Shopping for a 5kW solar generator?
You’ve come to the right place.
What Can A 5kW Solar Generator Power?
A solar generator with an output of 5kW (5000W) is a pretty powerful one. Most portable solar generators have an output ranging between 150W and 3000W. 3000W+ solar generators are few, but we are starting to see more of them in the market.
With 5kW of output, you can not only run any household appliance, you can power multiple appliances at the same time. This makes 5kW solar generators excellent for home backup or off-grid power.
You can even integrate the solar generator into your home circuit such that it powers outlets and appliances directly.
A 5kW solar generator is also capable of running high consumption appliances and systems such as HVAC systems, water heaters, induction cookers, electric ovens and garage heaters.
Some of these generators can be converted into 220-240V systems to run things like air conditioners, dryers and well pumps.
What’s In This Guide?
Contents
In this buying guide, I recommend the best 5000W solar generators currently in the market. Not all the top picks have a 5000W output exactly. I also include solar generators with output a bit higher than 5kW just to make sure you have plenty of options to select from.
Some of my top picks produce 5000W or more of power only in a 240V setup. These are ideal if you want to power 240V appliances or if you have 240V wiring in your home, RV or boat.
If you are shopping for an even more powerful solar generator (e.g., one that can power your entire home), see my reviews of the best 10kW solar generators.Best 5000W Solar Generators
- 1Our Top Pick: Bluetti AC500 + B300S
- 2Best 240V: EcoFlow Delta Pro
- 3Best High Capacity: Bluetti EP500Pro
- 4Best Expandable: Hysolis Apollo 5K
- 5Best With Split Phase Inverter: Hysolis SPS6K
Bluetti AC500 + B300S
Our top pick
5kW/120V, 10kW/240V output
3072Wh LiFePO4 battery
Expandable:
Yes, to 18.4kWhMax solar input
3000WAC charging time
1hrWarranty
4yrs
EcoFlow Delta Pro
Best 240V
3.6kW/120V, 7.2kW/240V output
3600Wh LiFePO4 battery
Expandable:
Yes, to 25kWhMax solar input
1600WAC charging time
2.7-3hrsWarranty
5yrs
Bluetti EP500Pro
Best high capacity
3kw/120V, 6kW/240V output
5100Wh LiFePO4 battery
Expandable:
NoMax solar input
2400WAC charging time
3.3hrsWarranty
5yrs
Hysolis Apollo 5K
Most expandable
3kW/120V output expandable to 27kW
5376Wh LiFePO4 battery
Expandable:
Yes, to 48.4kWhMax solar input
4000WAC charging time
1.8hrsWarranty
2yrs (3yrs for battery)
Hysolis SPS6K
Best with split phase inverter
3kw/120V, 6kW/240V output
19200Wh GEL lead-acid batteries
Expandable:
YesMax solar input
5400WAC charging time
Not specifiedWarranty
2yrs (3yrs for battery)
1. Our Top Pick: Bluetti AC500 + B300S
Bluetti is one of the companies that’s introducing larger solar generators in the market that can provide longer home backup and reliable off-grid power.
One of their newest and largest solar generators is the Bluetti AC500 + B300S kit. This is a modular system consisting of the 5000W AC500 power module and the 3072Wh B300S LiFePO4 battery.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
The Bluetti AC500 + B300S comes as a modular system with the main power module and the battery pack separate.
This makes it easier to transport the solar generator. It also allows you to replace the battery without replacing the entire solar generator.
The AC500 power module houses a powerful 5000W pure sine wave inverter with a peak output of 10,000W.
The LiFePO4 battery pack has a capacity of 3072Wh, but you can expand this up to 18,432Wh by connecting five additional batteries.
You can set up a 240V split phase system that doubles continuous output to 10,000W and capacity to 6144Wh (expandable to 36.8kWh).
16 Outlets And Home Integration
You can integrate the AC500 + B300S into your home grid and use it as an off-grid power system or a UPS system to back up your home.
