You’re looking to jump on the solar generator bandwagon, but you’re not sure where to turn. You’ve come to the right place.
If you’re new to solar energy and attempted to read about DIY solar generators for RVs to no avail, or you’ve bought a solar generator but are ready for an upgrade—this post is for you.
Identifying the best solar generator for your RV can be a challenge! With so many plug-and-play options on the market, let’s walk through the seven best solar generators for RVs.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Anker PowerHouse 767
Ultimate Expansion Capability
DELTA Pro by Ecoflow
Best Entry-Level High Output Option
Bluetti AC200Max
Budget Option
ALLPowers S2000
Best Solar Generators for RVs
Read about each of the generators on our list, and don’t miss our downloadable comparison chart and buyers guide below!
Best Overall
Anker PowerHouse 767
The Anker PowerHouse 767 comes with HyperFlash technology for charging from 0% to 80% in just one hour. It’s our best solar generator for RV enthusiasts because of its record-breaking charging speeds, expansion ability, and low cost per Watt-hour.
When you upgrade to the Expansion Battery bundle, the system cost comes in at just $0.73/Wh which is very competitive and doubles the capacity of this system.
Solar Panels
Anker provides bundled configurations that include their model 531 Solar Panel rated at 200W.
Pros
- Five-year full device warranty included
- Power up to 12 devices—2400W includes an exclusive RV port, four AC ports, three USB-C charging ports, two USB-A charging ports, and two car outlets
- Wheels for power to move this solar generator with ease
- Regular firmware updates resolve most issues reported by customers and expect future updates to continue optimizing this solar generator
- Anker is a trusted brand known for its excellent customer support
- AC charging cable, battery-to-host cable, car charging cable, and solar charging cable included with accessories bag
Cons
Ultimate Expansion Capability
DELTA Pro
The award-winning DeltaPro Solar Generator is our runner-up best solar generator for RVs, which comes with a mega expandable system that can grow from 3,600 Wh to 25,000 Wh with extra batteries and/or other EcoFlow Smart Generators. You can purchase expansion batteries for less than a dollar per watt-hour!
EcoFlow’s DELTA series was named in TIME’s Best 100 Inventions of 2021 and won the 2022 Red Dot Design and IF Awards.
| Capacity (Wh) | Typical Price (at time of writing) | Cost per Wh |
| 3600 | $3500 | $0.97 |
| 7200 with expansion battery | $3500 + $2800 = $6300 | $0.88 |
Solar Panels
EcoFlow sells multiple solar panels compatible with the Pro, including the 400W Portable Solar Panel and the 220W Bifacial Foldable Solar Panel.
Pros
- Five ways to charge—EV station charging, solar, wall outlets, Smart Outdoor Generator, or 12 v auto adapter (included)
- Easy-to-read LCD screen or EcoFlow app allows you to view and control charging time
- Can be charged in 1.7 hours with a 3400W EV charging station
- Includes wheels for easy maneuvering
- Regular firmware updates
- Five-year warranty
- AC charging cable, car charging cable, DC5521 to DC5525 cable, and handle cover included
Cons
- Level 2 EV adaptor is not included, and you may need an adapter to connect with a mobile EV charger if your EV charger doesn’t have a standard AC plug
Best First Generator Option
Bluetti AC200Max
If you want to dip your toe in the water of solar generators for your RV with some ability for expansion, we think the Bluetti AC200Max is the best solar generator for you. It can be expanded for less than a dollar per watt-hour.
The solar generator comes with 16 outputs to suit your electrical needs. A 30A NEMA TT-30 port and a 12V 30A DC port are included with RV fans in mind.
| Capacity (Wh) | Typical Price (at time of writing) | Cost per Wh |
| 2048 | $1700 | $0.83 |
| 5120 with B300 expansion battery | $1700 + $2000 = $3700 | $0.72 |
Solar Panels
Bluetti’s most popular solar panels to pair with the AC200MAX include the 200W PV200 and the 350W PV350.
Pros
- Bluetti is known for its excellent customer support
- Easy to set up and run for buyers new to solar generators for RVs
- Mobile app available for reading display
- 24-month warranty
Cons
- The solar and cigarette lighter use the same port, which makes the cigarette lighter port unusable while charging with solar
Budget Option
ALLPOWERS S2000
The ALLPOWERS S2000 is our best solar generator for RV for those on a budget because has a significant amount of power for less than a dollar per watt-hour!
