In this article, we shall be reviewing the five best solar generators for camping – moving in ascending order from smallest to largest.
Also, we shall extensively explain their:
- Features
- Specifications
- Pros and cons
Lastly, for each product, we’ll give you a final verdict by summing up its features and specifications.
Similar: What Size Solar Panel Do You Need for Camping?
TOP 5 SOLAR GENERATORS FOR CAMPING – QUICK STATS
Each model linked in the first column jumps to the correlating section in this post.
| Model | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Jackery Explorer 240 | 240Wh | $200-$220 (Amazon) |
| 2. Anker Powerhouse 200 | 213Wh | $230-$270 (Amazon) |
| 3. Goal Zero Yeti 200X | 187Wh | $180-$220 (Amazon) |
| 4. Goal Zero Yeti 500X | 497Wh | $450-$500 (Amazon) |
| 5. Jackery Explorer 1000 | 1,002Wh | $550-$600 (Amazon) |
1. JACKERY EXPLORER 240
This device uses a lithium battery and this allows for a higher battery capacity with less weight. The generator is completely portable and lightweight.
The Explorer 240 comes with multiple powering options, including two USB ports, an AC outlet, and a 12V car output. Aside from its other features, the generator also has an LCD screen that gives reports of its use.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Battery Capacity: 240Wh (14.4V, 16.8Ah) 67,000mAh / 3.6V
- Cell Chemistry: Li-ion NMC
- Charge time: 8 hours (AC), 8 hours (12V car adapter), and 10 hours (Optional 60W solar panel with Full Sunlight)
- Charging input (DC, 8mm): 12V-30V (42W Max)
- DC Output (Carport): DC 13.3V, up to 10A
- USB Output: Two USB-A ports (5V 2.4A each)
- AC Output (pure sine wave): 110V AC, 60Hz, 200W Continuous, and 400 Max
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 9.1 x 7.7 inches
- Weight: 6.1 lbs
WHAT CAN THE JACKERY EXPLORER 240 POWER?
- Smartphone: 17+ times
- Tablets: 14+ times
- Camera: 30+ times
- Laptops: 4+ times
- Mini Fridges: 3+ hours
- Drones: 4+ times
- USB Small Fan: 40+ hours
PROS
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Strong and reliable
- It has all ports on a single side
- Super quiet
- Informative LCD screen
- Never produces fumes
CONS
- No water-resistance rating available
- No lamp/light function
VERDICT
The Jackery Explorer 240 does an excellent job of meeting the needs of people going on camping, fishing, and other outdoor trips.
Besides, the power station provides multiple powering options, which is an excellent feature. Also, its reliable power is something to commend and appreciate.
Most importantly, Jackery has done an excellent job by ensuring all of these features don’t stop their generators from being lightweight.
More Information:
- User Guide: Jackery 240 User Guide
- The Jackery Explorer 240 Review – Solar Charger for the Outdoors
- EcoFlow River vs. Jackery 300 vs. Jackery 240 – via EcoFlow vs. Jackery – Full Solar Generator Comparison (With Specs)
2. ANKER POWERHOUSE 200
Anker claims to be charging experts and innovators of smart devices. These intelligent devices include solar generators and some other vital electronics.
They also claim to be pioneering delivery technology to charge phones, tablets, and more.
Interestingly, the Anker Powerhouse 200 is a very well-built generator that pumps out power for your devices.
Also, the generator is great for outdoor events, home medical equipment, and several other applications where you see fit. Lastly, it has a large battery capacity, it’s versatile and recharges via USB-C, AC, or Solar.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Battery Capacity: 57600mAh/218.8Wh
- Input: AC/Power Delivery
- USB Output: 5V/3A (15W)
- Power Delivery Output: 30W
- DC Output: 12V/5A
- AC Output: 110V, 0.9A, 60Hz, 100W
- Waveform: Pure Sine Wave
- Total Output: 130W Max
WHAT CAN THE ANKER POWERHOUSE 200 POWER?
- CPAP: 2+ hours
- Mini-Fridge: 4+ hours
- MacBook Pro: 5+ Charges
- Fan: 12+ hours
- Inflatable Mattress: 18+ times
- Smartphone: 12+ charges
PROS
- Presence of the AC port, and car lighter port
- Fast charging time compared to the capacity
- Doesn’t require any fuel
- Excellent LCD screen
- Can be easily stored
CONS
- Can’t be used on airplanes (lithium battery restrictions)
- Max output is 130W
VERDICT
Overall, if you’re hoping to purchase a good solar generator for camping, the Anker is one of the best ones on the market for its size.
