4 Best Solar Panels With Battery Backup: Best Picks, How They Work, and More

Solar panels are a great way to reduce your electricity bill and carbon emission. However, they fall short when the sun is not shining, or there are clouds in the sky. That's where solar panels with battery backup systems come to save the day.

Solar battery backup systems store the energy generated by solar panels during the day, so you can use the electricity to power appliances at night or during a power outage. This gives you peace of mind ensuring that you will always have access to power, even when the electrical grid is down.

Jackery Solar Generators combine highly-efficient SolarSaga Solar Panels and Explorer Portable Power Stations to charge your home or outdoor appliances for hours. They are portable, durable, and robust solar generators that can charge most of your devices.

In this guide, we will walk you through what battery backup for solar panels is, how it works, and some of the best solar generators for 2023.

What Are Solar Panels With Battery Backup?

In simple words, the term "solar panels with battery backup" is a system that combines solar panels and backup batteries. While solar panels work by collecting and converting solar energy, the battery is responsible for storing the electricity to charge your home appliances.

Most solar panels with battery backup use lithium-ion batteries, as they are highly efficient and reliable. They are also relatively lightweight and portable, making them a good option for outdoor enthusiasts.

How Do Jackery Solar Panels With Battery Backup Work?

Jackery is one of the renowned brands offering feature-rich and excellent-quality battery backups, solar panels, and solar generators. Different sizes of solar generators help homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts power most appliances efficiently.

Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations and SolarSaga Solar Panels work in tandem to convert solar energy into electricity. The in-built inverter in the Explorer Portable Power Stations converts DC into AC current, allowing you to safely power indoor and outdoor appliances.

There are multiple benefits of using battery backup for solar panels. Some of them include:

• Peace of mind: Having a solar panel battery backup means that you will always have power, even when the main electrical grid is down. This can be a lifesaver if you live in an area prone to storms or blackouts.
• Cost savings:The portable solar system can help you save money on electricity bills. The stored solar energy in a battery backup can be used at night or during times when the sun is not shining.
• Eco-Friendly Choice:Solar panels are a clean and renewable source of energy. Using a battery backup with your solar panels helps you reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower your carbon footprint.

Best Battery Backup For Solar Panels

Solar panels are undoubtedly a great way to generate clean and renewable energy, but they have one downside. You cannot generate power all the time using solar panels. That's where battery backups come in. A battery backup can store excess solar energy during the day so that you can use it at night or during a power outage.

There are many different battery backups available on the market, making it hard to choose the right one for you. Some have less capacity and can charge fewer appliances, while others are designed to power all home or outdoor devices. The ideal solar generator or battery backup size will depend on the number of electrical devices you want to charge.

Solar Panels Watts

Solar panels are available in different sizes and capacities. While some solar power panels are rated 80 watts, others are 100 watts and 200 watts. In general, an 80-watt solar panel will take more time to charge a 1000-watt battery compared to a 200-watt solar panel.

If you are wondering how to decide the capacity of these components, select a solar generator that combines a compatible battery and solar panels. Below we will reveal the popular Jackery Solar Generators suitable for different purposes.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

If you are unsure which size solar generator will suit your needs, consider Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. You can expand the 2000Wh battery capacity of the solar generator from 2kWh to 24kWh by adding multiple battery packs of 2000 watts.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus pack includes Explorer 2000 Plus and 6*SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels. The massive battery capacity can be charged fully in only 2 hours using highly-efficient solar panels. Additionally, it features multiple AC and USB ports to help you effortlessly power a wide range of appliances.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro

With a battery capacity of 2160Wh, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station can power up to 8 devices simultaneously. The battery backup features an advanced smart screen, industry-leading BMS, and quick charging ability, making it a popular option.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station can be fully recharged in 2.5 hours using 6*SolarSaga Solar Panels. The best part about the solar generator is that it can last for up to 10 years, assuming you are using it twice per week. Hence, you can rest assured that the solar generator will last long, supplying clean energy to your appliances.

Customer Review

"We bought two of the 1500 last year, and they were fantastic to use after Hurricane Ian took out power, phone, Mobile phone, and internet. We used one at a time while the other charged using solar panels. Easy and so convenient. Our gas generator never made it out of storage as we had all the power we needed. Love them!" — Sue W. 

Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro

With a portable weight of only 37.4 lbs and a battery capacity of 1512Wh, the Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro is perfect for outdoor usage. The battery backup system is built with its intelligent BMS, unmatched cooling system, and excellent EMI design.

After 2000 cycles, the Explorer 1500 Pro Portable Power Station will still have 70% capacity. That means the lighter and smaller power solution works 100% efficiently for 5 years (assuming you use it twice a week) and still has 70% of its starting capacity.

