Camping means staying overnight away from home in the woods with essential items only. And a solar generator is one of the essentials you don’t wanna miss on your camping trip. It's nothing but a portable off-grid solar power station with inbuilt lithium-ion batteries and flush-mounted power ports. That can charge your phone multiple times and power your camping cooler/heater.
These solar generators can be charged by portable (and conventional) solar panels, grid power, gas generators, or even by your car charger. That means you charge them before your trip starts or while driving to your camping spot with your car charger or with portable solar panels while camping. You can buy them in various sizes and backup times as per your comfort. Moreover, these solar generators come in sizes large enough to power your whole house during power outages. >> Power your house with these solar generators, read the full article.
What size solar generator do you need for camping?
A solar generator with a minimum of 200 Wh battery capacity is required for a camping trip of 1-2 days for a solo camper and 300-750 W for a 2-4 people camping trip. However, if you are camping in a group we recommend you go with multiple numbers of small solar generators instead of large ones.
Nonetheless, if your camping spot can be reached by car and you are camping in a group then a large-size solar generator will be much cheaper than multiple small-size generators. Another benefit of buying a large-size solar generator is that it can be used to power your home appliances during power outages.
Their modular design and expandable battery capacity make them convenient to shift from your camping spots/cabins to homes. So, a large-size solar generator can give you the benefits of two in one package.
TOP Solar generators for your camping trips in 2023
Bluetti EB3A, Best all-rounder
Renogy Phoenix 200, the Lightest and Most Affordable
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus, Second Best all-rounder
Bluetti EB70s, Best for group camping
EcoFlow Revier 2, Second Best for group camping
#1 BLUETTI EB3A
BLUETTI EB3A is on top of our list of best solar generators for the campaign, it is the perfect combo of lightweight, mobility, power, and affordability. This portable powerhouse packs a punch with its high inverter capacity, versatile recharging options, and smart features. Here's why it stands out as an excellent choice in the world of portable power.
Features:
Strong Power Output: With a 600W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (and a surge rating of 1200W), it can handle a variety of devices, providing stable energy for your gadgets.
Long-Lasting Energy: Boasting a 268Wh capacity and an LFP battery ensures a robust and reliable power supply. With 2,500+ life cycles to 80%, it promises durability for the long haul.
Rapid Dual Charging: It supports fast dual charging at 430W (via Solar+AC), allowing for quick replenishment of energy and ensuring your devices are always ready to go.
Flexible Recharging Options: Offering six ways to recharge (AC/Solar/Car/Generator/AC+Solar/AC+Adapter), it adapts to various situations, ensuring uninterrupted power supply in any scenario.
Fast Charging: Its swift dual charging feature ensures your devices are powered up quickly, especially in urgent situations.
Smart Monitoring: The BLUETTI App provides real-time insights, enabling efficient management of your power usage.
Multi-Device Support: Equipped with nine outputs, it allows you to charge multiple devices simultaneously, accommodating all your electronic needs.
Cons:
Limited Solar Input: The 200W maximum solar input might be limiting for users with higher energy needs.
Priced at $209, BLUETTI EB3A stands out as a reliable, portable power solution, offering versatile recharging options, high inverter capacity, and smart monitoring features. Its robust battery, fast charging capabilities, and lightweight design make it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts, remote workers, and emergency preparedness. You won't find any machine better than this at this range.
#2 Renogy Portable Power Station 200
Renogy Portable Power Station 200, is the lightest and most affordable solar generator you can have for your campaign trip. It is a big powerhouse in a small pack, which can SUPERCHARGE your camping trip with its high invert capacity and low weight.
Features:
Lightweight: The lightweight of the Renogy 200 is easy to carry, fitting seamlessly into your outdoor adventures or emergency kits. Weighing at 2.4kg (5.29 lbs), it is one of the lightest solar generators.
Pure sine wave technology: Offers high-quality AC power that is comparable to mains power, safeguarding your delicate equipment like CPAP machines.
Quietest: It is also one of the quietest solar generators, so it can be used without worry, even while sleeping.
Display: It has a large LCD display, which shows charging status, battery level, input and output power, and estimated recharging time.
Inverter rating: It has 200 watts of inverter which is enough to power all your campaign electronic equipment.
Battery: It has an inbuilt NCM battery of capacity 222 Wh. Which can power your phone and drone multiple times.
Cons:
NCM battery is the reason for the lightweight of the Renogy 200, but it is also one of the major drawbacks. NCM batteries are the version of Lithium-ion batteries, which are low-weight as well as low charging cycle as compared to the LFP version of lithium-ion batteries.
Low solar input capacity: The maximum solar input capacity of Renogy 200 is only 60 watts, which is not very low compared to others. However, this also helps developers to reduce their weight.
Priced at only $159.99, the Renogy portable power station 200 is the most affordable and lightest solar generator you can have for your campaign trip. Being small, still, it still has a power inverter with high surge power.