Impressively, it’s high capacity and can power and charge several devices. Also, this generator provides an AC outlet, USB-C, Type-A ports, and vehicle charge options.
Generally, the fast charging of the generator makes it stand out as premium to a certain level.
More Information:
- Anker PowerHouse 200 vs. Goal Zero YETI 200X – via Goal Zero vs Anker – Which Company Reigns Supreme?
- Portable Power Station Directory (A-Z)
- Where Are Solar Generators Made? Brand by Brand Breakdown
3. GOAL ZERO YETI 200X
The Yeti 200X manufactured by Goal Zero, a company that primarily designs solar generators to improve the human experience, is indeed top-class.
This solar generator performs its functions quite well, especially for its size (5 lbs.). The solar generator has impressive features like a compact design, a great LED screen, and high-speed charging.
As with all of these solar generator charge times with solar, the Yeti 200X charge time depends on the solar panel(s) as well as the amount of sunlight available.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Battery Capacity: 187Wh (14.4V, up to 13Ah)
- Cell Chemistry: Li-ion NMC
- Maximum input: 2 hours
- Wall Charger 4 hours
- Nomad 20: 12-24 Hours, Nomad 50: 5-10 Hours, and Nomad 50: 5-10 Hours
- USB-A port (output): 5V, up to 2.4A (12W max), regulated
- USB PD port (input/output): 5-20V, up to 3A (60W max), regulated
- USB-C port (output): 5-12V, up to 3A (18W max), regulated
- 12V car port (output): 12V, up to 10A (120W) regulated
- AC Inverter (output, modified sine wave): 120VAC, 60Hz, 1A (120W, 200W surge)
- Charging port (input, 8mm): 13-22V, up to 7A (100W max), regulated
WHAT CAN THE YETI 200X POWER?
- Smartphone: 20 Recharges
- Headlamp: 35 Recharges
- Camera: 35 Recharges
- Tablet: 5 Recharges
- Laptop: 4 Recharges
- 12V Portable Fridges: 10+ Hours
- Light-a-Life (Highest setting): 49 Hours
PROS
- Fast Charging
- Great LED screen
- Can charge from multiple sources
- Multiple input/outputs
- Easy to use
CONS
- No water-resistance rating available
- 500 battery lifecycles – Pretty standard
VERDICT
In conclusion, the Yeti 200X is indeed a quality product from Goal Zero, and obviously, this generator is worth the price.
One point to note is that this generator lacks the water-resistant “IPX” rating, which would have been a great addition to this easily portable solar generator.
The inclusion of multiple power outputs is a top-notch addition. Overall, whether you want to use a USB output, a 12V output, or an AC plug, the Goal Zero Yeti 200X has your back.
More Information:
- User Guide: yeti-200x-user-guide
- Goal Zero Yeti 200x Solar Powered Generator
- Goal Zero Yeti 200X vs Sherpa 100AC (Review & Comparison)
- Goal Zero YETI 150 vs YETI 200X (Overview, Features, and More)
4. GOAL ZERO YETI 500X
The Yeti 500X is one of Goal Zero’s top generators. Interestingly, the generator is equipped with four different port options.
Some of those port options are AC 12V, and 60W USB-C PD, which are used to power appliances or devices like phones, lamps, mini-fridges, and the like.
In addition, this product also has a high-speed charging feature. It has a high-speed power delivery port capable of charging up USB-C devices exceptionally fast.
The Yeti 500X also features an MPPT charge controller, which enables a fast and efficient recharge from solar panels.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Battery Capacity: 497Wh (10.8V, 46.8Ah)
- Cell Chemistry: Li-ion NMC
- Management system: MPPT charge controller, low battery protection
- USB port (output): 5V, up to 2.4A (12W max), regulated
- USB-C port(output): 5/9V, up to 3.0A (18W max), regulated
- USB-C PD port (input/output): 5-20V, up to 3.0A (60W max), regulated.
- 6mm port (output, 6mm): 12V, up to 10A (120W max)
- 12V car port (output): 12V, up to 10A (120 max)
- 120V AC Inverter: 120VAC 60Hz, 2.5A (300W, 1200W surge) (output, pure sine wave)
- Charging port (input, 8mm): 13-22V, up to 10A (120W max)
- Maximum input (180W): 3hours
- Car charger (120W): 4.5 hours
- Wall charger (60W): 8.5 hours
- Boulder 100 Briefcase: 6-12 hours, Boulder 100: 6-12 hours, and Boulder 200 Briefcase: 3-6 hours
- Dimensions: 7.5 x 11.25 x 5.8 x inches
- Weight: 12 lbs
WHAT CAN THE YETI 500X POWER STATION POWER?
