The market is saturated with choices of solar generators, so it can be tough and time-consuming to decide which matches your situation and needs. We understand because we’ve been there before. That is why we compiled a list of the top products and reviewed each of them so that you can decide better.
In this guide, we’re also discussing what you need to know when picking a product to manage your expectations and figure out which generator can meet your needs. We’ve also answered the essential questions that will further help you decide. If you’re ready, let’s get started and later pick the best solar generator for RV for your mobile home.
Table of Contents
- Best Solar Generators for RV
- 1. MAXOAK Portable Power Station Camping Solar Generator
- 2. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500
- 3. Nature’s Generator Gold System 1800W
- 4. KYNG Power Solar Generator 500W
- 5. ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station
- 6. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000
- 7. POWERIVER 300W Portable Power Station 222Wh
- 8. OKPRO Solar Generator Portable Power Station
- 9. Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station
- 10. WattFun Solar Generator Portable Power Station
- 11. AIMTOM 540Wh Portable Power Station
- 12. MAXOAK Power Station 500Wh Solar Generator
- Why You Should Trust Us
- What Is An RV Solar Generator And How Does It Work
- Types Of RV Solar Generator
- Benefits Of Using A Solar Generator For RV
- How We Picked
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Best Solar Generators for RV
1. MAXOAK Portable Power Station Camping Solar Generator
- Extremely portable
- High battery capacity
- Can power almost all appliances
- Battery Management System
- User-friendly LCD and backlight
- Time to fully charge it is quite long
The EB150 has a mighty 1500-watt hour power put in storage in a lithium battery pack. It is one of the best solar generators for camping, RVs, and adventurers, but it is not just for outdoor use because you can also use it indoors. Thanks to its huge capacity and load volume, you can get more premiums out of it.
The MaxOak is your best option for a clean and green power supply so you can have most of your devices fully charged. Completely portable, this unit can work with significant powered devices, so you are not just limited like those smaller power supplies. You can easily carry it around thanks to its easy-to-carry handle.
It also has 4 USB ports, which make it very convenient since most devices can be connected. Aside from the USB output, it also has 2 AC outlets and a carport. It is indeed a power supply with numerous applications.
Charging this is also hassle-free. Aside from its flexible AC, you can also fully maximize the sun’s free power and opt to solar charge it through a panel. The charge time is approximately 9 to 10 hours when connected to an outlet. Although you can set the alarm to notify you of the charging status, you can also check via the battery icon on its LCD screen. Yes, this power station comes with an integrated cutting-edge control circuit. There are no more worries about overcharging your precious generator because once it is done, the EB150 will automatically stop charging.
If you are charging this power station via a solar panel, the higher the panel’s power, the shorter the charge time will be. This, of course, will be dependent on the power of the sun.
It is efficient in charging, and upon purchase, you get an MC4 solar charging cable with it. You also don’t need another charge controller to make it work. With its Battery Management System (BMS), you are well protected from short-circuits, overvoltage, and overcurrent. It also has a temperature control feature for your added safety.
Aside from its convenience and practical use, this power supply is also user-friendly. As mentioned, it has an LCD to show the current charging status. It also has a backlight that allows you to read the information easily under the sun, but you won’t be disturbed by it during your sleep.
2. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500
- Multiple ways to recharge
- Battery Management System
- Reasonable charging times
- Quiet system; no audible noises
- Clean and green power
- Charging it via solar panel is not possible without the Jackery SolarSage
The Explorer 500 solar powered generator for camping from the well-loved Jackery manufacturer is the best option for RVers and campers who want extra power wherever they go.
Since the company started in the state of California in 2012, it has been a top choice for environmentally-friendly power solutions. They are keen on ensuring that what they provide is only clean energy and energy that is 100% transportable that you can bring power wherever you go. This is a multipurpose option that features a pure sine wave outlet for AC of 110W and can supply power of up to 500W.
It is ideal for typical RV appliances like TVs and blenders and indispensable gadgets like smartphones, laptops, and tablets. The very same outlet also has a surge capacity of 100W especially designed for those appliances that need a little more power for a short time.
You will not have a hard time finding a spot to connect the Explorer 500 because it comes with the universal 12V/10A carport and three 2.4A USB ports to charge your car appliances and other smaller electronics like car vacuums, phones, and even coolers. After hours of being on the road, you can enjoy a little camping with all the conveniences of being in your home backyard thanks to this outdoor solar generator kit.
When it comes to its charging competencies, you have several options on how to charge it fully. You may opt to recharge it under the full sun for 9.5 hours using the Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel while being outdoors or recharge it using your carport. Give it 16 hours while driving, and you are already multitasking at your finest. Lastly, you can charge it in the right, old reliable AC outlet for 8 hours.
