Portable solar generators are turnkey solutions for those looking to become fully self-sufficient in power on the road. Whether you have a simple system powering a laptop and phone, or a more complex setup including a 12V fridge, LED lights, and a water pump, they are perfect for all needs.

In this 2024 buying guide, we’ll cover everything from how these generators work to the factors you should consider when choosing the best portable solar generator for RVs.

💡 If you’re looking to set up a complete solar power system, we recommend trying our solar autonomy simulator. This tool will help you assess your daily energy needs and choose the most suitable equipment, whether it’s auxiliary batteries or solar panels.

And if you’re not ready to install a full solar power system because you lack knowledge on the subject or simply don’t want the hassle, you should consider opting for a portable solar generator for RVs.

Why choose a portable solar generator? Ease of use, flexibility in charging options, and a variety of sizes and prices. By reading this guide, you’ll be able to make an informed choice, even if electricity isn’t your area of expertise.

The 7 Best Solar Generators for RVs to Buy in 2024

Choosing the right portable solar generator can be a real challenge, especially with all the options available on the market. Don’t worry, we’ve narrowed it down for you.

In the table below, we show you what we consider the best on the market. The cream of the crop. 🍨

The top 3 are intended for heavy use.

By heavy use, we mean:

• People with high energy needs, like those working all day on a computer.
• Or those with electric cooking plates, water heaters, etc.

These models can also be a good choice if you live year-round in your RV and don’t travel to very sunny countries. In this case, they will provide you with autonomy for several days (as long as you don’t overuse your power reserves).

The other models are more suitable for people who travel a few weeks per year or who don’t have particularly high energy needs.

💡 Be sure to read the full article, especially the section on what to consider before making a purchase.

Choice n°1: Maxoak Bluetti EB240 – The High-Capacity Portable Solar Generator for RV

BLUETTI EB240

✅ Fast Charging with Solar Panels
✅ Capacity: 2,400 Wh
✅ Phone Charges: 255

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The Maxoak Bluetti EB240 is a must-have choice for those looking for a reliable energy solution for extended trips.

This portable solar generator stands out with its high capacity of 2,400 Wh, making it one of the most powerful models on the market in its price range.

Choice n°2: Goal Zero Yeti 1500X – The Versatile Solar Generator for RVs

Goal Zero Yeti 1500X

✅ Versatility
✅ Capacity: 1,516 Wh
✅ Phone Charges: 127

Acheter sur GoalZero.com

The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X is a portable solar generator that offers an excellent balance between capacity and versatility. With a capacity of 1,516 Wh, it is designed to meet a variety of energy needs, whether you’re camping or on a road trip.

Choice n°3: BioLite BaseCharge 1500 – The Solar Generator for Adventurers

BioLite BaseCharge 1500

✅ Lightweight and Compact
✅ Capacity: 1,520 Wh
✅ Phone Charges: Over 100

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Whether you want to power your fridge, charge your electronics, or even use some power tools for your DIY projects in your RV, the BioLite BaseCharge 1500 is up to the task.

It’s not the most well-known, and we weren’t sure if we should include it in our list, but its lightweight design and fast charging time make it the perfect choice for those living life on four wheels.

Choice n°4: EcoFlow Delta – Your Portable Power Station for Vanlife

ECOFLOW DELTA 1260Wh

✅ Multiple Ports
✅ Capacity: 1,260 Wh
✅ Phone Charges: Over 100

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This generator is the perfect companion for any vanlifer who doesn’t want to compromise on power and versatility. Its fast charging time and numerous ports make it the ideal choice for those looking to maximize their energy autonomy.

Choice n°5: Jackery Explorer 1000 – A More Reasonable Choice Without Sacrificing Power

Jackery Explorer 1000

✅ Portability
✅ Capacity: 1,002 Wh
✅ Phone Charges: 100

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For vanlifers looking for a reliable and fast energy solution, the Jackery Explorer 1000 is an excellent choice. Its portability and fast charging make it a strong contender for powering your life on the road.

Choice n°6: Goal Zero Yeti 500X – The Stable and Affordable Solution

Goalzero Yeti 500X

✅ Affordability
✅ Capacity: 505 Wh
✅ Phone Charges: 42

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The Goal Zero Yeti 500X is often cited as an affordable option for vanlifers. But does « affordable » mean « compromise »?

The Goal Zero Yeti 500X offers a capacity of 505 Wh, which is significantly lower than models like the Jackery Explorer 1000 or the BioLite BaseCharge 1500. However, its more affordable price makes it appealing for those who don’t need a huge energy reserve. Additionally, its solar charging time ranges from 6 to 12 hours, which is reasonable considering its price.

Ultimately, this portable solar generator offers a good balance between capacity, portability, and, most importantly, affordability.

