Everything You Need to Know About Solar Generators for Camping
A portable solar generator for camping is a user-friendly device that stores and provides access to usable power while camping, overlanding, or otherwise adventuring off-grid.
Solar generators consist of 3 primary components housed in a single convenient and portable device:
Charge Controller
The charge controller in a solar generator regulates the incoming solar or DC power to the battery, protecting the battery from overcharging (which would shorten the longevity or potentially damage the battery)
Battery
The battery in a solar generator is used to store power either from the sun’s solar energy via a solar panel, the electrical grid via a 110V power outlet in your home or elsewhere while traveling, or from your vehicle’s 12V charging outlet.
Inverter
The Inverter in a solar generator converts the stored power in the battery from Direct Current (DC) to usable Alternating Current (AC) so that you can use a variety devices that use AC power while camping - such as power tools, blenders, a refrigerator, or even a microwave - that you’d otherwise be unable to power.
Camping Uses for Solar Generators
Solar Generators have a huge variety of uses while camping, and can benefit anyone with the desire to travel or have power while dispersed camping. The most common uses are:
Truck Campers - Solar generators provide an easy plug-and-play dual battery setup for camping in the bed of a pickup.
Car or Tent Camping Setups - Whether you’re camping in the comfort of your SUV or out of a tent while taking a road trip, a solar generator provides a safe source of off-grid power for your devices while not taxing your vehicle's battery and electrical system.
Camper Vans - You can easily integrate a solar generator as a “house battery” in your DIY camper van to give your build a more flexible power source.
DIYers & Electrical Novices - Using solar generators for camping power requires far less wiring and electrical knowledge than more complex solar systems or dual battery setups where each individual component must be matched, sized, and wired correctly.
Which leads us to our next point...
The Benefits of Solar GeneratorS for Camping
Ease-of-Use
Most solar power systems or dual battery setups require you to fit, match size, and wire each component individually. With a solar generator, the battery, charge controller, and inverter are all perfectly matched to each other and there’s no wiring required. You simply hook up your solar panel to the solar generator, plug in your devices, and you’re ready to go!
Safety
Because the major components are not wired independently, there’s less of a chance of safety issues arising from improper install or operation. Plus, unlike gas or diesel generators, solar generators don’t require you to carry or handle flammable liquids in order to power your devices while camping.
No Fumes or Exhaust
Since solar generators don’t use fossil fuels to produce power while camping, there’s no noxious fumes or exhaust to deal with.
No Noise
Solar generators are virtually silent when operating, unlike annoying gasoline or diesel powered generators - so solar generators are great for group camping and stealth camping situations where you need power while camping but don’t want to disturb others.
Portability
Most solar generators for camping are very compact and easy to carry (for instance our 1100wh Inergy Solar Generator only weighs 20 lbs!).
Flexibility
Because solar generators are so portable and simple to install, you can easily remove your solar generator from your camping rig, van, or overland vehicle to use at home or work too - unlike more complex solar power systems or dual battery setups that require a more permanent installation. We’ve been thankful our solar generator in our home during power outages several times.
Durability
Most solar generators are built to withstand the rigors of camping and overlanding. They lack the mechanical components that wear like gasoline or diesel generators. And because most modern solar generators utilize lithium-ion based batteries, they have a longer life expectancy than the typical lead-acid or AGM batteries found in more common dual battery systems.
Disadvantages of a Solar Generator for Camping
Cost
The up-front cost of most solar generators is higher per watt hour (averaging about $1 per watt hour) than pieced-together solar systems or dual battery setups where the components are purchased individually.
Upgrades and Repairs are Limited Due to Fixed Components
While some models of solar generators for camping have user-replaceable batteries or offer expansion capabilities, most do not. And because the three primary components - battery, solar charge controller, and inverter - are all integrated together inside the solar generator, when one fails it’s typically not feasible to replace the bad component yourself.
How to Charge Your Solar Generator While Camping
There are three easy ways to charge a solar generator for camping or overlanding:
110V AC Charger
Often referred to as “shore power,” solar generators have a 110V AC charging adapter that allows you to plug into power at home to charge up before you leave, or at a campsite with hookups to recharge during a longer camping trip.
12V Car Charger
Most solar generators also offer a 12v Car Charger that allows you to charge your solar generator from your vehicle’s 12v outlets while on the road - allowing you to essentially install a simple plug & play dual battery system in any vehicle!
