Shopping for a solar generator for camping?
You've come to the right place.
In this guide, we recommend and review the best portable solar generators for camping. We include picks for a variety of common outdoor power applications, situations, and budgets.
The portable power stations reviewed in this guide provide from 500Wh to more than 2000Wh to handle a wide range of needs while camping in the great outdoors as conveniently as possible.
Most use Lithium-ion batteries to save weight and extend useful life, and come with USB ports and 12V DC and 110V AC outlets to power lights, portable fridges, recharge electronics.
Many can be recharged using your car’s 12V outlet, as well. And most have some level of water resistance for use outdoor.
What's In This Guide
In this buying guide, we recommend, review and compare what we believe are the best solar generators for camping.
We begin by listing our top picks for a variety of needs and situations, followed by a quick product comparison table and quick reviews of each model.
Then we discuss the key features & gotchas to look for when buying solar generators for portable outdoor applications like camping.
Finally, we answer common questions asked about relying on solar power in the great outdoors.
Hopefully, this buying guide will help you find the best solar generator for your specific camping needs and situation.
If you have any questions, leave us a comment below.
Best Solar Generators For Camping
Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com
- 1Best Overall: Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro
- 2Best For A Mini Fridge & Other Appliances: EcoFlow Delta 2
- 3Best For CPAP & Other Small Appliances: Bluetti EB55
- 4Best For Electronics & Gadgets: Bluetti EB3A
- 5Best Lightweight: Westinghouse iGen160s
- 6Best For Truck, Van & RV Camping: Bluetti AC200MAX
- 7Best For Backpacking: Takki 83Wh Portable Power Station
- 8Best Solar Power Bank: Hiluckey 25000mAh Solar Charger
- 9Best Solar Lighting Kit: Eco-Worthy 84Wh Portable Power Station
Jackery 1000 Pro
Best overall
100Wh Li-ion battery
1000W output
Outlets:
AC, USB-A, USB-C, 12V outlets800W max solar input
1.8hr AC recharge time
25.2lbs
EcoFlow Delta 2
Best for appliances
1024Wh LiFePO4 battery
1800W output
Outlets:
AC, USB-A, USB-C, 12V, DC5521 outlets500W max solar input
1.3hr AC charge time
26.4lbs
Bluetti EB55
Best for small appliances
537Wh LiFePO4 battery
700W output
Outlets:
AC, USB-A, USB-C, 12V, DC5521 outlets200W max solar input
3.2hr AC charge time
16.5lbs
Bluetti EB3A
Best for electronics & gadgets
268Wh LiFePO4 battery
600W output
Outlets:
AC, USB-A, USB-C, 12V, DC5521 outlets200W max solar input
1hr AC charge time
10.1lbs
Westinghouse iGen160s
Best lightweight
155Wh Li-ion battery
100W output
Outlets:
AC, USB-A, USB-C, DC5521 outlets60W max solar input
6hr AC charge time
3.7lbs
Bluetti AC200MAX
Best for RVs, trucks & vans
2048Wh LiFePO4 battery
2200W output
Outlets:
AC, USB-A, USB-C, 12V, DC5521, RV outlet900W max solar input
6hr AC charge time
61.9lbs
Takki
Best for backpacking
83Wh Li-ion battery
80W output
Outlets:
AC, USB-C, USB-A outlets100W max solar input
Not specified
1.9lbs
Hiluckey
Best solar power bank
25,000mAh LiPo battery
No AC output
Outlets:
USB-A, USB-C outlets6W max solar input
8hr USB charge time
1.3lbs
Eco-Worthy
Best solar lighting kit
84Wh Li-ion battery
No AC output
Outlets:
USB-A, DC outlets18W max solar input
6-9hr USB charge time
5.7lbs
1. Best Overall: Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro
Choosing the best overall solar generator camping is hard because every camper has different power needs.
But we think the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro comes closest to meeting the power needs of most campers. It is powerful yet lightweight, highly capable but also affordable.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro balances between power and portability.
It has enough power and capacity to recharge electronics and power just about any camping appliance. It’s also portable enough that it can fit even in a small car and is fairly easy to carry by hand over short distances.