- Smartphones: 40 times
- Camera: 70 times
- Tablet: 10 times
- Laptops: 8 times
- Light-a-life: 80 hours
- CPAP: 10 hours
- Pellet grills: 9 hours
- TVs: 3 hours
PROS
- High-speed charging solutions
- High battery capacity
- Easily three-way rechargeable
- Lightweight and Portable
- Good battery management system (BMS)
- Has a wide range of applications
- High-capacity power generator
- MPPT charge controller
CONS
- Takes a while to charge from AC
- Need to buy an adapter for third-party solar panels
VERDICT
In conclusion, the Yeti 500X is an excellent product from Goal Zero. Mainly, Goal Zero has ensured this generator can power a vast range of devices from your smartphones up to your fridges.
Although this product takes a little while to charge, it has a great deal of power. Additionally, the MPPT charge controller makes this solar generator stand out from the rest.
The type of charge controller is crucial when you’re considering charging via solar panels because you can simply charge the battery faster with an MPPT controller compared to a PWM.
Overall, the Yeti 500X also does an excellent job at power generation compared to other solar generators in the market.
More Information:
- User Guide: yeti-500x-user-guide
- Yeti 500X vs 400 – Goal Zero Comparison Piece
- Yeti 200X vs 500X – Which Is Ideal for You?
5. JACKERY EXPLORER 1000
The company has not failed to impress with its Explorer series as a whole. Also, this company has been entirely on top of its game in areas dealing with power generation.
Also, you’d observe that all of the different stages of their products serve their purpose. Specifically speaking of the Jackery Explorer 1000, its features are simple and easy to navigate.
Of course, the major reason why I give this generator so much praise is its rating, most especially its battery capacity.
Although it has other extra features that deserve some recognition. Some of these features include multiple output ports, an MPPT charge controller, and also its compactness.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Battery Capacity: 1002Wh (21.6V, 46.4Ah) 144.400mAh/3.6V
- Cell Chemistry: Li-ion NMC
- Management system: BMS, Over Voltage Protection, Short Circuit Protection
- Charge time: 7hours (AC), 14hours (12V Car Adapter) around 8hours (Optional Saga 100W solar panel with full sun)
- Charging Input (DC, 8mm): 12V-30V (200W Max)
- DC Output (Car port): DC 12V, up to 10A
- USB Output (USB-C ports): Two USB-C ports 18W (5V 3A/9V 2A/12V 1.5A)
- USB Output (USB-A ports): Two USB-A ports (5V 2.4A, Quick Charge 3.0)
- AC Output (pure sine wave): 3*110V AC, 60Hz, 1000W Continuous, 2000W Surge Peak
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 7.6 x 9.2 inches
- Weight: 22 lbs
WHAT CAN THE JACKERY EXPLORER 1000 POWER STATION POWER?
- Smartphones: 34+ times
- Camera: 60+ times
- Tablet: 28+ times
- Laptops: 7+ times
- Mini Fridges: 8+ hours
- Drones: 6+ times
- USB Small fan; 40+ hours
PROS
- Powerful LED flashlight with SOS mode
- Ability to monitor the charge/discharge status
- Sufficient power to keep devices running
- Highly compatible solar charging
- Features multiple ports
- Good BMS (Battery Management System)
- High battery capacity
CONS
- The power meter on the LCD screen is delayed by about 30 seconds
- Takes a while to charge up
VERDICT
If you’re looking for an extra boost of power compared to the other Jackery units, definitely consider picking one of these up.
The Explorer 1000 is capable of powering numerous devices and electronics and can last significantly longer than the previous units mentioned.
This may be especially useful if you’re using this generator with your family on a weekend camping trip.
More Information:
- Jackery Explorer 1000 Power Station Review – Complete Value Analysis
- Goal Zero Yeti 1000X vs. Jackery Explorer 1000 – via Goal Zero vs. Jackery – Battle of the Brands (Cost/Specs/Analysis)
- Bluetti EB70S vs. Jackery Explorer 1000 – via Bluetti vs. Jackery – Which Is Best? (4 Models Compared)
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