Alternatively, plug devices and appliances directly into the AC500. It has 16 outlets including six AC sockets, two DC ports, six USB ports and two wireless charging pads.
Fast Charging
With high-capacity and expandable solar generators, you want fast charging performance. You should be able to charge one or multiple batteries in a few hours.
The Bluetti AC500 + B300S doesn't disappoint. Here are the various charging options.
You can also charge the B300S from a lead-acid battery, a gas generator or your vehicle’s 12V/24V port.
Issues & Limitations
Limited Expansion
The Bluetti AC500 + B300S is more expandable than other Bluetti solar generators. Most people will find the max capacity of 18.4kWh to be more than enough.
But for the few that need a lot more capacity than this, then the AC500 + B300S is not the best pick. Try the Hysolis Apollo 5K instead. It is expandable to 48.4kWh.
2. Best 240V: EcoFlow Delta Pro
If you are looking for a solar generator that can produce 5000W or more of 240V power, I recommend the EcoFlow Delta Pro.
A single unit produces 3600W 120V power. But with a second Delta Pro and the EcoFlow double voltage hub, you get up to 7200W 240V power.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
The EcoFlow Delta Pro has a continuous output of 3600W and a capacity of 3600Wh. Once you set it up as a 240V split phase system, output doubles to 7200W/240V and capacity also doubles to 7200Wh.
The double voltage hub has a pair of 20 amp 240V outlets where you can plug in 240V appliances. There’s also a 30 amp outlet you can use to supply 240V power to your RV or home.
Expandable Capacity
If you were to use all the available 7200W output, you’d drain the two batteries in the Delta Pros in less than an hour.
That’s why EcoFlow lets you add more batteries to your setup. You can power large appliances for longer.
Each Delta Pro solar generator can be expanded to 25kWh. So you can add a total of 50kWh to the entire 240V setup. That’s enough capacity to run your home for several days.
Multiple Outlets
Each EcoFlow Delta Pro comes with a wide variety of outlets. There are five 120V AC outlets, though these are non-functional when you are drawing 240V power from the two Delta Pros.
But you can use the rest of the outlets including the 12V/30A RV port, six USB ports and three DC outlets.
Versatile Charging Options
The EcoFlow Delta Pro is not the fastest charging solar generator, but it’s not slow either. But what we like most about its charging performance is the range of options you have.
Issues & Limitations
Relatively Slow Solar Charging
The 1600W max solar input of the EcoFlow Delta Pro is less than most other solar generators of comparable capacity.
It charges slower in the sun compared to the Bluetti AC500 + B300S, the Bluetti EP500Pro and the Hysolis Apollo 5K. Charging slows down even more once you add extra batteries to the Delta Pro.
No Split Phase Dual Charging
One of the limitations of the Delta Pro’s split phase system is that you cannot charge the two solar generators at the same time. You have to charge them separately.
Bluetti has a more convenient charging method. They sell a split phase AC charger for their 240V solar generators. It charges both solar generators simultaneously while they are still connected.
3. Best High Capacity: Bluetti EP500Pro
With a capacity of 5100Wh, the Bluetti EP500Pro is one of the largest solar generators. It’s a great pick for anyone shopping for a solar generator that offers lots of capacity without needing additional batteries.
On the downside, the EP500Pro is not expandable at all.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
On its own, the Bluetti EP500Pro produces up to 3000W of power. If you want 5kW or more of power, you need to set up a split phase 240V system.
Combine two Bluetti EP500Pro units with the Bluetti Fusion Box to get up to 6000W of 240V power. Via the fusion box you can directly power a 240V circuit or plug in 240V appliances.
You can also run regular 110/120V appliances, but you’ll need an adapter. If you just want 120V power, get the Bluetti AC500 + B300S instead. It has a 5kW inverter.
Massive Capacity
Many solar generators top out at 3000Wh to 3500Wh capacity. To get more capacity beyond that, you have to connect extra battery packs.
