Shopping for the best solar generator for your RV or motorhome?
You've come to the right place.
In this organized guide, we'll walk you through the best solar generators and power stations to use for a variety of common RV needs, applications and budgets.
What's In This Guide
In this buying guide, we recommend, review and compare the best solar generators for RV or motorhomes.
We begin by listing our 8 top picks for a variety of everyday needs and situations, followed by a quick product comparison table and in-depth reviews of our top picks.
Then, we provide you with a buying guide describing the key features & gotchas to look for when buying a portable solar generator- plus installation, maintenance, and other tips.
Finally, we answer common questions asked about portable solar generators for RVs and motorhomes.
Hopefully, this buying guide will help you find the best solar generator for your specific needs and situation.
If you have any questions, leave us a comment below.
Best Portable Solar Generators For an RV or Motorhome
- 1Best Overall: Bluetti AC200L Portable Power Station
- 2Runner Up: EcoFlow Delta 1300 Solar Generator
- 3Best Value: Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station
- 4Fastest Charging: Point Zero Energy Titan Solar Generator
- 5Best For Medium RV: Goal Zero Yeti 1000X Portable Power Station
- 6Best For Light-Duty Use: Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station
- 7Most Powerful: Bluetti EP500 Portable Power Station
Bluetti AC200L Portable Power Station
Best Overall
Battery Capacity
2000WhBattery Life Cycles
3500+Rated Output
2000WSolar Input
700WCharging Time
3 to 4 hours60 lbs
16.5 x 11 x 15.2 inches
EcoFlow Delta 1300 Solar Generator
Runner Up
Battery Capacity
1260WhBattery Life Cycles
800+Rated Output
1800WSolar Input
700WCharging Time
4 hours31 lbs
15.7 x 8.3 x 10.6 inches
Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station
Best Value
Battery Capacity
1002WhBattery Life Cycles
500Rated Output
1000WSolar Input
200WCharging Time
8 hours22 lbs
13.1 x 9.2 x 11.1 inches
Point Zero Energy Titan Solar Generator
Fastest Charging
Battery Capacity
2200WhBattery Life Cycles
2000Rated Output
3000WSolar Input
2000WCharging Time
2 hours66 lbs
22 × 18 × 16 inches
Goal Zero Yeti 1000X Portable Power Station
Best For Large RV
Battery Capacity
983WhBattery Life Cycles
500Rated Output
1500WSolar Input
200WCharging Time
6 to 12 hours32 lbs
31 x 25 x 25 inches
Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station
Best For Light-Duty Use
Battery Capacity
518WhBattery Life Cycles
500Rated Output
500WSolar Input
100WCharging Time
7.5 hours13 lbs
11.84 x 7.59 x 9.2 inches
Bluetti EP500 Portable Power Station
Most Powerful
Battery Capacity
5100WhBattery Life Cycles
6000+Rated Output
2000WSolar Input
1200WCharging Time
4.7 to 5.2 hours167 lbs
22.8 × 11.8 × 29.9 inch
1. Best Overall: Bluetti AC200L Portable Power Station
If you want a top-quality extremely versatile portable power station for your RV, you won;t go wrong with the Bluetti AC200L portable solar generator.
It has an impressive 17 output ports to handle the largest gathering outside, and you can recharge this unit with three solar panels in under 4 hours.
The lightweight design and fast charging makes it suitable for keeping the lights on, running fans, and keeping your electronics running and charge in almost any off-grid camping, RV, and motorhome situation.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
The Bluetti AC200L stands out amongst the rest due to its portability, high output power, 2400Wh of capacity, LiFePO4 batteries with a deep 80% discharge, a fast charging time, and wide variety of output ports.
Equip the unit with 3 solar panels to fully charge the generator in just 4 hours. The unit comes with its own 10-foot MC4 solar charging cable to help.
An AC adapter, car charging cable, and a variation plug are also included.
However, you will need to purchase an RV cable separately if you wish to use it with your vehicle.
You can charge this solar generator using 110V AC power, 12V DC power, and solar panels.