Solar Panels
Solar panels are much more efficient than they once were and offer a flexible and environmentally friendly source of power for charging your solar generator while camping. We typically use ours to extend off-grid camping trips where there’s no access to AC power or we don’t want to run the truck to re-charge the solar generator using the 12V DC charger.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Solar Generator
If you’re looking for a solar generator for camping, there are a few things you’ll want to consider before making a purchase to ensure you get the best solar generator for your adventures.
[Note: If you’re unfamiliar with some of the more technical electrical terms that are used when discussing Solar Generator details and features - such as watt hours, AC vs DC power, amps, volts, etc. - we have a helpful guide Portable Camping Power Part 1: Electrical Terms and Principles Made Simple to help you get your head around the basics.]
Charging Inputs
Most solar generators will have a dedicated AC input for charging at home, and at least one DC input for charging with the 12v car charger and/or solar panels.
You’ll want to check that the DC input is compatible with your solar panels. Most utilize more common connections such as MC4, EC8, or Anderson Pole inputs, but some solar panels or solar generators use proprietary inputs or outputs that would require specialized adapters in order to work together. So it’s worth looking at beforehand to know if you’ll need adapters.
Charge Rates and Charge Times
While it’s nice to have a fast AC wall charging rate so you can top off quickly when you have access to AC power, a solar generator’s DC charge rate is arguably the most important factor to consider when purchasing a solar generator.
This is because it will determine how quickly you can recharge your solar generator to meet your power needs while camping or overlanding.
All charge rates will typically be listed on the manufacturer's website in either watts or amps under the technical specs of the solar generator model you’re considering - though they will not always be stated the same way or as clearly.
Here’s a side-by-side example looking at two popular solar generator models’ stated DC charge rate specs - the Jackery 500 and the Goal Zero 500x:
As you can see, Goal Zero clearly states the Yeti 500x has a max DC charge rate of 180 watts (apparently only achievable using solar input) and the charge rate using their car charger is 120watts (taking approximately 4.5hours for a full charge based on their estimates).
The Jackery’s specs, on the other hand, are a little more vague. It states a max DC charge rate of 100 watts but the specs only state a time estimate for the car charger (7 hours). In this case you have to divide the solar generator’s capacity (518wh) by the estimated charge time of the car charger (7.5hrs). This will give you an approximation of the car charger’s DC charge rate (appx. 70 watts), so you can make an accurate comparison.
Using this example, the Goal Zero 500x solar generator appears to be able to charge at almost twice the rate and nearly twice as fast as the Jackery 500. This makes the Goal Zero (in this particular example) the better choice as a solar generator for camping - especially while traveling or overlanding.
Charge Controller
Though it’s not a huge factor, the type of built-in charge controller in any solar generator you may be considering as a camping power supply is something to keep in mind.
There are two primary types of charge controllers - MPPT and PWM - and, without getting into the technical ins and outs of each, the take-away is that MPPT charge controllers are overall more efficient and also offer safer charging at rates above 400 watts. So if you can select a solar generator that utilizes an MPPT charge controller that’s always best.
Battery Capacity
Next to Charge Rates, Battery Capacity is the second most important factor to consider when purchasing a solar generator. The solar generators capacity will be clearly stated by the manufacturer in watt hours (abbreviated Wh).
However, the first step is to determine what your camping power needs are, and lucky for you we have a post that’ll walk you through it step-by-step:
Once you know what your power needs are, you’ll be able to select a solar generator with a capacity that will best meet those needs.
Battery Type
Early on, some solar generators utilized AGM batteries, but most modern solar generators use Lithium-ion batteries. This makes them significantly lighter, more efficient, and longer lasting.
But not all Lithium-ion batteries are created equal, and currently Lithium Iron Phosphate (or LiFePo4) batteries are generally considered the best for solar power when it comes to longevity. So a solar generator that utilizes a LiFePo4 battery would be ideal.
The more common Lithium-ion battery used in solar generators is a Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (LiNiMnCoO2 or NMC for short), which performs well but has a shorter life expectancy.
Inverter Output
When using a solar generator for camping, the inverter is used to convert the stored DC power in the solar generator’s battery to usable AC current for devices that don’t run off of DC power.
A solar generator’s inverter output rating is usually listed in two categories: Continuous and Surge. This is because some AC devices, such as a microwave, typically have a higher initial power draw when first starting, but a lower operating power draw when running.
So make sure to include any AC powered devices you need in your Camping Power Needs calculation and ensure that the inverter on your solar generator has a high enough output to power them.
