Going camping sounds so easy. You ready your tent, your cooler and your backpack then head on to your camping site. However, if done wrong, it may not end so well and may even be dangerous for the campers. This is why you need to make sure that you prepare everything you need for this occasion.
These days, a charging system such as a portable solar generator is considered as one of the most crucial items that campers need to take with them when camping. This handy device will not only keep their electronic devices charged but it will also give them the comfort and peace of mind that in case of emergency, they wouldn’t need to worry about running out of power in the middle of nowhere.
What is a Solar Generator?
Did you know that a solar generator isn’t a traditional generator? Surprise! Surprise! This is because it does not really generate power to supply electricity to an electric-powered device. Instead, it is a power system that works by harnessing solar energy that is converted into direct current (DC) electricity through solar panels and then storing the collected energy into its built-in battery. The built-in inverter in the solar generator then turns the DC power into alternating current (AC) power, the type that powers up gadgets and appliances. Once charged, depending on battery capacity, it can recharge small gadgets such as cellphones and tablets and at the same time power up household appliances such as electric fans, TVs and even air conditioners. And when the battery has run out of juice, just connect it to the solar panel (some brands can even use wind turbines) and wait for it to get fully charged again.
With zero harmful fumes, easy and free source of charging power and operates quietly, this environment friendly power station has become every camper’s best power source buddy in recent years, slowly replacing the fuel-powered variant.
There are a wide variety of solar generators available in the market nowadays so it is important that you choose the right model for your needs and preferences. Below is a list of things that you need to consider when buying a solar generator for camping.
Checklist When Buying a Solar Generator for Camping
To ensure that you make the right decision, you need to identify the features that you are looking for in a solar generator. Find out below the things that you need consider before buying a portable solar generator
- Solar Panel Type
- Battery Capacity
The storage capacity of the rechargeable battery of a solar generator will help you identify how long your small appliances can stay powered up as well as how many times you can charge small gadgets before the power station needs recharging.
The good thing about portable solar generators is that you can buy additional batteries or power pods for extra capacity.
- Charging Ports
People nowadays rely heavily on their small gadgets such as phones, tablets and laptops either for personal or work related reasons. This is why it is crucial that you take note of the number and types of charging ports of the solar generators you are looking at.
A good rule you can follow is to create a list of the number of gadgets that need charging and get a generator that can accommodate at least 50% of the figure you got on your list.
- Charging Modes
- Portability
When going camping, portability is highly appreciated because campers usually lug or carry around all their belongings when going to their campsite. Anything that will make their lives easier and lighter during their adventure is highly valued hence the popularity of portable solar generators.
Continue reading and see some of the best solar generators from Nature’s Generator, one of the most trusted solar generator brands in the market at the moment.
Different campers have different camping activities, camping requirements and camping duration. Nature’s Generator took note of this fact and made sure that they have something for all kinds of campers, adventurers and nature lovers out there.
3 Best Solar Generators for Camping
Nature’s Generator offers three solar power system options for camping enthusiasts and serious off-gridders. The best thing about all of them is that they are all upgradeable and expandable. How cool is that!
- Nature’s Generator Gold - The perfect companion for weekend campers.
People who enjoy weekend camping do not require a lot of power since their outdoor stay typically lasts for 24 hours or so.
Having said that, Nature’s Generator Gold is a portable solar generator that is packed with a maximum of 1800w output power, more than enough juice to power up a 32” LED TV for 12+ hours, charge a smartphone 60 times, laptop 12 times and light up an LED light bulb for more than 50+ hours.
This power system has so much capacity for a weekend camping trip and even if it comes to a point where it needs recharging, worry not because it comes with one 100W monocrystalline solar panel for recharging purposes and you can continue using it while it’s recharging.
This on the go solar generator comes with a universal heavy duty cart for ease of transport.