Choice n°7: Jackery Explorer 240 V2 – For the Price and Simplicity

Jackery Explorer 240 V2

✅ Ultra-Portable
✅ Capacity: 256 Wh
✅ Phone Charges: 18

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The Jackery Explorer 240 V2 positions itself as a compact and simple energy solution for vanlifers. Its simplicity and lightweight design make it an attractive option for those seeking an energy solution for more basic needs.

In general, we would recommend this power station to people who plan to go on trips a few days a year, for example, those going on 3 to 4-day outings.

How do portable solar generators for RVs work?

First of all, it’s important to clarify the terminology. The use of « solar generator » can be quite misleading.

To put it simply, a traditional generator, or power generator, produces energy by burning fuel. It converts mechanical energy into electrical energy through an engine and an alternator.

On the other hand, portable solar generators for RVs simply store electricity. They don’t actually generate anything.

The electricity stored in the battery comes either by charging the unit using:

• A 230V wall socket;
• A 12V car cigarette lighter;
• Or solar panels (which are not always included with the generator).

As you can see, it’s more of a mobile battery than anything else.

In this article, to avoid repeating the same word, we will use both terms. But whether we refer to a solar generator for RVs or a mobile battery, we are, of course, talking about the same thing.

By the way, to wrap up the terminology debate, some people call it a « portable power station » or even a « solar kit ». You’ll find all sorts of terms online, even on manufacturer/vendor websites.

That being said, we can’t deny that when using its solar panels, it provides a completely clean and sustainable source of energy.

This is why it represents an ideal solution for camper vans, RVs, and motorhomes.

Inside a single, easily transportable unit, there is a whole solar power system:

• A battery: This is, of course, the most important part. It stores energy so that you can use it later to power your electronic devices.
• A battery charger: This simply serves to charge the battery.
• A battery monitor: This is a small screen that allows you to check the status of the mobile battery. Not all units have one, but at the very least, there are indicator lights.
• A charge controller: Solar panels produce electricity with irregular voltage. The charge controller regulates the energy produced to ensure the battery charges safely.
• An inverter: This converts the direct current (DC) from the solar panels into alternating current (AC) to power devices that use this type of current.
• And more…

Why Choose a Portable Solar Generator for Your RV in 2024?

Buying a solar generator for RV seems like the ideal solution for many nomads.

It is a solution that indeed offers numerous advantages. But there are also a few drawbacks that are worth considering before making the purchase.

Let’s take a closer look.

✅ The Advantages

Easy Setup

First, solar batteries do not require a complex installation. This is likely one of the main reasons why more and more people are adopting this solution.

Without them, you would have to spend several days creating and installing a more or less complex solar power system. With a solar generator for RV, there’s absolutely nothing to do.

After an initial charge, it’s ready to use. No need to buy cables, a charge controller, fuses, etc.

Convenient. 😉

A Complete and Portable Solar System

Next, solar batteries are portable.

You can take them with you wherever you go. Some models are bulkier and heavier than others, but in such cases, they are usually mounted on wheels.

If you want to work by a small river but can’t park your van there, you can still take your battery with you and plug in your laptop.

Even without mentioning work or being a digital nomad, the portable solar generator can also accompany you on picnics to power a Bluetooth speaker.

Provides Some Autonomy

The great advantage of this compact solution is that it allows you to store, among other things, electricity produced by solar panels.

So, while it represents an initial cost, it quickly pays off since solar energy is free.

Plus, it’s totally clean energy and completely inexhaustible!

A Silent and Odor-Free Solution

Finally, portable solar generators for RVs are silent.

Compared to gas-powered generators, which are noisy and emit odors, this is not the case with mobile batteries.

❌ The Drawbacks

Portable Solar Generators Are Expensive

Depending on the product you buy, it is often much more cost-effective to install your own electrical system in your RV.

This will take more time, of course, but it will allow you to save a few bucks.

Slow Charging

The same applies to auxiliary batteries, but for charging a solar generator for RV, there are several options.

• You can charge your battery in a few hours from a wall socket using alternating current (usually the fastest option).
• Or you can charge your battery more slowly using the 12V cigarette lighter socket of your van with direct current (relatively slow).
• Or you can charge your solar battery using your solar panels.

In the latter case, the charging time will depend on the power of your panels, as well as the weather conditions.

(Almost) Impossible to Upgrade Your Setup

With portable solar generators for RVs, there are fewer options for upgrading them to suit your needs.

For example, if tomorrow you need more capacity because you have new devices to power or want more autonomy, you’ll need a more « powerful » generator.

It is worth noting, however, that on some models, it is possible to add additional batteries for more autonomy. This is especially true for the EcoFlow DELTA generator, which offers additional batteries.

