What is a Solar Generator? Working, Best Models, Prices, Benefits

A solar generator is a portable system that stores electricity generated by solar panels in batteries for later use. The main internal components of solar electric generators are a solar charge controller, an inverter, and a battery pack. Solar panels, although mandatory for solar generators to work, are not a built-in part of the generator unit.

Solar power generators are specifically designed to be used with off-grid applications. Since most of them are portable, they’re suitable for camping or hiking in off-grid locations. They’re also used for powering RVs, boats, and remote cabins. However, by default, they are not compatible with grid-tied solar systems, like rooftop on-grid solar systems, as they lack synchronization capabilities with the utility grid. Hence, solar generators are usually not recommended with on-grid rooftop solar panel systems for homes unless they’re configured properly.

In this blog, we’ve chalked down the exact working of solar generators, their benefits and drawbacks, when you should invest in them, how they differ from gas generators, their cost, and things you should consider when buying solar power generators for home use.

TL;DR Summary Box: Is a Solar Generator Worth It?

A solar generator is an excellent power system for charging appliances in rural and remote off-grid locations with an unreliable power grid. In fact, the small and portable versions are very handy and can be carried alongside when hiking or camping. Although the higher output models that power homes are expensive, they prove more cost-effective in the long run compared to gas generators.

Here are the key pointers discussed in this guide:

Topic	Quick Takeaway
How does a solar generator work?	Solar panels charge a battery through a charge controller. The stored power is converted to usable AC by an inverter.
What is the cost of solar generators in India?	~ Rs. 10,000* to ~ Rs. 52 lakh+*
Gas generators or solar generators, which is better?	Solar generators are cleaner, quieter, and cheaper to run long-term.
What are the benefits of solar generators?	They’re silent, portable, eco-friendly, and require no fuel or major maintenance to operate.
What are the disadvantages of solar power generators?	They cost more upfront, charge more slowly than gas refuelling, and depend on battery and sunlight availability.
Factors to consider when buying a solar electric generator	Check your power needs, battery capacity, charging speed, number of ports, portability, and brand reliability.

*Please note: The prices mentioned above are based on standard market research. Actual solar generator prices in India can vary significantly based on factors such as brand, battery capacity, inverter size, charge controller type, included solar panel specifications, import duties, dealer margins, and installation requirements. Prices may also fluctuate due to market demand, location, and government policy changes. SolarSquare does not manufacture, sell, or install solar generators, nor do we endorse any brand.

What is a Solar Generator?

A solar generator is a portable power system that stores the electricity generated by external solar panels in an internal battery pack. It typically includes a solar panel charge controller, a battery pack (usually lithium batteries like lithium-ion or lithium iron phosphate), and an inverter that can convert DC battery power into usable AC electricity. Most models are compatible with different types of solar panels, though the panels themselves are sold separately.

Solar electric generators operate silently, and they do not emit greenhouse gases or carbon. Hence, they’re eco-friendly. While their upfront investment cost can be higher than that of gas generators, they prove to be much more economical in the long run as they do not require frequent fuel replacement.

How Does a Solar Power Generator Work?

Inside the generator unit, a solar charge controller regulates the DC electricity received from the solar panels. The controller directs the incoming electricity to the battery for safe and efficient charging. This prevents overcharging and ensures the battery receives optimal voltage and current levels.

Let’s check out how they work step-by-step:

Step 1 – External solar panels convert sunlight to electricity: Solar panels contain PV solar cells that are usually made of silicon, a semiconductor material. When photons in the sunlight hit the solar cells, they knock electrons in the silicon loose. These loose electrons start flowing in one direction through a closed circuit, which results in the production of direct current (DC) power.
Step 2 – The DC power from the solar panels is sent to a solar charge controller: DC power from the panels is not always consistent. The panels can sometimes produce more voltage and sometimes less, depending on the sunlight and temperature throughout the day. If this unregulated DC electricity were to go straight to the batteries, it could damage them. Hence, a solar charge controller (usually an MPPT solar charge controller) ensures it always matches the panel’s output with the battery’s voltage.
Step 3 – The regulated voltage from the solar charge controller is sent to the battery: Power coming from the solar charge controller is used to charge the in-built battery pack in the solar generator.
Step 4 – Stored DC power is sent to the inverter for conversion: Most household appliances run on alternating current (AC), not direct current (DC). The inverter inside the solar generator converts stored DC electricity into AC. This AC power can then be used to power lights, fans, refrigerators, laptops, and other appliances.

