh, it will run all your essential appliances during a power outage and work as a whole-home solution for a small home. 

You can also easily add batteries to get a 12kWh whole-home backup solution for virtually any-sized home. In fact, with additional batteries and an EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000, you can achieve a maximum of 48kWh, which is more than enough for almost any home to go off-grid completely. It also handles 240V appliances like a breeze, so you can even use it to run an off-grid dryer or other heavy-duty appliance. The EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 has an efficient 400W portable solar panel, but you can expand your input to 2600W with its dual-PV charging ports for ultra-fast recharging for those with high daily energy needs. 

EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Specifications

  • Storage Capacity (Minimum): 4kWh per Battery. Up to 3 Batteries per DP3 (12kWh)

  • Storage Capacity (Maximum): 36kWh (Battery Storage) + 12kWh with a full Smart Generator 4000 (Dual Fuel) = 48kWh

  • AC Output (Minimum): 4kW (6kW X-Boost/8kW Surge) (120/240V)

  • AC Output (Maximum): Expandable to 8kW or 12kW by chaining 2 or 3 x DELTA Pro 3 

  • Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 2600W Dual-PV Charging (150V) per DP3

  • Weight: 115 lbs (52kg)

  • Dimensions: 27.5 × 13.5 × 16 in (69.5 × 34 × 41 cm)

  • Operating Noise Level: 35 decibels

  • Charging Options: Smart Home Panel 2 (7200W) / AC (3600W) / Dual Solar Input (2600W) / EV Charging (4000W) / Gas Generator (3200W) / Alternator Charging / Car Adapter Charging

  • Multi-Charge Options? Yes - 18 options

  • Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)

  • Cycle Life: 4000 Cycles to +/-80% Capacity (11+ years of regular use)

  • Depth of Discharge: 100%

  • Warranty: Five years (no cycle life restrictions)

  • App Monitoring and Control? Yes

EcoFlow 400W Solar Panel Specifications

  • 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 Series

Pros

  • Excellent for high energy needs with expandable capacity

  • Whole home backup and off-grid energy solution for any size home

  • Can run heavy-duty 240V appliances

Cons

  • A bit too heavy for traveling

What to Consider Before Choosing a Solar Generator for Home Backup

When choosing a solar generator for home backup, assessing your unique needs will help you decide what’s best for you.  

Capacity

Solar generators come in a wide range of capacities, from small basic backups to run a few lights or charge your devices, to large powerhouses that can run a 240V dryer, and everything in between. To determine your capacity, you should first calculate the wattage of the appliances you need to run with it. Then multiply each of those by how many hours in a day you need to run it for. That’s your energy needs in watt-hours (Wh), which will determine your generator capacity. Always choose a slightly bigger capacity than you need to avoid running at maximum capacity. Finally, choose an expandable model so you can always add more capacity without replacing your system.  

Output Power

Output power is how much wattage the power station can supply. Quality products usually also have X-Boost or Surge powers, a temporary boost to help you cover starting watts, but that should never be considered as their continuous output. If you’re looking for something to run your laptop if the power goes out, 300W of continuous output would be fine. However, if you need to run a refrigerator, a freezer, a laptop, lights, and recharge your devices all at once, look for something with 4000W of output instead.  

Solar Input

Solar input is essential, especially for those with high energy needs. Always check the maximum solar input rating to see how many watts of solar panels you can plug into your generator to expand your energy-generating capacity.  

Type of Battery

Not all batteries are created equal, and not all solar generators have the best technology, so always check what kind of battery it has. For instance, older lead-acid models are heavy, have a poor depth of discharge (basically the usable capacity, which is 50%), and can only be recharged 300-500 times before their capacity declines noticeably. They were also prone to leaking acids and offgassing, making them unsafe for indoor use. 

Older lithium-ion models had a better depth of discharge (80%) and more charging cycles (500-2000), but were prone to potentially dangerous thermal runaway. Lithium-iron phosphate or LiFePO4 batteries are by far the safest choice, emitting no gases, no leaking, and no longer prone to thermal runaway. They also have a depth of discharge of 100%, meaning you can use their full capacity, and they typically have 3000 or more charging cycles.  

Portability

Capacity and portability are typically at odds, so you must decide what’s most essential. Portability might not be necessary for someone looking for a comprehensive home backup or off-grid solution. However, if you want a model for basic or essential home backup, but like the ability to move it into your shop or take it on the road with you, then portability is key. In that case, balance capacity with compactness and look for rugged, durable construction with carry handles to make moving it simple.  

Warranties

Finally, always check the warranties. Look for products with good five-year warranties and make sure they don’t limit the number of charging cycles.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Years Will a Solar Generator Last?

How long your solar generator lasts depends on the quality of the system. Quality systems should have batteries that last at least 10 years and may last up to 20 years before you need to replace them. Quality solar panels should last 25 to 30 years. 

What Size Solar Generator Will Run a House?

The size of the generator you need to run a house depends entirely on your house's size and energy needs. A 2000W model will run essential items, a 4000W model will run most essential items or a whole small house, but you may need 8000W to 15,000W for a large whole-home solution.

What Are the Disadvantages of Solar Generators?

The primary disadvantage of solar generators is their dependence on sunlight. Still, that’s easily solved with battery storage, so we can still use our solar power at night. Their efficiency also depends on available sunlight, so those with lots of shade will need more panels to produce enough energy.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right solar generator for home backup depends on your unique power needs, budget, and whether you want a portable solution for essential appliances or a whole-home solution. EcoFlow’s lineup includes flexible options for everyone, from the ultra-portable EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator that fits in a backpack to the powerful EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W), which can even handle heavy-duty 240V appliances, and everything in between. Whether you're preparing for emergencies or going completely off-grid, EcoFlow has a solar generator system ready to power your lifestyle.

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