Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Thursday, March 27th
Rocksolar is a provider of clean energy solutions, specializing in sustainable technologies designed to empower homes, businesses, and communities worldwide. They want to deliver reliable and innovative energy products that support a greener, more sustainable future.
Lightweight batteries
Rocksolar solar generators use a very light battery - at only 2.65 pounds, that is a very portable power solution. These very light batteries are also pretty powerful. Unfortunately, it takes a very long time to charge them.
Solar pump combination available
The Rocksolar Cottage Life Series is designed to be more than a power source. It includes a 24V 1/3 HP Brushless Solar DC Submersible Well Pump - a powerful water supply solution designed for solar technology. It can also operate a mini fridge, an LCD TV, lighting, and more.
Priced below $1,200
Rocksolar has very low prices, with the Weekender 80W 88Wh Portable Power Station listed at only $99, although it's an additional $75.99 for a solar panel and USB charger. Even the higher-wattage solar generators, like the Rocksolar Nomad Pro 400W 444Wh Portable Solar Generator Kit, are priced safely in the three-digit zone at $549, which includes a 100W solar panel.
Free shipping
Like many other solar generator companies, Rocksolar offers free shipping initially. However, if there is a problem with the unit, in almost every case, the customer will be responsible for return shipping.
Customers may face additional fees
The exclusions on the warranty are somewhat intimidating, with Rocksolar emphasizing that if they don't believe the defect is a manufacturing problem, the customer will be responsible for shipping, handling, tariffs, duties, taxes, and other fees. This requires the product to be returned to the place of purchase or a location requested by the company, along with the original sales receipt. Because Rocksolar isn't very clear as to where their headquarters are, some customers may be surprised with international shipping fees and tariffs.
Not recommended because of lack of transparency and reviews
The website and many reviews on the web would indicate that, for the most part, the Rocksolar brand is a pretty good generator. Unfortunately, there are reports that the company may encourage the deletion of one-star reviews. Other customers say that the generators stop working within months, and other customers complain that the products arrived defective. Reaching out to customer service can be quite challenging, let alone getting a solution to your issues. In addition, Rocksolar tried to use aggressive legal tactics to take a web domain name from a small business. They insisted they were a US company, but the court found that they were indeed located internationally and had not met the requirements of proof to proceed with a case. It should be no surprise, given all of that, to see that we recommend going with another solar generator brand. Rocksolar isn't a company we trust.
Solar generators are portable power stations that combine batteries with solar panels to provide electricity even in remote areas. Some also allow you to charge your battery via a power outlet or even a wind turbine. Solar generators are an emerging and ever-improving technology.
However, not all solar generators are meant for the same purposes. If you're looking for something to take on a camping trip, it's going to be different from a solar generator designed to power a whole house. You need to know how you're going to use your solar generator before you buy one.
The majority of solar generator companies are Chinese-based, most likely because China began research and development on solar generators in the late 1990s, a little ahead of the US market. Knowing where the company is truly headquartered does make a difference in the customer experience. When problems arise, customers can end up surprised by steep international shipping charges for repairs or experience a slow customer service response because of vast time differences. Don't assume that a solar generator company is close to you based on the fact that a shipping facility is near you. Often repairs need to be shipped back to the headquarters of the company.
New technology companies may only have an estimate of how the product will perform over time, so they use customers to test the technology in real life. Many DIY enthusiasts know this and don't mind the risks, as they use know-how and experience to repair or replace parts. If you don't want to spend a lot of money knowing you will be in for some repairs or faulty products, go with a company that has a product that's been tested through years of regular use.
It can be overwhelming trying to narrow down the solar generator that is the perfect fit. You can consider the following criteria to help you to find the best solar generator for your needs:
To help you find the best solar generator for you, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the most popular companies on the market. Use our research to choose the solar generator that will power the devices you need, at a price you can afford, and with the longevity you expect from your investment!
Select any 2 Solar Generators to compare them head to head