Beside the safety measures incorporated in this critical system, you will find additional security with its Battery Management System. You won’t need to think about over-current, over-temperature, over-voltage, and all those battery damaging events because you are protected.
3. Nature’s Generator Gold System 1800W
- Integrated Pure Sine Wave Inverter
- 60 AH Battery Management System
- Completely free and limitless resources
- Light up LCD
- Comes with a cart and adjustable solar panel for tilt options
- The font size on the LCD not adjustable
Nature’s Generator Gold System, as the name implies, uses two all-natural ways to generate electricity and both are for free – the power of the sun and wind. Nature’s Generator Gold System works with the efficient power of Nature’s Generator power panel. You can get electricity for free because your resources are inexhaustible.
The generator keeps the electrical energy inside its internal battery and uses premium electronics to convert 12V power to 120V power that can be used every day in our household. In total, it can provide 720 Wh of run time.
This generator does not need gas to work; thus, it becomes an ideal alternative as backup power in case of emergencies and calamities. You can use it conveniently both indoors and outdoors.
Unlike other solar generators where the solar panel needs to be sold separately, Nature’s Generator Power Panel is conveniently included in your purchase. You can always keep your generator charged and ready to be used. It’s like having your solar power plant.
Aside from the solar panel, a cart is also included to allow your easy transportation and movement if you need to go somewhere, so you can bring the generator along. Additionally, the design is also well-thought of. The 100W polycrystalline solar panel comes with a frame with wheels for added convenience. It also has a stand that can be adjusted. You can change the tilt so it can receive the maximum amount of energy from the sun.
Since this solar generator for camper has moving parts, it will require some assembly, but rest assured, it is stress-free and completely doable. It also has a 50ft power panel cable so you can easily connect the power panel to the generator.
For added convenience, Nature’s Generator also has a light-up LCD screen that can provide a glimpse of the battery level, the output usage, and charging status, among other helpful information.
4. KYNG Power Solar Generator 500W
- Clean and safe power
- Multiple options for charging
- Compact and easy to carry around
- Lightweight
- MC4 cable included
- Lack of helpful information
The KYNG 500W Portable Solar Generator and Power Station is 100% mobile, quiet, and it has clean and safe power. This power station means business, and it will give you the energy that you need when you require. Powered by no other than Samsung’s lithium battery pack, it can guarantee that you will get nothing but the best.
During times of emergencies, you can confidently charge your smartphones, laptops, medical devices kile CPAP, radios, and other smaller machines up to 288 Wh. You will be ensured that your memorable documents, priceless photos, and videos and other files are secured even during a power outage. The KYNG power solar generator is the answer in preventing damage and loss data.
You can recharge this power station via your home AC outlet power for 6-8 hours. You can also conveniently use your car’s cigarette DC 12V/8A power and it will take the same time of 6-8 fully charged. Using a solar panel of 18V 60-120W, you can have a 100% battery after 10-14 hours of sun exposure. With the MC4 solar cable included, you can hook it up with the Kyng Power 60W solar panel which is compatible with this kind of generator.
This generator is completely portable with built-in ports coming with three three-prong 110V repositories specific for the 500W devices. Aside from the three-prong, you also get 4 DC 12V Ports, 1 LED flashlight, and 4 USB ports. This is the type of battery that you want to be around for a long time because it can meet your charging needs with ease. Your smartphones, tablets, and laptops will never experience a 0% battery when you have this solar generator around.
This generator has a capacity of 500W, 288Wh, and 1000W Peak, but surprisingly, it is compact, and you can easily carry it around as it only weighs 77 pounds. Being off-grid has never been so convenient and easy. Almost all the conveniences you have at home can be within your fingertips when you have this all-around battery power supply back-up.
5. ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station
- Manage your health off-grid
- Multiple ways of recharging
- Reasonable charging times
- Higher battery capacity
- Reliable emergency back up
- Solar panel not included
Hailed as the best solar generator for medical devices and CPAP, the RockPals 300W Portable Power station is an upgrade from the 250W version. You can have the additional power when saving the lives of people. This is made possible by its higher capacity DC-AC inverter and a bigger battery that will allow you to connect medical devices that require more watts.
Unbelievable, but with its 280Wh lithium-ion battery, your continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines can stay on for 2-3 days. Imagine how its power can potentially save a life! The manufacturer also suggests that to get more time from the battery; it is best to connect your medical machines to the 12V DC port via a DC converter cable. Battery power can be conserved this way; unlike when you connect it to the AC port, the battery will be drained quicker. The reason behind this is the inverter itself utilizes power.
