Best Home Solar Generator for 2024 (The Ultimate Guide)

[@CityPrepping]

Download the spreadsheet here: cityprepping.tv/4ewLmdL ... join our preparedness community: cityprepping.com/ #################### CHAPTERS IN THIS VIDEO #################### 1:55 - Educate 19:51 - Review Units 58:35 - Calculator 01:05:41 - Summary #################### PRODUCTS IN THIS VIDEO #################### ###Anker### Anker SOLIX F3800 (starts here: 19:52): cityprepping.tv/3zDKqVP / solar panels: cityprepping.tv/3U24PdZ ###Bluetti### Bluetti AC240P (starts here: 30:19): cityprepping.tv/44gRKSb / solar panels: cityprepping.tv/3w73sC2 Bluetti AC300 (starts here: 28:07): cityprepping.tv/3T76rni / solar panels: cityprepping.tv/4gWiQUw Bluetti AC500 (starts here: 25:57): cityprepping.tv/4gU0kfg / solar panels: cityprepping.tv/4dvOdSQ ###EcoFlow### EcoFlow Delta Pro (starts here: 33:13): cityprepping.tv/4bsITPA / solar panels: cityprepping.tv/3K1iAUX EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 (starts here: 35:48): cityprepping.tv/3hGM53W / solar panels: cityprepping.tv/4gU0kfg EcoFlow Ultra (starts here: 38:04): cityprepping.tv/3TWSdF3 / solar panels: cityprepping.tv/4gU0kfg ###GoalZero### GoalZero Pro 4000 (starts here: 42:38): cityprepping.tv/3ZQWH3F ###Growatt### Growatt Helios 3600 (starts here: 46:13): cityprepping.tv/3XUnMAn ###Hysolis### Hysolis Apollo 5K (starts here: 48:31): cityprepping.tv/3XXOgBe ###Jackery### Jackery 2000 Plus (starts here: 52:09): cityprepping.tv/3w5DLSo / with solar panels: cityprepping.tv/3Uts416 ###Pecron### Pecron E3600LFP (starts here: 55:31): cityprepping.tv/4cT4hxP

[@jrod6236]

Thanks for putting all of this together!

[@wideawake333]

@cityprepping Do these setups work if there is no wifi, like total grid down no online capability at all? For the apps and digital screens?

[@wideawake333]

@cityprepping can you point me to any videos about surge protectors and EMP protection for these large ticket item purchases. Thank you

[@realjoanna]

28:58 twenty-two thousand KILOWATTS? Sign me up!

[@chanchan5349]

Day 12 no power in WNC. Have limited time to grab internet but wanted to thank Kris & Co. Planning & preparation saved me, my family, and 2 other families. ❤

[@lilblackduc7312]

This comment should be pinned.

[@shuster1921]

Prayers sent Brother!!🙏

[@mattl1758]

Take care friend

[@dickhernandez3191]

@@chanchan5349 I know your feeling my family in Puerto Rico we went with 35 days and people in the mountains area some one yr

[@paulg.5997]

What units are you using?

[@kathydias5070]

You have, beyond doubt, the best solar generator videos on KZbin. You are a natural born teacher. I know nothing about electrical systems, but you put out this information in the way I can understand it.

[@dickhernandez3191]

@@kathydias5070 echo flow Pro three or the anker 3800

[@redfishtex738]

Best plan is FLEXIBILITY. Have multiple ways to create power. Multiple ways to gather and purify water. Multiple ways to gather and store food. These are just three items to work on, but they are the BIG 3 that I call them. Good luck and God Bless.

[@edelmiraceledonio8769]

I’m 74. I plan to study this information because I want to go off grid in 2025. I’m taking this time to gain skills to leave 3D largest cesspool city in N America. The skills you provide are life enhancing. Yahweh bless you, your family, your team and the community.

[@SherryEllesson]

Largest cesspool city? Good grief, where are you?!

[@mrjon75]

San Francisco? NYC? Just curious...

[@Electriceye1984bySam]

DO IT! 👍🏻

[@tumbleweed1976]

I live solo in a mini van working up and down California with a humble set up. Don’t over buy!

[@lilblackduc7312]

I'm disabled at 66yrs. I urgently encourage you to set-up while you're in good shape!

