How good are solar generators with and without a solar panel
It doesn’t matter whether it’s a smartphone, e-book or coffee machine – if the battery is empty or there are problems with the power supply, they are useless. It’s a good thing that there are solar generators that reliably provide sufficient energy even in the middle of nature. We compared five top models in a test check and revealed which products deliver the most power.
The most important thing about solar generators
If you want to supply yourself with electricity, you should pay attention to the following when buying solar modules and the associated power stations:
Scope of application: Solar generators serve as a kind of XL power bank and supply, e.g. For example, when camping in nature, they provide electricity for cell phones or new energy if there are problems with the power supply in the household due to technical defects.
Size: Depending on whether you are looking for a compact model for van life or a device with a lot of power for the caravan air conditioning system, very different solutions are possible. Our test check, therefore, includes solar generations with a capacity of 240 to 2,016 Wh.
Charging options: Besides using a camping solar system with flexible or permanently installed panels, the storage solutions we recommend can also be charged before you travel using a classic socket or on the go using a 12-volt cigarette lighter connection in the car.
Connections: Common solar generators are equipped for almost all usage habits and offer, e.g. B. Quick Charge 3.0, AC-m USB or DC ports for operating various devices.
Purchase advice: This is crucial when choosing a solar generator
Mobile solar panels for balcony power plants with 600 watts, facades or garden houses have been around for quite a while. Still, the demand in the camping area is also constantly increasing and, accordingly, the supply of portable solar panels for camping.
After all, more and more people want to enjoy nature as self-sufficiently as possible and rely on environmentally friendly solutions for power generation and energy storage.
However, so that interested parties do not lose track of the extremely diverse range of solutions, we have summarized the most important purchase criteria clearly:
Areas of application: Solar generators can be used as a power bank or power station wherever energy is required, independently of the public power grid, e.g. B. when camping.
Storage capacity: With all solar generators, e.g. B. balcony power plants with storage, laypeople prefer to use the largest possible capacity but can quickly fall into a cost trap. It is worthwhile to check which devices you want to operate with the corresponding solar powered generator for how long and how intensively before you buy them. For smartphones, tablets and co. B. already the Renogy Portable Power Station 1000.
Weight and size: Especially for Van Life fans who use a converted van as a mobile home, space is often tight, and the vehicle’s loading limit is quickly reached. You should therefore pay particular attention to a compact storage solution.
Location: Before one or more products end up in the shopping cart, buyers of a solar panel should check whether their planned location will be in the sun all day. In a mobile home in the open field, this is z. B. Very likely, however, a small household with a west-facing balcony may have trouble filling its storage tanks efficiently in case of a potential power outage.
Charging options: Usually, solar generators can be charged with solar energy and electricity from a household socket or a cigarette lighter connection in the car in bad weather.
Controller technology: Unlike a PWM (pulse-width modulation) controller, an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controller does not directly connect the solar system and a corresponding storage solution. Instead, its input voltage adapts to the respective solar system and is usually more efficient than a PMW controller.
Installation: Some panels are designed for fixed installation and can be easily attached to a caravan roof, but many can also be used mobile, e.g. B., be set up in front of a tent. The delivery usually includes all the components required for installation.
Tip: Further information on installing your preferred solar solution can usually be found on the manufacturer’s website.
What can a solar generator do?
The solar generators we present can be charged with a solar panel and then used as a portable power station or power source for mobile phones, laptops, drones, fans or mini ovens.
If there is no chance of using solar energy in bad weather, you can also use a mains adapter via a classic socket or, e.g. B. in the camper can also be charged with a 12-volt cigarette lighter in the car. Some solar generators can even be used with a diesel generator in an emergency.
How good are solar generators?
The solar battery capacity also varies depending on the price range. In our test check, it is sufficient, e.g. B. from 240 Wh in the cheapest model to 2,016 Wh in the most expensive. Accordingly, the number of loading processes also differs greatly.
According to the manufacturer, the inexpensive 240 Wh model from Jackery can charge a standard mobile phone up to 24 times, the mid-range generator from BLUETTI can be charged 65 times, and the premium model Renogy Portable Power Station 1000 can be charged 100 times.
How much does a solar generator cost?
Our solar generator test comparison shows that the cheapest device is already available for around 300 euros. On the other hand, models that offer more power can cost almost ten times as much. (Status: 08/2022)
Important: Before buying such a power station, interested parties should closely examine all the product information and check on the website of the respective online shop whether shipping costs are included in the total price.
What are the advantages of a solar generator?
Camping fans who opt for a solar generator benefit from the following advantages, among others:
- Enable electrical devices such as lamps or mobile phones to be operated with environmentally friendly energy anytime and anywhere.
- Some providers deliver suitable solar panels directly
- Usually equipped with a large number of connections for all common types of devices
- Partially capable of powering many devices simultaneously
- In bad weather, it can alternatively be charged via a 12 V car connection or at a socket
- Some models offer an integrated SOS mode for emergencies
What are the disadvantages of a solar generator?
However, when using a solar generator, its owners should know the following potential disadvantages.
- Charging via the cigarette lighter in the car can take a long time
- Some models are very expensive
- For certain solar generators, such. B. The landlord must approve balcony power plants for the rented apartment
