The popularity of overlanding and glamping has led to an increase in bringing gadgets and comforts of home on camping trips. The development of lithium battery technology has made it easier and quieter to keep these devices charged without using noisy, smelly diesel generators. Portable power stations or solar-powered generators have become more affordable, lighter, and more powerful, making them a popular choice for campers. Check this article to find out the best for your use and demand.
Top Picks
Best overall: Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Statio
Best Budget: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer
Best Portable: Goal Zero Yeti 200X Portable Power Station
Best for Capacity: MAXOAK Portable Power Station
Best for portability: Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Portable Power Station
Buying Guides
Electricity Need
You must decide which gadgets you wish to power before selecting a portable power source. Make a list of every gadget you intend to use, and calculate its power consumption. As an alternative, you can look up the manufacturer’s website for an estimate of how many times you can use their power station to charge different gadgets.
Capacity
The most crucial factor to think about when choosing a solar generator is its capacity. For a weekend of camping, most people only need generators with a minimum capacity of 40 amp-hours or 500 watt-hours, but if you want to power a camper or use it as a backup during a blackout, search for one with a capacity of at least 100 amp-hours and combine it with 200 watts of solar panels. It’s advisable to purchase a larger solar panel and a generator with more power than you anticipate using in order to recharge more quickly. Budget for solar panels because they are often not included with generators.
Weight and size
Because lithium-ion batteries are smaller and lighter than conventional deep-cycle batteries, solar-powered generators are typically lightweight and portable. The majority of solar-powered generators weigh more than 10 pounds even with the usage of lithium-ion batteries, and if you need high capacity, they can easily become hefty. Consider a smaller charging capacity choice if you have limited space in your small camper or vehicle or simply don’t want to carry a big generator.
