Outdoor power sources that can be generated by solar panels

Can solar power be used as a generator?

Technically, these units are electric power stations—giant battery packs, with the ports you need to plug in solar panels for charging. They can't actually harness solar power—and thus, act as a generator—unless you have both. They also require more than the panel to fully charge and need to be plugged in before use.

Can a solar power station be used as a generator?

However, using one effectively is a little more complicated than many people realize. Technically, these units are electric power stations—giant battery packs, with the ports you need to plug in solar panels for charging. They can't actually harness solar power—and thus, act as a generator—unless you have both.

Are solar dishes good for off-grid applications?

This makes them perfect for certain off-grid applications. Solar Stirling dishes, for example, use the sun’s heat to run a Stirling engine and generate electricity. It’s like a mini power plant that you could theoretically power with a really strong flashlight (though I wouldn’t recommend it).

How do I choose the best solar generators?

To pick the best solar generators, we tested some of these power stations for charging capacity, ease of use, weight, and different use cases. Some picks were reviewed by Popular Mechanics test editor Brad Ford, who provided input for the larger-capacity units.