Note that this is not a generator solely dedicated to medical apparatuses and devices. You can also connect small appliances to the 120V AC outlet. The five DC ports have four 12Vs and one 24V. Here, you can charge your smartphones, tablets, and other devices that can be connected using a USB port. Another tip to be able to charge at a faster pace is to connect to the USB ports with a Quick Charge 3.0 technology.
As for recharging the Rockpals 300W, you can choose among the three easy ways to do it. This portable power station can be re-energized from the sun using any well-suited 60 or 100W solar panel. Alternately, you can connect it to your wall outlet, and it should be done in no less than 6-7 hours. It will take the same number of hours if you opt to charge it via your carport instead Don’t worry, a car charger and the adapter for the AC outlet is already part of the package when you get this product.
Another reason this is the solar generator of choice for you is it doesn’t limit you to your home’s confines. Not because a medical device needs to be connected means that you will be a prisoner of your machine. With the Rockpals 300 solar generator, you can power your device wherever you want to be. You have the freedom to go camping or join your family and friends on a road trip. You can ease your apprehension because you’ll have plenty of power and more to share.
6. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000
- Ideal for smaller machines.
- Pocket-friendly option for outdoor enthusiasts
- Requires no extra set up
- Three ways to recharge
- Wall adapter and car charger included
- Not suitable for high powered appliances
The budget plays a major deciding factor when buying a portable power station. Hence, it is a good thing that the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000 is hailed as the best budget buy when it comes to off-grid power generators.
This is a robust yet lightweight and compact enough to charge devices and power your RV and camping appliances. This is the epitome of a small but adept product. It holds a 240Wh lithium-ion battery that is capable and enough to power your small appliances and charge devices simultaneously. Although it doesn’t have as many output options as its competitors and other Jackery models, it can be considered adequate to meet your needs.
The Explorer 1000 has one AC port with a continuous 200W power and a surge sine wave inverter of 400W. You can safely connect most smaller appliances and devices like a mini-fridge, laptops, and even a CPAP, and it would work as usual. It also has a DC carport specific for DC powered fixtures like air pumps and lighting.
Of course, the Explorer 1000 also considered that most of today’s devices are charged via USB. Hence, it does have 2 USB-A ports where you can connect your smartphones, tablets, power banks, Bluetooth speakers, smartwatches, cameras, and drones among all the other USB-chargeable gadgets of today.
Recharging the battery is an easy task, too. If you are home, just connect it to your wall outlet. This is the fastest way to do it. If you are in your RV, you can cruise the highways while plugging it into the 12V DC cigarette lighter socket of your car. There is no need to purchase additional accessories since the wall adapter, and car charger comes with the power station. When you are outdoors, solar panels would be a convenient way to recharge. A 100W panel kit should be more than enough to sustain the 16.8Ah battery energized.
7. POWERIVER 300W Portable Power Station 222Wh
- Battery Management System
- Lightweight and compact
- No gasoline needed
- Pure sine wave inverter
- Uninterrupted Power Supply
- Not suitable for devices that have a rated power of over 300W
Nowadays, it is best to always have a second power supply. Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and other natural calamities should be anticipated. Disasters are also something that you need to be ready for, and one way to be equipped is to have the Poweriver power supply in your home, which can be very useful during power outages.
During times like this, it is essential to have a means of getting updates and information. You can do that since you can charge your smartphones and laptops. You will always have a means of knowing what’s going on.
Stay powered wherever you go with the POWERIVER 222Wh portable power station. You can conveniently take this uber lightweight power station when you go on road trips, excursions, and anywhere your RV goes on a stop. There is no gasoline needed, so you don’t have to tolerate the smell of toxic fumes. You can also bring it indoors without having to worry about any adverse side effects in your home or car.
This power supply is perfect for your medium-sized power essentials and is also best for multiple smaller appliances.
You can also use the POWERIVER ES300 for your CPAP machine. You can connect it in various ways using the 110V AC plug or 12 DC plug. It is best for CPAP users to use a DC converter to work with this power station and make sure to turn off or unplug the humidifier or heater. When it is just the CPAP connected via DC, the POWERIVER should be able to provide uninterrupted power for up to 3 nights. Note that the DC converter is separately sold, and it is best to get with your CPAP supplier on recommendations.
This eco-friendly solar powered generator for RV is fitted out with a lithium-ion battery pack. It has 2 AC outlets, 2 DC ports, and 2 USB ports. Alternatively, you can also use this as a UPS battery. This helps you do work at home or have a lot of data that you can’t afford to lose or get corrupted.
