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Stepping into nature may seem like a simple concept. You grab a tent, pack a cooler, and head into the great outdoors. While this is all great and well, you need a reliable way to communicate with those back home or contact help in the case of an emergency.
The solution? Invest in a portable solar generator that will keep your essentials charged.
Solar generators are an excellent alternative to petrol-powered models because of their low running costs and zero fumes. These portable power stations do more than just charge your phone — you can use them to power appliances like an electric stove or a TV. The most impressive part is that they operate entirely on solar power.
Which solar generator is right for you? It depends on your needs and preferences. We’ll go over everything you need to know to make an informed shopping decision.
What Is a Solar Generator?
A solar generator operates alongside solar panels to provide essential power for devices, appliances, and anything else that requires electricity. They are just as useful for camping trips as for power outages. And, because they draw their power from the sun, they offer an eco-friendly approach to generating energy.
The generator will convert sunlight through solar panels into direct current (DC) electricity, which will then pass through the charge controller. Finally, it stores the solar energy inside the battery until it’s ready to be used.
These portable power stations are great for camping in many ways. Besides being environmentally friendly, they also don’t produce noxious fumes, are quieter than petrol-powered generators, and are easy to transport.
5 Best Solar Generators for Camping Reviewed
EcoFlow offers two series of solar generators: River 2 and DELTA. The River 2 Series is perfect for backyard and RV camping enthusiasts, while the DELTA series is a reliable choice for extended, off-grid adventures.
Here are the five best solar generators for camping reviewed!
1. River 2: Best for Overnight Camping Trips
Let’s kick off with the EcoFlow River 2—the perfect companion for overnight camping trips.
You don’t need extreme power if you’re only camping for a night. This power station is packed with 256Wh, making it strong enough to run a light if needed!
It offers more than enough power for an overnight camping trip, but if you need to recharge, expect a solar panel charging time of 3 hours. It can be used while charging.
Camping enthusiasts only traveling for a night or two don’t need a massive setup. The River 2 weighs 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) with a dimension of 9.6 x 8.5 x 5.7 in (245 x 214 x 142 mm). It’s very compact and portable, making it perfect for on-the-go adventures.
Specifications
- Capacity: 256 Wh
- Weight: 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)
- Dimensions: 9.6 x 8.5 x 5.7 in (245 x 214 x 142 mm)
- Battery Type: LiFePO4
- Battery Life Cycle: 3000 cycles to 80+% capacity
- Solar Panel Charging Time: 3 hours
Pros
- Lightweight and compact for easy carrying
- X-Boost fast charging mode included
Cons
- Not ideal for extended camping trips
Verdict: The EcoFlow River 2 is the best power station for overnight camping trips. It’s compatible with many home appliances, making it very likely to power up whatever gadgets you have on hand.
Add the EcoFlow River 2 to your camping gear today!
2. River 2 Max: Best for Weekend Camping Trips
Need a solar generator that lasts the entire weekend? Consider the River 2 Max. It has an impressive capacity of 512 Wh — enough energy to charge your smartphone 50 times or run a television for about 10 hours.
If you’re traveling as a family or in a large group, you’ll be pleased to find that the River 2 Max can charge multiple devices simultaneously. It means the kids can watch television while you make breakfast and have power for essential appliances like a camping fridge and oven.
Not sure if it’s time for a recharge? You can easily monitor power levels through the easy-to-use EcoFlow smartphone app. See the energy usage, how much energy each appliance pulls, the remaining charge, and more!
Specifications
- Capacity: 512 Wh
- Weight: 13.4 lbs (6.1kg)
- Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.2 x 7.7 in (270 x 260 x 196mm)
- Battery Type: LiFePO4
- Battery Life Cycle: 3000 cycles to 80% capacity
- Solar Panel Charging Time: 4 hours
Pros
- 512 Wh capacity enough to charge camping appliances
- X-Boost fast charging
- Powers up 80% of essential appliances
Cons
- The LED light bar is bright
Verdict: The EcoFlow River 2 Max is the best power station for weekend camping trips. It has a large capacity of 512 Wh with a fast solar panel charging time of 4 hours.
Try the EcoFlow River 2 Max for yourself today!
3. DELTA Max: Best for Caravan Enthusiasts
The EcoFlow DELTA Max offers several ways to stay connected regardless of where you are. You can charge it directly through an AC wall outlet (or solar panels) if you’re at home. If you’re camping, you can use your car or the 400W portable solar panel that is included.
However, this solar generator doesn’t need recharging too often since a single unit packs a 2,016 Wh capacity that’s expandable up to 6,000 Wh. It means you can keep your caravan running 24/7. When it is time to recharge, you can power up in as little as 3.2 hours with 2 x 400W portable solar panels.
The X-Boost technology handles devices up to 2400W (surege 4600W) without a problem, including heavy-duty appliances like your fridge or dryer. To monitor everything from charging levels or energy pulled by each appliance, download the EcoFlow app. It offers a more convenient way to ensure everything is sailing smoothly.
Specifications
- Capacity: 2,016 Wh
- Weight: 48 lbs (22 kg)
- Dimensions: 19.6 x 9.5 x 12 in (49.7 x 24.2 x 30.5 cm)
- Battery Type: Ni-Cad
- Battery Cycle Life: 800 cycles to 80%+ capacity
- Solar Panel Charging Time: as fast as 3.2 hrs
Pros
- Fast charging
- Powers 99% of home appliances
- Dual charging
- Expandable capacity
Cons
- Nickel cadmium batter has a short cycle life than newer EcoFlow portable power stations that use LiFePO4 (LFP) battery chemistry.