#3 Jackery Explorer 300 Plus
The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus is the perfect combination of lightweight and power. Its compact marvel offers a blend of power and convenience. Here's a detailed look at its features, pros, cons, and performance to help you make an informed decision.
Features:
Lightweight and Quiet: Weighing only 3.75kg (8.27 lbs) and operating silently at 45dB, it's ideal for both outdoor and indoor use.
Quick Charging: Recharge in just 2.5 hours using a wall charger or USB-C PD charger, ensuring you're always powered up.
Multi-Device Support: Charge up to 4 smart devices at once, making it perfect for your phones, tablets, laptops, and more.
Safety First: The advanced Battery Management System ensures your devices and the power station are always protected.
Battery: It comes with 288Wh LFP battery, which has 3000 charge cycles ( at 80% depth of discharge)
Light: It has a flush-mounted LED light, which will be very helpful on a camping trip.
Solar input: It has a maximum of 200 watts of solar input capacity however, you can also charge it with 100 or 80 watts of solar panel.
Cons:
Limited Capacity: While sufficient for small devices, the 293Wh capacity might not be adequate for powering larger appliances or devices requiring continuous high wattage.
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus impresses with its quick charging, multi-device support, and silent operation. It comes with a lightweight design that makes it an excellent choice for travelers and explorers. While it might not power heavy appliances, its capacity is suitable for most electronic devices, due to which it becomes a valuable addition to your outdoor adventures or emergency backup plans.
If you're looking for a portable power station that combines efficiency with convenience, the Explorer 300 Plus is a worthy option at an affordable price of $300.
#4 EcoFlow River 2
Introducing the River 2, a portable power solution designed to meet your energy needs with ease and efficiency. This powerhouse boasts a substantial 256Wh capacity, and a 300W inverter, ensuring a reliable power supply for various devices. Here's why it's a game-changer in the world of portable power:
Features:
Lightweight: Weighing 7.7 lbs, it is one of the lightest (second lightest in our list) solar generators.
Rapid Recharge: The River 2 stands out with its lightning-fast recharge time, going from 0 to 100% in just 60 minutes, minimizing downtime and maximizing usage.
Solar Efficiency: Harnessing solar power, it provides up to 756 Wh in a day (256Wh battery + 495Wh from 110Watt solar), making it perfect for SOLO CAMPING TRIPS.
Safety and Longevity: Featuring a LiFePO4 battery, it guarantees safety and offers a remarkable lifespan of up to 10 years, ensuring long-term reliability.
Versatile Output: With X-Boost technology, it can power devices up to 600W.
Easy Charging: Offering four charging options - AC, car, solar, and USB-C - ensures convenient and flexible power replenishment.
Smart Control: Manage your power usage effortlessly with the smart app control via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, providing real-time insights and control at your fingertips.
Warranty: It comes with a magnificent 5 years of Warranty.
Cons:
Low Solar Input: It has a maximum, solar input of only 110 Watts.
Overall, The River 2 solar generator is a standout choice for camping trips, combining power, speed, and smart technology. Priced at $256, its ability to handle high power demands, coupled with fast recharge and smart controls, makes it an excellent investment for diverse energy needs.
Whether you're camping, traveling, or preparing for emergencies, the River 2 ensures you have a reliable and efficient power source, making it a top contender in the portable power market.
#5. Bluetti EB70S
Meet the Bluetti EB70S solar generator, your go-to solution for portable and reliable power. With a whopping 716Wh capacity robust LiFePO4 battery, this solar generator ensures you never run out of power, whether you're camping, on a road trip, or facing a sudden outage. Its 800W inverter and 1400W surge rating make it capable of powering a range of devices, from laptops to power tools.
Features:
Versatile Outputs: Equipped with AC and DC outputs, it accommodates various devices, ensuring you stay connected wherever you are.
Solar Compatibility: Supporting up to 200W of solar input, it's eco-friendly, harnessing the sun's energy for prolonged use.
User-Friendly Design: The clear display keeps you informed about battery status and power usage, while safety features protect your devices and the EB70S itself.
Portability: Weighing just 9.7 kg (21.4 lb), it's lightweight and perfect for group camping.
Versatility: It handles a range of appliances, making it versatile for both indoor and outdoor use.
Long-lasting: Its high capacity ensures extended usage, ideal for outdoor adventures or emergencies.
Cons:
Limited Solar Input: While solar-compatible, the 200W maximum input might be insufficient for high power demands.
Not suitable for solo camper, due to its high weight.
Priced at $499, the Bluetti EB70S excels in offering reliable, portable power. With its user-friendly design, versatility, and solar compatibility, it's an excellent choice for adventurers and those preparing for emergencies.
Despite minor limitations, its overall performance makes it a valuable investment. Whether you're camping or facing a power outage, the EB70S ensures you have the energy you need, making it a top choice for anyone seeking a dependable portable power solution.
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