With so many quality Power Stations on the market, choosing the best option can be rather difficult. Today we will be comparing the three most popular solar generators: The Goal Zero Yeti X Line of Solar Generators, The increasingly popular EcoFlow Delta 1300 and finally the Nature’s Generator Standard and Elite.
Hopefully by the end of our journey you will have a better understanding of how these units differ, and which one is best suited for your needs.
Storage Capacity
One of the most important specs to consider when choosing the proper solar generator is the storage capacity. This dictates how much power you can store in the system at any given time. The larger the battery (typically displayed in Watt Hours (Wh) or Amp Hours (AH)); the longer the run times will be.
Below you will find a diagram showing the differences between our three contenders:
Solar Input & Recharging Speed
The speed at which a unit can recharge is certainly an important feature. A faster recharge rate will give way to accessing more potential power. All of these units can output power while receiving a charge. This process will offset outgoing power effectively increasing your general run times.
Recharge speed is directly related to Solar input capabilities. Therefore, a higher solar input allowance will allow you to not only recharge quicker but output more power during daylight hours. If you intend on relying heavily on solar panels for power production, then choosing a generator with a high input allowance is very important.
Below you will find a diagram displaying maximum solar input and any fast-charging features when recharging with AC power.
Power Output
The power output is limited to the integrated inverter’s specifications. While an important feature, the appliances that are ideal for these types of units all draw a relatively similar amount of power to run.
Just be sure to confirm that the number of watts you intend on outputting does not exceed the continuous watt draw rating for the inverter found in the power station of your choosing.
Please see below the diagram comparing the in-built inverters:
Size & Weight
The size and weight are very important specifications for consumers who intend on using their generators in a portable fashion. Whether its powering your Television and Cooler at a tailgating event or using a powerpack for mobile RV use.
Below you will find all the listed weights and dimensions for each of our participating Generators:
Expandability
Being able to increase the size of your system down the road is a very valuable feature. This way, if your power requirements increase in the future, you can simply purchase an easy to connect expansion battery and continue to power all of the items you desire.
The majority of generators we are looking at today have this ability. Please review the chart below for additional information on this process:
Special Features
Each Power Station has a few special characteristics that are unique. We recommend considering these lesser known features when making your decision.
We took the liberty of assembling a few of those unique features in the below diagram:
Picking between the Goal Zero Yeti, Ecoflow Delta 1300 and Natures Generator may not be an easy decision, but we can honestly say there is no wrong choice. If you are unsure as to which model will work best for you; as always, we are just a phone call away (877-548-3387) and are happy to offer our expertise on all of your Solar Generator needs!
Leave a Comment
"This is not a clear comparison. The goal zero product compares more correctly to the ecoflow delta max. Usability for these units is more closely applied to the continuous power that can be delivered. The goal zero has a surge capability of 3500 Watts which allow me to use it to power an electric lawn mower ( if used with a 50ft chord. ) and many other power tools with high surges. The watt hour compatibility for these units varies with model. But to spend the kind of money these units cost, having the option to expand using added external batteries is significant advantage to owning the unit. Both Goal zero and ecoflow have this capability. Sorry I don't know anything about the 3rd unit in the comparison above, but this points are not highlighted in the comparison. Another company Blueitte ?? has a nicely engineered external battery which works on the Goal Zero as well as on the ecoflow delta max 2000. It has comparably nicer features than those offered by Goal Zero and ecoflow. That is it can be charged independently from the power generator via ac plug in, solar panel or car charger. Thats a huge advantage offered by a forward thinking company!! FYI! But thanks anyway for the comparison you offered. If gave me something consider! ?"
Earthtech Products Replied
"Thank you for your comments! I would like to point out that we do indeed mention the expand-ability features in the 2nd to last comparison section. Regarding the Delta Max; the Delta Max only just recently came out and therefore was not available at the time of this blog post. We did not carry the Bluetti systems at the time of this original blog and therefore were not educated on the product. But stay tuned! (Bluetti coming soon)."