Renogy Solar Generators - Complete Reviews + Pros and Cons
Short on Time? Here’s The Article Summary
The article compares three Renogy solar generators: the Renogy Lycan, Renogy Phoenix 300, and Renogy Phoenix 100, to help readers choose between solar and gas generators. Renogy, a Louisiana-based company, has been a major player in solar products since 2010. The Renogy Lycan is a portable, silent generator suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It features sine wave inversion technology for safe AC power and has multiple AC and USB ports. The generator can be charged using solar panels or an AC wall outlet.
The Renogy Phoenix 300 is a compact, all-in-one unit ideal for camping and charging small electronics. It has a 300W output, multiple ports, and can be charged using solar panels, AC, or DC adapters. The Renogy Phoenix 100 is a miniature power station suitable for charging 110V devices. It is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, making it ideal for camping and powering small appliances.
Introduction
Wherever you go, you want to make sure that your appliances are charged and powered up.
If you are caught between the battle of solar generator vs gas generator, allow us to help you pick a side by highlighting some of the best Renogy solar generators.
After reading this review, you will know which solar generator is the one for your needs.
3 Best Renogy Solar Generators (Our Review)
About Renogy
Initially based in Louisiana, Renogy has been able to make its products available to the rest of the world whilst changing the way that we use energy.
Renogy started in 2010 and has been supplying battery products and solar panels ever since.
We will be looking at 3 of Renogy’s solar powered generators: The Renogy Lycan, the Renogy Phoenix 300, and the Renogy Phoenix 100.
These solar generators are not to be confused with the solar hybrid generators as those combine solar power with gas fuel.
Renogy Lycan
Overall Assessment
Renogy Lycan is a portable solar generator that allows for AC functionality. It bears a resemblance to a traveling suitcase as it’s equipped with wheels and a telescoping handle.
Many people are turned away because they think solar generators are noisy. Well, you will be pleased to know that this generator is completely silent, unlike generators that run on gas. This makes it easy to use both indoors and outdoors.
The Renogy Lycan uses sine wave inversion technology to provide clean and safe AC power to smaller electronic devices. This also allows for fast charging to those devices without overcharging their circuits and frying them.
You can use the Lycan to charge any AC-powered appliances like heaters or a low-energy toaster. It has 4 AC plugs along with 4 USB ports.
After using a portable fan for 12 hours, the battery capacity of the Renogy Lycan decreased by only 40%.
You can charge the Lycan using solar panels up to 300W or using an AC wall outlet with the included cable. Charging the Lycan with a solar panel can take up to 6 hours, whilst using an AC wall outlet will take up to 12 hours.
The Lycan is also an emp-proof solar generator, meaning that it’s safe from short circuits from overcharging systems.
Unique Features
If you are using the generator for a long time, a built-in fan automatically kicks in and ensures that it doesn’t overheat.
One neat feature is the easy-to-read LCD display that shows information such as the battery life, voltage, and whether you are using an AC or DC output.
Should you ever be stuck in the dark, there’s an emergency floodlight above the generator that can be toggled on or off.
Who is it for?
The Lycan is great for outdoor camping, RV trips, or if you need a silent indoor generator.
If you’re in the wild and need to power your gadgets, the Lycan has you covered. The same applies if you‘re at home and experience power outages or disasters.
Renogy Phoenix 300
Overall Assessment
The Renogy Phoenix 300 is a portable solar power supply unit the size of a lunchbox. Being small makes carrying the unit around a simple task.
Phoenix generators are all-in-one devices, ideal for charging small electronics. They’re designed for camping trips or any situation where you need power on the go. The 300 in the name indicates the 300W maximum power output.
The design of the generator goes for an old boombox aesthetic, which gives it a nice charm over others.
It has a conveniently placed handle at the top of the unit, adding to the mobility of the generator.
It’s charged using solar panels, but can also be powered using the AC or DC adapter, adding to the unit’s versatility. The Renogy Phoenix 300 takes about 8 hours to charge fully.
You aren’t limited to a set of specific solar panels when it comes to charging the unit, but you must ensure that the panel has an operating voltage between 12 to 25 volts to get an efficient full charge.
Smaller devices like cell phones will give you up to 55 hours of use, while more power-hungry devices like laptops allow for 6 to 10 hours of use.
