This is certainly an important question. Buying the right size solar generator will ensure that you have an optimal source of power without paying more for one than you have to.
This is because a “solar generator” can technically refer to a solar solution that combines two (or more) components. A Jackery Solar Generator consists of:
1. The solar panels – which collect the solar energy from direct sunlight.
2. The power station – which stores the electrical power converted by the solar panels.
In this article, we will help you figure out what size power station is most suitable for your solar generator goals. Keep reading to learn how to calculate the right power station size, along with other information about solar generators, so that you make the best choice.
How Power Stations Are Sized
Power stations are typically sized in watts (W). This is a measure of power that’s used to calculate the rate of energy transfer. But what you really need to know is that the greater watts a power station has, the more power it can provide you in a single charge.
That being said, there are different watt measurements to pay attention to when deciding on a power station.
Continuous Power
The first measurement is usually called continuous power. This is the amount of power that a power station can provide consistently.
Peak Power
The second measurement is usually called peak power. This is the maximum amount of power that a power station can provide in a short burst.
Continuous Power vs. Peak Power (An Example)
Here’s an example. Think of when you turn on your air conditioner. It needs a quick burst of power to get started. That’s peak power. But the amount of power needed to continuously run the AC unit is generally lower. That’s continuous power.
Some appliances, such as refrigerators, need a burst of 3-7 times their normal power needs to get started. Keep in mind, your power station needs to be able to accommodate this peak power requirement to run the appliance. So, if you are looking for a solar generator to run a refrigerator, simply meeting the continuous power requirements won’t be enough.
Continuous power will likely be the more impactful number for you to think about. It’s what tells you how much power you will get from a single charge of your power station under normal conditions.
How to Calculate Your Optimal Power Station Capacity in 3 Steps
Jackery manufactures power stations to meet a wide variety of power consumption needs. Our products range from 99Wh of capacity to as high as 24,000Wh of capacity. To figure out which Jackery product offers the right power capabilities for the appliances you want to charge, you’ll need to perform the following calculations. Here's the step-by-step to calculate the right size power station:
Step 1: Select Tools/Appliances You Want to Power With Your Power Station
The first part of picking the right power station for your needs is understanding what those needs are. This means selecting the specific devices that you want to power with your solar generator and setting a rough estimation of how long you’d like for its power station to provide that power.
Here are some common devices that people power with solar generators:
- Laptops and PCs
- Phone chargers
- Coffee maker
- Hairdryers
- Air conditioners
- Water heater
- Blender
Note: You'll need to list the appliances that you are planning to use at the same time.
Step 2: Note Down Their Running & Starting Wattage
Once you know what you want to power, it’s time to figure out their starting and running wattage. For this, you can either check the user manual or the appliance wattage chart. Sometimes, the wattage consumption is also printed on the appliance itself. But if you only see a measurement for amps and volts, you can multiply these numbers to get appliance wattage consumption.
Shown here:
Step 3: Calculate the Surge Wattage of the Solar Generator
Once you've listed the running and starting wattage of the appliances you want to charge simultaneously with the power station, the next step is to calculate the surge wattage by adding the total running wattage and the highest starting wattage of the appliance. The number obtained will represent the surge wattage that the solar generator should be capable of supplying power to all these appliances.
Can a Solar Generator Power a House?
Note that unless you purchase a large Jackery Solar Generator (such as Solar Generator 2000 Plus with an portable power station with 1264Wh capacity), you likely won’t be able to power most appliances in your house for multiple hours with a solar powered generator.
If you find that the answer you got in Step 3 is higher than almost every power station you look at, then you may need to go back and reassess what you really need to power with it. If you can lower yourself down to just the essentials, then you will find a solar generator that works for you without having to break your budget to buy it.
Jackery Solar Generators and Suggested Usage Scenarios
Running out of power can never be fun. That is why Jackery has designed different sizes and capacities of solar generators. Whether you are looking for a home backup solution or a power pack for your outdoor adventure, Jackery offers an impressive product line for every scenario.
All-Day Trip Activities
When you're on an outdoor adventure, the last thing you want to worry about is running out of power. One-day outdoor adventures like backpacking, hiking, fishing, etc., require a portable power solution.
The Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is a compact charging solution for power on the go, weighing only 11 lbs. It boasts a 288Wh capacity and can charge most small appliances, like electric blankets, laptops, mobile phones, cameras, camping lights, and mini coolers, during all-day trip activities.