In conclusion, as a great choice when you want a useful and efficient charger tool, the POWERIVER is a valuable power source during the most inconvenient times.
8. OKPRO Solar Generator Portable Power Station
- Battery Management System
- Long backup time
- Pure sine wave inverter
- Uninterrupted Power Supply
- Multiple ways of recharging
- The solar panel needs to be purchased separately
Eco-friendly, reliable, and guaranteed safe, this portable solar power station from OKPRO is something you want near and even inside your home and car. You will especially need this in times of emergencies and power outages.
This station has a robust battery management system that protects you and your battery from any short circuits, overload, overcurrent, overheating, and overvoltage. With these safety features, your battery can last longer and be more efficient. With a battery that is working on its tip top shape, it can also charge and provide power as expected.
The OKPRO’s pure sine wave output works with all kinds of electronics, even the most sensitive ones. It is not just a modified sine wave but a better-modified version with an integrated CPU control panel, LCD, key switch output, surge protection, and short circuit protection. It has the regular pure sine wave AC outlet that is more than capable of providing stable power to various AC powered equipment and gadgets. These can be but are not limited to blenders, TVs, and pellet smoker, all below 500 W.
Charging the OKPRO is all A-OK too, as you can charge it in three different ways. You can use the DC adapter, and in 6 to 7 hours, it is already fully charged. Another way to do it is by connecting it to the cigarette DC 12V/24V of your car. Using your vehicle to charge it will require the same time of 6 to 7 hours before it completes at 100%. Lastly, you can use the free energy from the sun via solar panels. The recommended solar panels are from 100 to 200W 18V panels. It will take the same time of 6 to 7 hours to fully charge the OKPRO using this method.
You will appreciate that you won’t lose your power at an instant should there be a power outage, or the battery is about to be depleted. You won’t get shocked when your appliances suddenly just turn off. This solar generator has a long back up time. For PC and display, you have about 2 to 4 hours leeway while other appliances like a 32-inch LCD TV should give you about 7.5 more hours. Your phone as well can still be charged for 108 hours.
9. Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station
- 396 WH lead-acid battery pack
- User-friendly with an LCD
- Three options to fully charge it
- No fumes, no noises, minimal maintenance required
- Safe indoors and outdoors
- Charging options like solar panels and charger are not included
Goal Zero has made itself one of the most reliable manufacturers of portable solar power generators, panels, and accessories. Its Yeti 400 lithium transportable power station is one of its well-loved and powerful solar generators.
This generator has a 396 WH lead-acid battery pack that can effectively power up a maximum of seven devices of 33 Ah each at 12V all at the same time. This is enough to charge your phone 30 times, your laptop, and tablet five times and still let you run other small appliances for a few hours.
You will like how versatile it is when it comes to power output because it will work with AC, USB, and 12V. To add to its user-friendliness, you also get an educational LCD panel that will let you know about certain information like the estimated runtime, current input and output power, and how to position your panels properly.
The Goal Zero portable power station comes with a built-in creative design that allows a connection with the lead-acid batteries to guarantee a steady power. Due to this design, you won’t have issues with repeated recharging. This is one of the many reasons why Goal Zero 400 is a sound substitute power source for folks like you who don’t want the hassle of noise, fumes, and the upkeep issues demanded by a gasoline generator. Since this generator is not using any gasoline as stated, you can safely bring it inside your house, car, or tent.
This ideal RV solar inverter generator has a large capacity that should suffice to light up your RV and your other lights should you wander out camping. It is enough to fully charge your laptops and smartphones and even small appliances on your recreational vehicle. During emergencies and power outages, having this is a convenience and massive sigh of relief.
Wherever you end up by the end of the day, you can always charge this Goal Zero with the most convenient way for you. You can give it 5 hours charging time by connecting it to a wall outlet using the AC charger. In 13 hours, you can also fully recharge it using your car charger, and lastly, you just need 8 hours using monocrystalline panels.
10. WattFun Solar Generator Portable Power Station
- 500Wh Pure Sine Wave Portable Power
- Built-in LED with three modes
- Multiple options to charge
- Integrated MPPT system
- Top of the line battery management system
- It cannot support more than 300W.
The fun will surely be endless with the travel-friendly WattFun Solar Generator Portable Power station powered by a Lithium-ion phosphate battery. Carrying this around is convenient because it is 20% lighter and 25% more compact than its competitors but shares the same capacity of 500Wh. You will personally like its hide-able handle and ergonomic design meant for easy transport and carrying.