This balance is what makes it a great pick for most camping enthusiasts.
The Explorer 1000 Pro weighs 25.4lbs and comes with a 1002Wh Li-ion battery.
The built-in pure sine wave inverter produces up to 1000W of continuous AC power with a peak output of up to 2000W. So the 1000 Pro can handle everything from a CPAP to a mini fridge or a mini hair dryer.
What Can The Explorer 1000 Pro Power?
Car fridge (60W) | 14 hrs |
Electric blanket (100W) | 8.5 hrs |
Lights (30W) | 28 hrs |
Tablet (40Wh) | 21 recharges |
Smartphone (12Wh) | 70 recharges |
CPAP (40W) | 21 hrs |
Coffee maker (750W) | 20+ cups |
Output Options
You can power appliances via three 120V AC outlets on the Explorer 1000 Pro. There’s also a 12V/10A car outlet where you can plug in DC-powered electronics like a CPAP or a 12V cooler.
And for your gadgets and USB-powered electronics, you have four options: two fast charging 18W USB-A ports and two 100W USB-C ports.
With the powerful USB-C ports, you can plug in power-hungry gadgets like a laptop or a portable projector.
Fast Charging
By the way, the Explorer 1000 Pro is an upgraded version of the Explorer 1000. One of the things Jackery has greatly improved is charging speed. It no longer takes forever.
The Explorer 1000 Pro has a max solar input of 800W. If you max out your solar array, you could charge the 1000 Pro in just 1.8 hours.
AC charging from a wall outlet also takes 1.8 hours.
You can also charge the Explorer 1000 Pro from your vehicle’s 12V port, but it’ll take 12 hours to fill it up. Use this option to top up the solar generator when you are on the road.
Issues & Limitations
While the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro is great for most campers, it’s not the best choice if you are looking for an ultra lightweight solar generator.
It’s a bit bulky and hefty. For lighter alternatives, check out the Bluetti EB3A, the Takki portable power station or the Hiluckey solar power bank.
2. Best For A Mini Fridge & Other Appliances: EcoFlow Delta 2
The EcoFlow Delta 2 is a great pick if you want something that can power most camping appliances including power-hungry ones like a coffee maker.
With a capacity of 1024Wh, the Delta 2 can keep your car fridge running for over 14 hours.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
If you often go camping with multiple appliances, the EcoFlow Delta 2 is the solar generator to get. It offers high power output, while remaining relatively compact and lightweight.
Let’s start with the battery. It’s a 1024Wh lithium-iron phosphate battery that lasts more than twice as long as the Li-ion battery in many camping solar generators. Even if you charge and recharge it everyday, it can last more than 10 years.
If you feel 1024Wh is not enough for you, the Delta 2 is expandable to 3kWh using extra battery packs.
Power output is also impressive. The Delta 2 produces up to 1800W of AC power, which means you can power any camping appliance. You can even use it at home to backup some household appliances.
While you probably don't go camping with a 1500W microwave, the high power output is still beneficial. It allows you to power multiple appliances at the same time.
You can plug in your mini fridge, travel coffee maker, electric blanket and blender all at the same time without tripping the inverter.
What Can The EcoFlow Delta 2 Power?
The 1024Wh LiFePO4 battery in the Delta 2 can power a mini fridge and many other appliances for several hours. You don't have to worry about your mini fridge having no power in the middle of the night.
Here’s how long the Delta 2 can power select appliances.
Smartphone (12Wh) | 72 recharges |
Tablet(40Wh) | 21 hrs |
Hair dryer (1200W) | 43 mins |
Car fridge (60Wh) | 14.5 hrs |
Electric mini stove (500W) | 1.7 hrs |
CPAP (40W) | 21.7 hrs |
TV (100W) | 8.7 hrs |
15 Outlets
The EcoFlow Delta 2 has no shortage of output options.
There are six 120V AC outlets, a 12V car port, two DC5521 12V outlets for small 12V electronics (such as lights or a router), and six USB ports.
The USB ports include a pair of USB-A ports, a pair of fast charge 18W USB-A ports and a pair of 100W USB-C ports.