The LiFePO4 battery included in this kit is far more durable and safe compared to conventional batteries. The battery life cycle is 3500+ cycles at 80% discharge, which is at least 5X longer life than the Lithium ion batteries that come with most other solar generators in this capacity.
The 17 output ports include six 110V AC outlets and five charging ports.
All of these features make the Bluetti AC200L one of the best overall solar generators available on the market for RV use.
On top of that, Bluetti is one of the best companies in the business when it comes to customer support.
The main downside?
Weight - the LiFePO4 batteries that make this generator last 10+ years of constant use are much heavier than Lithium; and, price. These batteries are not cheap.
Best Features
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Award: | Best Overall |
Battery Capacity: | 2000Wh |
Battery Life Cycles: | 3500+ |
Rated Output: | 2400W |
Solar Input: | 700W |
Charging Time: | 3 to 5 hours (3 x 200W panels) |
Weight: | 60 lbs |
Dimensions: | 16.5 x 11 x 15.2 inches |
2. Runner Up: EcoFlow Delta 1300 Solar Generator
The EcoFlow Delta 1300 made it to our list of the best solar generators for RV due to its low cost, portable design and smart features which make it easy to live with off-grid.
The super-fast outlet recharging speed brings the stored energy from 0 to 80% in just an hour.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
The EcoFlow Delta 1300 provides 13 outlets that can be used to connect 13 different appliances simultaneously.
The only nuisance is that these are spread across three different faces of the unit, which isn't ideal to keep clutter down.
These consist of 6 AC outlets, various USB ports, and a DC port.
With 1260 Wh of capacity, you can easily power car gadgets, mobiles, laptops, CPAP machines, blenders, mini-fridge, cameras, and even drones. But not your AC, heater, or oven for any useful length of time.
Three recharging modes, including car charging, AC wall charging, and solar power recharge, make the solar generator user-friendly and versatile.
It is best to use solar panels fully compatible with the EcoFlow Delta 1300 for maximum results. You can purchase these directly from EcoFlow.
Superfast AC outlet recharging ensures that you can quickly recharge solar generator whenever there's an ordinary outlet available. It quickly recharges to 80% in an hour and 100% in just 2 hours.
The EcoFlow 1300 comes with a 24-months warranty.
Best Features
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Award: | Runner Up |
Battery Capacity: | 1260Wh |
Battery Life Cycles: | 800+ |
Rated Output: | 1800W |
Solar Input: | 700W |
Charging Time: | 4 hours on solar 1 hour on AC outlet |
Weight: | 31 lbs |
Dimensions: | 15.7 x 8.3 x 10.6 inches |
3. Best Value: Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station
What we love about the Jackery 1000 is its low price, simple design, strong body, and portable build.
Unlike the EcoFlow Delta 1300, the Jackery 1000 has all its ports and outlets at the front, making the design more user-friendly.
The Jackery 1000 offers three 110V AC outlets and 5 DC ports. While definitely fewer ports, it's plenty enough for any small or medium RV.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
Here is what this solar generator can do: it can easily power a small 12V fridge, LCD or LED TV, and a fan for a day, and keep your electronics charged and running for days.
The solar generator can also be upgraded by adding two additional solar panels to increase recharge time by 23%. In addition, the Jackery 1000 supports pass-through charging so you can get more out of its battery each day.
This is a durable product built for traveling, with a robust body that makes it resistant to wear and tear.
That said, the Jackery 1000 falls short for large family use due to its limited 1000W output, 1026Wh capacity, and use of standard Lithium ion batteries which should not be discharge below 50% very often.
The power output is good enough for one or two people living in an RV but is inadequate for a whole family. The display is not as detailed and only shows the battery level, input, and output values.
Best Features
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Award: | Best Value |
Battery Capacity: | 1002Wh |
Battery Life Cycles: | 500 |
Rated Output: | 1000W |
Solar Input: | 200W |
Charging Time: | 8 hours |
Weight: | 22 lbs |
Dimensions: | 13.1 x 9.2 x 11.1 inches |
4. Fastest-Charging: Point Zero Energy Titan Solar Generator
Point Zero Energy's Titan solar unit is bulky and costly.