[@jacksondarby746]

I only have experience with my Jackery 2000 and I love it. I know power goes out at least once a winter. 1 day to 1 week, anything’s possible. Without any add ons charging to 100 percent from 0 is not happening in a day. Just remember to set it on the sun dial thing they got and it will definitely increase your charge. (I didn’t do it the first few times) It can run cooking/heating appliances. I admit, seeing the generator say it only has two hours of life left can be intimidating. But you’re probably not gonna be boiling that water for two hours, and if you prepped you’re just heating the water for a beverage/comfort and not sanitation. It’s also very simple. I figured everything out without the manual. Still read it

[@LurkMelon]

It's finally here! Thanks for following through and providing your thorough review. Hope everyone is well.

[@catalog2345]

Wow. Absolutely amazing. Best video I have seen on this topic. You are a natural teacher. Thanks for breaking it down into bite-sized pieces.

[@inkmetal1]

This was helpful. I live in an apartment so don't need the tie in capabilty. I bought the Pecron unit as I think it is the best unit for my use. I have been looking at the new Pecron unit to upgrade my system. With this info I will purchase their new unit. I have the E300 that the inverter failed and they sent a new unit to replace it. So they have good customer service. Happy with Pecron products.

[@robcarnaroli269]

Only caution about Bluetti, and this may no longer be an issue, but someone was using one during a Ham Radio Field Day and it was creating a lot of RF interference. So if radio is part of your prep, test before you buy if you can.

[@lilblackduc7312]

That's a good "Heads-Up"!

[@HenryGriner]

I have the Bluetti AC 180 and tested using my old VHF mobile using the cig lighter plug on the front of the unit. I connected with another radio operator and he told me my signal had RF noise. Thanks for posting this. I'm looking into the Ecoflow River 2 as a possible purchase and test that one.

[@bdtang]

I added 2x F3800 with 2 extra batteries each with their smart panel to our setup (17.22kWh of solar with a powerwall 3). So far, really like it since the smart panel just needs a 100amp breaker (b/c I have 2x F3800). It feeds the main panel with up to 6kW but doesn’t require me to move any of my circuits to a critical loads panel (things on the critical loads panel can draw up to 12kW). The powerwall 3 just sees that my home isn’t drawing anything when the ankers are powering the house. I also added 880watts of solar feeding each of the ankers directly and it can charge with the solar along with drawing AC to charge via the smart panel. I set the ankers for time of day use and set to charge during mid day when my solar is producing the most. Another benefit of the Anker is that it’s so much easier to add capacity (order another external battery) versus trying to add another powerwall 3. Just ordered 2 additional anker bp3800 expansion batteries that’s about to ship. Only downside is the cost -cheapest I was able to find was ~$1700 usd each.

[@JamesJames-d2l]

Pecron E3600lfp is the most suitable for the general public. I bought it on the website 1 month ago and enjoyed an extra 5% discount and tax exemption. During the typhoon some time ago, it provided me with sufficient power for a full-size refrigerator, various lamps, etc. It is currently my most trusted emergency power station.

[@LWinWV]

Better hope you don’t have problems their tech support is non- existent (email only and NO help)

[@TxJAW]

Have the ultra pro with an additional battery for 12kwh and love it. Just started testing it minus all 240v and can run my house about 9 hours (water heater, tv, modem, fans, lights, microwave, 2 ups devices, and refrigerator.

[@tamarathompson4]

Wow, thank you Kris! That was intense and alat to process. The spreadsheet is outstanding. So very helpful! ❤

[@sarahyost2015]

Thank you for explaining this in simple easy to understand language.

[@ErronKebabb]

Super well crafted video!!! Your explanation of how to understand and look at these systems is immaculately put together and so well delivered, let alone being best comparison I've seen of these systems!!

[@douglasboisvert276]

Been watching your channel off and on for about a year now, you have awesome content and explain things in layman's terms, that is much appreciated. Thank you for the spreadsheet, it will come in handy on the build I am working on. Keep up the good work and stay safe!

[@darrellrobbine2346]

I've watched a lot of videos and research ed concerning these units. I agree for what I need and the reliability, customer service. Eco flow was the one. Thanks for your in depth video.