Pro Tip: We always recommend looking for DC powered devices to use with your solar generator while camping. There are all kinds of 12V DC powered devices including crock pots, TVs, and even ovens! By using DC powered devices you’ll avoid needing to use your solar generator’s inverter, which uses up additional power when converting the solar generator’s stored DC power to usable AC power.
DC Output
Similarly to checking the inverter’s AC output, you want to ensure the solar generator’s DC outputs are adequate for your camping power needs. Each manufacturer will list the various DC output options and their corresponding amperage ratings under the “tech specs” of the solar generator on their website. We’ll dive a little deeper into this in the next section below.
*(This post contains affiliate links. This means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See our full disclosure.)
Installing a Solar Generator into Your Camper or Overland Vehicle
Wiring a solar generator into your camping vehicle can be as simple as plugging in the solar generator’s car charger! You can plug most devices directly into the solar generator to power what you need while camping and you’ll be all set.
But if you’re wanting to power a device (or series of devices), such as a 12V vent fan, camping fridge, or lights in a more fixed or permanent way, there are a few extra things to take a closer look at to ensure the solar generator you select will work for your needs.
DC Output Options
Make sure the solar generator has a DC output option that can be easily hardwired to. An example of this would be a Anderson Powerpole Connection (as shown in the below image).
Alternatively, you can use a fused wiring adapter like this one* to convert the 12v car-style output port on the solar generator to a wireable source (but you must make sure both the output and the adapter have a proper rating to handle your devices amperage draw).
DC Output Amperage Rating
Each output on a solar generator has an amperage rating identifying the maximum power that output is capable of safely producing (see the below example). So be sure to double check that the device you’re wanting to wire to any of the solar generator’s output ports falls within the port’s limitations.
If you want more detail, we do have a whole post on the dual battery system we used in our original truck camper that utilized a solar generator wired into our overland vehicle in a semi-permanent way that worked great for us for years! (We currently use a single-battery Lithium starting/deep-cycle battery for camping and travel, and you can read more about it in our review The Do Everything Overlanding Battery That May Make Dual Battery Systems Obsolete)
The Best Solar Generators for Camping 2024
While new solar generator models are coming out all the time, here are our current favorites based on capacity, specs, and options. They’re ordered by the type of camping trips they’d be best suited for to help you select one that’s right for your adventures.
Best Solar Generators for Overnight Camping Trips
If you typically do shorter overnight camping trips or if you’re just looking for something to charge your laptop, cell phone, or a mirrorless/DSLR camera while camping - both these options are great.
GOAL ZERO YETI 300
Capacity: 297 watt hours
Battery Type: LiFePO4
DC Charge Rates: Solar 13-22V at up to 7A or 100watts Max, 100 watts at 12VDC with factory car charger
Size: 11.3” Wide x 7.7” Tall x 6.7” Deep
Inverter AC Output: 350 watt continuous (600 watt surge) Inverter putting out 3 Amps at 115VAC.
DC Output: 13.5 Amps at 12VDC.
Output Ports: 2 - USB-A (QC), 2- USB-C (one PD), 2 - 120VAC, 1 - 13.5 amp 12VDC car port, 1 - 11amp 6mm 12VDC port
What We Like: modern LiFePO4 battery tech offers longer lifespan, MPPT charge controller, and it’s compact and budget friendly
ECOFLOW RIVER 2
Capacity: 256 watt hours
Battery Type: LiFePO4
DC Charge Rates: Solar Max 360 watts, Car Charger Max 8amps @ 12VDC (appx 96 watts)
Size: 9.6” Wide x 5.7” Tall x 8.4” Deep
Inverter AC Output: 300 watt continuous (600 watt surge)
DC Output: 10 Amps at 12VDC.
Output Ports: 2 - USB-A, 1- USB-C, 2 - 120VAC, 1 - 10 amp 13.6VDC car port,
What We Like: While EcoFlow doesn’t offer battery expansion packs for this 2nd gen model, it does use the safer and more durable LiFePO4 battery technology and can be fully recharged in 1 hour when fast charging via AC power.
Best Solar Generators for Weekend Camping Trips
If you typically take weekend camping trips, both of the below options are excellent choices. They’ll provide you with enough power to keep your laptop, cell phone, and cameras topped off, and when combined with solar panel charging or augmented with car charging in between adventures they’re even capable of powering a Camping Fridge too!
