3 Best Small Generators for Power Outages: How to Choose?

Nowadays, more and more people are realising the importance of having small and quiet generators. These little powerhouses can be incredibly useful, whether you're at home, on a camping adventure, or dealing with unexpected power outages. So which one is the best small generator for power outages?

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the world of compact generators and why they matter. Plus, we'll introduce you to Jackery, a trusted brand known for its portable generators. So, let's explore the world of reliable power generation in 2023.

Products	Image	Capacity	Rated / Peak Power	Battery
Solar Generator 1000 Plus		1264Wh to 2.5kW	4000W Peak	Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery
Solar Generator 500		518Wh	1000W Surge	LI-ION NMC battery
Solar Generator 300 Plus		288Wh	600W	Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery

What Is A Small Generator for Power Outage?

A small generator for power outages is like a little machine that makes electricity when the regular power goes away. It's not big, so you can carry it around easily.

A generator is a machine that makes electricity. It uses things like gasoline, propane or direct solar energy to do this. Small generators are just the little ones that you can move around without much trouble.

Why Do People Use Small Generators When the Power Goes Out?

Small generators are helpful when the regular electricity stops working. Here's why:

• At Home: Small generators can keep some important things working in your home, like lights and the fridge, when there's no power.
• Emergencies: In bad situations, like storms or natural disasters, small generators can give power to things like medical tools, phones, and tools for fixing things.
• Camping and Outdoors: When you're camping or doing outdoor stuff, small generators can give you power for lights, cooking, and gadgets, so you can have a comfortable time.
• Construction Sites: People use small generators at building sites to run tools and machines when there are no electrical outlets.
• RVs: If you're in a camper, small generators can make sure your appliances, air conditioning, and lights work even when you're far from regular power.

Small generators are like handy helpers that provide electricity when you need it, whether you're at home, outdoors, or in tricky situations.

Why Does A Small Generator Matter for A Power Outage?

Small generators are essential when the power suddenly goes away. They are like reliable backup power sources that keep important things working, even if the main power stops.

One big job they do is to stop food from going bad when the power is off for a long time. Small generators keep fridges and freezers cold, so your food doesn't spoil. They also help people who use medical machines like breathing machines.

But small generators do more than that. They can power things like fans and heaters to keep you comfy. You can also use them to charge your phone or computer. And they help control the temperature inside your home, so you don't get too hot or too cold.

Picture credit: Jackery Story - Kent Hagood

Small generators are not only for houses. They also help small businesses. They can keep the lights on and machines running, so businesses can stay open and people can keep working.

They are also portable, so you can carry them with you to places like hiking, camping, kayaking etc.

What Are The Types of Small Generators for Power Outages?

There are two main types of small generators designed for power outages, and they differ based on their intended use and the type of fuel they run on.

1. Usages:

• Portable Generators: These generators are easy to move around and are perfect for temporary power needs. They're versatile and can be used to power essential appliances and devices during an outage. Portable generators often run on gasoline or propane and are great for camping or small businesses.
• Standby Generators: Standby generators are more permanent solutions. They're installed outside your home or business and automatically kick in when there's a power outage. They are designed to provide continuous power for an extended period, making them ideal for homes or businesses that can't afford interruptions in power supply. They typically run on natural gas or propane.

2. Fuel Types:

• Gasoline Generators: Gasoline generators are common and widely available. They are portable and provide a good amount of power. However, they can be noisy and less fuel-efficient compared to some other types.
• Diesel Generators: Diesel generators are known for their fuel efficiency and durability. They are often used in industrial settings. They are more fuel-efficient than gasoline generators, making them a good choice for longer outages. But it is not safe to use indoor.
• Inverter Generators: These generators are highly efficient and provide clean and stable power. They are usually compact and quiet, making them suitable for camping or powering sensitive electronics.
• Solar Generators: Solar generators, like Jackery's portable solar generators, use solar panels to harness energy from the sun. They are eco-friendly and quiet, making them an excellent choice for both outdoor activities and emergencies.

Jackery's solar generators are portable and come in various sizes, including the Solar Generator 500, Solar Generator 1000 Plus, and Solar Generator 300.

