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Camping and outdoor activities are becoming more popular, and a reliable power source is often essential. Especially if you prefer to be off the grid, away from everyday life’s everyday hustle and bustle.
Solar power generators are an ideal solution. It is essential to consider what power you need and what will meet your needs during your trip.
Solar generators are environmentally friendly portable camping power stations. They collect sunlight via solar panels, convert it into DC (Direct Current), and store it in a lithium battery until required. They are quiet, convenient, safe to use inside a tent and do not require maintenance. However, they are reliant on weather conditions.
This article explores the benefits of using a solar camping generator, how they work, and what to look for when choosing one. So, whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting, read on to discover how a solar camping generator can enhance your outdoor experience.
How do solar-powered generators work?
Solar generators work by placing the panels in direct sunlight so they can capture sunlight. The solar panels are made up of multiple connected electron cells, which are released to create the flow of electricity as it receives sunlight.
The energy is converted via direct current connectors to the generator battery, which stores the energy. The battery capacity determines how much energy can be stored and how long the generator can run. The higher the wattage, the greater the running power.
The stored energy can power camping equipment, such as lights, fans, portable refrigerators, and other small appliances.
Solar panels work more efficiently if they are in direct sunlight rather than in cloudy overcast weather. However, they will still charge in overcast weather, but it will be a lot longer process. How quickly the generator can be charged does depend on the size and how many solar panels are required. Plus, the length of cable connecting the solar panels to the generators.
The solar panels used in camping generators are portable and lightweight and can be folded for easy transport. The same for generators; they are compact and easy to use.
I prefer solar generators to diesel or petrol, as they are easier to use and I can keep it inside my tent without worrying about fumes. I have used my Jackery for over a year. It is the lowest power E240 as I only need it to boil a kettle, charge electrical devices such as phones and laptops, and heat my tent if required.
Jackery is a reliable generator and has a 2-year warranty with lifetime support. When I received it, it was 20% charged and needed an additional charge. I tested the solar panels for several hours, and the charge increased to 50%. I then tested charging via my indoor AC wall supply and charged 30%.
On overcast days, you must charge for approximately 7-10 hours via solar panel. To combat the cloudy weather before a trip, I charge fully on the mains supply and top up during my trip via solar panels. I purchased my Jackery directly from Jackery, but you can buy it from Amazon. Signing up for the Jackery newsletter is worth it, as you receive a discount code.
If you are unsure about buying a solar generator, our buyer’s guide walks you through the available types of generators. There are 5 different types of generators available, including solar-powered generators.
What to consider when buying a solar generator for camping
There are many different types of solar-powered generators available. So it is crucial to understand the various features, not just visible but internal ones. Here are some essential aspects you need to consider before purchasing a generator.
- Power output – Power output is the watts produced that provide a continuous energy supply over a prolonged period.
- Peak power – When electrical devices are first switched on, they require a power boost. Peak hours are the watts that can be produced temporarily only and not continuously.
- Watts per hour – This is known as power capacity and details how long the generator can work before recharging.
- Inverter – An essential part of a generator as it converts the DC (Direct current) into usable energy AC (alternative current). Allowing you to charge a phone or laptop, use a grill or heat your tent.
- Portability – A lighter generator will be easier to transport, especially if you do not have transport or intend to walk to your destination.
- Size/weight – The size will normally indicate the power output, as the larger the generator, the higher the output.
- Solar panels – Consider how many solar panels are required to charge your generator. The higher-powered generators will require more than one solar panel.
- Charging points – USB,
- Recharging – Solar generators are not just restricted to charging via solar panels. Some options are available, such as an AC Wall outlet and a 12v car charge, although charging times may vary.
- BMS (Battery Management System) – A safety system that manages the performance and monitors the battery performance. Ensuring protection against over-current, short-current and over-discharge protection, over-voltage and thermal protection.
- Intelligent MPPT controller (Maximum Power Point Tracking) – A device that regulates the flow of current between solar panels (PV) and the battery power banks’ charge requirements. It tracks the power from the solar panels, ensuring that it charges to maximum efficiency.
- Battery type – Solar generators typically have Lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries battery. Lithium-ion is becoming more popular as they are lightweight, compact, have a higher energy density. In comparison, lead-acid batteries are heavier but cheaper. They are not as portable as lithium-ion batteries and need to be maintained correctly.
- Compatibility – Not all solar generators are compatible with other manufacturers’ solar panels. Before buying, check that the generator can use other model solar panels. It may affect your warranty.
- Maintenance – They do not need much maintenance compared to other generators. You only need to check the cables and clean the main body and panels. Also, make sure that the charge does not drop low. I keep mine charged to a minimum of 20%.
- Storage – Must be kept in a dry, warm room to avoid colder temperatures affecting the life of the battery.