[@TheEasterFerret]

I just went through the hurricane in SC and decided to get the ecoflow delta 2. I made out ok with my gas generator during the outage, but fried my electronics heavy fridge with dirty power. Had to replace a couple boards on it. Lesson learned, no more dirty power.

[@NickWindham]

These are best suited for camping or temporary power for a worksite. For a permanent solar installation hybrid system or whole home backup, EG4 is the way to go.

[@lilblackduc7312]

Of all the videos on KZbin, your Solar Reviews are the episodes I'll take the time out to watch for an hour. Top-notch stuff! Thank you...🇺🇸 👍☕

[@drpepper421000]

I have an older Pecron E2000 with expansion batteries, approximately 8,000 wh. I used it recently in a power outage for 24 hours. I used it at night powering a fan, refrigerator, deep freezer, so I could turn off the generator that was powering, refrigerator, deep freeze, tv, fan, window AC unit. If I were to buy a unit now, I would definitely get a bigger unit that is more tied in to the electrical panel for easier control and use. Right now I have to run electrical cords to everything I have to power. It would be great to have it all set up for emergency use and automatically start up when the power goes out. Probably a large EcoFlow system but I can also take my Pecron system over to my parents house in the country if circumstances dictated that.

[@phetinthasanh7083]

Just got power back on today in Tampa Bay FL, will be getting an electric generator next year

[@dinobernardi170]

Chris seriously.....thank you. Much appreciated. As always clearly explained and very informative video!

[@rtsrts2317]

Good, basic, yet informative for the uninitiated to solar power stations. I'll be directing people to this video who ask me about it. Honestly, it's exhausting going over again and again about this stuff only to see them do nothing and be caught unprepared in the next disaster.

[@donho6856]

Bought a 2kw allpowers solar generator with 400 watt's panels. Added an additional 1.2kw with my 12v Lithium battery using o-ring connector to xt60. I have 3.2kw of backpower for $1500. May not be everyone's cup of tea, but when shtf ill be good.

[@soapybacon4358]

Great vid just what I've been looking for, spreadsheet is fantastic, subscribed 👍🏻

[@btravish]

You have done a fantastic job educating me on these types of devices. I don't have the money to go full solar but with some of the options you have discussed it gives me an affordable starting point.

[@TheBreamer999]

Greetings from Prince Edward Island Canada. You knocked this one out of the park. Long time follower. The spreadsheet is some serious 'rainy day' eye candy, well done. I have two Bluetti's, the AC180 and the EB70s. As well as two little Golab'2 200i. Not sure if all of them sell/deliver in Canada. (Other than Bluetti and Jackery). The lack of cold weather charging is a negative, most of my solar is outside, I have a few stand alone mounted panels I'd like to use but can't typically from late November to April

[@lilblackduc7312]

the 'Voice of Experience'! Thank you.

[@michaelmartin5942]

This was very informative with one exception. These Solar Generators are all lacking when it comes to cold weather performance. If the temperature drops below freezing, you will not be able to charge them. I live in a cold weather region and found out the hard way that the Bluetti AC200 will not operate below freezing temperatures. When it comes to being prepared, be careful with Solar Generators because they will leave you out in the cold, and aren't any better then a boat anchor at that point.

[@robertyoung7073]

Check out the Bluetti B300S battery. It has a built in heater for just this reason. Not sure if it works with your AC200 but I bet it does.

[@TheAdmiral5741]

Outstanding explanation of these products. Thank you.

[@Wsldbrd1]

I have base board heat in Michigan. All I need is the ability to Operate the circulating pump 110v .Also I want to be able to expand its use and/or be mobile for emergency coverage at brother's home. I heard a lot of good about Anker. I want to be able to dolly it to my truck to transport. I have 1) pump , 2) refrig and 1) large chest freezer, those would be my necessities during an outage (usually no more than 3 days). Maybe a TV and a computer . What would be your thoughts ?.............. Thanks

[@RA-rf4nz]

Thanks! Been waiting for this one. For my needs I agree the EcoFlow system is the one I should seek out.

[@ChrisJ-Blessings20]

Very clear explanation of electrical terms & applications. I have never really understood this till you explained it the way you did. Thank you so very much. We are close to purchasing a solar Generator. We do not have regular solar panels on our roof. What do you suggest to use as portable solar panels that will work with these units you have shown??