Customer Review

"I have four of these units, two at home and two at my cabin. They are perfect to run indoors to back up refrigerators and fans if the power is out and give you all the power you need in the backwoods to charge batteries and phones. I highly recommend them as a way to be worry-free in the backcountry or if there is a power outage." — Joshua O' Neill 

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is designed to charge 90% of your essential appliances. The fastest solar charging ability ensures you can recharge the power station in only 1.8 hours using 4*SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels.

Some notable features of Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro include pure sine wave technology, a foldable handle, lightweight nature, and industry-leading BMS. Once fully charged, the battery can seamlessly charge multiple appliances for hours.

Customer Review

"I purchased this power station after Hurricane Ian and lost power for 3 days. This power station is the perfect answer for emergency power that can be used inside during a storm (instead of a gas-powered generator that can't be used until after a storm has passed). I am comforted that I will be prepared if and when another Hurricane or storm comes to Florida." — FL Girl.

How To Choose The Best Battery Backup For Solar Panels?

Every home is different, and so are the power needs. The best way to choose the battery backup for solar panels is by understanding your electrical needs. Below are a few things to consider while selecting the optimal battery technology for your home or outdoor conditions.

Battery Capacity

The term "battery capacity" defines how much solar energy a power station can store. A battery with a large capacity indicates that it can charge more appliances for long hours compared to its smaller counterpart.

You can calculate the battery capacity required depending on the number of appliances you wish to charge. For instance, if you want to power only essential home appliances, consider Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Portable Power Station, while Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro is ideal for charging 96% of your devices.

Lifespan

The battery lifespan is a crucial factor directly related to battery type, age, quality, and depth of discharge. Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations are known for their long lifespan and high quality.

One of the robust battery backups for solar panels in Jackery's line of products includes Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station. This ultimate power solution is designed to have around 70%+ capacity after 2000 cycles.

Peak Power Output

The term "peak power output" refers to the highest amount of power the battery can provide at its best performance. A higher peak power output rating indicates a highly efficient solar power battery.  

Cost

The price of solar batteries ranges from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. When choosing a portable power station, it's best to prepare a budget beforehand.

Jackery offers a wide range of solar generators with different capacities. Depending on your power needs and budget preferences, you can pick one from the line of solar generators from Jackery.

Warranty

Many different solar brands compete to develop and design the ideal solar battery. However, not all the products possess the same quality. While some brands offer batteries that last for years, others build short-lived batteries.

The ideal way to choose the solar with battery backup system is by choosing a brand that offers an extended warranty period on its products. For instance, Jackery provides 5 years of warranty on most of its power stations, ensuring you can have peace of mind after your purchase.

Battery Type

The battery type, or technology, is one of the most important considerations when investing in a solar battery. One popular battery type widely used in powerful solar batteries is lithium-ion.

These popular batteries have longer life cycles and higher depth of discharge. Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations have lithium-ion batteries that can charge appliances for a long time after a single charge.

Weight

If you want to invest in a power station for outdoor use, make sure it is light in weight and portable. This will ensure you can carry them anywhere without worrying about the heavy load.

FAQs About Solar Panels With Battery Backup

How long will solar panel batteries last?

The lifespan of solar panel batteries depends on the quality of materials used during manufacturing. The two main types of batteries available include lithium-ion and lead-ion batteries.

Generally speaking, lithium-ion batteries are of higher quality and last longer compared to other types. That said, it's a wise idea to invest in a power station built with lithium-ion and industry-grade materials.

Do solar panels have battery backup?

Solar panels are available without in-built battery backups. However, it's better to choose a compatible battery for your solar panels to store the generated electricity.

Jackery Solar Generators combine Explorer Portable Power Stations and SolarSaga Solar Panels to collect, convert, and store electricity. These batteries can be easily recharged using solar panels during the day to supply constant energy when sunlight is unavailable.

Can I use solar without a battery?

Yes. It is possible to use solar panels without a battery. However, it's not highly recommended. This is because if the power outage happens at night, you will be left without power. On the contrary, if you are using solar with battery backup, it will supply consistent power supply, regardless of the time and weather.

Do solar panels work at night?

Unfortunately, not. Given the fact that solar panels absorb sunlight to produce electricity, they do not work at night. That's why many homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts prefer investing in solar panels with battery backup, so they are never left without power.

Conclusion

Solar panels with battery backup systems are a great way to ensure that you have a reliable power source, even when the sun is not shining. These backup batteries store the excess solar energy so you can use it at night or during power outages. Hence, it lets you save money on your electricity bills and gives you peace of mind knowing you will always have power.

Jackery Solar Generators are one of the ideal options for those who want a portable and reliable solar power solution. They can supply stable and reliable power to most home appliances, making them suitable for camping, hiking, or any other outdoor activity. Subscribe to the Jackery newsletter to get news related to products, how-to guides, and other information.