Unique Features
The Phoenix 300 has a variety of ports, from standard USB to an extra USB Type C port.
It also has a D-TAP port for those who carry around cameras or lights which we appreciate.
There’s a built-in emergency lighting system on the sides of the generator that can alternate between a strobe light or a constant beam.
Who is it for?
We recommend the Renogy Phoenix 300 for those who camp or go on RV trips and want to have a light and easy-to-carry generator.
Since the generator is so light, you can pick it up and take it wherever you please without having to worry about it hauling pounds of batteries across the country.
Renogy Phoenix 100
Overall Assessment
The Renogy Phoenix 100 is a miniature portable power station with enough power to use 110V devices.
There’s a USB 3.0 and a USB Type C port that gives you a 5V DC output at 2.4A. It also has an AC port at the top of the power station that generates 110V peaking at 100W.
This allows you to charge more power-hungry devices like laptops while you’re on the road. We recommend using the Phoenix 100 for smaller appliances as it will allow the batteries to last longer.
The Renogy Phoenix 100 weighs 17.8 ounces and is 5.8 inches tall, slightly larger than a soda can. This makes it super easy to carry and allows you to take it wherever you go.
It can be charged using USB solar panels, the USB Type C port, or the micro-USB port. All the cables needed for charging come included.
The Phoenix 100 has a matte black finish and its rectangular shape makes it easy to grip. There are stoppers at the bottom to allow it to stand upright.
Unique Features
The LED display on the front of the power station shows vital information about the battery percentage and what ports are being used.
It also comes with overcharge, short-circuit, and surge protection circuitry with a fan at the bottom of the generator to keep the power station cool.
Who is it for?
The Phoenix 100 is best for anyone who wants to go camping but is planning on leaving the larger appliances at home.
It’s not going to allow you to power a fridge or heater, but it will keep your phone charged over a long weekend away so you’re never in danger of being out of reach.
Product Comparison
Charging Time
Each product varies on the time it takes to fully charge using solar panels.
The Renogy Lycan will take around 6 to 7 hours, the Renogy Phoenix 300 takes around 8 hours, and since the Phoenix 100 is meant for smaller appliances and is the smallest in size, it only takes around 5 hours to fully recharge.
The bigger the capacity of the generator, the longer it takes to charge.
Battery Life
The duration of the battery’s charge depends on the devices you have hooked up to the generator. Most manufacturers use watt-hours to measure the capacity of their units.
The Lycan provides you with 1,075 watt-hours, which is enough energy to power medium appliances for a good few hours if you have a power outage.
The Phoenix 300 has 190 watt-hours, which is just enough energy to charge your appliances till the end of the day.
Lastly, the Phoenix 100 has the lowest capacity, clocking in at 100 watt-hours. This will enable you to charge any small appliances for a few hours.
Renogy Solar Generators: Conclusion
Renogy prides itself on making solar generators to suit any need, from small camping outfits to powering your entire house.
As we’ve seen in this review, they deliver on this promise in style. Whether you’re a casual weekend camper or an avid vanlifer, Renogy has you covered.
The Ultimate Solar + Storage Blueprint (Mini Course)
Struggling to understand how solar + storage systems actually work? Looking to build or buy your own solar power system one day but not sure what you need? Just looking to learn more about solar, batteries and electricity?
Join 15,000+ solar enthusiasts breaking free from their energy dependence with this short step-by-step video course that will make you a solar + storage expert. Start your journey to energy independence today.
Who is ShopSolar.com?
ShopSolar.com is the #1 digital platform that enables consumers & businesses to source and purchase complete solar + storage solutions direct, saving you thousands in time, energy and money! With over 40,000+ happy customers, we’re on a mission to make solar simple, transparent and affordable.
Did you find our blog helpful? Then consider checking:
- Patriot Power Generator Reviews
- Transfer Switch For Generators: Definitive Buyer's Guide
- How To Connect Generator to House Without Transfer Switch
- Top 5 Camping Generators Definitive Buying Guide
- MUST KNOW Solar Generator Equations
- What is the Smallest, Portable Generator
- Does a Whole House Generator Add Value To Your Home? The Definitive Guide
- Top 5 Indoor Generators | The Definitive Guide
- Solar Powered Generators: 2 Most Common Questions We Get, Answered
Leave a comment