In contrast, the Bluetti EP500Pro offers 5100Wh capacity in a single relatively compact unit. That’s enough capacity to back up part of your home for a day or several days.
You can also power an RV, boat or camper van.
The battery is a LiFePO4 type of battery, so you can be sure it will last a long time.
With the huge battery, the Bluetti EP500Pro is of course a lot heavier than other solar generators. It weighs 167lbs. But at least it comes with wheels for easier mobility.
Versatile Outlets & Easy Home Integration
The Bluetti EP500Pro has an outlet for just about any appliance or device. It has four 110V AC outlets and a 30A outlet for powering larger appliances. You can also use this power to power your RV.
For devices, you get eight options: two USB-C 100W PD ports, four USB-A ports, and two 15W wireless charging pads.
If you need DC power, there are three 12V outlets plus a 12V/30A outlet for RVs and boats.
240V power is only accessible via the AC outlet on the fusion box. You can plug 240V appliances directly into the NEMA L14-30 outlet or wire the outlet to a circuit via a breaker panel.
When you wire the EP500Pro directly to your home for backup (either in 120V or split phase 240V mode), you can use the UPS mode in the solar generator to ensure it takes over automatically when mains power goes out.
Fast Charging
The Bluetti EP500Pro accepts up to 2400W solar power. If you max out your solar array, you could recharge the 5.1kWh battery in just 2.7 hours.
AC input from a wall outlet is 3000W, which recharges the EP500Pro in 3.3 hours.
The EP500Pro has dual AC + solar charging which charges it in a quick 1.8 hours.
Issues & Limitations
Not Expandable
Before getting the EP500 Pro, you have to be sure the 5100Wh capacity is all you’ll ever need. That’s because it’s not expandable.
If you are setting up a split phase 240V system, the max available capacity is 10200Wh.
4. Best Expandable: Hysolis Apollo 5K
If you need a lot more capacity than any of the other solar generators offer, get the Hysolis Apollo 5K. It’s one of the most expandable solar generators in the market, both in capacity and power output.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
The Apollo 5K is another high-capacity solar generator. It actually edges out the Bluetti EP500Po. It comes with a 5376Wh LiFePO4 battery.
But what really sets the Apollo 5K apart is just how much you can expand it. You can expand each solar generator up to 48.4kWh by connecting up to 8 additional batteries.
The Apollo 5K has an optional 240V split phase power feature. So with two of the solar generators, max capacity is 96.8kWh.
Expandable Power Output
Another unique feature of the Hysolis Apollo 5K is that you can also expand output. The solar generator produces up to 3000W/120V of AC power.
You can connect a second unit to get 6000W/120V power. In fact, you can connect up to 9 Apollo 5K solar generators to get a total output of 27kW/120V power.
If you want to power your entire home with the Hysolis Apollo 5K, you can do it. Just calculate how much power all the appliances in your home consume, and then get enough Apollo 5K units to match it.
Multiple Outlets
As with other large solar generators, it’s possible to wire the Apollo 5K to power your home either as a backup or an off-grid power source.
It even has a UPS feature so it takes over instantly when power goes out.
You can also run appliances and charge devices directly off the solar generator. It has six 15A outlets and a more powerful 120V/30A outlet for connecting the solar generator to your home, boat or RV.
There are also four 12V ports, including a 30A RV port, plus four USB ports and a wireless charging pad.
Super Fast Charging
The Hysolis Apollo 5K has some of the fastest charging speeds we have seen in a solar generator.
Its max solar input is 4000W. If you have an array of this size, you can charge the massive battery in about 90 minutes.
The fast solar charging will be handy when you expand the solar generator. If you double the capacity to 10.7kWh, you can charge the batteries in just three hours.
Charging from a wall outlet is also fast. Max input from the charger is 3000W, which charges the Apollo 5K in about two hours.
You can combine solar and AC charging to recharge the Apollo 5K in 70 minutes.