Fast Charging
The EcoFlow Delta 2 charges at max 500W solar power. That’s less than the Jackery 1000 Pro, but it’s still good enough to charge the Delta 2 in a quick three hours.
AC charging is better at 1200W, letting you recharge the Delta 2 from a wall outlet in a little over an hour.
You can also charge from your vehicle’s 12V outlet when driving.
Issues & Limitations
As with the Jackery Explore 1000 Pro, the EcoFlow Delta 2 is not ideal for those looking for an ultra lightweight camping solar generator.
The Delta 2 weighs 26.4lbs, which some campers might find a bit too heavy.
3. Best For CPAP & Other Small Appliances: Bluetti EB55
If you want a solar generator to power a CPAP machine, fan, a portable humidifier and other small appliances, get the Bluetti EB55.
It is a perfectly sized solar generator for running small camping appliances.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
The Bluetti EB55 has a 537Wh LiFePO4 battery and a continuous output of 700W. It’s a fairly capable solar generator that can power things like a travel coffee maker, a small hair dryer and even some mini electric stoves.
But to get the best battery life out of it, we recommend it for powering small appliances (anything under 300W). It’s great for things like a CPAP machine, a tent fan, a small TV or projector, and a laptop among others.
It also has no problem keeping your devices charged.
The EB55 solar generator is light at 16.5lbs. It’s an easy job moving it to and from your vehicle.
What Can The Bluetti EB55 Power?
Car fridge (40W) | 11 hrs |
Electric blanket (100W) | 4.5 hrs |
Lights (30W) | 15.2 hrs |
Tablet (40Wh) | 11 recharges |
Smartphone (12Wh) | 38 recharges |
CPAP (40W) | 11 hrs |
TV (80W) | 5.7 hrs |
Output Options
The EB55 solar generator has 13 outlets in total, which is a lot for a power station of its size. You can plug in just about any kind of appliance, tool, electronic or gadget.
Outlets include four AC outlets, a 12V car outlet, two 12V DC5521 outlets, four USB-A ports and one 100W USB-C port.
Oh, there’s also a 15W wireless charging pad for your QI-enabled devices.
5 Ways To Recharge
The Bluetti EB55 offers more recharge options than most compact solar generators.
You get the usual three options: AC charging from a wall outlet or gas generator (200W max, 3.2hrs charging time), solar charging (200W max, 3.6hrs charging time) and car charging (12V/24V, 3 or 6hrs charging time).
In addition, you can combine solar and AC to get a max input of 400W and a charging time of 1.8 hours. You can achieve the same by charging from two AC outlets at the same time.
Issues & Limitations
One of the biggest complaints from customers is the noise from the solar generator, specifically the charging adapter.
The solar generator itself does have some noise, but the fan only turns on occasionally when the power station gets hot.
But the fan in the charging brick is on all the time as long as it’s plugged into a wall outlet. Luckily, this is not a problem when you are out camping since you don't have access to an AC outlet.
But it can be an issue when recharging the EB55 at home.
4. Best For Electronics & Gadgets: Bluetti EB3A
If you are a light camper who travels with just your phone, maybe a tablet, a few lights and other basic electronics, an even smaller solar generator will do.
We recommend the Bluetti EB3A. It can recharge your devices and even power some small appliances. It’s also one of the cheapest solar generators in the market.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
The Bluetti EB3A comes with a 268Wh LiFePO4 battery. That’s a lot smaller than most power stations, but it’s plenty for charging/powering electronics.
Power output is 600W, which is impressive considering the capacity of the solar generator. This lets you power some small appliances like a mini-fridge, a small TV, an electric blanket and so on.
But don't plug in anything too big (over 200W) as it will drain the battery in no time.
The Bluetti EB3A weighs just 10.1lbs, so portability is not an issue.
What Can The Bluetti EB3A Power?
Car fridge (40W) | 5.6 hrs |
Laptop (60W) | 3.7 hrs |
Lights (30W) | 7.6 hrs |
Tablet (40Wh) | 5 recharges |
Smartphone (12Wh) | 19 recharges |
Tent fan (16W) | 14.2hrs |
Variety of Outlets
Many small solar generators offer just a few output options. Not so with the Bluetti EB3A. It offers several of each kind of output.
