Best Portable Solar Generators for Boating, Camping, & RVs
1. Renogy Phoenix 100W Solar Suitcase Kit
The Renogy Phoenix solar bag kit gives a lot of power while remaining compact and mobile. That’s the primary reason we have chosen it as the best solar generator for boaters, RVers, and campers.
It’s relatively simple to move it over short distances — e.g., from the truck into the camping site — and takes up hardly any space in your boat or RV.
Features
The Renogy Phoenix suitcase kit includes two parts. There is the Phoenix generator, which outputs 20W of power and a 100W foldable solar bag. So totally, you have a 120W solar generator kit.
The power is supplied to the Li-ion battery pack incorporated in the Phoenix generator, where all of the output and input ports are located. This solar suitcase kit is designed for charging devices like tablets, tablet computers, and cameras and powering small appliances such as a mini-fridge or CPAP machine.
For devices, you can use the 100V AC socket. It is linked to a true sine wave inverter rated at 170W surge and 150W continuous. Other output options comprise four 5V USB ports, two 12V 6A DC vents, and a 12V 12.5A cigarette outlet.
For recharging the battery, open up the Phoenix generator and unfold the bag kit to enable the solar panels to grab direct sunlight. On a good day with loads of sunshine, the solar panels must fill up the battery in a couple of hours.
If you’re in the home or an RV park, you can plug the generator into an AC socket. Whenever you’re on the street, you can recharge from your car’s cigarette lighter socket.
The Best Option for Power on the Go
The Renogy Phoenix bag kit strikes a wonderful balance between power and portability. It can power and charge your required devices and appliances while still providing easy portability and a small footprint.
The input versatility is also quite travel-friendly. Wherever you’re — in the wild, at home, in a car, etc. — there is a way to keep the battery charged up.
You’ll also appreciate that it is a complete kit. No need to purchase separate solar panels or other accessories. It is ready to use out of the box.
Limitations
If you’re on the lookout for a solar generator that will power larger appliances such as an LED TV, a large refrigerator, or power tools, this isn’t it. Not only would the battery to drain fast. However, the AC outlet also cannot run high-wattage devices.
Summary
The Renogy Phoenix bag kit is an outstanding choice for boaters, campers, and RVer’s searching for a compact and affordable solar generator kit that could charge their devices and power small appliances.
2. Renogy 12V 300W Solar Marine Kit
The Renogy kit is made especially for marine installation on a vessel. It’s waterproof, can withstand winds and snow, and the panels are flexible for simple setup on a curved surface.
Features
This solar marine kit links to an existent battery bank. The Renogy 300W kit includes three 100W solar panels, a 20A PWM solar charge controller, and all connectors and adapters you require.
As we mentioned, the solar panels are flexible with a 248-degree flex range. They’re a lot easier to set up on a curved surface when compared with rigid panels. They are also made to withstand all sorts of weather, including massive snow loads (5400 Pa) and high winds (2400 Pa).
Keep Your Boat Batteries Charged
The three solar panels will quietly control your deep cycle batteries to make sure you’ve power all the time. With a combined output of 300 watts, they will charge a huge capacity bank in a couple of hours or days, depending on battery capacity and weather conditions.
Drawbacks
The only drawback is the kind of charge controller supplied. To make the best of the solar panel, think of substituting the PMW charge controller with an MPPT controller. MPPT charge controls are more efficient and charge much faster than PWM controllers.
Summary
This solar marine kit is an excellent choice for boaters looking for a strong solar kit to charge their battery charge.
3. SUAOKI 400-Watt Portable Power Station
If you need a solar generator that can power more than only a mini-fridge or CPAP when out for boating or camping, the SUAOKI 400-Watt Portable Power Station is the correct option. It delivers more energy without adding to its own weight — or cost. But it does not include solar panels.
That’s no problem if you’re trying for an overnight camping trip. You can load the battery in the car or at home, and it will last for the duration of your journey. If you are likely to camp for power or longer more appliances, we highly suggest buying solar panels to charge the battery.
The power channel is priced affordably, so purchasing a 100W solar panel kit will not strain your budget.
Features
The SUAOKI power station features a 400Wh lithium-ion battery. The greater capacity enables you to plug in more appliances and devices for longer.
You have loads of output options to be used with different appliances. For AC-powered appliances, use both 110V AC outlets. But see what your plug into the power station. The DC-AC inverter is rated at 600W surge and 300W continuous. This covers many small appliances like a mini-fridge, a CPAP machine, a fan, radio, etc.
For DC-powered devices, you can use the 12V DC port or cigarette lighter socket. For your tablet, Smartphone, and other devices, you can recharge from the four 5V USB interfaces.
Like the Renogy Kit, the Suaoki features three recharge alternatives: solar panels (not included), your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket, and an AC wall socket. Charging cables for all 3 options are included.
Fantastic for Boaters or Campers
Having more power without sacrificing portability is a huge deal for boaters. Weighing just 12.3 lbs, you will have no trouble moving the Suaoki power station to and from your boat. It also occupies little space in your truck or car.