GOALZERO YETI 700 (6th Generation Solar Generator)
Name: Goal Zero Yeti 700
Capacity: 677 watt hours
Battery Type: LiFePO4
DC Charge Rates: Solar 200watts Max, 120 watts at 12VDC with factory car charger
Size: 11.32” Wide x 7.84” Tall x 8.55” Deep
Inverter Output: 600 watt continuous (1000 watt surge) Inverter putting out 5 Amps at 115VAC.
DC Output: 10 Amps at 12VDC.
Output Ports: 2 - USB-A (QC), 2- USB-C (one PD), 2 - 120VAC, 1 - 12 amp 12VDC car port, 1 - 10amp 6mm 12VDC port
What We Like: Modern LiFePO4 battery technology, MPPT charge controller, and you can use their proprietary 6MM male-to-ring-terminal adapter with the solar generator’s 6mm DC output port as an easy wiring solution in a camper, van, or overland vehicle for a camping fridge, lights, or a vent fan (provided they draw less than 10A (135w))
ECOFLOW RIVER 2 PRO
Capacity: 768 watt hours
Battery Type: LiFePO4
DC Charge Rates: Solar Charge Rate of 220W 10-25Vdc 12A Max, Car Charger Max 8 amps @ 12VDC (appx 96 watts)
Size: 11.4” Wide x 9.3” Tall x 7.1” Deep
Inverter AC Output: 800 watt continuous (1600 watt surge)
DC Output: 10 Amps at 12VDC.
Output Ports: 3 - USB-A, 1- USB-C, 4 - 120VAC, 1 - 10 amp 13.6VDC car port, 2 - 3amp 5.5mm 12VDC port
What We Like: While EcoFlow doesn’t offer battery expansion packs for this 2nd gen River Pro 2 model, it does use the safer and more durable LiFePO4 battery technology and can be fully recharged in about an hour when fast charging via AC power.
Best Solar Generators for Overlanding or Extended Camping Trips
GOALZERO YETI 1500X
Capacity: 1516 watt hours
Battery Type: Lithium-ion (NMC)
DC Charge Rate: Solar Charge 14-50V up to 50A or 600 watts max, 120 watts at 12V with standard factory car charger
* Goal Zero has offered a fast charge solution called the Yeti Link Car Charging Kit, though it’s currently being redesigned - this allows for much faster in-vehicle charging rate between 300-750 watts!
Size: 15.25” Wide x 10.37” Tall x 10.23” Deep
Inverter Output: 2000 watt continuous (3500 watt surge) Inverter putting out 16.5 amp at 120VAC.
DC Output: 13 Amp Regulated at 12VDC
Output Ports: 2 - USB-A, 2 - USB-C, 2 - 120VAC, 1 - 13 amp 12VDC car port, 1 - 10 amp 12v 6mm port, 1 - 10 amp 12v Anderson Powerpole port
What We Like: While the 1500X still uses the older NMC battery tech it is compatible with the Yeti Link Vehicle Integration Kit that offers very fast DC charging from your vehicle (454-750watt), it uses a MPPT solar charge controller, and the Anderson Powerpole output makes it easy to hardwire into a camper or overland rig
ECOFLOW DELTA 2
Capacity: 1024 watt hours
Battery Type: LiFePO4
DC Charge Rates: Solar Charge Rate of 500W 11-60Vdc 15A Max, Car Charger Max 10 amps @ 12VDC (appx 120 watts)
Size: 15.7” Wide x 11” Tall x 8.3” Deep
Inverter AC Output: 1800 watt continuous (2700 watt surge)
DC Output: 10 Amps at 12VDC.
Output Ports: 4 - USB-A, 2- USB-C, 6 - 120VAC, 1 - 10 amp 13.6VDC car port, 2 - 3amp 5.5mm 12VDC port
What We Like: With the addition of Delta 2 Smart Extra Batteries that can be linked to the Delta 2, you can create up to a 3kw solar generator! The incredibly fast 1200W 110V AC Wall charger, and fast-tracking MPPT solar charge controller, offer one of the fastest recharge rates in the industry.
Whew! We know that’s a TON of information to digest! But a solar generator for camping can be a big (albeit very useful) investment, and we hope that this guide has helped you select the right one to power your next adventure!
If you have any questions, be sure to drop a comment down below and if you’re interested in more camping or overland travel related info SUBSCRIBE for our blog updates.
And as always, thanks for reading!
Related Posts:
Portable Camping Power Part 1: Electrical Terms and Principles Made Simple
Portable Camping Power Part 2: Determine Your Power Supply Needs
Portable Camping Power Part 3: Selecting a Camping Power Supply
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