Jackery Solar Generators 240 v2 and Jackery Solar Generator 500 are other charging solutions that are compact enough to be packed as essential gear during such trips.
Since these solar generators are lightweight and portable, they are highly preferred for short trips with moderate power requirements.
Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.
Car Camping/Tent Camping/Music Festivals
Whether you're embarking on a car camping trip, setting up a tent in the wilderness, or immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a music festival, having a reliable and portable power solution is essential.
Jackery Solar Generator 500 is a truly portable solution that can keep your small devices charged for 1-2 days, ensuring you stay connected and powered up throughout your adventure. Whether you're relying on your smartphone to capture breathtaking moments, illuminating your campsite with lights, or amplifying the atmosphere with speakers, the Jackery Solar Generator 500 is the ideal choice.
For those seeking even greater power during their camping trips, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 is designed to take things to the next level. With a battery capacity of 1070Wh and a power surge of 1500W, it can charge not only small devices but also mini fridges and coolers that require little more power.
Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.
Van Life
Jackery Solar Generator 500 or Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro sounds like the ideal pick if you want to make your off-grid living experience more comfortable. While Jackery Solar Generator 500, with a battery capacity of 518Wh, can charge most van appliances, Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is highly recommended to keep most devices charged.
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro can charge 99% of your outdoor appliances in your van, and its flat top lets you save space. You can stack items over the solar generator and enjoy extra space with seamless charging. If you are a beginner and do not have a customized electrical system like 12V or 24V in your van, it's better to look for batteries like Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro and use it as a complete system.
Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.
Camper/Trailer
Campers often find it arduous to choose a power solution that occupies less space and provides stable electricity to all the appliances. Trailers are small rooms on wheels, often lacking in-built electric systems to charge different appliances. This is why it's vital to pack a power solution before you commence your journey.
The two popular charging solutions for campers and trailers include Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus or Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. If you're a camper who often travels to remote locations with energy efficient appliances, you may consider investing in the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus. It's lightweight and has a large battery capacity of 1264Wh, which can be expanded to 5kWh with additional Jackery Battery Pack 1000 Plus.
On the other hand, if you own a travel trailer and want to charge multiple small and large appliances during the outdoor trip, you may invest in the larger Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. The LiFePO4 battery has a large capacity and can be expanded from 2kWh to 24kWh with the Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus. It can charge 99% of camper or trailer appliances, including refrigerators, electric grills, etc.
Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.
Trailer
Trailers are small rooms on wheels, often lacking in-built electric systems to charge different appliances. This is why it's vital to pack a power solution before you commence your journey. Since the trailers are designed to have a lot of space, Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus, 2000 v2, and 2000 Plus are the ideal power solutions.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 features a large battery capacity of 2042Wh but has a compact design compared to other similar products available, whereas Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is equipped with a 2042.8Wh battery and features pull rods and double wheels for easy transportation.
While Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus can charge essential appliances, the bigger capacity generators like Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 and 2000 Plus are designed to power full-size fridges, electric grills, etc.
Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.
RV
RVs usually have a solid in-built electrical system that sometimes goes up to 6kWh. Jackery solar generators vary from 240 Wh to 24K Wh capacity can efficiently support an RV's electrical needs and charge small and large devices like laptops, coffee makers, TV, refrigerator, etc.
A lightweight solar generator during your RV trip can be a great companion when you go fishing, hunting, or hiking. It can keep your appliances like smartphones, drones, and many other electrical devices.
In addition to charging your outdoor devices, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 can also power your CPAP machines so you can enjoy your outdoor activities without skipping your treatment.
Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.
Off-Grid Living
Off-grid systems are often less portable and require highly technical installation. But that's not the case with Jackery Solar Generator. The large-capacity Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is designed to power 99% of your home or outdoor appliances.
With a massive battery capacity of 3024Wh, the off-grid solar system can seamlessly support large appliances like full-size refrigerators, microwaves, electrical grills, space heaters, etc.
The feature that differentiates the Jackery solar generator from its competitors is its portable nature. The wheels and rod attached to the power station make it easy to transport the generator from one place to another.
Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.
Dry Camping
If you are planning to dry camp, Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 can efficiently charge most of your outdoor appliances. With a battery capacity of 2042Wh, the solar generator can seamlessly charge 99% of your outdoor appliances, such as portable refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, and more. It emits less than 30dB noise, which is less than what you hear in a library.