Solar camping generators: Power Output and what they can charge
| Power Output | Surge Peak Power | How they can be charged | Suitable for | What can they charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200W | 400W | 1 Solar Panel – 100W – 5.5 hrs AC Wall Outlet – 5.5 hrs 12v car charger – 6.5 hrs | Garden Leisure Camping Car camping | Phone – 24 charges TV 60W – 3 hrs Lights 5W – 40 hrs Fan 15W – 15 hrs Travel kettle 650W – 38 boils |
| 500W | 1000W | 1 Solar Panel – 100W – 9.5 hrs AC Wall Outlet – 7.5 hrs 12v car charger – 9.5 hrs | Garden Camping Off-grid Car camping Campervans | Mini Fridge 60W – 9 hrs Air Pump 50W – 8 hrs Electric Blanket 100W – 3.5 hrs TV 60W – 7.5 hrs Lights 5W – 45 hrs Laptop – 4.5 charges Phone – 53 charges |
| 1000W | 2000W | 2 Solar Panels – 200W – 6 hrs or 1 Solar Panel – 100W – 17 hrs AC Wall Outlet – 7.5 hrs 12v car charger – 14 hrs | Off-grid Camping Camper vans Car camping | Electric Grill 900W – 50 mins Mini Fridge 60W – 17 hrs Phone – 100 charges Lights 5W – 76 hrs TV 60W – 13 hrs Laptop – 8 charges Coffee Maker 550W – 88 mins – |
| 1800W | 3600W | 1 Solar Panels – 200W – 9.5hrs 2 Solar Panels – 200W – 5 hrs 6 Solar Panels – 200W – 2 hrs AC Wall Outlet – 2 hrs 12v car charger – 16.5 hrs | Off Grid Camping Camper vans Car camping Home | Mini Fridge 90W – 10.5 hrs TV 60W – 17.5 hrs Microwaves 1000W — 70 mins Phone 65W – 63 times |
| 2000W | 4400W | 6 Solar Panels – 200W – 2.5 hrs Car or wall outlet – 2 hrs | Off-grid camping Homes | Electric Grill 1800W – 1.1 hrs Hotplate 2300W – 48 mins Mini Cooler 90W – 15 hrs Heater 1800W – 96 mins Projector 100W – 15 hrs Air conditioner 1150W – 2 hrs Microwave 1180w – 96 mins |
Why are solar generators worth buying?
Solar camping generators are a great way to power camping equipment without the need for noisy and polluting fuel-powered generators. They are environmentally friendly and can provide a reliable source of energy as long as there is enough sunlight to recharge the batteries.
Solar is one of the cleanest and simplest generators to use compared to diesel or petrol generators.
They can be expensive compared to other fuel generators. However, you do not have to worry about them running out of fuel and having to keep reserves to hand. Plus you can take them to any campsite and as they will not disturb other campers. Many campsites will not allow generators, but solar generators are acceptable.
There are no fumes, so you do not have to worry about finding cover for them outside. If you require power, you can keep it inside your tent and take it with you for the day. They need hardly any maintenance besides keeping clean, checking cables and ensuring you store them in a dry, warm area.
Buying a generator is expensive, and you need to be sure of what you are buying the power source. Other factors need to be considered, as fuel generators require regular maintenance. Prior to each use and after, the generator must be checked. As well as a yearly full service by a professional. These costs add up, so a cheaper fuel-run generator may be the cheapest option at the time, but you need to consider the ongoing cost. Here is some additional information on maintenance for different types of generators.
Solar camping generators: good and the bad
Good points
- Safety – The central aspect of a solar generator is safety. Not only for fumes, but they are of a greater technology than fuel generators, not only with using but with storing flammable liquids.
- Rechargeable – Renewable energy powered by sunlight. Battery rechargeable but will lose little power over time if not used.
- Easy to use – Very easy to use. Plug the device in and switch the generator on. The display shows the power output and remaining charge.
- Pollution free – Environmentally friendly, no pollution such as exhaust fume. No harm to the environment or wildlife.
- Quiet – One of the quietest generators at 40 dB, There is a very low hum which is the fan running. It sounds like somebody is whispering and quieter than an electric cool box.
- Compact – Small compared to other generators. Solid-body, with full handle. Depending on the model, weight ranges from 3kg – 19.5kg, excluding solar panels.
- Low maintenance – minimal maintenance required. General care and attention, checking wires for fraying, cleaning generator and panels. Ensuring the battery does not deplete and keeps some charge no less than 20%.
- Cost-effective – No additional fuel or professional service is needed.
Bad points
- Weather – if the weather is overcast, this will increase the recharge time of a solar generator.
- Expensive – The initial cost of a generator and solar panels can be expensive, depending on the model and number of solar panels required.
- Waterproof – Main body of the generator is not waterproof, so it cannot be left in the rain. Solar panels are partially waterproof. However, this needs to be researched prior to buying.