This power station is designed to support electrical devices of up to 300W only. Your primary devices, like laptops, smartphones, and even the smaller refrigerators, can be fully supported. It has an integrated 2 AC outlets so you can connect devices simultaneously. For your security and peace of mind, this has a feature of auto-shutoff if the connected equipment uses more than 300W. It is a smart move to always check and know your appliances and gadgets’ rated power before plugging them into this power station.
Additionally, this power station also comes with a built-in LED with three modes to choose from. Its three lighting options include an SOS mode, half-brightness, and full brightness. Should you be enjoying a night in camp and you want to do a little reading before retiring, you can do so and still protect your eyes because the light it provides is enough not to damage or strain the eyes. In times of emergency, the SOS mode would be a huge help.
Making the WattFun Solar Generator stable is its integrated MPPT system that allows fast solar charging. It permits the system to acclimate to maximum voltage points when charging under the sun for improved efficiency. Just make sure that your solar panel’s output voltage is anywhere between 14-40V. Charging this unit under the sun in ideal situations should take you about 6 to 7 hours.
Aside from charging it with sunlight, you can also opt to do a fast car charge via the cigarette lighter DC or your regular AC power outlet. Both ways can fully charge the WattFun system in 6 to 7 hours, too. With its advanced and top of the class battery management system, you can be assured that your battery is well protected from overcharging, overload, and overheating. Also, it has a wireless charging platform that is perfect for smartphones.
11. AIMTOM 540Wh Portable Power Station
- Advanced Battery Management System
- Capacity of 540Wh
- Nine useful outputs
- Pollution-free battery
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Recharge time is a bit longer than its competitors
True to AIMTOM’s goal of going places with power rain or shine, your devices can be safely charged with the brand’s 540Wh portable power station. This is a portable power station that you can rely on thanks to its lithium battery that is perfect for hiking, fishing, backpacking, and all the outdoor adventures you want to do.
It is a pollution-free battery, so you enjoy it without contributing the toxic fumes to our environment. Additionally, when you are traveling, you can charge a total of 9 devices at the same time. You will never have to adjust your activities because your batteries are already depleted. The solar generator has a built-in 2 AC outputs at 500W, 1 USB Type C port for your iPhones, iPads, and other USB-C devices. It also has a 12V carport that can support 96W and two 12V DC outputs. Each of the DC outputs can support 48W. Good news for those that need to multitask: You can output power while charging.
With its killer capacity of 540Wh, this can go places with you because it is well constructed and compact in design. It only weighs 11 pounds, which is statistically 20% lighter when comparing it with other solar generators with similar battery capacity.
Recharging is a hassle-free experience because you can effortlessly recharge this with the AIMTOM 100W or 60W solar panels, and it should be ready for action again after 14 hours under full sun. If you prefer to use the standard wall outlet using the included charging cable, it just takes you 8 hours to fully charge the product. Sixteen hours will be required if you want to use your carport to re-energize the system.
When it comes to safety standards, the AIMTOM is in control. It boasts an advanced battery management system to protect your battery and electrical devices against overload, short circuits, over-temperature, and even overcharging.
For additional ease of use, this generator also has an adjustable LED light and an LCD so you can monitor your real-time power usage, the remaining runtime, and the battery capacity.
12. MAXOAK Power Station 500Wh Solar Generator
- Advanced Battery Management System
- Wireless charging option
- Foldable handle
- MPPT solar charging
- Noise-free with zero emissions
- The solar panel is not included
Never leave home again without the G-mark award 2019 500Wh solar generator from MAXOAK. This is explicitly engineered as a power backup in case of power outages, or when you don’t have access to a wall outlet. You can use this indoors and outdoors and charge your various devices and appliances, ranging from your TV to your laptop and drones. With its lightweight and compact design, packing it with you will come in naturally. It also has a foldable handle making it convenient and easy to bring along when you go outdoors.
Like most power stations on the market, you can also charge it in three ways: you can connect it to a wall outlet using its 90W AC adapter and leave it for 6-7 hours to fully recharge it. Another option is to go MPPT charge mode using a 120W solar panel for 4-5 hours, and lastly, you can use your standard DC12V carport. Heads up, though, that using your carport would only recharge your power station to 40 to 50%. If you want to achieve a full battery, you must use a DC24C carport.
The MAXOAK Power Station 500Wh also has a perk that you will surely love. This is its wireless charging option. It provides you with a more flexible charging option, especially for your phones and laptops. The PD 45W is a faster mode of charging, and it applies to several devices thru AC, wireless, DC, USB types A, and C output ports. This gives you back more valuable time enjoying the outdoors. It also has an advanced Battery Management System that activates temperature, voltage, and current control, among other safety functions.