Issues & Limitations
The only issue I have with the Hysolis Apollo 5K is the relatively short warranty. The manufacturer offers a 2yr warranty on the solar generator and a 3yr warranty on the battery pack.
This is in contrast to the 4 or 5 year warranties offered by brands like EcoFlow and Bluetti.
5. Best With Split Phase Inverter: Hysolis SPS6K
Most of the solar generators I have reviewed above can deliver 240V power, but only when connected to a second solar generator.
The Hysolis SPS6K comes with a built-in split phase inverter, meaning you don't need to connect it to a similar unit to get 240V power. You can switch from 120V to 240V power whenever you want.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
The Hysolis SPS6K solar generator is huge. It’s a massive 1300-pound cabinet.
The reason it’s so big and heavy is that it’s filled with batteries. It has a capacity of 19.2kWh, probably making it the largest solar generator you can buy.
It’s perfect for home backup or if you want a reliable off-grid solar generator for your cabin, RV, boat or shed.
Split Phase Inverter
The Hysolis SPS6K comes ready with a split phase inverter that can switch from 120V to 240V at any time. You don't need a second SPS6K to power 240V appliances.
The inverter produces 3000W/120V power in single phase mode and 6000W/240V power in split phase mode.
There are four 120V and four 240V outlets. You can also wire the SPS6K directly to a 120V or 240V circuit using the 240V/120V 25A hardwired AC output.
Fast Solar Charging
If you were impressed by the Apollo 5K’s 4000W max solar input, you’ll love the Hysolis SPS6K’s charging performance even more.
It accepts up to 5400W solar power, which is great since there are many batteries to recharge.
AC charging is, however, very slow. The AC charger is rated at max 1200W input.
Issues & Limitations
Not Lithium Ion
It’s rare to find a solar generator that doesn't use lithium batteries. So it’s a surprise to see the SPS6K with GEL lead-acid batteries.
These batteries are heavier, charge slower and don't last as long as Li-ion or LiFePO4 batteries.
They also have a lower depth of discharge. If you want them to last long, you should not discharge them below 50%. So in reality, available capacity is 9600Wh, not 19200Wh.
Big and Heavy
The Hysolis SPS6K weighs almost 1300 pounds. If you are looking for a smaller and lighter 5kW+ solar generator, this is not it.
Slow Solar Charging
Input from the included AC charger is 1.2kW, which is very little for a solar generator of this size.
If you get the Hysolis SPS6K, you should plan to charge it mostly with solar. You can use the AC charger just to top it up or maintain it.
Pricey
I don't recommend the Hysolis SPS6K if you are shopping for a budget of even a mid-range solar generator. It costs almost $9,000 and that’s before you buy solar panels, which you absolutely need (remember AC charging is dreadfully slow).
5.5kW worth of solar panels (which get you to the max input of 5400W) costs almost $5,000 on the Hysolis website.
Why Get A 5kW Solar Generator?
Solar generators with an output of 3kW or less are adequate for most situations including running appliances, camping, RVs and home backup.
But there are some situations where 5kW or more of power is useful. Here are some of them.
5kW Solar Generator Buying Guide: 5 Things To Look For
Don’t just check the Kilowatts when picking the right 5kW+ solar generator. Things like capacity, type of AC power and charging performance are important, too.
Here are the top five things to consider when shopping for a 5kW solar generator.
Power Output
If you want a minimum 5kW solar generator, make sure the one you pick produces at least 5000W of continuous AC power.
Double check that it is continuous output, not surge or peak output. Continuous output is the actual amount of power it can produce continuously.
Surge/peak output is the max power a solar generator produces for a few seconds (or milliseconds) to provide high startup power for things like fridges and power tools.
Also, check if the power output is 120V or 240V.
120V solar generators with an output beyond 3000W are hard to find. In fact, among our top picks, only the Bluetti AC500 + B300S produces 5000W, 120V power (though you can expand the Hysolis Apollo 5K to produce more than 5000W).