Solar Generators Aren’t Eternal

This is one of the biggest drawbacks compared to a DIY electrical system. In the latter, if a battery or another component breaks, you can simply replace it for a few euros.

However, when a mobile battery fails, you need to get a new one. And if the warranty has expired, you’ll have to buy a brand new one (ranging from €600 to €4,000).

It is worth noting that some manufacturers now offer replacement batteries. So, you won’t need to replace the entire unit, just the battery.

(Provided, of course, that it’s the battery that has failed.)

How to Choose a Portable Solar Generator for RV? What Factors Should You Consider?

If you’re considering using a solar generator for RV as your primary energy source for your camper van, the first thing you need to determine is how much energy you require.

This is the first and most important point. Without knowing this, you run the risk of buying a solar generator for RV that doesn’t meet your daily needs.

In one of our articles, we specifically talked about how to assess your energy consumption.

Creating an Energy Assessment for Your Solar Generator for RV

The goal of this process is simply to inventory all the electrical devices you will use on the road, note their power in watts, and determine the usage duration (in hours) for each.

For each device, simply multiply its power by its usage duration to obtain its daily consumption (in Wh).

Then, add up all your results to get your total daily consumption (still in Wh).

We highly recommend imagining the worst-case scenario and inflating your estimate by adding 20% to your result.

💡 To determine the consumption of a smartphone, laptop, or any other device that needs charging, you should look at the charger. Generally, the power in watts is indicated there.

If it’s not listed, you’ll find the current intensity (in Amps) and the voltage (in Volts). Multiply the two values to get the power in watts.

Depending on your lifestyle, a solar generator for RV of varying power will require more or less money upfront.

Now that you’ve completed your energy assessment, let’s look at the features to consider before making a purchase.

Research the Brand

It’s important that the company from which you buy your solar generator for RV is as reliable as possible. Generally, this ensures reliability and performance.

By reliability, we mean:

• A solid presence in the market for a certain period of time;
• Excellent customer service;
• Very good customer reviews (on Amazon, Google, Trustpilot, etc.).

Research the Battery Capacity of the Solar Generator for RV

When reviewing the technical specifications of a solar generator for RV, your eyes should focus on the value that indicates how long you can power your devices without having to recharge the generator.

This value is expressed in watt-hours (Wh).

For example, if your generator has 1,260 Wh, it can power:

• 21 hours for a 60W laptop;
• 210 hours for a 6W lamp;
• 30 minutes for a 2,500W hairdryer.

This highlights the importance of knowing your daily consumption. If your consumption is 750Wh, there’s no need to buy a portable solar generator with 4,000 Wh capacity costing over €3,500, unless you desire a long autonomy.

Power

Another advantage of the solar generator for RV is that you can theoretically plug in multiple devices at the same time thanks to the various outlets and ports:

• A laptop;
• A drone battery;
• One or two smartphones;
• And more.

We say « theoretically » because it mainly depends on the power of your generator. This power is measured in watts.

In practice, the higher this number, the better.

Indeed, if you want to run a 1,300-watt hairdryer, you will need a generator capable of delivering that power.

Similarly, if you want to plug in several devices at once, such as a laptop (60W) and two smartphones (25W for the first and 80W for the second), you will need a generator capable of supplying 165 watts at once and throughout the entire charging process.

Charging Time

The charging method used and the size of the battery are the two major factors that will directly impact the charging time of your battery.

Theoretically, a larger battery will always take longer to charge than a smaller one.

If you’re looking for complete autonomy, it’s best to look at the charging time of the solar generator for RV using solar panels. There is no « ideal » duration.

If you need to stay plugged in frequently, it will likely be necessary to opt for a larger battery from which you can draw power for extended periods without interruption. You can then recharge it when you’re not using it.

Weight

Solar generators are easily transportable. That said, some are heavier than others. This is particularly the case with the one above, which weighs 45 kg.

If you plan to move yours around, it will be important to consider the « portability » factor.

If the generator is really heavy, it might be necessary for wheels to be included. It all depends on what you want to do with it.

Also, some solar generators for RVs are expandable. This means you can buy the generator itself with its battery and all components, then add additional batteries later.

This is really convenient, especially if your needs are expected to evolve.

Ports and Charging Outlets

The models of solar generators for RVs offer different outlets and ports to power multiple devices simultaneously. You’ll find everything from USB ports to 230V sockets, etc.

Your future solar generator for RV should offer various ports and charging outlets to allow you to charge all your devices without any difficulty.

Battery Type

In solar generators for RVs, you’ll find a lot of lithium-ion batteries.

These batteries are very lightweight since they can store 3 to 4 times more energy per unit of mass than other technologies available on the market (such as lead-acid).