Each type of generator has its advantages and disadvantages, so the choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Portable solar generators, like the ones offered by Jackery, provide a clean and renewable energy source, making them an environmentally friendly and practical option for power outages and outdoor adventures.

Here's a table comparing the pros and cons of portable generators and standby generators for power outages:

These are general pros and cons, and the suitability of each type depends on your specific needs and circumstances during a power outage.

How Does A Small Generator Work for Power Outage?

• Solar generators, like the Jackery Solar Generator, use sunlight to make electricity. The sun's energy goes into special panels, gets saved in a battery, and then turns into power for your devices. You can recharge it using sunlight, a regular outlet, or your car.
• Inverter generators run on gas or propane. They create electricity with an engine, change it a bit, and make it safe for phones and computers. They're good for delicate electronics.
• Gasoline generators use an engine that runs on gasoline. This engine turns something inside to make electricity. They're simple and cheap but can be noisy and not great for the environment.
• Diesel generators work like gasoline ones but use diesel fuel. They're tough and use fuel well, often for big power needs.

The Jackery Solar Generator uses sunlight, stores it, and turns it into electricity. It's easy to use and great for when the power goes out.

How Much Power is Needed for A Power Outage?

Determining the power needed during a power outage involves understanding your home's wattage requirements and calculating them.

Here's how you can do it:

Calculate Your Home's Total Wattage Needs:

• Make a list of all the appliances and devices you'll want to power during an outage.
• Find the wattage rating (in watts) for each item. This information is usually on a label or in the device's manual.
• For some devices, like light bulbs, the wattage is written right on them.
• Add up the wattage of all the items you plan to use simultaneously. This gives you the total power requirement.

Consider Starting and Running Wattage:

• Some devices, especially ones with electric motors like refrigerators or air conditioners, have a higher starting wattage (surge wattage) than their running wattage.
• Take note of both starting and running wattages for these devices.

Calculate the Total Watt-Hours:

• Determine how many hours you expect to use each device during the outage.
• Multiply the wattage of each device by the number of hours you plan to use it.
• Sum up all these watt-hour calculations to get your total watt-hour needs.

A Quick Calculation:

Let's say you want to power a refrigerator (starting wattage: 800W, running wattage: 200W), some LED lights (60W total), a phone charger (10W), and a laptop (50W) for 6 hours.

The refrigerator's starting wattage is only for a few seconds, so consider its running wattage for continuous use.

Total wattage = (200W refrigerator) + (60W lights) + (10W phone charger) + (50W laptop) = 320W

Total watt-hours = 320W x 6 hours = 1,920 watt-hours (Wh)

Now that you know your total watt-hour needs, you can select an appropriate generator or power source. For example, the Jackery Solar Generator 500 has a capacity of 518 watt-hours (Wh), which would be suitable for powering these devices for a few hours during a power outage.

The table below provides estimates of power needed based on the wattage and hours of use for various common home appliances:

Jackery Small Generators for Power Outages

Jackery is a reputable brand known for its innovative portable power solutions. Jackery Solar Generators are ideal for power outages because they provide clean and reliable energy without the need for noisy fuel-powered generators.

They are eco-friendly, produce zero emissions, and operate quietly, making them perfect for indoor use during power disruptions.

Introducing Jackery Solar Generators:

Jackery Solar Generator 500

The Jackery SG 500 is a small portable power station. It has a 518Wh capacity, which is like having a strong battery. It can start and run many things and isn't very noisy. It's not too big and heavy, so you can easily carry it. You can charge it with solar panels, from a wall plug, or in your car. It has different plugs to charge different things. People like it because it's reliable and simple to use.