It’s an extraordinary budget solar generator for RVs with a 30-A plug-in, and it has 12 outputs. The power station has 2400 wattage with a surge of 4000 wattages.
| Capacity (Wh) | Typical Price (at time of writing) | Cost per Wh |
| 1500 | $1000 | $0.67 |
Solar Panels
The ALLPOWERS SP037 400W Portable Solar Panel is an ideal panel to pair with the S2000 for a fast charge or consider the 200W SP033 solar panel if you’re ok waiting a bit longer to charge.
Pros
- Five-year warranty
- Fully recharged in 1.5 hours using a wall outlet with included 1500 AC adapter and 3 hours using MPPT 650W max solar input
- Remote control with a phone app
- 10+ years of battery life
- The ALLPowers brand regularly has coupons and sales on this product, so keep an eye out for deals to save
Cons
- You cannot power high-power appliances while charging
Jackery Explorer 1000
You won’t find a Best Solar Generator for RV list without a Jackery model. Jackery has been a fan-favorite solar generator brand for a long time.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 is a trusted unit that will allow you to power 90 percent of appliances. This power station can be charged in six hours with 100W solar panels or 5.5 hours via an AC wall charger.
Without a 30A AC plug, this solar generator isn’t ideal for plugging in your entire RV, but you could still plug in directly with a 15A to 30A adapter.
| Capacity (Wh) | Typical Price (at time of writing) | Cost per Wh |
| 1002 | $900 | $0.90 |
Solar Panels
You can mix and match Jackery’s SolarSaga solar panels to match your charge speed and budget requirements. Jackery has multiple panels in the lineup including a 200W panel and a 100W panel. For an ultra-fast 1.8 hour charge, Jackery bundles the Explorer 1000 with four of their 200W SolarSaga panels, and they also offer a lower-cost bundle that includes the Explorer 1000 with two 80W SolarSaga panels.
Pros
- Quiet and strong— little to no noise
- Features industry-leading cylindrical batteries that meet UL Safety Standards
- Jackery is a popular and trusted solar generator brand
- Jackery often has coupons available for this product, so keep an eye out for deals
- AC adapter, car charger cable, and SolarSaga Parallel adapter included
Cons
- The display backlight does not have the option to stay on permanently, and it is difficult to read without the light
Goal Zero Yeti 500X
Goal Zero is another brand known for its best solar generators for RV. The Goal Zero Yeti 500X is a small option that is suitable to power your laptop or other smaller devices. It’s small size will allow you to tuck it out of the way when not in use.
| Capacity (Wh) | Typical Price (at time of writing) | Cost per Wh |
| 505 | $550 | $1.09 |
Solar Panels
The Goal Zero 500x pairs well with either the Nomad 50W, 100W or 200W panels.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable—only 12.9 pounds
- Trustworthy brand known for its humanitarian roots and giving back to disadvantaged communities
- Compatible with Goal Zero Light-A-Life for bright LED light (not included)
Cons
- Long charging time; expect 10 hours with a wall or USB, and 12-14 hours with solar or buy the Goal Zero X 600 W Power Supply to cut charge time down to five hours
- Relatively expensive when considering its cost per watt-hour in comparison to other solar generators for RVs
Anker 521
The Anker 521 is the best solar generator for RV enthusiasts who need a small charge. If all you need to power is your laptop or a lamp, the Anker 521 is a solid choice.
It comes with six ports, including two AC ports, two USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and a car outlet. Charge it up in two hours with a wall, or four hours with solar energy.
| Capacity (Wh) | Typical Price (at time of writing) | Cost per Wh |
| 256 | $220 | $0.86 |
Solar Panels
You can get the Anker 521 bundled with a 100W panel, or mix and match separately.
Pros
- Anker is a trusted brand
- Long-lasting battery built to last over a decade
- Smart temperature monitoring control system to prevent the device from getting too hot
- Anker’s worry-free five-year warranty
- Lightweight—only eight pounds
- Solar panels can be purchased as a bundle or separately
Cons
- Only 200W output, so definitely not intended for powering large appliances
- Solar panels not included, but they can be bundled with your purchase
Best Solar Generators for RV Buyer’s Guide
Keep reading for details on everything you need to know to make the best buying decision you can.
Comparison Chart of the Best Solar Generators for RVs
The following table compares all the important features you’ll want to consider when buying the perfect solar generator for your RV. Download a copy for further reference.
