How Long Can a Solar Generator Keep Your Home Running?
Power outages are stressful, whether they last an hour or a day. A solar generator gives you a quiet, clean way to keep the lights on—but how long can it really power your appliances?
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly what to expect based on your home setup. We’ll break it down simply: what affects runtime, how to calculate it, and what size system you may need.
What Determines How Long a Solar Generator Runs?
Here’s what makes the difference:
Battery Size (Wh): This tells you how much electricity your generator stores. Generally speaking, it's a power tank.
Appliance Usage (W): Bigger devices use more energy. A fridge may need 150W, but a light bulb uses just 10W.
Conversion Loss: Some power is lost when converting battery power to household electricity (usually 5–10%).
How Many Things You Plug In: More devices = faster drain.
If You're Also Charging with Solar: A sunny day can keep you going longer.
Quick formula:
Runtime (hours) = Battery capacity (Wh) ÷ Appliance wattage (W) |
How Long Can Solar Generators Power Your Devices?
In a typical U.S. household, energy needs can vary a lot—from keeping a phone charged to powering a full-size refrigerator. To help you estimate how long a solar generator might last, here’s a breakdown by device type, using realistic power ratings based on common appliances sold and used in the U.S.
Small Devices (Under 100W)
These are low-power essentials and are often the most important things people want to keep running during an outage or camping trip:
LED light bulb (10W):
A 1000Wh solar generator powers it for 100 hours—great for overnight lighting or emergency kits.
Smartphone charger (5W):
Enough to charge a phone 150–200 times, or keep it plugged in for days.
Wi-Fi router (15W):
Keeps your internet running for 60–70 hours, depending on signal strength and router model (many U.S. homes use dual-band routers that draw slightly more).
Mid-Sized Appliances (100–800W)
These are common in daily life, especially for comfort and entertainment:
Mini fridge (typically 65–85W running):
Can last 12–15 hours on 1000Wh. Many Energy Star models used in dorms and RVs fall in this range.
32–55 inch LED TV (90–150W):
A 1000Wh battery gives you 6–10 hours of Netflix or local news during a power outage.
Laptop (60W average while working):
A single charge lasts more than 16 hours, ideal for working remotely or online schooling.
CPAP machine (40–80W):
Runs for 12–25 hours depending on humidifier setting—critical for overnight breathing assistance.
High-Powered Appliances (800W+)
These are usually used in short bursts, but they can drain the battery fast:
Microwave (1000–1200W):
With 1000Wh, you get about 45–60 minutes of use—enough to reheat meals or make coffee 2–3 times.
Coffee maker (950–1200W):
Can run for 50–60 minutes, enough for several brewing cycles.
Space heater (1500W):
At full output, expect 35–40 minutes per 1000Wh. Consider lower settings to extend runtime.
Electric skillet or hot plate (1200–1500W):
Useful during blackouts, but runtime is short—plan for 30–45 minutes of cooking time.
If you’re unsure how much power a device uses, check its nameplate label (usually in watts) or use a plug-in electricity meter like the Kill A Watt. When planning for solar generator use, always prioritize essentials first—like refrigeration, health devices, and lighting—then add comfort or entertainment items as your battery allows.
Real Use Cases
Let’s look at how solar generator capacity translates into real-life needs, using typical U.S. household scenarios:
1. Short Evening Outage (Solo User, One-Bedroom Apartment)
- Devices: 1 LED desk lamp, laptop for remote work, Wi-Fi router, phone charging
- Total Power Draw: 100–150W combined
- Scenario: You’re in San Diego, and a power outage hits during dinner. You want to keep working online and have light for 5–6 hours.
- Solution: A 1000Wh solar generator gives you around 6–10 hours of backup—perfect for small urban apartments.
2. Family Night at Home (Essentials Only in a Suburban House)
- Devices: Refrigerator (150W), two bedroom fans (70W each), living room lights (30W), internet router (15W)
- Total Load: ~265W
- Scenario: In a Midwest home (e.g., Columbus, OH), a summer storm knocks out power. It’s hot and humid—you need cold food, airflow, and basic lighting overnight.
- Solution: A 2000Wh system gives you about 7–8 hours of comfort before recharge. Good for typical four-person households.
3. Weekend Camping Trip (Off-Grid in National Park RV or Tent)
Devices: CPAP machine (60W), 12V cooler (100W), LED lanterns (20W), phone charging (10W)
Total Load: ~190–200W
Scenario: You’re camping in the Rockies or Yosemite with no access to shore power.
Solution: A 1500Wh generator paired with a 200W solar panel (5–6 hours of sun) covers you through the night and recharges enough by afternoon to get through a second day.
4. Full-Day Emergency Use in a 2–3 Bedroom Home
Devices: Kitchen fridge (150W), microwave for 2–3 meals (1000W bursts), internet router (15W), 2 lights (20W total), phone/tablet charging (10W), TV (100W)
Peak Load: ~700W when microwave is active
Average Load: ~400–500W over time
Scenario: A winter storm in New York causes a day-long outage. You want to keep essentials running, eat warm meals, and stay connected.
Solution: A 3600–4000Wh system like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 covers you for a full day, especially with 400W+ solar panel input for daytime recovery.
Need Long-Lasting Power?
If you want reliable backup for your fridge, heating, or full-day use, look at the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3.
Why It’s a Great Fit:
- 4096Wh of battery storage (expandable up to 48kWh)
- 4000W output (6000W peak) = enough for fridge + microwave + heater
- 120V and 240V ports support home appliances big and small
- Recharge in 2.7 hours from a wall outlet
- Accepts up to 2600W solar input
- Smart app control lets you track use and power status remotely
Sample Runtimes (4096Wh):
- Fridge (150W): ~27 hours
- TV (100W): ~40 hours
- Microwave (1000W): ~4 hours
- Space heater (1500W): ~2.7 hours
Pair with EcoFlow’s 400W solar panels and you’ve got a full-service energy system that runs day and night.
Tips to Make Your Battery Last Longer
- Use efficient LED lighting and Energy Star appliances
- Avoid running multiple big devices at once
- Turn devices off fully—not just on standby
- Plug in solar panels early and charge during mid-day sun
- Keep the power station in a cool, dry place
Final Thoughts
A solar generator gives you more than just electricity—it gives you control. Whether you're facing a storm outage in the suburbs or camping off-grid in a national park, knowing how long your devices can run helps you plan smarter and stay confident. With the right setup, the power stays on—quietly, cleanly, and exactly when you need it most.