• Capacity: 518Wh
• Running Watts: 500W
• Noise Level: Less than 37.9dB
• Dimensions: 11.8 x 7.6 x 9.2 inches
• Weight: Approximately 9.1 lbs
• Charging Methods: Solar panels, AC outlet, car adapter (
• Explorer 500 + 1x SolarSaga 100W 9.5H, AC Adapter: 7.5H, 12V Car Adapter: 7.5H)
• Output Ports: DC, USB, AC, Carport
• Features: Compact, lightweight, waterproof panels, quiet operation
• Customer Reviews: Smith Rouge: “Highly rated for its portability and reliability”

Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus

The Jackery SG 300 Plus is another small power station. It has a 293Wh capacity, which is enough for simple things like camping. It can start and run basic devices without making much noise. It's small and light, so you can take it anywhere. You can charge it with solar panels, from a wall plug, or in your car. It also has different plugs for various devices. People find it dependable and easy to use for outdoor activities.

• Capacity: 288Wh
• Running Watts: 300W
• Noise Level: Whisper quite < 45 db
• Dimensions: 11.8 x7.6 x 9.2 inc
• Weight: Approximately 11 lbs
• Charging Methods: Solar panels, AC outlet, car adapter (Solar Charging(40W) 9.5 H, Wall Charging 2 H, Car Charging 5.5 H, USB Charging 2.8 H)
• Output Ports: USB, AC, USB-C Output, USB-A Output, Carport
• Features: Lightweight, easy to carry, suitable for outdoor use
• Customer Reviews: Julia Tan: I recommend this generator for its portability and ability to charge various devices.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery SG 1000 Plus is for when you need more power. It has a big 1264Wh capacity, like a bigger battery. It can start and run many devices together, and it's not too loud. Even though it's powerful, it's still easy to move around. You can charge it using solar panels, a wall plug, or your car. It has different plugs for different devices. People like it because it's reliable and provides lots of power, making it great for outdoor adventures and emergencies.

• Capacity: 1264Wh
• Starting Watts: The power station features a 2000W output, providing ample power for various devices and appliances.
• Noise Level: Whisper Quiet < 30 db
• Dimensions:11.14 x 14 x 10.24 in
• Charging Methods: Solar Charging(100W*4) 4.5 H, Solar Charging(200W*6) 2 H, Wall Charging 1.7 H, Car Charging 7 H
• Output Ports: Carport, USB-A Output, AC Output, USB-C Output
• Features: advanced APP feature, via WiFi or Bluetooth,
• Customer Reviews: Zain K “I recently acquired the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus, and it has proven to be an outstanding investment. It effortlessly powers a wide range of devices, making it an ideal backup power solution for both outdoor adventures and unexpected emergencies. It is a highly recommended choice for anyone seeking a portable and eco-friendly power solution.”

Small Generator for Power Outage FAQs

Below are the answers to frequently asked questions about small generator for power outages:

1. What size solar generator do I need during power outages?

To figure this out, add up the wattage of all the stuff you want to power. Jackery's solar generators tell you how much power they have in watt-hours (Wh). Just divide your total wattage by the generator's capacity to know how long it will work. For example, if your devices use 500 watts and you have a Jackery Solar Generator 500 (with 518Wh), it can run for about 1 hour.

Working time for using Jackery Solar Generator can be calculated using this formula:

Working time = Capacity Wh * 0.85 / operating wattage of devices.

2. How do I pick the best small generator for power outages?

Think about the size, how many things you can plug in, and what devices you need to power. Make sure the generator can handle the total wattage of your devices. Look for ones with different plugs (like USB and regular outlets) for more options. Also, consider the battery type and how heavy it is. Jackery has lots of choices to fit different needs. You must choose Jackery Products if you want the best small generator for power outage.

3. How do I use a generator during a power outage?

Using a Jackery solar generator is easy. First, charge it up using solar panels, a regular plug, or a car. Then, plug your devices into it using the different outlets. Turn on the generator, and it will give power to your stuff. Just keep an eye on the battery level and charge it again when needed.

Final Thoughts

Small generators are lifelines during power outages. Jackery, a leading brand, offers reliable options like the Solar Generator 500, 300 Plus, and 1000 Plus. These compact units pack a punch, providing backup power for lights, phones, and even small fridges. The importance of these generators lies in their ability to keep us connected and comfortable when the grid fails. Whether you're camping or facing a home blackout, Jackery's strength lies in its capacity, versatility, and ease of use. With a Jackery solar generator, you can navigate power outages with confidence, ensuring you have the essential electricity you need.