How Much Does a Solar Generator in India Cost in 2025?

The solar generator price in India in 2025 can range from as less as ~ Rs. 10,000* to more than ~ Rs. 52 lakh*. The cost depends on many factors such as brand, battery capacity, and inverter size.

Top 4 Solar Generators in India in 2025

Numerous brands offer solar power generators. The biggest dilemma arises when choosing the ideal solar power generator for the home. The products by Jackery Explorer, BLUETTI, EcoFlow, and Goal Zero are considered premium-quality generators.

Here’s a tabulated snapshot of the most popular solar generators in India by these brands, alongside their top features and cost range.

Solar Generator in India	Top Features	Solar Generator Price*
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro	Fast charging: Gets fully solar charged in 3-4 hours Works well in cold weather: Works in temperatures as low as -20°C / -4°F Warranty: 3 years Extended warranty: 2 years	~ Rs. 6,51,000
BLUETTI AC-180	Warranty: 5 Years Long battery capacity: 1,152 watt hour Fast charging: 0 to 80% in 45 minutes Lithium iron phosphate battery: Long life of 10+ years	~ Rs. 90,000
EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus	Warranty: 5 years Ultra-fast charging: 0 to 100% in 56 minutes Long battery capacity: 1,024 watt hour Powers 99% home appliances: From refrigerators to TVs, computers, and hairdryers Perfect for outdoor use: Used to charge RVs	~ Rs. 1,21,000
Goal Zero YETI 6000X	Suitable for home use and outdoor use: Charges home appliances as well as RVs and trailers Features MPPT solar charge controller: Increases output from solar panels by 30% Multiple charging ports: Features 7 ports Multiple charging ways: Can be charged from solar, wall, and car batteries.	~ Rs. 82,000

*Please note: The prices mentioned above are based on standard market research. Actual solar generator prices can vary based on installation requirements, import duties, and dealer margins. Prices may also fluctuate due to market demand, location, and government policy changes. SolarSquare does not manufacture, sell, or install solar generators, nor do we endorse any brand.

Gas Generator vs Solar Generator, Which is Better and Why?

Solar generators are costlier than gas generators. However, they prove to be cost-effective in the longer run since, unlike gas generators that require frequent fuel replacement and maintenance charges, solar power generators run on solar renewable energy, which is literally free. Moreover, they’re noise-free, portable, and weigh less than gas generators.

Whether it’s for the environment or long-term savings and durability, solar generators are better than gas generators.

Let’s give you a head-on comparison between the two so you can choose the one that aligns with your requirements:

Feature	Gas Generators	Solar Generators
Power source	Petrol, diesel, or gas	Solar energy
Cost	Comparatively lower than solar generator	Higher upfront investment
Fuel cost	High and recurring	Zero fuel cost since sunlight is free
Operating cost	Very high fuel + maintenance cost	Very low as it requires minimal maintenance
Noise level	Very low	Silent operation
Eco-friendly	No. It results in carbon emissions	Yes. It does not pollute the environment
Battery backup	None	Built-in lithium/LiFePO₄ battery
Appliance compatibility	AC output for most appliances	AC output via inverter Some models offer DC ports too
Maintenance cost	High due to oil changes, fuel filter, and spark plugs	Minimal
Availability during night or when it’s cloudy	Yes, as long as fuel is available.	Yes, as long as batteries are charged.
Best for	Short-term power backup, construction, and remote field use	Off-grid cabins, RVs, homes, emergency backup, outdoor trips
Lifespan	5-10 years	10-15 years for lithium batteries 25+ years for solar panels

What Are the Benefits of a Solar Electric Generator?