You will also give a thumbs up to its safety guarantee. It has a soft glue design coupled with a premium flame-retardant material. It also uses an auto-level battery cell, which has a lower heat and higher discharge rate, which makes the battery a lot safer compared to the ordinary ones. Moreover, it also has a LED lighting feature that includes an SOS mode for emergency cases.
Don’t be bothered by fumes and emissions because this generator is 100% zero-emission, eco-friendly, and noise-free.
Why You Should Trust Us
Getting unbiased feedback from fellow shoppers and consumers is essential for you to make a wise purchase. We make sure that our reviews are supported by information that is thoroughly researched and gathered. The objective is not to entice shoppers to purchase the brands and models being reviewed but instead to provide the consumers with the benefits and opportunities of each product.
Based on research, these reviews can help determine if you, as the buyer, are willing to compromise and work with the cons. You know as well as we do that no product is flawless. It is better to know what are the premiums you may or may not get in your purchase. You will know what to expect and work with the features that your future solar generator can provide you.
Yes, these products are all proven to work, but some may have more premiums that go with them to compensate for the small drawbacks. With our reviews, we also help you assess your needs and preferences. It is to ensure that your purchase meets your needs, expectations and some of your wants. We want you to avoid making impulsive purchases, which may result in an unfortunate investment and a horrible overall experience.
We understand that our reviews may influence your decision, and we find fulfilling enough to lay down the good and the bad. The decision will always be yours, but you should trust our reviews and feedback because we value your time, effort, and money as fellow consumers.
What Is An RV Solar Generator And How Does It Work
A solar power generator for RV is a device whose primary responsibility is to convert the sunlight into usable power or electricity. A lot of RV users or outdoor enthusiasts would consider getting an RV solar generator primarily to have reliable and constant electrical power wherever the roads take them. If you want the security of having your appliances and your devices work regardless of how remote your location is, you should get a power generator. Additionally, this is also the ultimate solution if you wish to power back up in case of emergencies.
These solar generators work via a simple process. As the sunlight hits the solar panels, an electric current is created. This electrical current is then fed into a charge controller which is tasked in regulating the amount of current that goes through the battery. These batteries are the ones that produce DC power, and an inverter is needed so that another conversion can happen, which is DC power being transformed into AC power.
AC power is what you refer to as the usable electricity that makes your RV appliances, like your microwave, blender, and laptops, function. This is the same power that allows you to charge your mobile devices, tablets, and power banks.
Types Of RV Solar Generator
Your solar panels would dictate the efficiency of your charging. It is best to get nothing but the ideal and most appropriate one. Understand that each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so as a shopper, you must get to know these types before you settle on one. RV solar panels also come in flexible and rigid versions, another factor that you must take into consideration.
Overall, there are three types of generators for RVs that you need to understand. These are pure solar generators, three-way solar generators, and hybrid solar generators.
- Pure solar generators – this system solely relies on solar panels as its source of energy. There are only a few people who opt to use this type because of uncontrollable weather changes. RV users are not too keen on this because of the unpredictability of weather when you are driving or camping out. With pure solar generators, if the weather is cloudy, you won’t be able to harvest enough energy. Therefore, there won’t be enough or even no electricity at all to power your appliances and devices. This is not recommended if you are looking for a reliable and consistent form of energy wherever you are.
- Three-way solar generators – this is one of the most common solar-powered generator for camping and RVs. This is the type of system that will allow you to charge your power supply via AC either indoors or at your RV site. You can also charge it through your car battery and even better, through solar energy when you are just parked, and the sun is at its peak.
- Hybrid solar generator – not as standard as the pure and three-way solar generator types. This will allow you to power your solar generator through a combination of solar and other renewable energy sources like hydro or wind power. This is becoming popular because, aside from its all-natural and green source, the results are also dependable.
With a quick overview of the three types of RV solar panels, you can narrow down your list of choices and be able to make smart choices on which one to procure among the many solar generators for RVs available on the market.
Benefits Of Using A Solar Generator For RV
For a smoother and better off-grid experience, it is a must to have a solar generator if you are an RV owner and outdoor enthusiast. Aside from the obvious one that it provides you with the power that you need, there are other benefits of using a solar generator for RVs.
Here are some of the benefits of using a solar generator for off-grid living:
- It utilizes renewable energy – for environment warriors and nature lovers, using a solar generator while traveling and enjoying the beauty of their surroundings without contributing to the carbon footprint is a huge plus. It is a clean and quiet option which our planet would be thankful for. Additionally, it doesn’t burn any fuel, so it also doesn’t contribute to pollution.
