2025: How to Choose Your Ideal Solar Generator for Homes Amid Power Outages

After the “Floris” storm in August 2025, more than 6,300 households across the UK experienced power outages lasting up to 48 hours, which brought many families through a very difficult time.

Besides such extreme disasters, the UK’s power infrastructure is also under the dual pressure of aging circuit equipment and a sharp increase in social electricity demand, making the risk of power outages grow day by day. Therefore, it has become an important matter for every British family to seriously consider equipping reliable backup power solutions (such as solar generators) for their homes.

Why Every UK Home Needs a Solar Generator in 2025​

The Increasing Frequency of Power Outages​

There have been more power outages in the UK in the last few years. The National Grid says that the number of power outagesin the US has gone up by 35% in the last five years. As climate change gets worse, storms like Storm Freya are likely to happen more often, which will make people’s daily lives very difficult. For example, when power poles fall down and substations get damaged, there are often widespread blackouts that make appliances and the internet unusable. Can you imagine how hard life would be without Wi-Fi, cell phones, or refrigerators for a few days in this age of information? ​

Meanwhile, in the name of environmental protection, more and more people are using electric vehicles. In a consumerist society, brands are also encouraging people to purchase an increasing number of household appliances. All these have put greater pressure on the existing power system. Even when the weather is fine, people may encounter unplanned outages during peak electricity consumption periods. Therefore, more and more British families are taking action, making early plans and choosing reliable backup power solutions. Well-prepared backup power not only better ensures the safety of family members but also maintains basic living convenience and comfort in case of emergencies.

The Consequences of Power Loss​

For an increasing number of white-collar workers or freelancers who work from home, power outages not only mean network disruptions but also can lead to reduced work efficiency or missed orders due to the inability to contact clients in a timely manner. Such potential income losses cannot be ignored by families or small businesses. In daily life, once the refrigerator stops working, stored food and some possibly very important medicines may spoil. According to statistics, the average British household average loses about £50 to £100 worth of food during a 24-hour power outage.

In addition, some medical equipment that requires electricity to operate will also be unusable. Some patients with sleep apnea will no longer be able to use their continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. For patients who are recovering at home and rely on ventilators, the situation is even more serious! Medical equipment that cannot be used properly may cause patients’ conditions to worsen, requiring hospitalization, which may result in significant financial costs for families, or even the loss of loved ones!

During power outages, the response time of local emergency personnel arriving at the scene will also be delayed. Residents also will face difficulty in contacting the outside world and sending distress signals!

In such situations, a solar generator can help a household weather a power outage calmly—and even save a family!

How Solar Generators Function: The Essential Components

The Basics of Solar Generator Technology​

So, what exactly is a solar generator, and how does it work? It is a self-contained power system with three key parts: solar panels, a battery, and an inverter. The solar panels catch sunlight and turn it into direct current (DC) electricity, which gets stored in the battery for later. When you need power for electric appliances, the inverter converts that stored DC into alternating current (AC), then those appliances function.

The greatest advantage of solar generators is sustainability, both in terms of energy and their contribution to the climate. Even during the outage, those solar panels can keep working and keep your essential appliances running. By using solar energy, it can reduce fuel use. It does a lot to help reduce carbon emissions and protect the climate. Unlike petrol generators that roar like a lawnmower, solar models run almost silently. No loud sounds, no fumes. Because of solar generators, you can enjoy uninterrupted power, and you won’t disturb your neighbours or ruin the peace of a quiet evening.

Key Features to Look for in a Solar Generator​

• Battery Capacity (Wh): This is the generator’s “energy tank”. It tells you how much power the battery can store. The bigger the tank, the longer the generator can keep your electronics going. (Example: A 1000Wh battery capacity could, in theory, push enough power to run a 100W device (such as a small TV) for 10 hours straight (1000Wh ÷ 100W = 10h). For a family that means a fridge and lights going during an outage, more capacity means less sweat.
• Power Output (W): This is the generator’s “muscle”. It shows you how much power the generator can push out at any one time. Will it be able to match what your appliances need? Some appliances like fridges or air con, need a quick burst of extra power (surge power) to start before they can settle into their regular running wattage. If you do decide to use this gizmo and run out of surge power to start it, you won’t be able to switch on your coffee machine or laptop.
• Charging Speed: Charging Speed: Another crucial element is the generator’s rate of recharge. Faster charging times mean less downtime during extended outages.​
• Portability: Think about carrying the generator from the garage to the living room, or from your driveway to the camp site. Size and weight are important. Some generators have wheels and handles installed, which can turn a strenuous job into a breeze.
• Safety Features: A qualified solar generator should also have overcharge, over discharge and short circuit protection to increase battery life and protect your appliances.