However, it has the fastest charging amongst all of the other best solar generators for RVs on the list and is an absolute beast in terms of capacity, battery life, and power output.
If you need the absolute best components in a well-designed and safe self-contained unit, this is an attractive solar generator option.
Plus, the unit can accommodate 6 batteries which can increase its battery capacity massively.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
Although the Titan solar generator is the most expensive option on the list, it justifies its price for anyone who needs to power heavier-duty tools and appliances.
You can power just about anything under 3,000 Watts for brief periods.
The generator also offers the fastest recharge in its class, and you can get back to 100% recharge power in just 2 hours.
As if the 3000W output was not enough, the generator is designed to be expanded easily. You can purchase an additional 5 batteries to increase the maximum rated output to a whopping 18,000Wh of run time.
So if you love to host parties off-grid, this is the one to get.
Six 110V AC Ports, four 12V DC ports, and a 30A RV port make this generator perfect for bigger vans and motorhomes.
The biggest drawback of this generator is its bulky design. You will need a trolley to maneuver it. Adding further batteries makes it nearly impossible to shift from place to place.
And it's expensive as heck.
Best Features
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Award: | Fastest Charging |
Battery Capacity: | 2200Wh |
Battery Life Cycles: | 2000 |
Rated Output: | 3000W |
Solar Input: | 2000W |
Charging Time: | 2 hours |
Weight: | 66 lbs |
Dimensions: | 22 × 18 × 16 inches |
5. Best For Medium RVs: Goal Zero Yeti 1000X Portable Power Station
The Goal Zero Yeti 1000X is a great overall choice for most RVrs with a rated output of 1500W and enough power to keep the basics on indefinitely.
This stylish solar generator cannot power larger appliances but can easily handle small ones such as cameras, mobiles, laptops, drones, laptops, fans, LED lighting, and speakers.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
Although the Goal Zero Yeti 1000X cannot power larger appliances like ovens, fridges, TV, and dryers, it is perfect for charging a cell phone 30 times and a mini-fridge for 7 hours.
The portable and stylish design lets you place it nearly anywhere as long as the port connections are not hindered.
The kit includes two 50W solar panels that have hinges. Kickstands aid angle changes while a canvas bag aids further portability.
All of the ports and outlets are located on the front, which allows the user to keep the solar generator and its wiring out of the way.
This makes this solar kit complete, user-friendly, and versatile. This solar generator can also be used at home, in a study or office, and even for camping.
The only thing that bothers us aside from relatively small 1000Wh of capacity is the slow AC recharge speed and even slower solar charging. The unit takes nearly 6 to 12 hours to recharge fully.
Best Features
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Award: | Best For Medium RV |
Battery Capacity: | 983Wh |
Battery Life Cycles: | 500 |
Rated Output: | 1500W |
Solar Input: | 200W |
Charging Time: | 6 to 12 hours |
Weight: | 32 lbs |
Dimensions: | 31 x 25 x 25 inches |
6. Best For Light-Duty Use: Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 500 is the best small portable solar generator for an RV for many reasons, including its handle design and light weight.
This solar generator is suited for outdoor use, and it has multiple outlets with dust covers to increase durability.
It's not going to keep everything running for days. But you won't need to worry about your phone, laptop, and WiFi.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
This portable generator is small and is not meant for heavy-duty use or powering larger appliances.
It also has a shorter battery life cycle compared to most other units, but that does not mean that this generator cannot be a suitable option for you.
If you are looking for a smaller generator that can power mini coolers, fans, smartphones, swim pool air pumps, laptops, LED projectors, LED lamps, and a small TV while traveling, then the Jackery Explorer 500 will help in a pinch.
The best part is that you can use this generator while recharging, so you do not have to wait several hours before the battery is full.
The Jackery Explorer 500 can be charged via solar panels, AC outlets, and car chargers. The modern and innovative battery design ensures over-current, over-discharge, over-charge, short-current, thermal, and over-voltage protection.
