Solar Generators for Camping and Van Life

Solar Generators for Camping and Van Life

At Goal Zero, we’re big fans of solar power, but solar is only really useful if you have a way to store and use all that power you collect. That’s why we love solar generators. They combine the clean energy of solar power with the convenient portability of battery power stations so you can do more and stay out longer.  

What is a Solar Generator? 

A solar generator is a combination of solar panels and a power station. You can use solar panels to collect and convert energy from the sun. The power station lets you store the energy you collect and then use it to power your devices.  

Choosing a Solar Generator 

A solar generator is the perfect addition to your next camping trip or van build. And when you aren’t on the go, they’re great for home back up. There are three key factors to consider when deciding which solar generator is right for you. 

Capacity 

Solar lets you recharge more or less indefinitely, but the capacity of your power station will impact how much you can run at a time, how long you can keep things running, and how often you have to recharge. For example, if you’re choosing a solar generator for camping, you can get away with less capacity than you’d need for home backup.   

When considering capacity, you'll also need to think about the amount of solar input you want. A larger power station has more capacity but requires more solar panels to fully charge it. This increases the cost of your solar generator and means it will take up more space.  

Portability 

Portability is a huge benefit if you’re taking your solar generator camping or on a road trip, but it may not be a priority if you’re installing it at your off-grid or in your home. All of our solar generators can be moved and taken with you, but the smaller solar generators are much easier to carry and move around. 

Versatility 

The beauty of a portable solar generator is that you can use it however you’d like. If you want the option to run high-energy appliances in a power outage and the option to recharge your laptop while camping, versatility will be a priority. We offer solar generators that are light enough to move but powerful enough to run a TV, grill, or refrigerator for hours.  

The Best Solar Generators for Camping 

A dog sits under a camping table next to a Goal Zero power station.

Our favorite camping solar generators are small and lightweight, making them easy to set up and move around.  

Taking your solar generator camping lets you recharge phones, laptops, camera batteries, and other small devices, but it also gives you enough power to run a portable fridge and power cooking appliances so you can enjoy good meals throughout the whole trip. These solar generators are easy to move so you can set up near your cooking station in the morning, then move things over to your tent while you recharge your phone during a midday nap, and simultaneously also charge your portable speaker so you can listen to music around the campfire in the evening.  

Yeti 300 Solar Generators for Camping 

The Yeti 300 is a compact powerhouse designed for life on the move. Weighing in at just under 14 pounds with a built-in handle, it’s easy for anyone to carry from the car to the campsite. It features an upgraded LiFePO4 battery for a longer lifespan and an IPX4 weather-resistant rating, so you don’t have to worry about a little morning dew or a light splash.  

We think the Yeti 300 + Nomad 50 is a perfect entry-level setup for camping. The foldable Nomad 50 panel is incredibly easy to pack, and since the Yeti 300 features a high-speed 600W inverter, it can handle a wider range of appliances than its predecessors, recharging fully in as little as 6–12 hours of sun.  

Yeti 500 Solar Generators for Camping 

Upgrade from camping to glamping with a little extra power. Need a few more ports so you can blow up your air mattress and plug in the portable fridge at the same time as your grill?  

For a robust camping setup, we recommend the Yeti 500 + Boulder 100 Briefcase. You get the high capacity of the Yeti 500 paired with a durable, glass-and-aluminum solar panel that folds up like a suitcase. This combo gives you the freedom to run high-energy devices while the sun does the heavy lifting, recharging your station in approximately 6–12 hours.
 

The Best Solar Generators for Van Life 

Two people set up a Goal Zero solar generator outside a van in the desert.

Versatility is key when choosing a solar generator for van life. Space is limited so it’s smart to get something compact, but since you’re living there long term, you need something robust enough to run lights, fridges, power tools, and more while keeping your devices charged. 

We offer a lot of great solar generator solutions, but one excellent van life option is the Yeti 1500 + Nomad 400 solar panel. This gives you a power station that can run high-energy appliances and four solar panels you can mount to your vehicle roof or set up on the ground when you find a good stopping spot.  

 

Solar generators can help you get more out of your next adventure whether you’re headed on a weekend camping trip or a month-long van trek. And when you aren’t hauling it around, they provide home backup power for emergencies. Choose from Goal Zero’s wide selection of solar generators to find one that’s best for you.  

Shop all Goal Zero Solar Generators 

 

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