What to Consider When Choosing the Best Solar Generator for Camping

Before we go any further, it is important that we understand which factors to look out for when you are choosing the best solar generator for camping.

Battery Capacity: The larger the battery capacity, the longer the solar generator can run without needing to be recharged. Look for a solar generator with a battery capacity of at least 400Wh.

Power Output: You want to make sure the solar generator can power all the devices you'll need while camping. Look for a solar generator that has a minimum of 500 watts of power.

Portability: It's best to choose a generator that is easy to move around. A heavy generator will be hard to move around.

Durability: Camping can be rough on equipment, so you want to choose a solar generator that's durable enough to withstand the elements. Look for a solar generator that's built with high-quality materials and is designed to withstand harsh conditions.

Price: Finally, you want to choose a solar generator that fits your budget. Solar generators can vary in prices from just a couple hundred dollars to a thousands.

1. DaranEner Solar Generator NEO2000 with 2Pcs SP300W Solar Panels

The DaranEner Portable Power Station with Solar Panels is a powerful and versatile outdoor power generator that is ideal for camping, outdoor work, RV life, and home power outages. This solar-powered and battery-powered device features a durable and portable design, a high power output, and several charging options that make it a reliable and convenient source of electricity in any situation.

With a capacity of 2073.6Wh and an output of 2000W, it can easily power a range of devices and appliances, from small electronics like smartphones and laptops to larger appliances like refrigerators and CPAP machines. The power station can be charged via solar power, with the built-in MPPT controller supporting up to 600W solar input and two 300W solar panels included, as well as through an AC wall outlet (included).

This power station has an advanced battery management system (BMS). This BMS protects your equipment from over-voltage, over-discharge/charge, and over/short current. It is also able to protect against over-temperature and more. The pure sine wave output also protects small appliances from harm.

In addition to its impressive power capabilities, the DaranEner Portable Power Station is also incredibly user-friendly. It features an LED display and several ports, including three AC outlets (110V 2000W 3000W peak), four DC outlets (12V), four USB ports (QC3.0), two Type-C ports (PD100W), an XT60 Input Port (33~60V/20A, Max 600W), a car socket, and an LED light. It also supports wireless charging for compatible devices.

The reason why many people choose the generator is due to its uninterruptible power system. In the event of a power outage, the power station will automatically switch to UPS power supply within 15-20ms to offer power to continue to work for household appliances and other equipment below 2000W, making it an ideal choice for emergency situations.

Pros:

• High Power: With 2000W of output and 2073.6Wh of capacity, this generator can power a variety of devices and appliances.
• Fast Charging: The generator can be fully charged in just 1.8 hours with the included AC charging cable.
• Multiple Power Sources: This generator can be powered by solar panels, a wall outlet, or a car socket, giving you flexibility in how you charge it.
• Durable: The generator features long-lasting LiFePO4 batteries and an advanced battery management system to protect your equipment.
• Portable:Being portable is always good for any type of electronics. And when it comes to generators, this is even more welcomed.
• Versatile: With multiple AC outlets, DC outlets, USB ports, and even wireless charging, this generator can power a wide range of devices and appliances.

Cons:

• Fuel Type: While the generator can be powered by solar panels and batteries, it also requires gasoline for its engine. This may be a drawback for those who prefer to use only renewable energy sources.
• Price: This generator is on the more expensive side, which may be a barrier for some consumers.
• Weight: At over 60 pounds, the generator is fairly heavy, which could make it difficult to transport for some users.

2. EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA Max (2000) 2016Wh with 220W Solar Panel

If you're looking for a reliable and efficient solar generator for your camping or outdoor needs, the EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA Max (2000) is definitely worth considering. With a power output of 3000 watts and 2016Wh energy storage capacity, this solar generator has everything you need to keep your appliances and devices running for hours on end.

The fast charging capability of this system is simply amazing. With up to 800W of solar input, you can charge the DELTA Max quickly and efficiently. With a single 220W panel, it can charge in 11.5-23 hours, making it ideal for power outages or extended camping trips. The 220W solar panel is also included in the package, which is a great bonus.

Another impressive feature of the DELTA Max is its X-Boost technology, which allows it to power almost all of your home appliances and devices up to 3400W. This makes it great for power outages, camping trips, or RV excursions. The DELTA Max also has a clean and green energy source that doesn't emit any fumes, making it environmentally friendly and safe for use indoors or outdoors.

The DELTA Max is also designed for convenience and ease of use. It comes with an EcoFlow app that allows you to monitor and control the portable power station remotely. The app also offers additional features such as firmware updates and battery management. The included DC 5521 to DC 5525 cable, solar charging cable, AC charging cable, and car charging cable make it easy to charge the DELTA Max from different sources.

Pros:

• Fast charging capability with up to 800W of solar input
• X-Boost technology allows it to power almost all your home appliances and devices up to 3400W
• Clean and green energy source that is safe for use indoors or outdoors
• EcoFlow app offers remote monitoring and control
• Comes with all the cables you need to charge from different sources
• Large 2016Wh energy storage capacity

Cons:

• Heavy and bulky at 24 kilograms
• Expensive compared to other solar generators in the market

3. Jackery Solar Generator 2000 PRO with 2X Solar Panels SolarSaga 200W

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 PRO is a powerful and reliable portable power station that offers clean and unlimited solar energy, making it perfect for outdoor camping and emergency situations. This generator comes with two SolarSaga 200W solar panels that can fully charge the power station in just 7.5 hours, providing 2160Wh (2200W AC output power) and 8 outlets for powering a variety of appliances and devices.

