Portable Solar Generators: A practical guide for off-grid and 4WD camping

There’s nothing quite like pulling up at a bush campsite, cracking open a cold one, and watching the sun go down…until your fridge cuts out, your phone’s dead, and the kids are asking if you’ve packed a power bank. That’s where a portable solar generator comes into play.

In this guide, we’ll explain what they are, how they differ from petrol and diesel gennies, what you can run off one, how to charge them, and what brands you’ll find here in Australia. Whether you’re rocking a rooftop tent, towing a camper trailer, or just want a backup plan for your existing 12V setup, this is for you.

What is a Portable Solar Generator?

Despite the name, a portable solar generator isn’t a magic box that just generates sunshine. It’s essentially a beefed-up battery pack with a built-in inverter, a solar input, and a few clever bits of circuitry that let you plug in everything from phones to fridges through to tools and 12V ovens.

Most are self-contained units. They’ve got handles, USB ports, 12V sockets, AC outlets, and a screen that tells you how much juice you’ve got left. The unit itself stores the energy but it doesn’t generate it on its own. That’s where the ‘solar’ part comes in and it’s just one way you can charge it (more on that in a minute).

Solar Generators vs Petrol and Diesel Generators

Let’s break it down: why choose a solar generator over your traditional fuel-powered noise box?

Main differences:

• Power source: Solar = sunlight. Fuel = petrol or diesel.
• Noise: Solar generators are silent. Fuel gennies? Not so much. Hope you like the sound of lawnmowers. I know you can get quiet ones, but they’re still not exactly silent.
• Maintenance: Solar units don’t need oil changes or spark plugs. Plug and play.
• Emissions: Zero. No waking up to a camper full of carbon monoxide. I know you wouldn’t be dumb enough to put a diesel generator in your camper – but you get my point.
• Fuel stops: No jerry cans or servos needed – just sunshine or a power point.
• Power output: Traditional gennies win here if you need to run big gear for long periods.

Pros and cons at a glance:

Portable Solar Generator

Petrol/Diesel Generator

How do you charge one?

You’ve got a few options here, which makes these units pretty versatile:

• Solar panels: Hook up a fold-out panel and let the sun do the work. Charging time depends on sunlight, panel size, and the size of the power station.
• 12V Car outlet or Anderson plug: While you’re driving, many units can charge from your vehicle’s alternator. Handy for road trippers.
• 240V Wall plug: Before you head off, plug it in at home and top it up. It’s the fastest way to charge most units.

Some fancier units let you combine two inputs at once – for example, solar and 12V – to charge faster. Not bad if you’re short on daylight hours.

What can you power with a Portable Solar Generator?

Here’s the reality. These units aren’t magic, and they do have limits. But depending on the size, they can run a lot more than you’d think.

• Small units (100–300Wh): Phones, headlamps, GoPros, LED camp lights
• Mid-size (500–1000Wh): 12V fridges, laptops, fans, CPAP machines
• Large (1500Wh+): Coffee machines, induction cookers, TVs, microwaves (briefly), power tools

Most solar generators also show how many hours you’ve got left based on current usage. Handy for planning those long weekends off-grid.

Best uses for Portable Solar Generators

These things are made for people who like to camp away from the crowds, but still want to charge a drone or run a fridge overnight. Ideal for:

• 4WD setups with rooftop tents
• Camper trailers
• Off-grid camping
• Emergency power backup
• Charging photography gear, drones and tech in remote spots
• Use as a back-up power system for your existing dual-battery system

Common questions about Portable Solar Generators

Brands that sell Portable Solar Generators in Australia

Here are some of the big names you’ll find in Australia, with models to suit everyone from the weekend warrior to the full-time traveller. No, we haven’t been paid to write this article so if we’ve missed your favourite brand, let us know and we’ll add them in.

Final thoughts

Having owned an EcoFlow Delta2 Portable Solar Generator for the past 12 months, I am finding it matches and exceeds my old-school dual battery set-up. So when I got a new rig – a Jeep Gladiator – late last year, I didn’t even both installing a dual battery set up this time. Why? Because portability is king.

I can move it easily between by husband’s work vehicle, where its used to run a fridge and recharge power tool batteries, and my vehicle, which is also our weekend/camping/touring vehicle. It also doubles as a back up to run water pumps and lighting when there is a power outage at home.

I also see Portable Solar Generators being a great back up power source for those travelling with a camper trailer or hybrid camper and I personally, plan to get a second one for my off-road camper.

Providing one is not too power greedy with high-draw mod cons such as air-conditioning and microwaves, the majority of off-road and off-grid campers will find a Portable Solar Generator a great bit of gear to have in their setup.

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