[@TNKHART]

Best video on explaining the "usage" on generators. Thank you. I've learned so much in your video.

[@darrellroberson6794]

Dude, you were awesome. Articulate, detailed, unbiased, and very informative.

[@lucianotavares3605]

Thank you very much! Excellent explanation, excellent spreadsheet. I am pretty sure I will be able to take an informed decision now. You are da man!

[@HenryGriner]

Thank you for putting this out with so much amazing detail and including the spreadsheet. One of the comments below gave me insight into why my Bluetti AC180 put out RF noise on my 2m VFH radio when I did a test. I need to find a solution with a small portable unit just for my radio setup. Perhaps the River 2.

[@meowmixphd]

Great overview and practical discussion. I appreciate the complexity of trying to explain a variety of use cases and how to begin assessing one's needs. I truly appreciate a good spreadsheet, as well!

[@PrestoMoto02]

The f2600 and f3800 have been my go to

[@beebop4333]

OBSERVATION...SIMPLY AWESOME. I wish someone would do this for every wattage class. Ive been flipping back and forth between 5 mfg websites.

[@maracusumano4820]

This helped a lot! I finally understand now why my fridge won't run off a generator that should do that & more.

[@Trapperx89]

My whole town had a power outage while i was watching this video. One of these would have come in handy.

[@robmosier4289]

Response to your exterior battery system that was drained to zero. The internal BMU does not have enough remaining power to turn on and allow recharge. Most likely nothing damaged just need a power supply to trickle charge it until the BMU can turn on and then you can complete a normal recharge. Discuss with OEM customer support as required. I’ve gotten my 28volt batteries to turn on by trickle charging at 28vdc, 250milliamps for approx 1 hour. Adjust stimulus for your application and OEM recommendations.

[@John--qh9xl]

Chris, does anyone make solar panels with cells like the ones used in the 80s on our school calculators? Those cells worked off in house lighting as well as the sun. Seems like someone should have come out with cells that would be able to charge batteries from the lights in our homes so we do not have to rely on the sun being available like during wintertime. Thanks for all the info you give us, Chris.

[@mxcollin95]

Excellent, excellent video and thank you for putting all this info together and sharing it with us!!! This is definitely an informative and timely video for me as I’m currently trying to understand all the factors involved in determining and buying the right system for my family. 👍

[@timothymoore7329]

**QUESTION** Great Video! Thank you! My question… Have you, or could you if you haven’t, review and compare/contrast these DIY electric generators with solar to either a Tesla Solar with multiple Powerwall 3’s Non-Tesla Solar with multiple Enphase batteries? Thank you again! Tim

[@dml1214]

Thanks for the video. I'm in the market for a solar generator for our home and this was very helpful.

[@arnoldreiter435]

great overview of a lot of systems. i am not convinced that having to use your smart phone to access many of the functions is a good idea. to me it looks like a single point of failure and i am sure there are a lot of hackers thinking the same thing. i would like to see a separate display/control panel instead so that the system is able to function without any connection to the internet.

[@sharonl4872]

I agree! I found an electric generator on “my Patriot supply”…it doesn’t use your phone.

[@dh5720]

What a fantastic job compiling all that info, thanks

[@ferebeefamily]

Thank you for the video Kris.

[@ronkennedy3367]

Great video..learned a lot..you made my brain hurt, going to have to watch again..did not understand the amount of solar input

[@richardhunter8241]

I thought you made the Ecoflow Delta 2 Max as the best on a previous video........I bought that one. 😳 Ecoflow is having difficulty supplying them quickly. The panels and the units arrive separately.

[@CityPrepping]

This is a video comparing the whole home units which is different than the smaller units like the EcoFlow Delta 2.

[@richardhunter8241]

@@CityPrepping thank you

[@Nubel76]

Such a great informative video; thank you! As a novice in to this sector questions: Scenario: EMP/solar disaster and Grid down indefinitely for 1-3 years. WiFi and phones are useless, what is your best option; forgetting costs? Are any of these units water proof and if so best option.

[@PazLeBon]

none are waterproof at all. must be put in s waterproof box or shed or something. can run starlink on one and get wifi, wssap etc from that

[@bobnomura2068]

I've heard a lot of good things about Ecoflow. My ideal dream home would not have any feature to feed power back to the grid - in California looking at the future, it's a losing proposition. I'd need enough capacity to power cooking and heat pump style HVAC through the time of use period. And for the ultimate survival mode, a propane generator and enough propane to last a week or more.