Amount of Power You Need
The first step in determining the best solar generator for your needs is to make a list of every item you want to power. This will help you determine exactly how much power you need.
This chart will give you a general idea of how much power electrical items use in RVs.
To understand this chart, you must understand the difference between rated watts and surge watts.
Rated watts, also known as running wattage, are the amount of electricity required to run the electronic continuously. Surge watts, also known as starting wattage, are the additional wattage needed for two to three seconds to start the electric motors normally found in appliances like fans and refrigerators.
| Appliance | Rated Watts | Surge Watts |
| Rooftop Air Conditioner (15,000 BTU) | 1,500 W | 3,500 W |
| Space Heater | 1,800 W | 1,800 W |
| Electric Water Heater (6 gals) | 1,440 W | 1,440 W |
| Heating Pad | 250 W | 250 W |
| 4 Light bulbs (75 W) | 300 W | 300 W |
| Blow Drier | 1,250 W | 1,250 W |
| Electric Shaver | 35 W | 35 W |
| Vacuum | 1,100 W | 1,100 W |
| Mini Refrigerator | 50 W | 120 W |
| Blender | 350 W | 350 W |
| Chest Freezer | 450 W | 900 W |
| Microwave (635 W Power) | 635 W | 800 W |
| Slow Cooker | 170 W | 270 W |
| Toaster | 850 – 1250 W | 850 – 1250 W |
| Waffle Iron | 1,200 W | 1,725 W |
| 19” Color TV | 160 W | 160 W |
| Laptop | 50 – 200 W | 50-200 W |
| Desktop Computer | 600 W | 800 W |
| Satellite Dish & Receiver | 30 W | 250 W |
| Cell Phone Charger | 5 – 25 W | 5-25W |
Capacity
Capacity is expressed in Watt-hours (Wh). When considering the best solar generator for RVs, the cost of a solar generator is generally associated with the capacity of the generator.
Higher capacity solar generators can go longer without charging the unit either in the sun or, if the sun isn’t shining, plugging it in. The power that can be pulled out from the device usually corresponds with the capacity of the device.
2000+ Wh
This is the capacity you need to power your whole RV successfully without having to charge constantly. The absolute best solar generators for RVs will be in this range or will be able to be expanded to it.
You will find that most of the best solar generators for RVs in this range can be expanded to much larger power ranges using expansion battery systems.
1000-2000 Wh
These systems can occasionally power your whole RV, and some of them include a 30A AC output (ideal for plugging in your RV), but you will need to charge more often.
250-750 Wh
You won’t be able to plug in the whole RV, but this will allow you to run some small electronics like a laptop, a television, lights, or simply charge your phone.
Expandability
The best solar generators for RVs can be expanded, allowing you to increase your generator’s capacity to power devices and the time needed between charges.
Total Outlets and Ports
If you have many items on your list to power, you need to be certain you have enough outlets and ports (and the right type) to power your devices.
The most common ports are AC outlets (30A and 15A), USB, USB-C, and automobile auxiliary power plugs (car chargers or cigarette lighters).
Weight and Portability
You want to consider the weight and portability of your solar generation for an RV. Think about how easy it will be to pack it up when it’s time to hit the road. Portability is the number one consideration when researching the best solar generators for RVs.
Review the portability features when selecting the best solar generator for RVs. Some solar generators include wheels for easy maneuvering. All of the best solar generators for RVs list their weight in the product description.
If you’re camping solo, you want to make sure you will be able to move your generator on your own. If not, you will need to plan on asking for help or bringing a second set of hands.
Charging Speed
Charging speeds vary for RV solar generators and rely on the power source. They can take anywhere from 1.5 hours to 48 hours to charge. The following factors will impact the charging speed of your RV solar generator:
- The capacity of the solar generator
- Number of solar panels
- Sunlight available to convert to solar power
- Solar panel positioning
Note that solar generators can be charged via outlets if no sun is available. Many campers choose to bring a backup generator for this scenario.
Charging Methods
When the sun is hidden behind clouds or you need your RV solar generator charged faster than the sun allows it to charge, you want to have plenty of additional charging options. The most common charging method alternative to solar is charging it with the 110V AC output wall plug-in.
12V auto adapters (car/cigarette chargers) are popular accessories the with best solar generators for RV, and USB-A charging is also possible on some solar generators.
Modern charging methods are becoming more popular on newer models of solar generators. USB-C chargers, for example, are lightweight and charge faster than solar energy.