- Battery replacement – Not all generators can have their rechargeable battery replaced. It depends on the model. Check before buying.
- Battery disposal – Batteries contain toxins, chemicals and metals which are harmful to the environment. Following the manufacturer’s instructions for safe battery disposal or recycling is essential.
Generator charge hours – Seasonal daylights hours vs peak charge hours
Solar-powered generators are ideal for areas that have constant sunlight. If you live in the UK, it is often cloudy, although warm. So it is important to consider when charging a generator.
Peak hours of sunlight refer to the sunlight strength, and on average, per square meter of sunlight provides 1000W solar generation.
What affects the efficiency of solar charging?
Weather is unpredictable. Therefore, the daylight and peak hours are average for the region.
- Cloud coverage
- Pollution
- Latitude
- Orientation and angle of solar panels
- Capacity of generator
- Size of solar panels
UK generator charge hours – Seasonal daylights hours vs peak charge hours
| Region | Spring – Daylight vs Peak hours | Summer – Daylight vs Peak hrs | Autumn – Daylight vs Peak hrs | Winter – Daylight vs Peak hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North East | Daylight – 10-12 hrs Peak – 6 hrs | Daylight – 17 hrs Peak – 8 hrs | Daylight – 8-10 hrs Peak – 6 hrs | Daylight – 6-7 hrs Peak – 4 hrs |
| North West | Daylight -9-13 hrs Peak – 4-5 hrs | Daylight – 16 hrs Peak – 6-7 hrs | Daylight – 7-10 hrs Peak – 3-4 hrs | Daylight – 7-8 hrs Peak – 2-3 hrs |
| East Midlands | Daylight – 6-8 hrs Peak – 5-7 hrs | Daylight – 16 hrs Peak – 7-8 hrs | Daylight – 8-10 hrs Peak – 3-5 hrs | Daylight – 8 hrs Peak – 1-2 hrs |
| West Midlands | Daylight – 8-10 hrs Peak – 6 hrs | Daylight – 16 hrs Peak – 7 hrs | Daylight – 8-10 hrs Peak – 5 hrs | Daylight – 7-8 hrs Peak – 4 hrs |
| East of England | Daylight – 6-8 hrs Peak – 6-7 hrs | Daylight – 16 hrs Peak – 7-8 hrs | Daylight – 7-9 hrs Peak – 5-6 hrs | Daylight – 9 hrs Peak – 4-5 hrs |
| South East | Daylight – 12-14 hrs Peak – 6-8 hrs | Daylight – 16-17 hrs Peak – 7-9 hrs | Daylight – 10-12 hrs Peak – 6-8 hrs | Daylight – 7-8 hrs Peak – 4-5 hrs |
| South West | Daylight – 10-12 hrs Peak – 7-8 hrs | Daylight – 16 hrs Peak – 6-9 hrs | Daylight – 10-12 hrs Peak – 6-9 hrs | Daylight – 8 hrs Peak – 4-5 hrs |
| Wales | Daylight – 7-8 hrs Peak -5 hrs | Daylight – 8-9 hrs Peak – 7-8 hrs | Daylight – 6-7 hrs Peak – 4-5 hrs | Daylight – 5-6 hrs Peak – 3-4 hrs |
| Scotland | Daylight – 10-12 hrs Peak – 4 hrs | Daylight – 17 hrs Peak – 5 hrs | Daylight – 7-10 hrs Peak – 4 hrs | Daylight – 7 hrs Peak – 4 hrs |
Europe generator charge hours – Seasonal daylights hours vs peak charge hours
| Country | Spring – Daylight vs Peak hrs | Summer – Daylight vs Peak hrs | Autumn – Daylight vs Peak hrs | Winter – Daylight vs Peak hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | Daylight – 7-9 hrs Peak – 3-5 hrs | Daylight – 8-10 hrs Peak – 4-5 hrs | Daylight – 6-8 hrs Peak – 3-5 hrs | Daylight – 7-8 hrs Peak – 2-3 hrs |
| Italy | Daylight – 9-11 hrs Peak – 4-6 hrs | Daylight – 12-14 hrs Peak – 4-5 hrs | Daylight – 8-10 hrs Peak – 4-6 hrs | Daylight – 8-9 hrs Peak – 2-3 hrs |
| Spain | Daylight -10-12 hrs Peak – 4-6 hrs | Daylight -12-14 hrs Peak – 5-6 hrs | Daylight -10 -12 hrs Peak – 4-6 hrs | Daylight -9-10 hrs Peak – 3-4 hrs |
| Germany | Daylight – 9-11 hrs Peak – 2-4 hrs | Daylight – 14-16 hrs Peak – 3-4 hrs | Daylight – 8-10 hrs Peak – 2-4 hrs | Daylight – 7-8 hrs Peak – 1-2 hrs |
