What Size Solar Generator Do I Need? For House, Camping, Camper and More
by Yeagulch Yeagulch on Sep 09 2025
What Size Solar Generator Do I Need? For House, Camping, Camper and More
Choosing the right solar generator size is crucial for meeting your power needs. This guide will help you determine the perfect capacity for your home, outdoor adventures, and other applications.
Understanding Solar Generator Capacity
Solar generators are rated by watt-hours (Wh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh), which indicate how much energy they can store. To determine your needs, calculate the total watt-hours you'll consume daily.
Power Requirements for Common Devices
| Device | Average Power (Watts) | Daily Use (Hours) | Energy Needed (Wh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED Light Bulb | 10 | 5 | 50 |
| Laptop | 60 | 4 | 240 |
| Smartphone Charging | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Mini Fridge | 50 | 8 | 400 |
| TV (32") | 40 | 3 | 120 |
Solar Generator Sizing Guide
For Camping
Perfect for weekend trips powering lights, phones, and small appliances.
Recommended: 500-1,500 Wh
Ideal for: LED lights, smartphone charging, portable fan, small blender
For RV/Camper
Power your mobile home with essentials for comfortable living.
Recommended: 2,000-3,000 Wh
Ideal for: lighting, water pump, vent fan, TV, laptop, small refrigerator
For Home Backup
Keep essential appliances running during power outages.
Recommended: 3,000-6,000 Wh
Ideal for: refrigerator, lights, modem/router, medical devices, phone charging
For Off-Grid Living
Complete energy independence for daily household needs.
Recommended: 10,000+ Wh
Ideal for: all essential appliances, power tools, well pump, occasional high-draw devices
For Worksites
Power tools and equipment where grid power is unavailable.
Recommended: 2,000-5,000 Wh
Ideal for: power tools, battery charging, work lights, radio
For Tailgating/Events
Power your outdoor parties and events with ease.
Recommended: 1,000-2,500 Wh
Ideal for: TV, speaker system, mini-fridge, blender, lighting
How to Calculate Your Exact Needs
Follow these steps to determine your perfect solar generator size:
1. List Your Devices
Make a list of all devices you plan to power and their wattage (usually found on the label).
2. Estimate Usage Time
Calculate how many hours per day you'll use each device.
3. Calculate Daily Energy Consumption
Multiply each device's wattage by hours of use to get watt-hours (Wh). Add these together for your total daily needs.
4. Add Buffer
Add 20-30% to your total to account for inefficiencies and unexpected usage.
5. Consider Sunlight Availability
If you'll rely solely on solar charging, ensure your solar panels can recharge the generator based on your location's sun exposure.
Final Recommendations
When choosing a solar generator, it's better to oversize slightly than to find yourself without enough power. Consider future needs as you might add more devices later.
For most campers: Jackery 500 or similar (518 Wh)
For RV owners: Goal Zero Yeti 3000X (3032 Wh)
For home backup: EcoFlow Delta Pro (3600 Wh)
Remember that solar generator capacity is only one factor - also consider output options, charging speed, and portability.