Thursday, March 27th
2025 Solar Generator Reviews
Vigorpool
- Prices from around $549 up to around $1,700
- App to configure settings and get live information
- All ports are on the front and back, fits easier in tight spaces
- 10ms UPS won't damage your devices
- Power 12 devices simultaneously
Vigorpool, a solar generator company headquartered in Hong Kong and China and with branches in the United States, offers a line of solar generators with the mission to "create quality portable power stations that are reliable and affordable.” Their goal is to deliver quality design and functionality and make clean power available to all.
Prices are competitive
Vigorpool's solar generators are priced competitively, although solar panels must be added on - they don't offer a comprehensive solar generator kit. The oft-reviewed influencer favorite Captain 700 starts at $599 and can be fully charged in 1.5 hours using 5 recharging methods. It can also be used as an uninterrupted power supply and can power 13 devices at once. It can be controlled using a remote control, too.
Nice design
The design is nice and efficient with plenty of outlets to charge many devices. Charging ports and outlets are on the front and back of the unit, which makes it easier to fit a Vigorpool solar generator in tight spaces. It can power 12 devices at a time as well.
UPS functionality
The website states that power can switch within 10 milliseconds, making it safe to use as a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply).
App available
There is an app available that is integral in using Vigorpool solar generators, available for iOS and Android. The Chinese-branded app seems to be doing better than the American version, which at the time of this review was rated 1.8 out of 5 by customers. Complaints abound regarding the usability of the app. Users cannot update the app, the app crashes, and one customer reported that when she couldn't connect to her solar generator, she did not get a response for several days when she attempted to contact customer service.
Lack of information
There are few reviews on Vigorpool solar generators and very little information about Vigorpool as a company. There are virtually no reviews online that are not compensated as affiliates. Even more problematic are the reports of terrible customer service. Customers report that they call the customer service phone number only to be sent to voicemail or disconnected before anyone can answer. With the amount of money consumers are spending, they deserve more information about the company.
Warranty policy
The warranty period for Vigorpool Power Products is 2 years. The purchase period starts from the purchase date by the original buyer. To define the start date, a sales receipt or other reasonable proof of the first consumer's purchase is required. The warranty is void if the solar generator is purchased from any third-party website or dealer. The warranty does not clarify who would pay for return shipping for repairs or generator replacements. This is another example of a lack of details on the Vigorpool website.
A risky choice
With the amount of money you are spending, you deserve to be able to access details about warranty policies and who is in charge of the company. This is not available for Vigorpool. We would say that this is a below-average pick for solar generators, and we recommend that you look at the higher-ranking brands on our list before committing to Vigorpool.
More Solar Generator Reviews
Where Can You Find the Best Solar Power Generators?
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.
Solar Generator FAQ
Continued from above...
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:
- Type of battery. Solar generators are outfitted with one of two batteries: lead-based or lithium-based. Lead-based solar generators are very heavy, many weighing over 100 pounds. Lithium-based solar generators can weigh 7 pounds and power about as much as your heavy lead-based solar generator. Lithium-based generators are more efficient and will last longer, while lead-based solar generators are cheaper. Lithium generally gives more advantages.
- Honesty and transparency. Some companies based in China make significant efforts to conceal this fact - not a good way for a brand to engender trust, so you might want to opt for a company that is more forthright. No matter what the website says about being "from” Texas or how many cowboy hat photos there are , if you can't find a lot of information online about the people who run the company or the company itself, assume it's based in China and adjust expectations accordingly or shop somewhere more transparent.
- Longevity. The majority of influencer reviews on the internet evaluate a brand-new, unopened solar generator that the company sent to them at no cost. Most do a great job reviewing those new solar generators. However, what you really want to look for are updates or follow-ups attesting to whether or not the unit still works after 6-18 months of regular use.
- Warranty. Make sure to read the warranty and return policies thoroughly and then try calling or contacting customer service and see how easy it is to get through to them. Ask them questions and see how knowledgeable they appear.
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!
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