Best Features
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Award: | Best For Light-Duty Use |
Battery Capacity: | 518Wh |
Battery Life Cycles: | 500 |
Rated Output: | 500W |
Solar Input: | 100W |
Charging Time: | 7.5 hours |
Weight: | 13 lbs |
Dimensions: | 11.84 x 7.59 x 9.2 inches |
7. Most Powerful: Bluetti EP500 Pro Portable Power Station
The Bluetti EP500 portable solar generator gives the Titan a run for the money.
This is a powerful unit that can power up larger appliances without much effort.
However, due to this, this solar generator is pricey and very bulky. It's best for those with a sizable budget who really need to keep their AC running.
Pros
Cons
Our Review
This solar generator is powerful enough to provide electricity to RV air conditioners, dryers, heaters, and even crypto mining machines.
The four different UPS modes, including standard, PV priority, time control, and custom, make it an especially effective backup supply.
Two Bluetti EP500 units can be connected to a fusion box to provide massive backup power to power almost any off-grid needs.
The included LiFePO4 battery bank and battery management system maximizes longevity and provides 6000+ battery life cycles. So it can be used every day for 20 years.
The unit also supports dual recharging - which means recharged using both solar energy and AC outlets at the same time.
Another great feature of the Bluetti EP500 is its connectivity with the Bluetti App. Both this and 15 charging ports make this unit very user-friendly.
This is a beast of a battery power station that costs a lot, but can do what very few others can do. And it can expand as your needs do.
Best Features
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Award: | Most Powerful |
Battery Capacity: | 5100Wh |
Battery Life Cycles: | 6000+ |
Rated Output: | 200W |
Solar Input: | 1200W |
Charging Time: | 4.7 to 5.2 hours |
Weight: | 167 lbs |
Dimensions: | 22.8 × 11.8 × 29.9 inches |
Portable Solar Generators For RVs and Motorhomes: A Buying Guide
Now that we have gone through a list of the best solar generators for an RV, let's take a brief look at what features and functions are essential to consider before investing in one.
What Is A Portable Solar Generator For RV - And How Does It Work?
A solar generator is a battery-based off grid power station that uses clean, renewable energy from the sun to provide electrical power to various appliances.
Solar generators are normally portable, but some are really non-portable depending on size, weight, need, and capacity.
A portable solar generator makes use of solar panels, a battery, an inverter, and a charge controller to function.
The best solar generators are completely tested kits that are self-contained and safe to use. Just connect the cables and go.
How Is A Portable Solar Generator Better Than A Gas Generator?
A gas generator has many drawbacks that make it a less favorable option for RV'ing and camping than a solar-powered generator. The disadvantages of using a gas generator are listed below.
Benefits Of Using A Portable Solar Generator For An RV
Drawbacks And Limitations
Portable solar generators are a great solution for anyone who wants clean power and zero noise. But they also have a few significant drawbacks and limitations.
Features to Consider
Battery Type
This is one of the most important choices you will make when it comes to purchasing a solar generator.
Choices include lead-acid/AGM, lithium-ion, and Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries.
- Lead-acid/AGM batteries are the least expensive option but hold the least amount of useful energy and tend to fail sooner than others
- Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight and long-lasting, but cannot be discharged below 50% which limits their useful capacity
- LiFePO4 batteries are the most expensive choice and significantly heavier than Li batteries, but last 5X-10X longer and can be safely discharged below 80%, which means you need fewer of them.
For true portability and to save money, for most RVrs we recommend buying solar generators with lithium-ion batteries. Especially if your needs are intermittent, as is the case with almost everyone who owns an RV - they don't use them every day of the week. You can also move the generator into your house as a backup system when your RV is parked.
If you live in your RV full time, we recommend going with LiFePO4 batteries instead. You will spend considerably more upfront, but on a price-per-kwh basis and considering their much longer lifecycle, this is the most economical choice for live aboards.