Limitations
If you’re planning to go boating for more than a night, you will want to budget for solar panels. The Suaoki power station does not come with them. Just one 100W panel or 250W panels will do.
The Suaoki power station is still not great for high-wattage appliances despite the higher battery capacity and inverter output. Don’t plug in a heater or coffee maker. Even most blenders will drain down the battery quickly.
Summary
The SUAOKI 400W portable power generators are a fantastic choice for boaters who require a high capacity but readily portable solar generator with flexible input and output choices.
4. Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Power Generators
The Rockpals mobile generator boasts a lithium-ion battery(240Wh) that can power most of the basic electronics in your boat, RV, or camping tent, such as lighting, fan, radio, a little TV, and CPAP machine.
Features
Like the SUAOKI power station, the Rockpals mobile solar generator features only a battery and a flexible input/output interface. The 240Wh LiPo battery shops enough charge to power most electronic equipment for many hours or days.
If you spend loads of time, either on the water with your boat, in the woods camping, or driving your RV, consider purchasing off-grid solar generators to keep the battery charged. We recommend two or three 50W panels or one 100W solar panel. For RV and boat owners, start looking for resilient solar panels. They’ll be a lot easier to set up on a curved surface.
If you only go out for short trips, you can charge the battery from a wall AC socket (wall charger included) or your car’s 12V DC socket (car charger included).
As for output, you have the typical AC, DC, and USB interfaces. There Are two 120V AC ports linked to a real sine wave 250W connected inverter (300W surge), two 5V USB ports, and four 12V DC ports.
Light yet Powerful
This solar generator is exceptionally lightweight, coming in at only 5.5 lbs. If you’re planning to move it about a lot, you do not need a carriage or somebody’s help.
It’s also compactly designed, measuring only 10″ long, 4″ wide, and 6″ high. If you’re short of space in your boat, RV, or truck, then this is the ideal power station to have.
Limitations
The Rockpals power station won’t power any high-wattage appliances. Be sure whatever you plug in the AC port does not surpass the 250W constant max power output of the inverter.
It can only charge devices such as your Smartphone, camera, or drone and power small electronics such as a fan, radio, and mini-fridge.
Summary
The Rockpals portable solar generator is a fantastic option for boaters, RVers, and campers searching for a compact and lightweight solar power station to power their electronic equipment like lighting and air pump, mini-fridge CPAP machine, and so forth.
5. ROCKPALS 300W Portable Generator
The 250-Watt Rockpals generator is ideal for use with CPAP machines. But if you would like a power station that will power your CPAP or some other medical apparatus for more, we advocate the CPAP 300W generator.
It has a high -capacity DC-AC inverter and a bigger battery. That means you can plug in higher-watt medical instruments.
Features
The lithium-ion battery(280Wh) can charge a CPAP machine for two to three days. The company suggests connecting your system to the 12V DC port with a DC converter cable to get more time from the battery.
Using the AC Port drains the battery quicker since the inverter also utilizes electricity. Another tip is to switch off the humidifier and heater if you don’t require them.
In addition to medical equipment, you can plug in small appliances to the 120V AC socket or one of the five DC ports (one 24V and four 12V). You can also charge your tablet, phone, or another device with the four 5V USB interfaces. For quicker charging, connect to one of the two USB ports with Quick Charge 3.0 technology.
As for recharging the battery, the quickest means to do it is via an AC wall socket. If you’re on the road, you can plug it into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. Both a wall adapter and a car charger are included.
For frequent campers, in addition to RV owners and boaters who invest a lot of time, the easiest way to recharge the battery would be using off-grid portable solar generators such as solar panels. The solar panels are not included.
Staying Healthy Off-Grid
Having a medical device that requires electricity isn’t a reason to avoid going camping or an RV road trip. The Rockpalssolar generators let you power your device wherever you are.
We especially appreciate that it has 5 DC ports, many more than you will get in most portable power stations. This is handy since most medical devices work best with DC power.
Limitations
The Rockpals 300-Watt solar generator does not include solar panels. Without them, you have sufficient power in the battery for only a few days. If you’re intending to spend several nights off-grid, consider purchasing solar panels to keep the battery charged and your CPAP machine operating.
Summary
The Rockpals 300W portable solar generator is an exceptional selection for boaters, RVers, and campers using a powered medical device like an air purifier or a CPAP machine.
6. Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium Portable Solar Generators
The Goal Zero Yeti is the most effective portable power station among our selections, with a battery capacity of 1425Wh. It’s an excellent option for boat and RV owners who require portable solar generators to power larger appliances such as refrigerators, TV, or small coffee makers. It also has enough electricity to power blenders, tools, and medical devices.
Best Features
One of the most exciting features is the Wi-Fi connectivity. You can track and control the Yeti 1400 from your smartphone or tablet computer wherever you’re. Connect the power station to your boat or RV network and download the Goal Zero app.