- It is designed for traveling – manufacturers know that traveling equates to bumps and varying road insolvencies, that is why it is intended to be more durable than your usual solar generator at home. It is made to withstand the bumps and humps typical along the way. Using a solar-powered generator for RV, which is specifically built for the road, you can drive with fewer hassles from grassy plains to the dry counties without leaving your whole journey up to luck and chance.
- It is 100% portable – it is just not limited to RVs, but you can use it at your campsite. Imagine having a more comfortable and safer experience with lights, fans, and mobile devices that are entirely usable in the middle of nowhere. You can enjoy the stars and the peaceful night inside your tent while ensuring that everything back home is good. With a solar-powered generator, you can have a better outdoor experience.
- It is cost-effective – it is a great way to save power, and the primary source, which is the sun, is infinite. Even during the winter season or cloudy days, there is still some sunlight, so you maximize the heat of the sun, and it’s free, too, so you can take as much as you can.
- It requires minimal maintenance – these solar generators require minimal to almost no maintenance at all. It doesn’t have any moving parts, so the possibility of parts breaking or being lost is zero. Once the system is all installed and set up, it can last for years and decades. Furthermore, there are no regular costs involved. If you want to upgrade your solar generator to yield more power, you can do so without the need to revamp your whole system.
Overall, the benefits you get from using a solar generator for your RV outweigh the limited drawbacks.
How We Picked
Selecting a portable solar power for camping or your RV would need to be well thought of and planned. This is an excellent addition to your camper and leisure vehicles and is undoubtedly worth the purchase. Don’t jump in too fast and close the deal on the first solar generator you see. It’s best to give it a lot of thought and consider the following factors before setting your mind and buying one.
- Battery capacity – you must ensure that you have enough power to cover your maximum average daily consumption. This is one of the primary determining factors in purchasing a solar power station. This is watt-hour (Wh) measurement. To give you a more detailed example of battery capacity, say you have a 1300 Wh battery capacity.
- You will need to charge the following appliances: 1 smartphone that requires 5Wh, your laptop that needs 13 Wh, and a washing machine and electric kettle that needs 1200 Wh. With all these appliances that need power, you certainly can’t charge or connect them all at the same time. You will deplete and overload your generator. Hence, purchase a unit with a large amp-hour deep cycle battery that can suit and meet your needs.
- Charging Speed – on average, most solar generators can be fully charged between 5 to 8 hours. It will take another 48 to 72 hours before you need to charge it again. This factor would heavily rely on your overall usage.
- Inverter Size – if a solar generator has a 1,000-watt inverter, then 1,000-watts of energy will stay running without the generator turning off. With this example, the highest wattage is twice of the repetitive wattage. This means that a 1,000-watt inverter will have a peak watt of 2,000. A solar generator is best when it contains a clean sine wave inverter so it can yield power as regular as it is indoors or outdoors.
- Ergonomics – yes, your choice of portable solar power, such as a 30 amp solar generator, should adequately supply you with your needs. More than that, it should also have features to address functionality and practicality. Go for a solar generator with wheels and handles, so you don’t get stressed moving it or carrying it. Ergonomics would include not only the portability but also the weight and overall design. Thumbs up for those solar panels with aluminum frames that are more versatile and would last longer.
- Budget – another essential factor to consider is the money you will spend versus the money that you will eventually save. Also, there are many choices, from budget-friendly models to premium ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the most popular RV solar generator brands?
A: Saving on energy and costs is a topmost concern for everyone, including RV owners. That’s why getting a solar generator is becoming more and more appealing because of its many benefits.
Today, the titan solar generator holds the spot for being the best solar generator for an RV. If you want more options and explore more manufacturers, here are the top seven most popular RV solar generator brands that you can check and consider if you are planning on getting one:
Jackery – a brand that focuses on renewable energy resolutions for outdoor enthusiasts. They manufacture indoor and outdoor solar panels and generators. They pioneered the release of the Lithium Power Station in the year 2015.
Renogy – this brand is almost synonymous with solar power. Multi-awarded with their performance, this brand is 100% quality.
Kyng – when you want cheap but top-grade quality, this is the go-to brand. With their diverse portfolio, you can never go wrong with any of these products since they create and assemble their products themselves.
Rockpals – this brand is known for its portable innovations that suit RVers and campers. They are well-loved because of the consistency of their reliable products.
Suaoki – this brand has been in the industry since 2015 and is a go-to for all-around power stations. The brand’s solar-powered chargers are very transportable and consistent.