[@72151]

I have 13 - 300w and 30 - 200w solar panels with 2 Sunny Boy Inverters. The system generates a good amount of power (~8kw peak) these are grid tied and back feed the grid unless they are switched to stand-alone mode. Of all the batteries you’ve gone over, which is the better choice for me? My inverters can run in “stand-alone” and run 1500w each in real time during the day.

[@DBRGB]

Powerful in-depth analysis of these units in an articulate fast-phased delivery, without and word whiskers. (Um, er, duh) Well done.

[@jenniferrobertson2542]

You're the best dude. Thank you for your videos :) God Bless.

[@gargoylekingGWO]

You're new name is the Solar Lord the knowledge dropped in the video great video keep up the great work

[@navyvet3660]

Could you do a video ranking these in order of customer service quality and best warranty.

[@PolkacityOfficial]

WOW! great job with the spreadsheets!

[@TheOneBeyondEternal]

Thank you for the info. One question which of these handles windpower?

[@jackehli621]

All in one units are convenient but I'll never buy one ever again. My Pecron lasted 2 weeks. Luckily I got my money back. Then I wised up and built my own. But the main reason not to buy an all in one is the fact that the batteries in these things will FAR outlast the other components like the built in charge controller and inverter. Just like a home stereo, never buy an all in one. You will always want more battery storage and to add to a component style is inexpensive and simple to do.

[@edwardliu1154]

Thanks for all the work going into your spreadsheet. Where does Jackery 5000 fit in your rankings? I know it's new and shipping in december but for sale now. reviews seems very good so far. Seems to have some advantages over anker 3800 - more capacity and better for solar. Ecoflow is substantially more expensive. People considering this should look into available tax rebates for the large battery systems.

[@ckelley6940]

Very well done Sir. You projected the info in an easy to absorb manner. Nice camera controller, an inch of electric tape would cover the blinking blue light, cheers.

[@elizabethmestrvic]

Thank you for your in-depth analysis of all the choices of generators. I am looking for a generator basically for a refrigerator in a power outage for short term use. Eco flow is my choice. Can you recommend one for that reason. Thanks again!

[@hamilton7012]

Excellent work. Thank you for the detailed info. Only minor suggestion I have is to incorporate the “Project Farm” comparison review methodology into your presentation. That guy has the best overall comparison video format.

[@along1213]

hubby and I are stepping into a whole new world of rural living. Our home is 99.9% electric and we are thinking of getting a generator for the whole home 1800 sq ft. What is your advice?

[@FleetwoodTheProfit]

Not to be morbid, but guess where I am? Yep. I got VERY lucky. Only went without power for about 2 days. Still no water. Definitely getting something. I'm actually more concerned about water purification now but still need a power source.

[@SehnamGtrr]

Which unit would you recommend for a condo, I would like to run the following , fridge lights ,internet , TV

[@rickf.9253]

Outstanding! Extremely informative and helpful. Thank you for doing this, it took a lot of your time time to put all of that together.

[@edelmiraceledonio8769]

Great information. Thank you for taking time to educate us.

[@christimarie402]

Awesome system! Wishing I could afford to do this for my home. Maybe one day!

[@Shogunersash]

My wife and I are discussing now wether to by the Hysolis or build a portable system ourselves. I'd like to see more information on the self serviceability of this stuff. We all know we aren't getting warranty repair when the roads are gone.

[@nationwidewraps]

Great video I'll be using your links! In depth man! Thank you ;)

[@kennethcollins148]

Do you have any insights to the customer service, warranties or service lift of these compared? What are the Cons or drawbacks of these?

[@williamb9060]

I bought the AC500 on the kickstarter, however I need a smaller unit for an RV with an amp plug

[@trousersnake1486]

Ive been eye balling a set up like this to power a small crypto farm in an apartment. This was super helpful 👍

[@suzannebinsley5940]

I was surprised watching a shorter video like yours that some power units cannot run while the solar charger was on.