You can team up the power station with Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels for efficient charging. The portable solar power station can be charged in 7.5 hours using 2*SolarSaga Solar Panels. If you have enough space in your car, consider packing Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 on your next dry camping trip.
Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.
Power Outage/Blackout
The refrigerator is a high-power-consuming home appliance that you need to power up during power outages, brownouts, and blackouts. Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus and Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro are two popular charging solutions for powering 99% of household appliances during unexpected power outages or blackouts.
You can integrate Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus or Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro with the home circuits via the Manual Transfer Switch. You can choose up to 6 circuits from the breaker panel, such as garage door, refrigerator, light switches, and other outlets in the living area. This will help you ensure uninterrupted power supply when there's a power supply outage in the area.
If you live in an area prone to long-term power outages, you can consider the most trusted whole-home backup solution such as Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus. It has a large battery capacity that can power almost all household appliances, such as refrigerators, induction cooktops, heaters, microwaves for hours or days.
Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.
Outdoor Professional Work
Outdoor professional work generally requires power tools that draw a lot of energy. Power drills, circular saws, and edgers are a few outdoor appliances that require a high wattage. Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro and 2000 Plus Kits are equipped with larger battery capacity with a surge power output of nearly 6000 watts. This means these solar generators can efficiently power the most energy-intensive tools.
One of the standout features of Jackery Solar Generators is their unparalleled portability. Designed with convenience in mind, these power stations come with a set of wheels and a retractable handle, making it effortless to transport them from one worksite to another. No more struggling with heavy equipment or being tethered to a fixed power source. With Jackery Solar Generators, you have the freedom to take your power wherever your work leads you.
Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.
The Benefits of Buying a Portable Solar Generator
Portable solar generators are a dynamic backup power option. You can use them both in your home and when you’re on the go. They’re purposefully made smaller than dedicated home backup solar generators to offer this flexibility.
As they feature a power station that you charge with portable solar panels, you essentially plug the portable solar panels into the power station until it’s charged. Then you can use the power that you’ve created on almost any appliance or electronic device that you want.
Many people purchase portable solar generators to get access to clean power while enjoying the outdoors. Then, as an added benefit, they can use the generator as a backup source of energy for their homes whenever they need one. It’s this versatility that’s made portable solar generators so popular.
Power Station Sizing FAQs
Can You Charge Any Device with a Jackery Power Station?
Jackery Power Stations can power a wide variety of consumer devices since they feature USB ports, a DC carport, and pure sine wave AC outlets.
Your device will need to be powered with one of these methods and use a level of power that is compatible with the Jackery Power Station you select.
Can a Jackery Power Station Jumpstart My Car?
No, you cannot jumpstart a car with a Jackery Power Station. But you can charge a car’s battery with a power station. So you can use your Jackery product to get the battery charged enough so that you don’t need to jumpstart it.
How Long Can a Jackery Power Station Power My Device?
This is entirely dependent on the amount of power that your device uses. You need to perform the watt-hour calculation (shown above) and compare that figure to the wattage of the Jackery Power Station model you select. Doing this will give you the answer you are looking for.
What Size Jackery Power Station Is Best for Me?
This will depend on how much power you want to get out of your portable solar generator. If you want to maximize the amount of power you get, then you should consider either our Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus or our Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus.
Conclusion
Solar generators provide clean, renewable energy as a low-maintenance power source for wherever you need it. Whether that’s in the home, the outdoors, or both. They can be a very worthwhile investment. However, it makes sense to buy the right size for your energy needs.
That’s why Jackery offers solar generators equipped with power stations of various sizes to ensure you find the one that suits your goals and budget. Always keep in mind what devices you are looking to power and for how long.
If you are unsure how much power you need, we hope this article helps you to calculate the right size power station, and consequently, the right size solar generator for you.
For more information on Jackery Solar Generators and the various size power stations they come with, take a look at our solar generators* page.
Hi, I am interested in getting one of your more powerful units for powering my hot-air furnace and well pump during future blackouts. If the same unit could also power lights and TV in one room that would be great. What size would you suggest? Alternatively if I could not power the furnace and well pump at the same time could I have both items connected to the unit and simply choose which one to power at any given time? I am not interested in a solar unit as this would probably be placed in my basement. Thank you.
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