Battery Capacity
Comparing your kWh of energy requirements per day with the battery capacity and rated output will ultimately decide how many batteries you need.
Keep in mind that lead acid/AGM and lithium ion batteries cannot be safely discharged below 50% very often. This limits their available energy capacity.
On the other hand, LiFePO4 batteries are designed to discharge to 80%, so you'll need fewer to get the same useful amount of energy out of them each day.
Portability
A unit’s portability is an essential factor to consider if you are purchasing a solar generator for your RV, motorhome, camping, fishing, hunting, road parties, or traveling. Heavier (>60lb) models will require handles and wheels.
Upgrades / Expandability
This is an important feature to consider if you hope to increase the battery capacity of your unit at a later time.
Some solar generators allow the addition of additional battery modules and more solar panels to do this. You can then use your solar generator to power even larger appliances for more extended periods.
That said, almost every solar generator manufacturer designs their systems to use their own components for expanding, and unless you really understand what you're doing you can destroy expensive equipment trying to rig your own - so make sure you understand their capabilities and energy capacity before committing to a model.
Portable Solar Generator RV Installation
Follow the steps below to connect your portable solar generator to your RV battery:
Maintenance & Operating Costs
You will incur little to no maintenance costs and operating charges after installing your solar power system.
Sunlight is free to use, and most solar generators promise to last for 25 to 30 years.
Occasional maintenance, cleaning, and proper storage will ensure longevity.
Who Needs A Portable Solar Generator For an RV Or Motorhome?
Solar generators are a worthy investment if you are an RV owner who is constantly off-grid. don't like running fuel generators around other people, and if you really care about the environment.
You will spend quite a bit more for the same kWh of energy and watts of output for solar. So make sure you understand why you must have it before starting to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many solar watts do you need to power an RV?
Most RVs require 200W to 2,000W of solar panels - or 1 to 5 panels - to power an RV, depending on the number and power rating of appliances you want to run and how many days you will be off-grid.
How much solar power do you need for an RV fridge?
Most 12V RV fridges consume 150W to 400W of power at peak, but while sitting idle they consume much less - perhaps 30W-100W. In addition, they are well-insulated so you don't have to run them all day long to keep food and drinks cold. A 2,000Wh solar generator system with 1,500W of peak power output should keep you going for days.
How do I choose solar panels for my RV?
Most RVs need 2 or more 200W solar panels to function. However, the number of solar panels required can vary depending on usage, location, and electricity consumption. Make sure the panels are built and framed for outdoor harsh conditions, and make sure the junction boxes and wiring are rated for outdoor use.
What size generator do I need to run my 30 amp RV?
A 1000W-3000W generator is ideal for supplying enough useful power for a typical 30 amp RVs.
What is the difference between a solar generator, a solar kit, and a power station?
Solar generators are portable power stations designed specifically to work with solar panels and contain most electrical components in one unit including the battery, charge controller, and inverter.
A solar power kit typically includes the same components but in separate pieces and is designed to be permanently installed, not portable. A power station is a battery-powered source of electrical energy that may or may not be recharged with solar power. It typically includes an inverter but not necessarily a charge controller nor inputs for solar panels.
Where should I place the solar panels on RV?
For most RVs, solar panels should be ideally placed on the roof and should be south-facing. Another option is to purchase portable panels that can be laid out or angled in the lawn outside of your RV.
Final Verdict: What Is The Best Portable Solar Generator For RV Or Motorhome?
If you've gotten this far, then you already know there is no one-size-fits-all solar generator for an RV.
f you are looking for a reliable and versatile self-contained portable generator for your RV or motorhome, the Bluetti AC200P Portable Power Station is our top recommendation. This unit offers excellent portability, multiple ports, super-fast charging, and noiseless operation.
If you have the budget and absolutely must run your AC on solar power, then we recommend the Point Zero Energy Titan Solar Generator or the Bluetti EP500 Portable Power Station. These are extremely powerful, have high battery capacity, high rated outputs, and robust design.
Best of luck on your decision. And drop me a comment below if you have any questions!