For small appliances and AC-powered electronics, use the two 120V AC outlets. For 12V electronics, there’s a 12V/10A car port and two smaller DC5521 12V outlets.
For your devices, the EB3A has two USB-A ports and one 100W USB-C port. So whether you want to charge your phone or plug in a USB-C powered laptop, you are good to go.
Super Fast Charging
Compact solar generators typically charge slower because they have a smaller charge controller and other components.
Which is why the Bluetti EB3A is so unique. It has a max solar input of 200W, which can charge the solar generator in as little as 2 hours.
AC input is 350W, which charges the EB3A in just an hour. You can also combine solar and AC to charge it in 30 minutes.
The EB3A can also charge from a 12V/24V car outlet.
Issues & Limitations
Many users of the Bluetti EB3A say the fan is really loud, especially when it’s charging. This is probably because of how fast it charges, which generates a lot of heat.
But you can switch to 268W standard charging via the app, which reduces fan noise a bit.
5. Best Lightweight: Westinghouse iGen160s
If you want a solar generator you can easily carry around, we recommend the Westinghouse iGen160s portable power station.
At 3.7lbs, it’s one of the lightest solar generators you can get.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
If you are the kind of camper who packs light, the Westinghouse iGen160s power station is a great pick.
It doesn't provide much in terms of power and capacity, but it wins when it comes to portability. It’s about the size of a lunchbox and weighs just 3.7lbs.
This makes it a good choice whether you are going camping in your vehicle or planning a backpacking trip. The iGen160s will easily fit in your backpack.
To be this light and compact, the iGen160s sacrifices on power and capacity. It comes with a 155Wh Li-ion battery, making it about as big as some large power banks.
Continuous power output is 100W and peak output is 150W.
With these figures, the Westinghouse iGen160s is best for powering or recharging electronics and gadgets. You can plug in your CPAP machine, power your air mattress or tire compressor, charge your phone or connect your camping lights.
What Can The Westinghouse iGen160s Power?
Car fridge (40W) | 2.1 hrs |
Light (10W) | 8.5 hrs |
Tablet (40Wh) | 2 recharges |
Smartphone (12Wh) | 7 recharges |
CPAP (40W) | 2.1hrs |
Multiple Outlets
We don't expect a compact power station like the Westinghouse iGen160s to have tons of output options. It’s actually impressive that it has nine of them.
They include two 120V AC outlets, two USB-A ports, a quick charge USB-A port, a USB-C port, and three 5.5mm 12V DC outlets.
Unfortunately, it lacks a 12V car cigarette lighter port. You’ll need an adapter if you have any 12V electronics that use the regular car outlet.
Three Ways To Charge
You can plug the Westinghouse iGen160s into a wall outlet, charge it with a 60W solar panel, or plug it into your vehicle’s 12V port.
Issues & Limitations
If you want a solar generator that can power appliances, even small ones, don't get the Westinghouse iGen160s. It’s too limited for anything more than powering or charging electronics like lighting, smartphones or a small cooler.
It also recharges really slowly: 6 hours from a wall outlet and 7 hours with solar.
6. Best For Truck & RV Camping: Bluetti AC200MAX
The Bluetti AC200MAX provides enough power and capacity to support most household appliances. You can even power your entire RV via the RV outlet on the solar generator.
The AC200MAX is expandable so you can build a big enough battery bank to keep your truck or RV powered for days.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
RV and truck campers don't need to worry so much about portability. Most never need to take the solar generator out of their vehicle.
So you can afford to get something bigger, heavier and more powerful. This lets you power the appliances in your vehicle.
The Bluetti AC200MAX is one of the best solar generators for RV camping & boondocking, truck and camper vans, and overlanding.
It comes with a 2048Wh LiFePO4 battery, enough to power appliances for hours. You can expand this capacity to 8192Wh for even more runtime.
Power output is also impressive at 2200W. Not only can you plug in most appliances, you can run multiple appliances at the same time.
What Can The Bluetti AC200MAX Power?
