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The best solar generators for home backup
The BLUETTI Apex 300 wins for flexible home backup, while Jackery and EcoFlow offer more affordable picks for smaller needs.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | BLUETTI Apex 300 Solar Generator + 350-Watt Solar Panel | Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 + 200-Watt Solar Panel | EcoFlow RIVER 3 |
| Price | about $2,099 | about $879 | about $249 |
| Why | Popular Mechanics named the Apex 300 its best overall, and its 3,840-watt output, 240-volt support, and expandable capacity make it the most adaptable choice here for home backup. The reviewed bundle was listed around $2,099. | Popular Mechanics calls this bundle its best value; at about $879, it costs substantially less than the Apex bundle and includes a solar panel. Its 1,070-watt-hour battery and 1,500-watt output suit smaller essentials. | Good Housekeeping names it best value and listed it at about $249, making it the lowest-priced of these three with a recent expert recommendation. It is a compact choice for phones, lights, and other small electronics—not major appliances. |
| Good to know | It is heavy, and USB and 12-volt outputs require an optional hub. | Its 1,070-watt-hour capacity is limited for extended outages or larger appliances. | Its low capacity rules it out for larger appliances. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIPopular Mechanics named the Apex 300 its best overall, and its 3,840-watt output, 240-volt support, and expandable capacity make it the most adaptable choice here for home backup. The reviewed bundle was listed around $2,099.
Good to know: It is heavy, and USB and 12-volt outputs require an optional hub.
See on Amazonpicture by AIPopular Mechanics calls this bundle its best value; at about $879, it costs substantially less than the Apex bundle and includes a solar panel. Its 1,070-watt-hour battery and 1,500-watt output suit smaller essentials.
Good to know: Its 1,070-watt-hour capacity is limited for extended outages or larger appliances.
See on Amazonpicture by AIGood Housekeeping names it best value and listed it at about $249, making it the lowest-priced of these three with a recent expert recommendation. It is a compact choice for phones, lights, and other small electronics—not major appliances.
Good to know: Its low capacity rules it out for larger appliances.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Compare watt-hours (how long it may run things) and watts (which appliances it can power); check whether solar panels are included. These are batteries that need recharging, not whole-home replacements, and connecting household circuits may require a transfer switch and professional installation.
Who this is for
These picks suit people who want quiet backup for selected essentials, from phones and lights to a refrigerator, depending on the model. A small unit won’t power large appliances, and no single battery will cover every home’s needs.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: BLUETTI Apex 300 Solar Generator + 350-Watt Solar Panel
Popular Mechanics named the Apex 300 its best overall, and its 3,840-watt output, 240-volt support, and expandable capacity make it the most adaptable choice here for home backup. The reviewed bundle was listed around $2,099. It stores 2,764.8 watt-hours and accepts up to 2,400 watts of solar input. In testing, Popular Mechanics ran a space heater and toaster at the same time, and noted the unit uses two separate inverter banks. It weighs about 84 pounds, so it is better suited to staying at home than frequent carrying. Its 240-volt connections and expandability may help with selected home loads, but it is not a plug-in whole-home backup system.
Good to know: It is heavy, and USB and 12-volt outputs require an optional hub.
See on AmazonBest value: Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 + 200-Watt Solar Panel
Popular Mechanics calls this bundle its best value; at about $879, it costs substantially less than the Apex bundle and includes a solar panel. Its 1,070-watt-hour battery and 1,500-watt output suit smaller essentials. The unit weighs about 23.8 pounds and has three AC outlets, USB ports, and a 12-volt car outlet. Popular Mechanics reports a 5.5-hour wall recharge and about 6.5 hours with the included 200-watt panel under its stated conditions. The review estimates it can run a small refrigerator or powered cooler for over 15 hours, though actual runtime varies by appliance and use. Skip it if you need 240-volt power or expect to run several large appliances.
Good to know: Its 1,070-watt-hour capacity is limited for extended outages or larger appliances.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: EcoFlow RIVER 3
Good Housekeeping names it best value and listed it at about $249, making it the lowest-priced of these three with a recent expert recommendation. It is a compact choice for phones, lights, and other small electronics—not major appliances. Good Housekeeping praised its lightweight design and 3,000-cycle battery rating. Its review says the station is not suited to larger appliances, so treat it as a small-device backup rather than a home power source. The listed price is for the station; check the Amazon listing to see whether a solar panel is included. For refrigerator or heating backup, choose a much larger unit.
Good to know: Its low capacity rules it out for larger appliances.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Popular Mechanics reports testing charging capacity, ease of use, weight, and usability; it ran two high-power appliances on the Apex 300. Good Housekeeping says it tested charging time, capacity, and simultaneous device use in its lab and homes over several months. Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.