Verdict: The DELTA Max powers 99% of home devices. Plus, with EcoFlow’s X-Boost technology, you have a starting wattage of 4600W, letting you connect to larger appliances like your fridge, dryer, and more.
Try the DELTA Max for yourself today!
4. DELTA Pro: Best for Off-Grid Adventures
Staying off the grid may seem like a simple concept until you realise everything you need to prepare. The DELTA Pro makes it easy to check the most important thing off your list: a reliable power source.
Keeping your entire off-grid campsite is made possible with this solar generator. It’s packed with 3,600 Wh, which you can expand to 25,000 Wh by chaining it to the extra EcoFlow batteries.
It can run high-voltage devices like air compressors or electric grills. Plus, the EcoFlow app makes it easy to manage and monitor energy levels, remaining charge times, and more.
Are there any drawbacks to the DELTA Pro? We’ll be the first to admit that at 45kg, it’s heavy. However, the built-in wheels make it easy to lug around.
Specifications
- Capacity: 3600+ Wh
- Weight: 99 lbs (45kg)
- Dimensions: 25 x 11.2 x 16.4 inches (63.5 x 28.5 x 41.6 cm)
- Battery Type: LFP
- Battery Life Cycle: 3500 cycles to 80%+ capacity
- Solar Panel Charging Time: 4-8 hours
Pros
- Enormous capacity (up to 25K Wh)
- Powers 18 devices simultaneously
- Safe for indoor or outdoor use
- Long battery life cycle (3500 cycles)
Cons
- Heavy and not suited for long-distance or bumpy hauling by hand
Verdict: If you want to get off the grid, the DELTA Pro won’t fall short in terms of reliability, durability, and convenience. Offering up to 25K Wh, users can power up all their necessary devices and appliances. It’s safe for indoor or outdoor use and has a long battery life of 3500 cycles. You can’t go wrong with the DELTA Pro if your goal is to get completely off-grid.
Experience the DELTA Pro for yourself today!
What to Consider When Buying a Solar Generator for Camping
To make the best buying decision possible, you need to understand what to look for in a solar generator. Here are a few things to consider before you purchase your next portable power station for camping.
Charging Ports
How many devices will you need to plug in? Nowadays, we own multiple devices—phones, laptops, tablets, etc. The number of outlets and ports required will most likely multiply if you have children.
Make a list of the number of devices you’ll need to charge at once and get a generator with at least the minimum amount of power and outlets.
Charging Times
Before camping, you should always charge solar generators and their batteries. However, you’ll likely need to charge on the go for extended trips. The recharge time will give you an idea of which generator you need.
When it comes to solar panels, the weather will impact how fast they charge since you’ll need direct sunlight for the best results. You can also use EcoFlow solar generators while they charge.
Browse through the best options for camping above to give yourself an idea of charging times.
Battery Capacity
The measurement for the capacity of solar generators is watts. This figure will tell you the amount of time your small appliances can stay connected or the number of times you can fully charge a device. It will also give you an idea of how often you will have to recharge your solar-powered generator.
The nice thing about EcoFlow generators is you can manage them directly from the EcoFlow app. You’ll see how much energy an appliance pulls and how much longer until it recharges. Also, remember that you can purchase extra batteries for added capacity.
Battery Type
Solar-powered generators for camping will typically use lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries. Generators that use lead batteries will generally be less expensive but last less than lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are also lighter, making them ideal for camping trips.
The Benefits of Using a Solar Generator for Camping
Camping is often associated with turning off devices and enjoying the great outdoors. While this is true, having a solar generator on deck makes sense for many people. For example, if you plan on camping for several days, you’ll need a way to charge your mobile phone in case of an emergency.
And, unless you’ve got a campfire guru, you’ll need some electricity when the campfire goes out. You can also use a solar generator to power up a fan, charge batteries, or run a small refrigerator.
When you invest in the best solar generators for camping, you can enjoy numerous benefits:
- Simple to Use. Solar generators are easy to use, even if you’ve never used one before. Once set up, all that’s left to do is power it on and connect your devices.
- Zero Fumes. This one is for all our eco-conscious people out there! Solar generators get their energy from the sun, giving users clean, renewable energy. This means no fumes, ever!
- Minimal Noise. You’ve likely heard how loud petrol generators can be. Noise isn’t an issue with solar power. You’ll sleep soundly throughout the night while it operates.
- Safety. Since no fuel is involved, solar generators are much safer to use than their counterparts. You won’t need to carry around any flammable liquids to power it.
- Portable. Worried about pushing around a heavy generator? Solar generators for camping are portable, easy to transport, and very lightweight. They weigh a fraction of what a fuel generator weighs.
- Durable. Solar generators are an investment that can last you between 25 to 35 years. For avid campers or caravan enthusiasts, owning one is a no-brainer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The capacity you need depends on the number of devices you plan to charge at a time. If it’s only 1 to 2, you could easily get by with a lower capacity generator like the River 2. For 15+ devices, you’ll need a large capacity like the one offered by the DELTA Pro.
Not only are solar generators great for camping, but they’re some of the best options available. They’re portable, lightweight, easy to operate, and run off solar energy, making them highly reliable.
Yes, solar generators will operate and charge just fine in cloudy weather. However, try to charge your panels when the sun is shining bright for the best results!
Final Thoughts
Which EcoFlow solar generator is right for you? The answer depends on how much power you’re looking for and how long a trip you plan to take. For overnight camping trips, the River 2 will suffice. For extended trips, you’ll get the power you need from the River 2 Max. Or, if you need off-grid energy, look no further than the DELTA Pro. With this guide, you should now have the necessary knowledge to make an informed buying decision. Shop EcoFlow solar generators today — and happy camping!