Are you about to go on a camping trip? We know you’re excited right now, but wait! You need to bring a portable power station with enough capacity to power all the necessary appliances. The question is: what size solar generator do I need for camping? Don’t worry! We will help you calculate the right capacity with this post.
What Size Solar Generator Do I Need For Camping?
Understand The Basics
If you are a stranger to solar generators, it’s best to equip yourself with some basics about these models beforehand. The first thing is the power rating. This is the wattage of the device you want to run. For example, when the label of a mini fridge says 180W, it is its power rating.
Meanwhile, the capacity of the power station refers to the power it can generate, measured in Wh. Knowing these metrics will help you determine the proper size of the power station.
Light Camping
You need a 1000W to 2000W solar generator for light camping.
Light camping means you only use some basic devices on your trip, such as phone chargers, LED lights, essential kitchen appliances, and portable speakers. In this case, a low to medium capacity, ranging from 1000W to 2000W, is more than sufficient.
We recommend you go for a solar generator with a capacity of 1000W but can surge to 2000W at maximum. These models generate enough energy to power other devices, like hairdryers, kettles, and electric blankets.
Since you might not stay outdoors for too long when light camping, a power station with fast charging is the way to go. This ensures your camper will operate consistently.
Backpacking or Hiking
If your camping trip is more of hiking and backpacking, you might not use a lot of electric devices. Some folks even spend an entire day blending in nature. Therefore, you don’t need to invest in a high-capacity solar generator. Look for models with an output of 1000W or less, and you’re good to go.
Another piece of advice is to choose lightweight, compact power stations as you will constantly be on the go. Lugging a bulky, heavy generator around in the wild can be a real pain in the neck.
Some power stations have a less-than-1000W capacity but can surge to over 1000W. They will be of great help if you need to run multiple devices at once.
RV Camping & Long Camping Trips
Are you about to stay outside for an extended time? Powering an RV and its amenities can eat up a lot of power. Besides essential devices like chargers and lights, you will need air conditioners, refrigerators, microwaves, hairdryers, heaters, coffee makers, etc. These devices are all energy-guzzlers.
We suggest you stick with a solar generator with a powerful capacity of 3000W or more. Don’t skim on the energy surge requirements! Since appliances call for more power to kickstart, they will fail to run if the generator can’t supply enough wattage.
So, when choosing a power station, calculate the total starting wattage of your required devices, not their running wattage.
Outdoor Events
Are you going to throw a party or an event during your camping trip? Regardless, a portable solar generator is your trusted sidekick.
Outdoor events, such as family gatherings or birthday parties, require many electric devices, from sound and light systems to smaller appliances. The good news is that these events won’t last for too long, so aim at power stations with a capacity of over 1000W.
When buying a solar generator for outdoor events, it is best to choose those with multiple charging options. This allows you to switch between different charging methods flexibly when needed, ensuring the event is smooth sailing.
You need a medium solar generator to run an outdoor event.
How To Calculate The Solar Generator Size For Camping
Have you got the hang of the solar generator basics above? Great! Here are the 3 simple steps to calculate the required size of your power station. Remember that the result is just estimated.
Step 1: Decide what appliances you need
The first thing to do is select what appliances to bring along on your camping trip. Some crucial items include phone chargers, laptops, PCs, heaters, coffee makers, LED lights, hairdryers, blenders, microwaves, fridges, and air conditioners.
Grab a pen and paper to jot down all the devices.
Step 2: Write down their wattage
Now, let’s check each device and look for its wattage. This number can be listed on a small label printed on the appliance or in the user’s manual.
Note down their running and surge wattage. This is important because the solar generator must provide enough power to start all devices.
Here are some common appliances with their wattage ranges:
- Coffee maker: 600 to 1800W
- Phone Charger: 10 to 65W
- Laptop charger: 40 to 150W
- Microwave: 1000 to 1500W
- Stove: 900 to 2500W
- Hairdryer: 1200 to 1900W
- Camper TV: 150 to 400W
- Cooling Fan: 50W
- String LED Lights: 5W
- Air mattress pump: 50W
- Heater: 1500W
Step 3: Calculate the capacity
Now, calculate the total running wattage of all appliances you will use. Then, take note of the highest starting wattage among all devices. Finally, sum the total running wattage and the highest surge wattage, and you will have the required capacity.
For example, let’s say all appliances need 2700W to run, and the device with the highest surge wattage is the refrigerator, which is 2000W. Then, the maximum wattage needed will be 2700 + 2000W = 4700W. You will have to pick a solar generator that can supply at least 2700W and surge at at least 4700W.
Note: Always choose a solar generator with a slightly higher capacity than the estimated total wattage.
Choose a model with a slightly higher capacity than you need.
FAQs
What Type Of Solar Generator Should You Use For Camping?
A solar generator between 1000-2000 watts is ideal for light camping, powering essential devices like phone chargers, LED lights, and small appliances. For RV camping, larger generators above 3000 watts are recommended.
Will A 200W Solar Panel Be Enough For RV Camping?
A 200W solar panel can handle small appliances like LED lights, fans, and device chargers. However, to power larger devices like air conditioners or microwaves, higher capacity panels or multiple panels are needed.
Conclusion
What size solar generator do I need for camping? We hope you can find the answer now. The key is to know your needs to select the right capacity. Take all the required devices into account and apply the formula above to calculate the estimated wattage. Good luck!
Article Sources:
https://sigmaearth.com/what-capacity-solar-generator-is-required-for-camping/
https://www.tx-solarsystem.com/news/what-size-solar-generator-do-i-need-for-camping/
https://vtoman.com/blogs/news/portable-solar-generators-rvs-guide
