Solar Powered Outdoor Speakers: Can Solar Generator Power Outdoor Speakers

Brief Answer: Yes, a solar generator can easily power outdoor speakers. Most portable or Bluetooth speakers use between 50W and 200W, which is well within the range of compact solar generators. With the right solar generator, you can enjoy uninterrupted music for hours. 

Outdoor speakers make any space feel more alive while you are hosting a backyard party, camping by the lake, or relaxing at a tailgate. But keeping them powered can be tricky when there’s no outlet nearby. That’s where a solar-powered outdoor speaker and solar generator come in. A solar generator stores clean, renewable energy from the sun and lets you plug in or recharge your speakers without worrying about cords.

Solar generators are ideal battery backup solutions that can keep your sound system running for hours, even while powering other devices. They are quiet, portable, and simple to use, which is ideal for anyone who loves good music outdoors but hates interruptions. With a reliable battery backup setup like a Jackery Solar Generator, your playlists never have to stop, regardless of how far you are from home or electricity outlets.

AI Takeaways 

• A solar-powered outdoor speaker uses built-in solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, storing energy in an internal battery that powers the speaker for hours without needing to plug in.
• While solar-powered outdoor speakers rely on small built-in panels, a solar generator provides far greater capacity and flexibility. It can power multiple speakers or recharge them alongside other outdoor gear.
• Most outdoor speakers use between 50W and 200W, depending on size, volume, and features like lighting or subwoofers. Compact Bluetooth models use far less power, often under 50W.
• Jackery Solar Generators offer clean, portable power for outdoor speakers, ensuring uninterrupted music at parties, campsites, or picnics while also charging phones, lights, and other essentials.

What is a Solar Powered Outdoor Speaker

A solar-powered outdoor speaker is a battery-operated and wireless speaker designed for outdoor use. It charges its internal battery using a built-in solar panel. It also offers the convenience of Bluetooth technology with the off-grid and eco-friendly capability of solar power. Solar-powered outdoor speakers are often designed to be rugged and weather-resistant to withstand outdoor conditions. 

Solar Powered Outdoor Speaker VS. Solar Generator for Outdoor Speaker

A solar-powered outdoor speaker has a small built-in panel that charges its internal battery, while a solar generator stores much more energy and can power multiple speakers and also recharge other appliances for longer hours. In short, the solar-powered outdoor speaker is self-contained, but the solar generator provides extended, more reliable power for bigger setups or longer events. Here's a table revealing the differences between solar-powered outdoor speakers and solar generators for outdoor speakers:

Solar-Powered Outdoor Speaker

Solar-powered outdoor speakers are a piece of great equipment for anyone who is a nature lover and needs music to survive. Outdoor speaker quality can be tricky because there are no walls or filters, so you have no control over the surrounding noise. There is wind, birds chirping, dogs barking, and leaves rustling. Solar-powered outdoor speakers must offer high-quality performance with high power handling and low-frequency response for excellent bass.

Another important factor is the sturdiness of the equipment to sustain tough weather conditions like exposure to sunlight, rain, and dust.

Solar Generator for Outdoor Speaker

Solar generators for outdoor speakers have a wider scope than solar-powered outdoor speakers. This equipment has bigger batteries that can power almost all your outdoor devices. If you have a large solar generator, you can run your refrigerator, TV, laptop, etc. It is important to note that solar generators have zero fuel cost because you are not using any gas resource or gasoline. They charge using solar panels and then work through batteries.

Jackery Solar Generators are battery backup solutions that can power most appliances, such as outdoor speakers, lights, portable fans, etc., for long hours. They have a foldable handle for easier transportation.

For Jacob Ires, power means freedom, and sometimes, it means music. During one weekend camping trip with friends, his Jackery Solar Generator didn’t just keep the lights on and phones charged. It powered a full DJ setup with huge speakers that turned the forest into a dance floor. From late-night playlists under the stars to early-morning coffee before hitting the trails, Jacob’s Jackery product makes every off-grid trip feel alive and connected. Read Jacob’s full Jackery story to learn more.

How Many Watts Does An Outdoor Speaker Use

The wattage consumption of an outdoor speaker lies between 50W and 200W for general use. However, the exact wattage depends on the size of the area and desired volume. If you are using larger areas or parties, speakers can consume around 80W - 150W. 