Refrigerator (120W) | 14.5 hrs |
Mini fridge (60W) | 29 hrs |
Water purifier (30W) | 35.7 hrs |
Laptop (60Wh) | 29 recharges |
Smartphone (12Wh) | 145 recharges |
Fan (100W) | 10.7 hrs |
Microwave (1000W) | 1 hr |
RV Outlets
The AC200MAX has plenty of output options including four AC outlets, three DC ports (1 car outlet & 2 5.5mm ports), five USB ports (4 USB-A and 1 USB-C 100W), and two 15W wireless charging pads.
In addition, it comes with two shore power outlets where you can plug in your RV’s 30A plug. There’s a 120V/30A AC outlet and a 12V/30A DC outlet. This lets you power your RV without connecting individual appliances to the AC200MAX.
Fast Solar Charging
The AC200MAX has multiple recharge options. You can plug it into a wall outlet (500W input) or two wall outlets for faster charging.
You can also connect solar panels. Max solar input is 900W, which can charge the solar generator in a quick 4 hours.
There’s also dual solar + AC charging that puts in a combined 1400W of power to charge the AC200MAX in about 2.5 hours.
Of course, you can also top up the AC200MAX from your vehicle’s 12V outlet when you are on the move.
Issues & Limitations
The main area where we think the AC200MAX could be better is AC charging. It takes 6 hours to recharge the solar generator from a wall outlet, which is about twice as slow as comparable solar generators from brands like EcoFlow.
But at least there’s a dual AC charging option that halves the recharge time, though it requires buying a second adapter.
7. Best For Backpacking: Takki 83Wh Portable Power Station
If you are looking for an ultra lightweight solar generator for backpacking, get the Takki 83Wh portable power station.
It weighs 1.9lbs, so you can easily carry it when hiking or trekking.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
Most camping solar generators are light but not light enough for backpacking where every ounce matters.
Weighing just under two pounds, the Takki power station is one of the lightest, and cheapest, solar generators in the market.
It is essentially a large solar power bank with a built-in AC inverter, allowing you to power small AC appliances.
It has a limited capacity of just 83Wh or 22500mAh. With its also limited power output of 80W (peak 120W), the Takki power station is ideal for powering or charging electronics like a smartphone, laptop, tablet, tire compressor, air mattress pump and so on.
You can also run small appliances like a mini fan, a humidifier or a personal evaporative cooler. You can also plug in larger appliances like a mini fridge or CPAP machine, but they’ll only run for a couple of hours or so before the battery runs out.
For the best battery life, use the Takki power station only with electronics.
What Can The Takki Solar Generator Power?
Fan (15W) | 4.7 hrs |
Light (10W) | 7 hrs |
Tablet (40Wh) | 1.5 recharges |
Smartphone (12Wh) | 6 recharges |
Air mattress pump (10W) | 7 hrs |
4 Output Options
Not surprisingly, the Takki power station has just one 110-120V AC outlet. Remember it’s limited to just 80W.
There’s also a USB-C 30W port that will fast charge your devices plus two USB-A ports both with 18W Quick Charge capability.
Camping Light
The Takki solar generator includes a built-in LED camping light with four levels of brightness and an emergency SOS mode.
At the lowest brightness, the light can stay on for up to 94 hours (assuming you don't plug in any electronics). At the brightest setting, it lasts 13 hours.
Three Ways to Recharge
You can charge the Takki power station via solar, your car’s 12V outlet or a wall outlet.
For solar charging, the manufacturer recommends a 20-100W solar panel with a voltage range between DC 10.7V and 22V.
Issues & Limitations
The Takki power station is not suitable for most campers. It’s far too limited in capacity and power to be useful for most people.
If you plan to power any appliances, even small ones, when you are camping, get something a bit bigger like the Bluetti EB3A.
8. Best Solar Power Bank: Hiluckey 25000mAh Solar Charger
If you only need to charge devices and power small USB-powered electronics, a solar power bank will do. We recommend the Hiluckey 25000mAh solar charger. It has enough capacity to recharge your devices several times.
Pros
Cons
The Hiluckey solar charger is a high-capacity power bank that’s great for camping and backpacking. The 25000mAh capacity lets you recharge your phone 4-6 times depending on its battery size.
