Is a solar generator worth the money?

[beorn]

Buyer beware before you purchase a solar generator ask these questions.

What is the watt rating of the inverter? You should have a continuous and peak rating the peak rating is important for motor starting.
What is the storage capacity of the battery? This should be in Amp Hours AH but I have seen some in watt hours.

What is the solar electric production going to be from the solar panels? normally in Watts

There are other questions like what type of battery etc but these are the main questions you need to answer to price compare what you are getting for your money.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmajxxEI2kI

[Jerry D Young]

Thank you, beorn. Great information. I agree that most of the so-called solar generators can be duplicated as DIY projects much cheaper than the commercial units. However, for those that really cannot do projects like this and must buy off the shelf units, I recommend the following brands:

Inergy:
https://inergytek.com/

Renogy:
https://www.renogy.com/

Point Zero Titan (This is NOT Goal Zero):
https://poweredportablesolar.com/

While many people go for the Goal Zero products, I am not too fond of them. Primarily due to price. The attitude of the company management also kind of turns me away.

For medium output DIY systems and packages with components, I like Renogy. My small system uses their components with VMAX batteries. (They did not have batteries when I put my system together.)

Just my opinion.