10 Reviews: Best Solar Generator for Van Life (Apr 2024)

It has a capacity of 200Wh and multiple outlets. It works with solar chargers that provide 5-22V DC, but those must be purchased separately. The PowerHouse comes with Anker’s MultiProtect safety features, as well as an 18-month warranty. Solar panels, electrical outlets, or a carport can all be used to charge the PowerHouse 200. While it is more expensive than some cheap solutions, it is a long-lasting and cost-effective van-life solar generator option.

"We were in the market for a portable and unassuming generator for micro power-outages. We need it to keep phones charged, potentially keep a router and modem charged for a few hours. This charger accomplishes this and much more. It looks great and has helped us out in a micro outage already. I would recommend this to anyone in the market for a generator for camping or micro-outages."

by Wanzi

The Renogy Phoenix 337Wh portable generator is a powerful van life generator. The Phoenix 300 portable generator features a 60W quick charge Type-C port and an 18W USB-A port for a 60 percent faster charging time, making it an excellent choice for van life. It can charge your MacBook Air in less than 2 hours at peak speed and can power all of your devices under 300W, including cellphones and computers. The Phoenix 300 is powered by a UL-listed lithium-ion battery with a 1000-cycle life and uses pure sine waves to create clean, quiet, and constant AC power. Short-circuit protection, voltage management, temperature control, and other advanced safety functions are all possible with the Renogy advanced BMS.

"This is for camping and light off the grid/emergency applications. For that, it works perfectly......The Renogy panels pack up light, are solidly built, and charge it in a quarter of the time. Plus, tech service was very responsive to a few questions after purchase."

by Kat

A popular choice is the Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station. It’s a budget-friendly and portable van life solution with a price tag of around $200 and a weight of 12 pounds. It has a 168Wh capacity and is covered by a one-year warranty. Solar panels, wall outlets, or a 12V automotive adapter can all be used to charge the Yeti 150x. You should be able to completely charge it in twelve hours using either of these methods. If you’re looking for the best solar generator for van life, the Goal Zero Yeti 150X is a great option that offers plenty of power at a reasonable price.

"Love it, charges at home and also use my Goal Zero boulder Solar panel to charge while camping. It's light and doesn't take up alot of room. A must have to go camping and keep equipment charged."

by jontyra

The IGen 160s is a terrific low-cost solution if portability is a top need for short journeys like van life. Despite its compact size, it has enough outlets to charge up to nine devices at once. A 155Wh lithium-ion battery is included. Solar panels, electrical outlets, or a carport can all be used to charge the IGen 160s. Using a power outlet takes around six hours to charge to 80 percent, and using a carport or solar panels, takes about seven hours. Outlet, automobile, solar, and generator are the four charging choices, making it simple to use for van life.

"This exceeded our expectations. We bought 2 and ended up only using 1. They have a great battery life. We were outdoors for 2 weeks with no electricity and kept phones, cold air fans, and lights running. The absolutely great..."

by Te'

It weighs only about 7 pounds but packs a punch with 300W of electricity and a 28Wh lithium battery, making it ideal for van life. It has a variety of output options and can simultaneously charge up to ten devices. Solar panels, wall outlets, or a 12V automotive connector can all be used to recharge the AIMTom 300. MPPT technology is used to improve charging efficiency. When combined with AIMTom’s 60W solar generator, it charges quickly. This one should be on your list if you’re seeking the best solar panel for van life. 

"We purchased this Portable Power supply to use with a CPAP machine for camping. We also bought the solar panel to charge it. My husband got 4 nights with it! We also used it when we had a power outage at home."

by Customer

Take RIVER Max camping and have all of your electronics charged at the same time when van life. In a world-record-breaking 96 minutes, a replaceable additional battery with a capacity of up to 576Wh can be charged. To achieve a high conversion efficiency of 22%, 32 premium monocrystalline silicon cells are used. To boost charging speed, connect many panels in series or parallel. When you connect EcoFlow’s 160W Solar Panel to a RIVER Max portable power station, you may recharge freely and organically.

This sturdy portable power solution can power your iPhone, laptop, and lights when van life or working from home, making it a good starting point for outdoor power. The explorer 240 is a small backpack with a strong handle for good accessibility. Its simple push-button functionality allows it to be utilized anywhere. With the SolarSaga 60W solar panel, the Jackery Explorer 240 has a built-in MPPT controller for the most eco-friendly sun recharging efficiency (sold separately). A wall outlet, an auto outlet, or a generator can all be used to recharge the Explorer 240. You won’t have to worry about running out of power on your camping trip.

"We went on a camping trip and needed some extended power. I picked this up and was very happy with how it performed. We usually needed it in the evenings, and there was a power outlet in the main lodge we were able to use so it was a simple matter of topping it off during the day while we weren't in the tent. Definitely worth it!"

by A Schwenk

If you’re looking for a portable solar generator for van life, the Rockpals 250w generator is another affordable alternative that provides both portability and power. It has a built-in 3.7V 60Ah battery that can be recharged using a household outlet, carport, or solar panels that are compatible. An AC power converter, a car charger, and a cigar lighter plug are included in the package. It’s a silent, gas-free portable power supply that’s ideal for van living and other outdoor activities.

"...I take this canoe and car camping with the Rockpals 100W foldable solar panel. I find that I can use it every night IF I can get good sunlight during the day. ..."

by Ben

The Jackery Explorer 1000 is another highly rated portable power station, with a maximum capacity of 1002 watt-hours that is ideal for van life. You won’t be able to utilize higher-wattage appliances or tools with the Explorer 1000 because its maximum output is 1000 watts. Three standard AC outlets, two USB-C connectors, a 12v car outlet, and two USB-A outlets are available on the Explorer 1000. It can run an electric grill for 50 minutes, a mini-fridge for 17 hours, and a laptop for eight times its original charge. If you’re looking for the best solar generator for van life, take this one to your note.

"....The Jackery 1000 is compact and very light for a 1000 watt portable power station. Weighing in at just a touch over 22 lbs, it is a lightweight with heavy performance. The large handle makes it easy to grab and take with you anywhere. In the car, on a picnic, outdoor party, camping, emergency, job site, you have power to go. ...."

by Repro63

Yeti’s most popular large power station is the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Portable Power Station which is perfect to choose for van life. It has a 2000W AC inverter, which means you can connect it to anything that can be charged from a wall outlet. A lightweight lithium-ion battery powers the 1500X, providing reliable, clean electricity that can be used off the grid. You can control your power station from anywhere using the Yeti App 3.0. It allows you to monitor your energy use, improve the life of your battery, and alter your settings.

"Excellent quality product , goal zero makes an easy to use setup. All in one. Just hook up the panel cord and your collecting juice."

by Jsch