Specifications
Output Power: 1800W max
Output Voltage: 120V
Capacity: 12V 60Ah (720Wh)
Thee 120V household AC outlets; Two USB ports - 3A of combined power; One 12V DC port (240W max)
Weight: 83 lbs (with cart)
Dimensions: 23 x 17 x 22 in (with cart)
Battery Type: AGM Sealed Lead Acid
Built-in low battery protection and charge controller
Solar Panel Charging Time: 10 - 15 hours
Pros
- Big battery wattage
- Portable and Lightweight - ease of transport
- Not recommended for long camping trips
Get the Nature’s Generator Gold for your camping power station needs today!
- Nature’s Generator Elite Gold: The Reliable Camping Buddy for Extended Off Grid Adventures
Looking for a solar generator that can last a few more days than the weekend? Look no more because Nature’s Generator Elite got your back. With a whopping 1200Wh battery capacity and maximum output power of 3600W, this power station can recharge a smartphone 100 times plus 20-30 hours of power for a mini fridge and 20+ hours of TV time.
This power system is also perfect for short trips with the family or with a slightly big group since it offers twice the capacity of Nature’s Generator Gold system.
Would you like to monitor your power usage? The LCD display got you covered. It will show you the battery level, output information and more so you’ll know how much more juice you have left and can plan accordingly what you can still use and when is the best time for you to recharge. Also, you can use the power station while it’s charging. Simply brilliant!
Features
Output Power: 3600W max
Output Voltage: 120V
Capacity: 12V 100Ah (1200Wh)
Thee 120V household AC outlets; Two USB ports - 3A of combined power; One 12V DC port (240W max)
Weight: 120 lbs (out of box)
Dimensions: 23 x 17 x 22 in (with cart)
Battery Type: AGM Sealed Lead Acid
Built-in low battery protection and charge controller
Solar Panel Charging Time: 10 - 12 hours
Pros
- Twice the battery capacity of Nature’s Generator Gold
- Portable and Lightweight - ease of transport
- Ideal for short trips with family / small group
- Not recommended for long camping trips
- Not recommended for big groups
The Nature’s Generator Elite is the perfect power station for short camping trips with the family or with a small group of friends.
Checkout the Nature’s Generator Elite Gold for yourself today!
- Nature’s Generator Powerhouse - The Serious Solar Power Station for Serious Off-Gridders
Nature’s Generator Powerhouse is the perfect companion for serious off-gridders who are looking for an off-grid solar generator that can answer their power requirements.
Boasting of its maximum output power of 7200W and a battery capacity of 4800Wh, this solar generator can address all the power requirements of an entire house and the best thing is that it is dual voltage. This simply means that it can accommodate both 120V and 240V appliances.
While it is not exactly portable since it weighs 434 lbs, this power system has 4 wheels for easy movement.
To give you an idea, below are some of the devices it can power together with their corresponding duration
- 80+ hours for a 60W LED TV
- More than 400 smartphone recharges
- 330+ hours for an LED light bulb
- 80 - 120 hours for a mini fridge
Specifications
Output Power: 7200W max
Output Voltage: 240V (split phase) / 120V (single phase)
Capacity: 48V 100Ah (4800Wh)
Two 120V household AC outlets; One 240V AC outlet; Four USB Type A ports - One USB Type C port; One 12V DC port
Weight: 434 lbs
Dimensions: 28 x 18 x 22.36 inches (with wheel)
Battery Type: AGM Sealed Lead Acid
Built-in low battery protection and charge controller
Pros
- It provides huge power capacity at 7200W
- It is dual voltage so both 120V and 240V appliances can work in the power station.
Cons
- Charging time may run a bit long
- On the heavy side so transporting requires assistance
The Nature’s Generator Powerhouse is the mother of all Nature’s Generator solar generators.
Order the Nature’s Generator Powerhouse today and see just how powerful it is!
Final Thoughts
A solar generator is now considered a necessity for the majority of the campers. The ease of use plus the big battery capacity has made a lot of adventure seekers go for these solar power stations instead of the most common fuel powered generators.
* We want to give credit where credit is due. Professional writer, Ann Mathew, contributed research and content to this blog titled: Solar Generator for Camping Thank you, Ann, for your contributions!