• Small Outdoor Area (Under 300 sq. ft.) = 50 - 60W
• Medium Outdoor Area (300 - 500 sq. ft.) = 80 - 100W
• Large Outdoor Area (600 - 800 sq. ft.) = 100 - 175W
• Outdoor Parties and Events = 100 - 200W

What is the Difference between Wattage and Power Output

Wattage refers to the amount of electrical power a device uses or is rated to handle (its energy consumption or requirement). Power output, on the other hand, refers to the amount of sound power the speaker produces, basically how loud or powerful it can get.

How to Calculate Watts Required by an Outdoor Solar-Powered Speaker

If you want to calculate how many watts your solar-powered outdoor speaker needs, start by checking the label or manual for its voltage (V) and current (A) ratings. If wattage is not listed directly, you can find it using the simple formula:

Watts = Volts × Amps

For example, if your speaker operates at 12 volts and 2 amps, it uses 12 × 2 = 24 watts. This means it will draw about 24W while running. Knowing this helps you choose a solar generator that can handle the total load comfortably, especially if you plan to run multiple speakers or other devices at the same time.

How Loud is an Outdoor Speaker

The loudness of an outdoor speaker is measured in decibels (dB) and varies based on its power, sensitivity, and distance from the listener. While small portable speakers might reach 90 - 100 dB, larger systems can reach 110 - 120 dB or more. The main factors that influence volume are the speaker cone size, driver power, and how far you are from the source.

Both decibels and watts are important when describing speaker performance. Simply put, decibels measure sound output, while watts measure electrical power. Every 10 dB increase roughly doubles the perceived loudness, but it takes about 10 times more power to achieve that jump.

For example, a speaker rated at 90 dB sensitivity (1W/1m) will produce 90 dB at 1 watt of power, and about 100 dB at 10 watts, or 110 dB at 100 watts. So, to cover an area of around 5,000 square feet, you would likely need a system in the 100 - 200W range, depending on your setup and desired volume level.

How Much Solar Power Does An Outdoor Speaker Need

The solar power requirement of an outdoor speaker depends on several factors, including the coverage area, the watts requirements, the duration of working, etc. Generally, an outdoor speaker consumes around 50W - 200W with some compact speakers consuming less than 50W. 

Jackery Solar Generator for Outdoor Speaker

Good music can turn any outdoor moment into something memorable, but it only lasts as long as your solar-powered outdoor speaker does, or you have access to an electricity outlet. Jackery Solar Generators are battery backup solutions that store clean energy from the sun, so your speakers never go silent halfway through a barbecue, beach day, or camping trip. They keep your tunes playing without relying on outlets or batteries. With the Jackery Solar Generator, you can take the party anywhere and enjoy uninterrupted sound powered entirely by sunlight. Here are some of the best solar generators from Jackery to power outdoor speakers: 

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

If music is a big part of your outdoor lifestyle, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is the one that won’t let you down. It easily powers high-output speakers or even small PA systems, making it ideal for backyard parties, tailgates, or outdoor movie nights. You can enjoy deep, powerful sound without worrying about draining your setup halfway through. It’s built for people who want dependable, all-day energy in one compact solution. It can also charge phones, projectors, and lights at the same time, turning any space into your personal entertainment zone. 

Appliances Running Time 

• Outdoor Speaker (200W) = 4.8H
• String Lights (40W) = 17.9H
• Portable Projector (100W) = 8.8H
• Electric Cooler (100W) = 8.8H
• Phone Charger (20W) = 27.3H

Who Should Buy This 

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is ideal for music lovers and outdoor hosts who want strong, all-day power for larger setups. It is the ideal choice if you use high-output speakers, projectors, or electric coolers during backyard parties, tailgates, or off-grid events.

Customer Review 

Looking for a portable power source to take with us while van camping, we needed something that could support larger power sucks, such as an electric kettle for heating up water for coffee and tea, and this thing does the trick. Not only great for appliances that require more than 1000W, it's also great for smaller needs. We recently took it with us on a trip and used it as an electric blanket to get through the cold nights.

— Casey Touhy.

Jackery Solar Generator 600 v2

If you are someone who hosts outdoor gatherings more often or likes a bit more volume, the Jackery Solar Generator 600 v2 offers a large battery capacity. It can handle larger Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, or even multiple smaller speakers at once. That means you can keep your playlist going through a long evening without a single interruption. Its slightly bigger capacity also makes it a solid pick for camping or small events. You can charge your phone, camera, or lanterns along with your sound system. It also features a foldable handle and compact design for easier transportation from one place to another.