All the others need to be set up as a 240V split phase system to produce more than 5000W.
So if you want a solar generator to power 240V appliances or to connect to a 240V circuit, there are plenty to choose from.
Capacity & Expandability
Next, determine how much capacity you need. Generally, with a 5kW solar generator, you also want plenty of capacity to ensure you don't deplete the battery too quickly when you plug in large appliances.
I recommend getting a minimum 3kWh (3000Wh) solar generator. This will double to 6kWh when you link two solar generators to produce split phase 240V power.
I also highly recommend getting an expandable solar generator. This allows you to connect additional batteries should you need more capacity later on.
The ability to expand capacity is especially important for home backup and off-grid living. You can expand your solar generator’s capacity to backup your home for longer or power more appliances in your off-grid home.
Type of Battery
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are the best for large solar generators. They are safer, they charge fast and they last a long time.
A LiFePO4 battery is especially important if you plan to use the solar generator daily or often. Compared to traditional Li-ion and lead acid batteries, LiFePO4 batteries can last 10+ years with daily use.
Li-ion batteries typically last 3-5 years, while lead acid batteries last 2-3 years.
One downside of lithium phosphate batteries is that they make solar generators heavier. But 5kW solar generators are not designed for portability, so the added weight is usually not a big deal.
Home/RV Integration
When you want to back up your home or power an off-grid house or RV, it’s usually easier to wire the solar generator directly to the circuit.
Instead of plugging individual appliances into the solar generator, you can power everything right where it is.
Most 5kW solar generators have a home integration option. This will usually be a 30 amp 120V or 240V outlet that you wire to a breaker panel or an automatic transfer switch.
If you are using the solar generator for home backup, get one with a UPS function. It will automatically take over when the mains power goes out so you don't experience any interruptions.
If you are getting a 5kW solar generator for an RV, boat or camper van, look for one with an RV outlet. Most large solar generators have two RV ports: a 30A/120V port for powering an AC circuit and a 30A/12V port for powering a DC circuit.
Outlets
If you plan to plug appliances directly into the solar generator, make sure it has a wide range of outlets.
Check that there are at least 3-5 AC sockets, two or three DC outputs and a variety of USB outlets (including USB-C) for recharging devices. Some solar generators even have a wireless charging pad.
Charging Performance
Because 5kW solar generators also tend to have large batteries, charging performance is really important. It’s even more important if you plan to expand your solar generator’s capacity.
A slow charging solar generator will take forever to recharge and can leave you without power when you need it most.
Large solar generators typically have three recharge options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 5kW solar generator power an entire home?
It depends on the size of your home and how much electricity you consume. But generally, a 5kW solar generator cannot power the average American home.
If you combine the power usage of all the appliances plus the AC, lights and other electronics, it would likely surpass 5kW.
What a 5kW solar generator can do is power a part of your home. You can wire it to run a number circuits connected to select appliances.
If you have a tiny home or an off-grid cabin, a 5kW solar generator could probably power a large part or your entire home since you have fewer and smaller appliances.
Can a 5kW solar generator power an RV?
Yes, a 5kW solar generator can power even large RVs and motorhomes. But be careful with things like AC and water heaters as they can consume an exceptionally large amount of power.
They may also need 240V power, which requires a split phase solar generator .
One thing you can do to ensure a 5kW solar generator does not overload when powering an RV is to avoid running too many large appliances at the same time.
For instance, if the AC is running, don’t turn on the oven.
Can a 5kW solar generator power an AC?
Air conditioners, including portable, window and central air conditioners, are rated at between 500 and 4000 watts.
So, yes, a 5kW solar generator can power an AC, including a home HVAC system. But depending on how much capacity the solar generator has, it may not power it for long.
If you plan to use a solar generator to power an AC or some other high-power appliance like a garage heater, water heater or a cooking range, consider expanding capacity to get more runtime.
Also, check if the AC uses 120V or 240V power. If it needs the latter, you’ll need to set up a split phase system with two solar generators.