Additionally, lithium-ion batteries charge very quickly and have much higher efficiency compared to traditional batteries.

Besides lithium-ion, you will likely find solar generators using lead-acid (AGM) batteries. These generators will be cheaper than others, but the efficiency and lifespan will be lower.

More and more solar generators are using LFP batteries. This still refers to lithium, but Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries are even safer and more stable than lithium-ion batteries.

On technical datasheets, you will often see « LiFePO₄ ». This is the other name for LFP.

How Much Should You Spend on a Solar Generator for RV?

When it comes to autonomy, you need to think about the price, but not in the short term. Try to have a long-term perspective.

Let us explain. 😅

Some brands lower prices. At first, you may think you’re getting a great deal, but in the long run, that’s not the case.

Generally speaking, if you come across a solar generator for RV that’s really cheap, there’s a high chance that the technology used is of poor quality. As a result, your generator won’t last as long as another, slightly more expensive one.

A low price should always raise a red flag.

(But don’t go spending €10,000 on a solar generator for RV either, blindly!)

Let’s break it down. 😎

The idea is to look at the total price per kWh. In the end, that’s what really matters!

You should consider:

• The cost of the generator;
• The total number of cycles;
• The depth of discharge (which is never 100%);
• The total kWh over the lifetime (battery capacity in kWh * depth of discharge * total cycles);

Then, simply divide the initial cost by the total kWh over the lifetime, and you’ll get the theoretical price per kWh. The lower this price, the better.

Even though the second option is three times cheaper than the first, it’s actually the first option that is more cost-effective in the long run.

To simplify the calculation, let’s assume your daily consumption is 1,000 Wh, or 1 kWh.

One year with the first option would cost you €83, while one year with the second option would cost €259. That’s a difference of €176!

However, this is not always the case.

An expensive battery is not always the best deal either. So, it’s important to make this calculation before making a purchase. At the very least, we recommend having a long-term perspective; it’s for the health of your bank account. 😉

How to Charge a Solar Generator for RV?

As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, a solar generator for RV is nothing more than a large battery. The energy stored in it comes either from:

• Solar panels;
• The 12V cigarette lighter socket in your camper van;
• A wall socket (electrical grid).

Solar Panels

This is pretty much the main selling point for purchasing these mobile batteries.

Solar panels recharge them when you don’t have access to the electrical grid. For example, in the middle of nature for off-grid use.

To recharge your battery, you simply need to connect your solar panels to it using a cable.

To speed up the charging process, place your panels in direct sunlight and tilt them towards the sun. Of course, make sure there is no dust, snow, or shadows on them.

Finally, we want to inform you: make sure you check before purchasing because solar panels are not always included.

In most cases, they are optional or need to be bought separately. If you’re unsure which ones to choose, contact the seller directly. They can guide you.

12V Cigarette Lighter Socket

The cigarette lighter socket only provides 8 to 10 amps.

To recharge your mobile battery, you’ll need some patience (usually 7 to 10 hours). But it’s definitely a big plus to have this option.

If you’re out and about for long hours every day, it’s worth using your cigarette lighter socket.

If you don’t drive much but still use the cigarette lighter socket, you risk draining your van’s battery.

Wall Socket (Electrical Grid)

Finally, the last option to recharge your mobile battery is to use a wall socket connected to the electrical grid. Even on a road trip, you’ll find these quite easily.

And if you only take your RV for weekends, you can simply recharge it before you leave. Depending on the battery and how you use it, it will easily last for 2 days.

Just plug it back in once you’re back home!

Should You Go for a Portable Solar Generator in 2025?

Portable solar generators for RVs are a much more eco-friendly option compared to traditional fuel-based generators (although we can still question the recycling of batteries).

Moreover, they are compact and can fit into any part of your setup. The fact that it’s an all-in-one solution is also a major advantage if you don’t feel up to setting up a complete solar power system yourself.

However, while some solar kits allow for upgrades by offering the option to add batteries, if your needs evolve too quickly, it’s better to invest in a more complex solar system.

This will cost you much less and also give you a scalable system.

In any case, before purchasing, always check:

• The brand’s history (its reliability);
• The total price per kWh (a low-cost solar battery might end up costing you more in the long run than a more advanced one; but this is not always the case);
• The battery capacity, keeping your energy assessment in mind;
• The power;
• The charging time;
• The weight;
• The different ports and outlets offered by the portable solar kit;
• The type of battery (some last longer than others).

We hope this buying guide will help you make a more informed decision when choosing your solar generator for RV and assist you in your efforts for greater autonomy.

And if you want to learn more about nomadic life in a converted vehicle, we invite you to join our newsletter. The sign-up form is just below. 👇

See you soon. 😉