Appliances Running Time 

• Outdoor Speaker (200W) = 2.5H
• String Lights (40W) = 10.5H
• Portable Projector (100W) = 4.8H
• Electric Cooler (100W) = 4.8H
• Phone Charger (20W) = 17.5H

Who Should Buy This 

The Jackery Solar Generator 600 v2 is suited for people who host small gatherings, camp regularly, or enjoy music outdoors for longer hours. It is ideal if you want to power medium-sized speakers, string lights, and a few other essentials like phones or lanterns all at once.

Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is ideal for charging speakers during camping, glamping, and other outdoor adventures. It weighs only 8.27 lbs and can fit into your backpack. The Jackery SolarSaga 40W Solar Panels can fold to iPad size, ensuring you can charge the power station in remote locations and enjoy non-stop music with the outdoor speakers. If your outdoor setup is small and simple with just a speaker, phone, and maybe a few lights, the Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is the ideal match. It is light enough to carry with one hand yet powerful enough to keep your speaker running all evening.

Appliances Running Time 

• Outdoor Speaker (200W) = 1.1H
• String Lights (40W) = 4.7H
• Portable Projector (100W) = 2.1H
• Electric Cooler (100W) = 2.1H
• Phone Charger (20W) = 7.9H

Who Should Buy This 

The Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is ideal for anyone who enjoys casual outdoor moments, such as picnics, small get-togethers, or quiet evenings on the patio. It is made for those who just want to keep their outdoor speaker, phone, and a few lights powered.

Customer Review 

Great small size to take anywhere for power on the go, it will fit almost anywhere so it's easy to get packed for a weekend away. I recently used this camping site to charge our devices and power a few small lights.

— JC.

Solar-Powered Outdoor Speakers FAQs

1. What size of solar generator do I need to power an outdoor speaker?

Outdoor speakers consume around 50W - 200W, and the right size of solar generator needed to power the appliance will depend on the exact wattage consumption and how many hours you want to run it. For example, if you want to calculate the runtime of the Jackery Solar Generator while it powers your outdoor speaker, you can consider using the Running Time Calculator available on the Jackery Buying Guide page. Choose the Jackery Portable Power Station from the dropdown (example: Explorer 300 Plus) and add the appliance’s wattage consumption (example: 50W) in the calculator. Click Enter to get an estimated runtime, which will be 4 hours in this case.

2. How to choose the best solar outdoor speakers?

1. A solar-powered outdoor speaker needs to be portable and thus lightweight and sleek.
2. The higher the speaker's wattage, the louder and better quality sound, but larger wattage can make the system heavier. So, you need to trade-off between these two factors.
3. A pair of 60-watt speakers installed under 20 feet apart gives good coverage for 300 square feet. 80 to 100-watt speakers are a good choice for 300 to 500 square feet. Additionally, 150- to 175-watt speakers can cover 600 to 800 square feet.
4. Most solar-powered outdoor speakers give you a battery life of six hours, but it can vary. Another thing to consider is how long it will take to charge solar-powered speakers.
5. The IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a standard that the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) created. It measures the water resistance level of your solar-powered outdoor speaker

The first number in an IP code shows protection against solid objects, while the second number shows the level of solar speaker protection against liquids.

3. Do solar-powered outdoor speakers work on cloudy days, in winter, or without the sun?

Yes, solar-powered outdoor speakers work on cloudy days, in winter, or without the sun because they rely on the internal rechargeable batteries to store energy captured during daylight hours. However, once the internal battery depletes, they cannot run. That’s where solar generators like those from Jackery are a better solution in such circumstances because they are built to work outdoors, are sturdy, and are very weather-resistant. They can power most of your electronic equipment in camps, vans, and picnics.

Final Thoughts

Solar-powered outdoor speakers are useful for nature adventures, van life, camping, and picnics. However, buying the ideal outdoor speaker is a challenging task because there are many factors you need to consider, including watts, power output, weather resistance, battery power, etc. Solar-powered outdoor speakers have some downsides, as they might not be as productive on cloudy days, may not be sturdy enough, and need frequent charging. On the other hand, if you choose a solar generator like those from Jackery, you have a wide-scale power solution at your disposal that can power up most of the essential equipment outdoors. Also, you can use it in emergencies in your home or during power outages, and you can also use it to minimize your power usage cost.