You can check battery level, track power input and output, and turn some interfaces on and off. Beyond technology, this is a really capable power station. The 1425Wh battery can power more than two appliances for hours.
You can plug them into one of those two 12V AC outlets. Don’t be concerned about tripping the inverter. It can manage high wattages up to 1500W continuous and 3000W surges.
There are additional multiple DC interfaces for appliances like a CPAP machine, car vacuum, and power tools. For your smartphone or tablet computer, use the USB-A, USB-PD, or USB-C port.
As for charging the battery, there are two ways to start doing it. You can plug it into a wall outlet with the included AC adapter. It takes around 25 hours for the battery to recharge.
You can also recharge the battery with solar panels (not included). Due to the battery’s size, we advocate a 200W solar panel kit: either one panel or several panels ( two 100W or four 50W).
A 200W kit will charge the battery in 11-28 hours, based on weather conditions.
More Power in a Compact Size
The Yeti 1400’s compact size refutes its real capability. If you will need to watch TV, power your fridge, or do some DIY job with your power tools when off-grid, the Yeti 1400 is up to the job.
Limitations
If you’re searching for a budget portable solar generators, this isn’t it. The Yeti 1400 is expensive, which isn’t a surprise considering how much electricity it generates and the battery capacity.
If you require to purchase solar panels, the total cost will be even greater.
Summary
The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 is an excellent choice for boat and RV owners searching for powerful enough portable solar generators that can power their 110V-120V appliances. Perfect for boaters or campers who need a portable power station will power their appliances for a longer time period.
7. Renogy 12V 400W Solar RV Kit
For RVers, we advocate the Renogy 400W solar RV kit. It is designed especially for RVs and, similar to the marine kit, can resist massive snow loads and high winds.
Features
The RV kit includes solar panels, each having a 100W output for a whole output of 400W. They could provide around 2,000Wh every day when the weather is great.
That’s enough power to rapidly charge a large battery bank and keep your RV appliances running.
The 400W kit is not overly expensive. But if you’re on a tight budget, there is a less expensive 300W, 200W, and 100W kit accessible though you will, obviously, be unable to generate as much electricity.
The solar panels are made to withstand all sorts of outdoor conditions. They can manage heavy snow and high winds and are rust-resistant.
Like the marine kit, the RV kit also includes a 30A PWM charge controller and all of the wires and connectors needed for setup. Mounting brackets are also included.
Fantastic for RVs
When you’re going cross-nation on your RV, you need your batteries to keep charged without depending on charging points in RV parks. This 400W Solar kit provides you the freedom to travel where you want without worrying about keeping your RV power.
Limitations
Unlike the Marine kit, which includes flexible panels, the Renogy RV kit includes rigid solar panels. This will probably not be a problem for you, but it may be problematic for RVers who need to install the solar panels onto a curved surface.
Another problem is that the kit uses a PWM controller, which isn’t quite as efficient and does not charge as quickly as an MPPT controller.
Summary
The Renogy kit is an excellent selection for RV owners and fans searching for a high-output solar kit to load their RV battery charge.
8. Jackery Power Station Explorer
If you are on a budget, we suggest the Jackery Explorer portable solar generators. It’s a compact and lightweight solar generators that is good enough for charging apparatus and powering small appliances.
Features
The Jackery mobile power channel Is modest but capable. The lithium-ion battery (240Wh) will charge small devices for hours and control different appliances many times.
It doesn’t have as several output alternatives as other portable solar generators, but they’re sufficient for most people’s needs.
There’s a single AC port with a 400W surge and 200W continuous pure sine wave inverter. It is safe to plug in most small appliances and devices such as a CPAP machine, a mini-fridge, a lover, or a notebook.
There’s also a DC carport to be used with DC-powered devices such as light and air pumps.
To charge your phone or tablet computer, use both USB-A ports. They can also control drones, cameras, smartwatches, Bluetooth speakers, and any USB-chargeable apparatus.
It’s easy to recharge the battery.
If you’re at home, plug it into a wall socket. That’s the quickest way to recharge it. If you’re traveling in your RV or car, plug it into your vehicle’s 12V DC cigarette lighter socket.
The power station includes both a car charger and a wall adapter.
When you’re outside, it is possible to recharge the battery using solar panels. The panels aren’t included, but we highly suggest buying them if you’re planning extended outdoor trips.
A 100W solar panel kit is sufficient to maintain the 16.8Ah battery charged.
A Pocket-Friendly Option for Campers
For campers who want more power without having to spend plenty of cash or carrying out a heavy power station, the Jackery Explorer is an excellent choice.
It’s compact and lightweight but robust enough to power and charges most of the appliances and devices you will carry with you.
Limitations
Don’t expect the Jackery Explorer power station to power a blender, coffee maker, or power tool. It can only power low-wattage, small appliances.
Also note, it doesn’t include solar panels. Based on your needs, you may need to budget more money for an entire kit.
Summary
This portable power station is an exceptional choice for searching for a budget solar power station for an RV or boat or camping.