AimTom – short for Aim Tomorrow, this is the direction and goal of the brand. Designed in Canada and manufactured in China, they offer a good refund policy.
Goal Zero – twelve years in the industry; this is one of the favored brands when it comes to the outside power source.
These, along with the other featured brands earlier, are the best brands among solar generators. Some of these brands have multiple models, all equally competent in being the best solar generator. It would be great for you to take the time and do your comparative studies on which would suit your needs.
Q: How many watts of solar do I need for an RV?
A: To determine the number of watts of power that your generator and RV requires so you can adequately meet its needs, you should follow this simple formula: add the overall number of hourly watts that all your necessary appliances use and multiply it with the number of hours or the fraction of hours that you use them daily. You can use a chart and list down the power consumption of every device that you have.
Typically, most portable generators are challenged in air conditioners, clothes dryers, well-pumps, and other high-draw appliances. But if you can manage your power needs and use compact and energy-effective devices, then the solar power that your generator supplies should be more than enough to meet your needs.
Q: What size RV solar generator do I need?
A: The size of the RV solar generator you need will depend on the size of your RV and how much AC power you are aiming to generate. Another consideration that you need to factor in would be your average daily consumption of energy. You can determine this by identifying the number of people living with you in your RV as well as the appliances and devices that need to be powered and charged continuously.
With these considerations, you can have an accurate idea of the size. Thankfully, there are online calculators available online that can help you finalize your RV solar generator’s size.
Q: How to install?
A: Installing power stations is usually plug and play if what you have is a pre-built solar kit. All you need to do is to plug it to an AC or to your solar panels to charge. Then you can start connecting your devices and appliances and start powering and charging them.
If the kit needs to be connected to external solar chargers, you simply must join it. If the power kit doesn’t have a voltage controller, you can purchase one separately to minimize voltage fluctuations when you are charging via solar panels.
Installation is simple and with available videos online. You can have the additional direction should you need further guidance.
Q: How to use it?
A: Using an RV solar generator is secure. There’s nothing much required from you. You just need to know your devices, and you should be good to go. A good reminder in using a solar generator is to check and make sure that you know the power rating of your appliances and devices and if your controller supplies the output that your electrical devices need.
To make it more understandable, if you are using an AC power and your power generator runs on a 110V output, your device must also use 110V and not 220V. It is the same with a 220V, both power generators and tools should be of the equal volts.
Q: How to maintain, care/clean?
A: Part of owning a portable solar generator would be the maintenance that it requires. Note that despite being portable, these generators are still substantial. You might need someone to assist you in carrying it because the last thing you want is to drop it and damage the wirings, inverter, or battery itself. You must be careful when moving and storing it.
Maintenance is straightforward. Make sure that it doesn’t get wet. Water can cause all kinds of damage to electronic devices. It can cause wires to corrode and parts to short circuit. If you are not using it, make sure that it is covered well. While in storage, you can regularly just wipe the dust and the dirt accumulated using a dry cloth.
Q: Where to buy?
A: A portable solar generator for RV and campers can easily be found and purchased. You can start with your local RV suppliers. Some RV accessories shops sell these generators, too. Home Depot, as well as Lowe’s, would also be worth visiting. Some of their retail chains have stocks, but not all sell these RV supplies.
The most convenient and reliable source to buy the best solar generator for camping would be online shops like Amazon. You can select the exact product and model of your choice and even ask questions before buying, which is useful. You can shop for a while, add things to your cart, and eventually remove them after going through the reviews and feedback of the users. After that, you just have to wait for it to be shipped directly to your doorstep, saving you the gas and the physical effort of going to the store and bringing it home. Aside from Amazon, you can also visit the websites of the different brands and directly order from there.
This product is a proven, high-quality AC power source, and you can be guaranteed that it can power everything that you need and even more.
Conclusion
By now, you probably know what the best solar generator for RV is based on these reviews. We’re hoping that you can figure out the right power station to support your mobile home’s power needs. However, take some time to consider your options by comparing the strengths and weaknesses of these featured products. Also, consider the factors we’ve featured on the buying guide. Nevertheless, we’re hoping you’ll be able to decide based on the things you’re looking for and the specifications of the power station that match your mobile home’s needs. Buy a solar generator for a recreational vehicle today!

Except when sleeping, Arthur cannot keep camping out his mind. He loves RVing that he spends most of his time in his recreational vehicle and on the road. Arthur knows that this might change once he got married to the love of his life, Amanda. But the two have no problem, as Amanda also loves camping. In fact, the both of them are excited to have kids that would also love RVing.