Solar power generators do not cause noise pollution, and they’re eco-friendly as well. Their operation cost is nil, and they require minimal maintenance. Plus, most models are compact and portable. Hence, you can also carry them to remote locations when hiking or camping in the mountains.

Let’s check out all the benefits of solar generators in detail:

They operate silently: Solar electric generators, unlike gas generators, do not emit noise while they operate. Hence, they do not cause noise pollution.
They’re eco-friendly: These generators run on solar energy, which is infinite and non-polluting. Hence, solar generators do not produce carbon emissions.
They require minimal maintenance: Since they do not have oil or a fuel tank, they require very minimal maintenance.
Zero operation cost: These generators work on sunlight, which costs nothing.
Safe for indoor use: Since they don’t emit carbon monoxide or fumes, solar generators can be safely used indoors if needed.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Solar Generator?

Solar generators tend to have a higher upfront cost when compared to gas generators. It’s their biggest limitation. However, in the longer run, they prove to be more cost-effective because their operating cost is nil and they require minimal maintenance.

Let’s check out all the drawbacks of solar power generators in detail:

Weather dependence: Since solar panels require sunlight to work, the performance of solar generators is weather dependent.
Higher upfront cost: They are costlier to install than gas generators. But in the longer run, they prove to be more economical.
Slower response to sudden needs: If the battery is low or empty, you can’t instantly recharge it like refueling a gas generator.

When Should You Invest in a Solar Power Generator?

Solar power generators are cost-effective in the long run, and they’re great for the environment. However, they are not suitable for everyone. If you live in urban areas with a reliable grid, investing lakhs of rupees in solar generators to power your home might be unnecessary for you.

Installing on-grid rooftop solar for housing societies and homes can meet all your energy needs without the need for solar power generators.

You should go for a solar generator in the following situations:

You live in remote off-grid locations: If your home, cabin, or workspace is located in a remote area where connecting to the power grid is not feasible or is super expensive.
You frequently camp or hike in mountains: In such cases, you can invest in buying cheaper models. They’re perfect for powering LED lights, portable fridges, drones, laptops, and other gear in remote locations where grid access is unavailable.
You live in rural areas that witness frequent power cuts: If your area suffers from regular blackouts or grid instability, a solar generator can be a reliable backup solution. It keeps essentials like lights, fans, routers, phones, and medical devices running without any fuel dependency.
You prefer silent and clean power backup: Gas generators are noisy and release harmful emissions. If you want a zero-noise and zero-emission alternative, solar generators are the better choice.
You already have solar panels installed: If you already own solar panels or solar water pumps, you can take professional help to integrate a solar generator to store excess power and use it as an additional backup during blackouts.

Do You Need Solar Generators in Urban Areas?

Solar generators are specifically designed for off-grid applications in remote or rural areas where a grid supply is either patchy or not available at all. If you live in an urban area with a reliable power grid, on-grid solar systems are enough to take care of your power requirements. You don’t actively need solar generators in such cases.

Let’s give you a simple comparison of how much money you will have to invest to install a rooftop solar panel for home use in Nagpur and how much money you’ll save by doing so in 25 years of the system’s life:

Solar System Size	Solar Panel Price in Nagpur With Subsidy (Starting Price – Indicative for Base Variant)*	Solar Savings in Nagpur in 25 Years*
2 kWp	~ Rs. 1.15 lakh	~ Rs. 11.05 lakh
3 kWp	~ Rs. 1.32 lakh	~ Rs. 16.58 lakh
4 kWp	~ Rs. 1.77 lakh	~ Rs. 22.11 lakh
5 kWp	~ Rs. 2.27 lakh	~ Rs. 34.43 lakh
10 kWp	~ Rs. 5.02 lakh	~ Rs. 68.86 lakh

*Please note: The above-mentioned solar plate price is indicative as of 8th August 2025 for the SolarSquare Blue 6ft variant. The final cost of installing an on-grid rooftop solar panel system at home depends on your DISCOM charges, product variant opted for, panel type, inverter type, mounting structure height, type of after-sales service, savings guarantee, roof height, etc. Prices are subject to change. Additionally, while calculating savings, we have considered the annual tariff escalation at 3% and the annual degradation at 1%. The actual final savings from solar panel installation depend on the types of solar panels you’ve installed and their efficiency, intensity of sunlight your rooftop receives, orientation of the panels and tilt angle, the pollution level and weather conditions in your city, the temperature, shadow on the roof, impact of dirt/dust, and how well you maintain your panels after installation.