Pros:

• Clean and Unlimited Solar Energy: The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 PRO offers 100% clean and unlimited solar energy with a smart MPPT controller that ensures maximum charging efficiency. The power station can be fully charged with two SolarSaga 200W solar panels within 7.5 hours, or in just 2 hours via AC wall outlet charging. With the option to use solar energy, this generator is environmentally friendly and perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Easy to Use: With an ergonomic handle and simple, speedy setup within 60 seconds, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 PRO is easy to use and carry. It delivers under 53DB, ensuring quiet and peaceful charging, which is perfect for camping and outdoor activities.

• Safe and Reliable: This solar generator features industry-leading cylindrical batteries that meet UL safety standards and are certified with Impact-Resistance Class 9, passing the UL drop test. The pure sine wave inverter delivers constant voltage that protects equipment from damage, making it safe and reliable to use in any situation.

• Power for Almost Anything: With 2160Wh (2200W AC output power) and 8 outlets (3 AC outlets, 2 USB-A quick charge 3.0, 2 USB-C PD 100W, 1 car outlet), the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 PRO can power almost anything, including pellet smokers, mini coolers, e-bikes, refrigerators, air conditioners, and more. This makes it a versatile and valuable addition to any camping or emergency gear collection.

• 5-Year Warranty: The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 PRO comes with a 2-year warranty that can be extended to 5 years, providing peace of mind and a worry-free experience.

Cons:

• Separate Packaging: The power station and the solar panels are shipped in separate packages, which may cause inconvenience or confusion for some users.

4. FFpower Portable Power Station 2000W

The FFpower Portable Power Station 2000W is a powerful and versatile solar generator that can meet your power needs during unexpected power outages. It comes with a 2000W high power output and 2000Wh large capacity, which makes it capable of charging large appliances such as dishwashers, microwave, washing machine, etc.

The FFpower 2000W solar generator has the ability to charge and discharge simultaneously. This is also known as pass-through charging. It allows you to use a solar panel or home outlet to recharge the FFpower 2000W while another device (cell phone, computer, etc.) is taking power from this power station.

The FFpower 2000W solar generator is also designed with long-lasting quality. It has the characteristics of being fireproof and explosion-proof. It is equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4) as chemistry battery and rated to 3500 life cycles to 70% capacity. The battery lifespan is seven times that of standard lithium-iron (NCM) batteries.

There is one other great feature of the FFpower 2000W power station is its fast charging speed. It uses a 2000W bi-directional inverter, which allows for a capacity from 0% to 100% to be completed within 2 hours while using AC charging cable. This makes it an excellent choice for people who need power quickly.

It is also compatible with any solar panel (12-48V, MAX 500W) on the market. The company recommends using a 200Watt, 24 Voltage solar panel. Please keep in mind that solar panels are affected by many factors such as the light intensity and the panel's angle put on the ground. Please try to use the solar panel under the full sunlight to charging, and make sure there is no shadow cast on the panel.

The FFpower P2001 is also equipped with UPS function to protect your computer data. Once a power outage occurs, the P2001 will go into effect immediately to be able to power the computers and devices. A standby UPS resorts to battery backup power in the event of common power problems such as a blackout, voltage sag, or voltage surge.

Pros:

• High power output and large capacity
• Simultaneous charge and discharge
• Long-lasting quality
• Fast charging speed
• Compatible with any solar panel
• Equipped with UPS function

Cons:

• It's a bit heavy, weighing 48 pounds
• It has a relatively short runtime of 1 hour

5. EBL Portable Power Station and Solar Panel

The EBL Portable Power Station and Solar Panel is a powerful and eco-friendly solution for those in need of reliable power while camping or in emergency situations. This system includes a 1000W power station and two 100W solar panels, making it a convenient and practical option for those seeking a self-sufficient power source.

Pros:

• Portable: The compact design and handle make it easy to transport and move around. It is perfect for camping or road trips.
• Multifarious Ports: The EBL Station 1000W includes standard 314V DC outlets, 2110V AC outlets, 1USB-C PD Quick 60W port, 3Quick charge 3.0 port and 1*Wireless charging for phones. This provides a wide range of options for powering your devices.
• Solar Power and Eco-Friendly: This system supports solar charging and is designed to replace gasoline generators. With no fuel or gasoline, there is no noise, smoke, or pollution. It's a clean and reliable source of power that is environmentally friendly.
• Universal Compatibility Solar Panel: The EBL Portable Solar Panel is compatible with most generators on the market, including some famous brands, and comes equipped with multi-size connectors that can match multiple models of computers.

Cons:

• Heavy: The weight of the power station and the two solar panels combined can make it difficult to transport and maneuver.
• Limited Solar Panel Compatibility: While the EBL Portable Solar Panel is compatible with most generators on the market, it is recommended to use it with EBL's Solar Apollo 100 solar panels for optimal performance.