| Austria | Daylight – 9-11 hrs Peak – 3-5 hrs | Daylight – 15-16 hrs Peak – 3-4 hrs | Daylight – 9-11 hrs Peak – 3-5 hrs | Daylight – 7-8 hrs Peak – 1-2 hrs |
| Portugal | Daylight – 9-10 hrs Peak – 4-6 hrs | Daylight – 12-13 hrs Peak – 4-5 hrs | Daylight – 10-11 hrs Peak – 4-6 hrs | Daylight – 9-10 hrs Peak – 2-3 hrs |
| Poland | Daylight – 11-13 hrs Peak – 2-4 hrs | Daylight – 15-17 hrs Peak – 3-4 hrs | Daylight – 10-12 hrs Peak – 2-4 hrs | Daylight – 7-8 hrs Peak – 1-2 hrs |
| Sweden | Daylight -12-16 hrs Peak – 1-3 hrs | Daylight – 18-20 hrs Peak – 2-3 hrs | Daylight – 12-16 hrs Peak – 1-3 hrs | Daylight – 6-8 hrs Peak – 0-1 hrs |
| Switzerland | Daylight – 0-12 hrs Peak – 3-5 hrs | Daylight -14-16 hrs Peak – 3-4 hrs | Daylight – 14-16 hrs Peak – 3-5 hrs | Daylight – 7-9 hrs Peak -1-2 hrs |
| Turkey | Daylight – 8-10 hrs Peak – 4-6 hrs | Daylight – 11-12 hrs Peak – 6-8 hrs | Daylight – 9-0 hrs Peak – 4-6 hrs | Daylight – 8-9 hrs Peak – 4-6 hrs |
| Malta | Daylight – 9-10 hrs Peak – 4-5 hrs | Daylight – 12-13 hrs Peak – 5-6 hrs | Daylight – 9-10 hrs Peak – 4-5 hrs | Daylight – 8-9 hrs Peak – 3-4 hrs |
USA generator charge hours – Seasonal daylights hours vs peak charge hours
| Region | Spring | Summer | Autumn (Fall) | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Seattle Washington Portland Oregon Boise Idaho | Daylight -12-14 hrs Peak – 13-14 hrs | Daylight -15-16 hrs Peak – 16 hrs | Daylight -10-12 hrs Peak – 10-11 hrs | Daylight – 9-10 hrs hrs Peak – 8-10 hrs |
| Southeast Atlanta Georgia Miami Florida Charlotte North Carolina | Daylight – 11-14 hrs Peak – 10-11 hrs | Daylight – 14-15 hrs Peak – 13-14 hrs | Daylight – 10-13 hrs Peak – 10-11 hrs | Daylight – 9-10 hrs Peak – 9-10 hrs |
| Midwest Chicago Detroit Minneapolis St. Louis | Daylight – 12-14 hrs Peak – 12-14 hrs | Daylight – 15-16 hrs Peak – 9 hrs | Daylight – 12-13 hrs Peak – 9-11 hrs | Daylight – 9-10 hrs Peak – 8 hrs |
| Southwest California Arizona New Mexico Colorado Utah | Daylight -14-15 hrs Peak – 10-12 hrs | Daylight – 15-16 hrs Peak – 14 hrs | Daylight -10-13 hrs Peak – 10-11 hrs | Daylight – 9-10 hrs Peak – 7 -10 hrs |
| Westcoast Seattle Washington Los Angeles California San Diego San Francisco, | Daylight – 12-13 hrs Peak – 12-13 hrs | Daylight -15-16 hrs Peak -14-16 hrs | Daylight -12 hrs Peak – 9-11 hrs | Daylight – 8-9 hrs Peak – 8-9 hrs |
| Alaska | Daylight -10-16 hrs Peak – 12-18 hrs | Daylight -17-24 hrs Peak – 18 hrs | Daylight – 5-9 hrs Peak – 5-6 hrs | Daylight – 5-8 hrs Peak – 3-4 hrs |
| Hawaii | Daylight – 112-13 hrs Peak – 12-13 hrs | Daylight – 13-14 hrs Peak – 13 hrs | Daylight – 10-12 hrs Peak – hrs | Daylight -10-11 hrs Peak – 10 hrs |
Related questions
What is a BMS – Battery Management System on a solar generator?
A BMS is an integral part of a rechargeable battery, not only for generators. It helps to ensure that the devices are working efficiently, prevents damage due to overcharging electrical surges and helps prolong the battery’s life.
It is an important safety feature as it monitors the battery voltage, current, temperature and adjusts accordingly. Avoiding overheating, discharging too quickly and depleting the battery. It also helps to prevent overcharging and overheating, which can damage the battery or reduce the life span.
BMS systems are in solar generators, electric vehicles, phones, Ipads and other electrical devices with a rechargeable battery.