[@gpeckham3531]

I love your videos for the in depth explanations. I'm still confused on Amp outputs for these units. It looks like most have 30 amp output. The only unit I've seen with 50 amp output is the Zero Point Titan 240 SP. Is there an advantage to the higher amp output for a home backup solution?

[@offgridacreage]

My delta pro ultra will charge at 120 or 240 volt and continue to give output on all ports.

[@14cudakid]

I’m asking this question and also going to watch the video. I need something that could keep my lights on and power freezer refrigerator with solar what would be your recommendations? People budget is $5k

[@kathrync829]

Since I saw what happened in the Middle East with the exploding pagers and all, I think it's very important where we get our electronics from.

[@wynelleu]

California isn't doing "buy-back" anymore, which is fine because then I don't huve to use their special, over-priced equipment nor do I have to give them access to my property, anywhere, for any reason' or any time. Thanks for all you do!

[@jpcsmokeater]

I have a Toy Hauler RV and I’m very interested in this option to use as backup power and power the trailer while boon docking. Currently I have a 5500 Onan onboard generator. I was going to install the Victron system, but I’d like a more versatile option. If I install the Victron system it only goes with the trailer. I think I’m leaning toward the Ecoflow or Bluetti. Any ideas or input would be much appreciated.

[@DGC-qj6eo]

Yes, very interested in a recommendation for an all in one power bank for a 50 amp RV.

[@paulpeppers6059]

Thanks for a fantastic well done educational resource. Any thoughts/experiences on Dabbsson products?

[@WillTocaJr]

Which set up would you recommend for a 50amp camper with 2 standard rv air conditioners?

[@DGC-qj6eo]

Yes, very interested in a review or recommendation for an all in one power bank for a 50 amp RV.

[@thompsonp86]

Check your spreadsheet for inaccuracy for the Delta Pro 3 Running and Surge Watts.

[@timmccollow5094]

Another excellent video. Thanks. Which of these units could be used to charge a Tesla? Thanks

[@jaknayree2000]

anker f3800 will

[@usha777]

Good luck trying to get a ecoflow. I suggest you buy something else.

[@smsservicesall]

Signature Solar out of Texas. Completely off grid. Completely plug and play. American based company . $700 3000w all in one inverter that can take in 5000w solar. $1200 5000wh lithium iron phosphate grade A vehicle quality rack battery. $500 outlet block

[@lilblackduc7312]

Thank you for commenting.

[@redneckyankee7428]

Thats for the clarification on watt hours. Great show as always.

[@davidbridges246]

Welcome back!

[@bob5098]

What unit would you recommend for rv and home with the tax credit ?

[@IcyReaper]

Perfect timing to help me on my choice. I'm looking at the EcoFlow Pro 3 for my home I think now, but I have been debating a couple of these other brands. Did you figure out what happened to your home battery that died? What level do you recommend to drain the solar batteries down to or what lower limit to try and not to go below?

[@SpinsterSister]

Thank you so much for guiding us with your in depth reviews. It is daunting to try and buy a good, reliable unit with limited funds. I have a solar backup portable freezer unit that I am cleaning out now. So far so good - maybe you have reviews for those types of "on the go" units?

[@KeyBored101]

This is amazing, thanks for doing all this work

[@peterryan7340]

These units are basically immovable. I bit the bullet and purchased a SolarEdge whole home system with battery, hot water controller, and has seamless transition. I will bunker in place unless it becomes unsafe to stay.

[@PapaCap_]

Bugging out is unrealistic in most cases, and also not very smart. Where do these people think they will go? Go live in the woods? Bugging in is far safer, especially if you live in a good community ideally not in an overly urban environment. Of course certain circumstances could challenge that safety. Good luck with your system!

[@jameshughesdon5370]

@cityprepping Thanks for a fab video. Could you do a video on cars with VTL review? we just powered a friends house, i was amazed it lasted over a week with our ionic 5. There gas gen failed when needed.... personally we have ecoflow delta pros ( thats how we kepted our lights on) Thanks for all your work and help. Your videos have helped a lot during recent storms.

[@synaptichorizons]

Have you reviewed the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus? It seems the Explorer 5000 Plus should be included in your all in one emergency Solar Power Station systems right towards the top. Meaning isn't this better all in one system than the EcoFlow, Growatt etc.? It also can expand to 70KW system using add on batteries and includes the Transfer switch.