You can also recharge other devices like a kindle, tablet, camera, smartwatch, GPS devices and so on.
The Hiluckey power bank weighs 1.3lbs, so you should have no problem carrying it around in your backpack.
You can even rig it such that it hangs from the back of your backpack so that it charges while you are hiking or backpacking.
The Hiluckey power bank has a heavy duty plastic shell that is both drop and weather resistant. So don't be afraid to take it on all your outdoor adventures.
What Can The Hiluckey Power Bank Charge?
Note: Power banks generally have a usable capacity that is ⅔ the stated capacity. This is because a power bank doesn't fully drain its battery (to ensure longevity) and there are some power losses. So the table below is based on a capacity of 16,666 mAh (⅔*25000mAh).
iPhone 14 (3,279mAh) | 5 times |
iPhone 14 Pro Max (4,323mAh) | 3.8 times |
Samsung S23 Plus (4,700mAh) | 3.5 times |
iPad Pro (7,600mAh) | 2 times |
Kindle Paperwhite (1,700 mAh) | 9.8 times |
Three USB Outlets
The Hiluckey solar power bank comes with three 15W USB ports that charge devices fairly fast. They include two USB-A outlets and one USB-C inlet/outlet.
Using a USB-C PD fast charger, you can recharge the Hiluckey power bank in about eight hours.
Decent Solar Charging
Solar charging on power banks is a gimmick. It’s often too slow to be of any use even in emergencies.
That’s not the case with the Hiluckey power bank. Solar charging is still slow but it’s not useless. The four foldable solar panels can produce up to 6W of solar power.
If you place the power bank in direct sunlight, the solar panels will recharge it in 2-4 days.
Solar charging works best if you use it to top up the power bank. Charge the power bank fully when at home, then use the solar panels to keep it charged when outdoors.
Issues & Limitations
If you are looking for a power bank that charges as fast as some of the solar generators in the market, the Hiluckey power bank is not it.
In fact, I doubt you’ll find such a power bank.
The Hiluckey solar charging feature is certainly useful, but only during emergencies and when topping up the power bank. Do not rely on the solar panels only to keep the power bank charged.
9. Best Solar Lighting Kit: Eco-Worthy 84Wh Portable Power Station
This Eco-Worthy 84Wh portable power station comes as a complete solar generator and lighting kit. It includes the power station itself with a built-in flashlight, an 18W solar panel, and three external LED lights.
Pros
Cons
The Eco-Worthy 84Wh power station can cover all your camping lighting needs (it’s also great for emergency lighting at home).
The three external lamps are super bright (up to 140 lumens) but you can reduce brightness to save power. Each lamp connects to separate DC outputs and switches on the power station. The cords are long to allow easy placement wherever you want.
The kit also comes with hooks for hanging up the lights.
The Eco-Worthy power station will power a single lamp for 40 hours, two lamps for 20 hours and all three lamps for 14 hours.
The power station also has a built-in LED flashlight with two brightness settings. Assuming you just use this flashlight, it’ll stay on for 32 hours on the highest brightness and 64 hours on the dimmer setting.
There’s also a 5V/2A USB-A output for charging your phone, but it’s very slow.
Solar & USB Recharging
There are two ways to recharge the Eco-Worthy power station.
You can use the included 18W solar panel, which takes 5-8 hours to recharge the power station in direct sunlight.
You can also charge it via USB either from a wall adapter or a car charger. It takes 6-9 hours.
Issues & Limitations
The Eco-Worthy power station is not useful beyond lighting. The USB port can charge devices but it’s really slow.
It also doesn't have any AC output to power appliances.
If you are looking for a multipurpose solar generator for lighting, electronics and appliances, this is not it.
Buying Guide
There are a couple of factors that require your key consideration before selecting a suitable solar powered generator for camping.
Solar Generators For Camping
A solar generator is a silent, clean, and eco-friendly alternative to gas generators to power your appliances.
It is a portable power station that uses sunlight energy rather than fossil fuel to provide electricity. This makes it a popular choice for RV camping, boats, and as a backup power source in the case of a grid power outage.
Most solar generators are paired with solar panels that convert the sunlight energy into DC electricity. It is passed through the charge controller and then stored in the battery.
