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Though “solar generator” is a bit of a misnomer, these can keep the power flowing wherever the sun shines. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

Amid the range of power stations, portable “solar generators” give you a way to draw in clean electric power from our most abundant resource, sunlight. However, using one effectively is a little more complicated than many people realize.

While most solar panels are water-resistant to survive rain showers, some generators are completely waterproof too, so they can be left outside. Some solar generators can be combined with extra batteries to boost capacity.

However, using one effectively is a little more complicated than many people realize. Technically, the devices commonly sold as “solar generators” are actually electric “power stations,” or giant battery packs, with the ports you need to plug in solar panels for charging. A solar generator can't actually harness solar power unless you have both.

A solar generator can't actually harness solar power unless you have both. What's more, most of these generators are large enough that charging up exclusively with solar power usually isn't feasible: More often than not, you'll need to plug it in to charge, then use solar power to keep it going as long as possible.

Solar-only systems rely exclusively on photovoltaic panels and battery storage. Hybrid systems combine solar with wind turbines or generators for redundancy. Backup systems maintain minimal power during outages using smaller components. Each type offers different levels of energy independence based on your location climate and power requirements.