Some new and innovative RV solar generators come with EV hookups, which are becoming more popular as solar energy takes off. Depending on the EV charger, though, you may need to buy a separate Level 2 EV adaptor, like in the case of the DeltraPRO EF EcoFlow.
Solar Panels
Some of the best solar generators for RVs are available bundled with solar panels, but not all of them. If your solar generator does not already come with solar panels, you will need to buy some. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most solar generator manufacturers also make solar panels that are guaranteed to work with your solar generator.
Solar panels can be expanded upon using Y-branch cables. You do want to be careful when mixing and matching solar panels, though.
Carefully consider the electrical parameters of each solar panel. If the panels have different characteristics, you could end up with a performance issue. Solar panels should have the same wattage output for optimal performance.
Lifespan and Warranty
Portable RV solar generators have a lifespan of about 10 years, with the solar panels having a 25-year lifespan. There are steps you can take to increase the lifespan of your investment because if you use your generator often and don’t maintain it, it may fail sooner.
Regular maintenance includes wiping down dust and debris with a soft cloth. Inspect the battery for residue, and always consult your manual for specific maintenance tips.
Store your RV solar generator in a cool, dry area when not in use. Avoid exposing it to extreme cold or heat.
Do not overcharge your battery or float charge your battery. Overcharging the battery shortens its lifespan. Float charging refers to always leaving a charger on your battery so that it’s continuously at 100%.
Cycle your battery to avoid your battery having too low or too high of a charge for a long time by using 25 percent of your battery’s capacity, then charge it back to 50 to 75 percent. Do this at least every six months.
Check to see if your solar generator comes with a warranty before you buy it, and don’t forget to fill out any required paperwork for the warranty to go into effect.
Shipping
The number one complaint buyers often have for solar generators is they’re difficult, if not impossible, to return. Most solar generators for RV are made from lithium-ion batteries, which opens up a wormhole for those wishing to ship them, either to return them or mail them to someone else as a gift.
UPS and FedEx have strict rules on lithium-ion batteries, which can make it difficult to ship them. It’s important to do your research first before buying your best solar generator for RVs, and it’s best not to plan on shipping a solar generator to your friend on the other side of the country.
Best Solar Generators for RV Frequently Asked Questions
Can you run an RV solar generator continuously?
It’s possible assuming you have enough sunlight and storage capacity. You must generate and store more electricity than you consume to be able to run an RV solar generator continuously without charging.
Can RV solar generators be used at night?
If your RV solar generator is charged, yes. How long it will last throughout the night depends on the battery length and the amount of time you charged it during the day. Prepare for night hours every day by keeping an eye on what time the sun sets so you can charge your generator accordingly.
Are solar generators noisy?
Solar generators do not have any moving parts, so this allows them to run in silence. Other than being better for the environment, their quietness is something that makes solar generators so appealing to RV owners. The last thing you want to hear while relaxing in the wilderness is a noisy generator.
The best solar generators for RVs are not noisy, though some complaints have been made about the devices used to charge them when not using solar energy.
Do solar generators require much maintenance?
They require very little maintenance to stay in top-notch shape. Other than regular dust removal, checking connections, and removing moisture, there’s not much maintenance required. However, since you are spending thousands of dollars, you want to keep your solar generator in tip-top shape.
The best way to keep your solar generator in excellent condition is to have it inspected by a professional electrician who offers generator services. Corrosion is the number one issue with backup generators, caused by moisture getting into the battery banks.
Do I need to purchase an inverter for my solar generator?
Though unlikely, if your solar generator does not have AC ouptut(s), then yes, you will need to buy an inverter.
Solar panels produce Direct Current (DC) power, and the appliances in your RV run on Alternating Current (AC). An inverter inverts the DC power to AC power, allowing it to power your appliances in your RV.
Note that the best solar generators for RV units come with built in inverters, but should you end up buying a unit that does not come with one or you need to buy an extra one, pay attention to the wattage capacity when selecting an inverter. The Giandel Power Inverter has an integrated solar charge controller, 12V input, and supports up to 1200 Watts output.
Wrapping up the Best Solar Generators for RVs
Now that you know all about the best solar generators for RVs, you’re ready to make the best of solar energy.
The Anker PowerHouse 767 will charge for you in just an hour, though the DeltaPRO EF Ecoflow 3600Wh has some innovative features. One of the solar generators for RV on this list is certain to meet your needs!Before you go, read about the Best RV Heater for Winter Camping.