Nowadays, most camping solar generators use lithium-ion batteries due to their light weight, deep discharge ability, and stable voltage profile.
When AC power is needed, the inverter converts the DC power stored in the battery into AC power to power smaller appliances.
Many solar generators in this class also come equipped with built-in solar charge controllers.
Only a few include built-in battery management systems and remote monitoring apps for convenience.
Features to Consider
Battery Capacity
The first thing to consider about a solar generator is how much energy capacity, in watt-hours, it can store. This single metric will tell you a lot about the camping applications it can reasonably support.
The battery capacity of solar generators for camping typically range from 500 Wh to 3,000 Wh.
Portable solar generators in the 500Wh to 1,000Wh class are generally the best choice for hikers and campers who sleep in a different location each night and just need to run lights and a fan plus recharge their electronics.
Higher-capacity solar generators in the 1,500 to 3,000 Wh range are better suited for a base of operation and larger groups who may need to run a mini-fridge, more lights, and support more people.
Importantly, any solar power bank over 1500 Wh will probably weigh too much for one person to carry all day on a hike.
Number & Type of Output Ports
Most camping solar generators provide 2 to 4 AC ports to run 115V appliances, plus a variety of 12V DC ports and USB ports that can be used to recharge and run lower-powered electronics like laptops, tablets, lights, and fans.
Use While Charging
Some, but not all, solar generators can be used simultaneously while charging.
The best solar generator for camping provides exact charging and discharging rates in real-time.
This way, you can have a fully charged battery when the Sun goes down.
Solar Generator Installation for Camping
Setting up a solar generator for camping is really simple, but there is a right way to do it. All models come with a detailed user manual to help you with the setup. Make sure to read it before setting up the solar generator.
Here is the basic process to follow:
Before you leave home, charge your generator using AC power.
Make sure you bring all of the necessary accessories like cables, tools, solar panels, mounting brackets, and others. We recommend using a small tie bag to hold everything.
To recharge using solar: In the morning, place the solar panels on a rigid surface at an appropriate angle to the sun. Connect the solar panels to the solar generator using the MC-4 cable. Let it charge all day if possible.
When you need power, turn the solar generator on and it's ready to use. You can usually leave it on all day without sapping too much power.
Maintenance & Operating Costs
Solar generators are a really cost-effective and low-maintenance solution for off-grid power.
They require less to no care to function properly. There are no moving parts on this equipment, plus solar generators do not need fuel to operate.
They run on solar energy, which is FREE. This saves a lot on the operation cost compared to any other kind of power source.
However, it is still recommended to carefully inspect the generator once in a while for any damage.
Make sure to clean the solar panels to keep them efficient and remove all the dirt and debris at regular intervals.
Inspect your solar panels and try to air-clean any ventilation ports to keep them free of debris.
Frequently-Asked Questions
How big of a solar generator do I need for camping?
The answer depends on what you plan to power. If your camping needs include powering laptops, phones, and lights, then a 500Wh solar generator will suffice.
However, if you plan to run refrigerators and a TV, you should opt for a solar generator above 2000Wh.
Do solar generators work on cloudy days?
Solar generators, once fully charged, work on cloudy days. When paired with highly efficient solar panels, solar generators can provide enough power to recharge your devices in 3-5 hours each day.
Can I leave my solar generator plugged in all the time?
While it is possible to leave your solar generator plugged in all the time, the recommendation is to unplug from the wall once the unit is fully charged. This will prevent overcharging and overheating of the batteries.
Can a solar generator charge a car battery?
Yes, a solar generator can charge your car’s battery, but it will take five to eight hours to charge a 100-amp car battery fully.
Can I run a camping fridge on solar power?
Yes, solar power can be used to run a camping fridge.
Depending on the wattage of the fridge and overall power consumption, you should buy a 1,000Wh to 2000Wh model if you plan to operate a fridge for 24 hours continuously
How do I choose a camping solar generator?
Choosing the right camping solar generator requires you to consider different factors like power capacity, power consumption, recharge time, portability, and others.
Calculate your overall power consumption requirements and pick a solar generator accordingly.