When comparing models, don’t overlook the warranty. A longer one tells you the brand trusts its product. Jackery, for instance, offers a 5-year warranty on many of its solar generators—peace of mind for any homeowner.​

Jackery Solar Generators: Which Model is Right for Your Home?

Model​	Jackery Solar Generator 3000 v2	Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus​	Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus​
Base Capacity (Wh)​	3,072​	2,042​.8	1,264​
Expandable Capacity (Wh)​	/	2-12 kWh	Up to 5kWh​
Continuous Power Output (W)​	3,600​	3,000​	2,000​
Surge Power (W)​	7,200​	6,000​	4,000​
Fastest Charging Time（with AC Adaptor）	1.8 hours	2 hours​	1.7 hours​
Solar Charging Time (Full Charge)​	3.5 hours (solar Input 1000W Max)​	2 hours (with 6x200W solar panels)​	2 hours (with 4x200W solar panels)​
Weight (lbs)​	59.5	61.5	32
Battery Life (Cycles)​	4000 Cycles to 70%+ Capacity	4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity	4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity​
Ideal for​	Large households, high-power appliances, all-climate use​	Medium-sized families, expandable solution​	Small households, portable use, secondary backup​

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 v2​​

• Capacity and Power: The 3000 v2 has a capacity of 3,072Wh and a continuous output of 3,600W, and can even surge up to 7,200W. No matter if you want to keep your fridge running smoothly, heat up your dinner in the microwave, or get warm with an electric heater, this generator will give you reliable support.
• All-Climate Adaptability: Thanks to the 3000 v2, your home can stay nice and warm in the middle of December and the outdoor temperature has plummeted to -20°C. This solar generator isn’t just built for user in the cold; it also works great in temperatures up to 65°C. So, it’s perfect for use throughout the year, no matter where you are in the UK, whether it’s the cold northern parts of Scotland or the sunnier southern regions.
• Charging and Control: With AC charging, you’ll be fully powered up in a mere 1.8 hours—or opt for solar panels for a eco-friendly approach, fully charged in 3.5 hours with five SolarSaga panels. And with our smart app control via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, you can monitor your battery status, adjust settings, or check power usage right from your smartphone.​
• Additional Features: The 3000 v2 has a wide range of outputs, including AC, USB-C, and USB-A ports, so it can meet the needs of all your appliances. There is an LCD display that provides clear and intuitive access to essential information, including battery charge level, input/output wattage, and estimated runtime.
• Best for: Big families that use a lot of electricity, especially if they have lots of appliances or devices running at the same time. It’s also perfect for families living in places with changing weather, since it works well in all kinds of climates and comes with smart control features.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus​

• Expandable Capacity: Imagine starting with a power bank of 2,042Wh in your home that can effortlessly scale up to 12kWh – this is the flexibility offered by the Jackery 2000 Plus. For families in the UK who might not need extensive energy storage now but are looking to build it over time, this device is the perfect match. With more and more British households considering emergency power solutions, the 2000 Plus stands out due to its remarkable expandability.
• Power Output: The 2000 Plus flaunts a continuous power output of 3,000W and a peak power of 6,000W, which is more than adequate to power everything from laptops to small refrigerators.
• Solar Charging: The 2000 Plus comes with state-of-the-art IBC technology. It can be fully charged in just two hours by using six 200W solar panels. This incredibly fast charging system makes solar energy an even more reliable and convenient choice.​
• Additional Features: With a handle that folds up for easy carrying, the 2000 Plus was made with portability in mind. In addition, it has several safety features, such as short-circuit and overvoltage protection.
• Best for: If you’re a medium-sized household (2-4 people) in search of an affordable yet scalable backup power solution, then the 2000 Plus is undoubtedly your go-to choice. It’s especially suited for those wishing to start with a modest investment and gradually increase their power storage based on actual needs.​

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus​

• Compact and Portable: 1000 Plus one of the most portable solar generators in Jackery’s range. You will surely love this solar generator, weighing no more than a medium-sized suitcase – only 32 pounds (about 14.5 kilograms). It is perfect for those who love weekend getaways or urban adventures. Besides its powerful 1264Wh capacity, it can be expanded to an astonishing 5kWh with additional battery packs, reducing the “power anxiety” during outdoor activities.
• Power Output: It offers reliable continuous power output up to 2000W and a peak power of 4000W, sufficient to support most household appliances. A user, Stephen used this power generator to charge his smartphone, run his laptop, and even power a small fan and refrigerator for several hours, saying it was “simply amazing”.
• Long-Lasting Battery: This device uses LiFePO4 battery cells, providing a lifespan of up to 10 years or 4000 charging cycles. It is a reliable long-term investment! For British consumers who value quality of life, this represents an ideal solution that not only protects the environment but also reduces electricity bills in daily life.
• Additional Features: Even users who are not familiar with technology can easily get started. Simply press the power button to easily connect devices through its intuitive interface.
• Best for: Small households, flats, or as a secondary backup power source for larger homes. It is also suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and is an ideal portable power source for camping or tailgate parties, truly achieving “power anytime, anywhere.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Generators for Home Use​