If you’re from some other city besides Nagpur, you can use SolarSquare’s free rooftop solar calculator to get an estimate of the savings you can make by going solar.

Calculate your savings

Forecast your savings with solar on your investment on the SolarSquare’s plant

Pin code *

Min. 500 Max ₹10,000

Now would you invest ~ Rs. 1.32 lakh in installing a 3 kW solar system that can easily power a 2-3 BHK home in urban areas with a reliable grid and save ~ Rs. 16.58 lakh in 25 years or spend lakhs in installing a solar generator despite the power grid is reliable and you won’t even need a backup often?

Factors to Consider When Buying a Portable Solar Power Generator?

Choosing the right solar electric generator requires careful consideration of factors such as your power requirements, battery capacity, brand reputation, and even the number of charging ports provided.

Here’s a detailed list of seven factors that will never let you go wrong:

Consider how much power you need: Start by listing the devices you want to run. Do you want to charge just phones and lights or larger items like fans, heaters, or fridges? Smaller devices need less power, while appliances with motors or heating elements require a generator with higher output. This will directly impact your budget because solar generators with higher output are costlier than those with lower output. So, decide carefully how much power you truly need.
Check the output rating of the generator: The output of a solar generator is measured in watts (W) or watt-hours (Wh). Watts tell you how much power it can supply at once, and watt-hours tell you how long it can run your devices. The bigger the number, the more it can handle.
Look for generators that have expandable battery options: Some solar generators allow adding extra batteries to increase storage. If you’re unsure about future power needs or plan to run more devices later, choose a model that allows expansion.
Pick a trusted brand with a great reputation: Go for a manufacturer with a strong reputation and positive user reviews. Well-known brands usually offer better build quality, longer warranties, and reliable after-sales support.
Make sure the generator has multiple output ports: If you have multiple gadgets to charge, you’ll need a generator with various ports like USB, AC, and DC outlets. The more types and numbers of ports available, the more devices you can power at once.
Compare the charging speeds carefully before making a purchase: Some solar generators charge in a few hours, while others take nearly a day. If fast charging is important to you, look for features like MPPT charge controllers.
Choose the right size and weight: If you plan to carry your generator for outdoor use or emergencies, make sure it’s easy to lift and move. A compact, lightweight design is ideal for travel. On the other hand, a heavier solar generator is better suited for home use.

Conclusion

Solar generators are excellent portable options to keep the lights running and gadgets charged in remote and rural areas without a power grid. While their upfront installation cost is higher than traditional gas generators, they’re far more economical in the long run as their operating cost is almost nil. You must pay close attention to your power needs before making a purchase, as the higher the power requirement, the costlier the generator will be.
If you’re looking to install commercial rooftop systems in areas that have a reliable grid, or you live in urban cities and want to go solar, you don’t require solar generators. In such cases, rooftop on-grid solar systems can take care of all your requirements. Contact SolarSquare today to get all the details you need before you go solar.

FAQs

Q1. Can a solar generator run a house?

Ans. To run an entire house, you'd need a high-capacity solar generator with expandable batteries and an inverter. On the other hand, small portable solar power generators can usually power small appliances.

Q2. How long will a solar generator battery last?

Ans. A fully charged solar generator can power devices for a few hours to several days. The actual hours depend on battery capacity and usage. The battery itself can last for up to 15 years based on its type and maintenance.

Q3. Is a solar generator safe?

Ans. Yes. Solar generators do not produce fumes, and they don’t overheat easily. They are much safer than gas generators for indoor use.

Q4. Can you charge a solar generator with electricity?

Ans. Yes, most generators manufactured by reputable brands can be charged via wall sockets in addition to solar panels. This allows you to recharge even when there’s no sunlight.