At Goal Zero, we're big fans of solar power, but solar is only really useful if you have a way to store and use all that power you collect. That's why we love solar generators. They combine the clean energy of solar power with the convenient portability of battery power stations so you can do more and stay out longer.

What is a Solar Generator?

A solar generator is a combination of solar panels and a power station. You can use solar panels to collect and convert energy from the sun. The power station lets you store the energy you collect and then use it to power your devices.

Choosing a Solar Generator

A solar generator is the perfect addition to your next camping trip or van build. And when you aren't on the go, they're great for home back up. There are three key factors to consider when deciding which solar generator is right for you.

Capacity

Solar lets you recharge more or less indefinitely, but the capacity of your power station will impact how much you can run at a time, how long you can keep things running, and how often you have to recharge. For example, if you're choosing a solar generator for camping, you can get away with less capacity than you'd need for home backup.

When considering capacity, you'll also need to think about the amount of solar input you want. A larger power station has more capacity but requires more solar panels to fully charge it. This increases the cost of your solar generator and means it will take up more space. 

Portability

Portability is a huge benefit if you're taking your solar generator camping or on a road trip, but it may not be a priority if you're installing it at your off-grid or in your home. All of our solar generators can be moved and taken with you, but the smaller solar generators are much easier to carry and move around.

Versatility

The beauty of a portable solar generator is that you can use it however you'd like. If you want the option to run high-energy appliances in a power outage and the option to recharge your laptop while camping, versatility will be a priority. We offer solar generators that are light enough to move but powerful enough to run a TV, grill, or refrigerator for hours. 

The Best Solar Generators for Camping

Our favorite camping solar generators are small and lightweight, making them easy to set up and move around.

Taking your solar generator camping lets you recharge phones, laptops, camera batteries, and other small devices, but it also gives you enough power to run a portable fridge and power cooking appliances so you can enjoy good meals throughout the whole trip. These solar generators are easy to move so you can set up near your cooking station in the morning, then move things over to your tent while you recharge your phone during a midday nap, and simultaneously also charge your portable speaker so you can listen to music around the campfire in the evening.

Yeti 200X solar generators for camping

The Yeti 200X is only 5 pounds, meaning even your kids can carry it as they help pack up the car. We offer it in 3 different solar generator bundles, depending on how much solar power you want to pair with it.

We think the Yeti 200X + Boulder 50 is the perfect solar generator for camping because it's incredibly portable and easy to set up. The Boulder solar panel comes with a convenient kickstand so you can set it almost anywhere. It can completely recharge your Yeti 200X in 4-8 hours.

Yeti 500X solar generators for camping

Upgrade from camping to glamping with a little extra power. Need a few more ports so you can blow up your air mattress and plug in the portable fridge at the same time as your grill?

Another favorite solar generator for camping is the Yeti 500X + Nomad 100. You get the Yeti 500X which comes with more ports and more power plus the foldable Nomad 100 solar panel that weighs just over 10 pounds, making it easy to move around throughout the day to get the best sun.

The Best Solar Generators for Van Life

Versatility is key when choosing a solar generator for van life. Space is limited so it's smart to get something compact, but since you're living there long term, you need something robust enough to run lights, fridges, power tools, and more while keeping your devices charged.ot;:160,

We offer a lot of great solar generator solutions, but one excellent van life option is the Yeti 1500X + 2 or more Boulder 100's. This gives you a power station that can run high-energy appliances and with up to four solar panels you can mount to your vehicle roof or set up on the ground when you find a good stopping spot.

Solar generators can help you get more out of your next adventure whether you're headed on a weekend camping trip or a month-long van trek. And when you aren't hauling it around, they provide home backup power for emergencies. Choose from Goal Zero's wide selection of solar generators to find one that's best for you.