How much sunlight do I need to recharge a solar generator?​

It’ s a bit like asking how long it takes to fill a kettle—depends on the size of the kettle and how strong the tap is. Here, the “kettle” is your generator’s capacity, and the “tap” is your solar panel’s size. Even in the UK’s famously moody weather, modern panels are clever enough to catch power on overcast days—no need for endless blue skies. A 200W panel, for instance, can generate 130-170Wh on a bright day in the Lake District or Sussex Downs. To fully charge a Jackery 1000 Plus (1264Wh) with one, you’re looking at 7-8 hours in the sun, or a bit longer if it’s cloudier than a Manchester morning.

Then there’s the art of positioning. Think of your panel like a sunbather—face it south (our sun’s favourite direction) and tilt it to around 51-55 degrees (roughly the UK’s latitude), and it’ll soak up every last ray. Get that right, and even a drizzly afternoon in Wales won’t slow your charge down too much.

Can a solar generator power my entire house?​

Not quite—think of it as a trusty emergency kit, not a full pantry. It’s there to cover the essentials when the lights go out, not stock every shelf. When the grid stutters, you will want the solar generator to keep the fridge humming (so your Sunday roast leftovers don’t turn into science experiments), the lights glowing (to stop you tripping over the cat in the hallway), or a vital medical device ticking along. To size it right, list those non-negotiables, note their “appetite” for power, and multiply by how long they will need feeding each day—that’s your recipe for the perfect match.

Take the Jackery 3000 v2, our roomiest model. Its 3072Wh capacity is like a sturdy cooler: it can keep a full-size fridge chilled for 5 hours, power Wi-Fi and lights for 20+ hours, or charge phones and laptops until the next delivery arrives. Need to stretch further? Add extra batteries or more generators—our 2000 Plus is a pro at this, expanding like a well-tended raised bed to fit more.

Are solar generators noisy?​

Not a peep—they’re as quiet as a library mouse, a world away from their rowdy petrol-guzzling cousins. Those old-school generators roar like a lawnmower, belching fumes and waking the street; but solar ones? They hum along in silence, running on stored battery power with all the commotion of a sleeping cat. Quiet generators make them godsends for residential areas. They’re perfect for places where quiet and peace matters: near schools during exam time, hospitals, or tight-knit terrace. Quiet, clean, and considerate—what’s not to like?

How long do the batteries in solar generators last?​

Jackery’s solar generators come equipped with top-of-the-line LiFePO4 batteries, and they’re real troopers. Take the 1000 Plus model, for example – its battery can clock up a whopping 4,000 charge cycles, which translates to roughly 10 years of reliable service with regular use. Whether you’re powering fairy lights in the conservatory during a winter evening or keeping your phone juiced up on a weekend camping trip in the Lake District, it’s got your back. Even after those 4,000 cycles roll by, it’ll still retain around 70% of its original strength – not too shabby at all!

If you’re keen to give that battery a longer lease on life, nailing the dos and don’ts of charging and storage is a must. That means avoiding overcharging it like you’d avoid leaving the kettle on, steering clear of draining it completely (no need to push it to the edge!), and tucking the generator away in a cool, dry spot – maybe a corner of the garage or a tidy cupboard – when it’s taking a break.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home​

When it comes to selecting a solar generator for your home, there are a few key things to weigh up: the size of your household, how often the lights go out in your neck of the woods (and for how long), and which gadgets and appliances you can’t do without during outage. If you live in a remote area with a small home where a storm could knock out power for days, the Jackery 3000 v2 might be your best choice due to its large battery capacity. But if you’re in a snappy city flat where outages are over before you’ve finished your cuppa, the 1000 Plus ticks all the boxes: compact, affordable, and just the job.​

Don’t forget to factor in the upfront cost and any extra bits you might need, like solar panels. Sure, solar setups cost more to start with than your bog-standard generator, but they’re cheaper to run long-term – no need to stock up on petrol or diesel, after all. And they stick around longer too, making them a savvy bet for the years ahead.​

All in all, getting a solar generator isn’t just about having a backup when the power cuts out. It’s about keeping your home safe, comfy, and ticking along – whether you’re keeping the central heating on during a winter outage or making sure the kids can finish their homework when the lights go off. With Jackery’s range of solar generators, there’s something to suit every home, from a terraced house in Manchester to a cottage in the Cotswolds.