Solar Generators Under $500

Introduction

Hello everyone, welcome back to my blog! Steve the Happy Camper here. Today, I've got to address an issue that's been haunting me for about a year now—solar generators. These are also called battery packs, lithium-ion battery packs, and so on. However, within the industry, they’re known as solar generators. So don't get too tangled in technicalities. Let’s discuss how to choose the right one because these are not cheap investments, and buying the wrong one can be a costly mistake.

Why You Need a Solar Generator

Many people argue they don’t need electricity while camping. Good for them. But as someone who has camped in tents for my entire life, I realized that electricity can make camping far more comfortable. It was during a family visit where I slept on an AeroBed with an in-built pump that required a wall plug, that I saw the need for electricity while camping. You don't find wall outlets in the woods, which made me seriously consider the utility of a solar generator.

My First Experience with Solar Generators

Initially, I bought a RockPals 500W for $ 349. It seemed adequate with its USBS ports, AC outlets, and a cigarette lighter port. My AeroBed worked perfectly with it, and all seemed well until I decided to up my game. I wanted to use a 12V fridge, and that’s where the RockPals failed me. Unbeknownst to me, you need a regulated 12V outlet to run a fridge, which this model lacked.

Learning About Key Features

Here are some critical terms you need to understand before buying a solar generator:

Regulated 12V Outlet: This ensures you get a consistent 12 volts regardless of battery charge level.
Pass-Through Charging: Allows the battery to be used while it's being charged, crucial for running items like a refrigerator.

My Journey with Other Brands

After my RockPals experience, I bought a Myelin 600W for $ 275. It had a regulated output and pass-through charging, but the auto shut-off feature made it incompatible with my fridge. Testing is crucial.

The Jackery Experience

I then acquired a Jackery Explorer 500. It worked efficiently during cold weather, keeping my fridge running all week by recharging it with a solar panel. However, it struggled in hot weather, taking too long to charge, and eventually couldn't keep up.

Discovering Blue Eddy

Finally, I ended up with the Blue Eddy EB70S for $ 459 during a sale. This model offers a 200W solar input and an 800W inverter, plus 714Wh of storage. It features everything I needed, including a high-capacity lithium iron phosphate battery, which greatly extends its life cycle.

Additional Tips

Always check reviews and do your homework before making a purchase.
Look out for sales, as brands frequently have discounts, especially around holiday seasons.

Conclusion

The takeaway is clear—invest in a slightly higher capacity than you think you need, you won’t regret it. Solar generators have opened up a world of possibilities for camping, allowing for greater comfort and a glamping experience if that's what you desire.

Keywords

Solar Generators
Battery Packs
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Camping
Regulated 12V Outlet
Pass-Through Charging
Blue Eddy
Jackery
RockPals
Myelin
Solar Panels

FAQ

Q: What is a regulated 12V outlet, and why do I need it?
A: A regulated 12V outlet provides a consistent 12 volts regardless of the battery’s charge level, crucial for running appliances like refrigerators.

Q: Can I use any solar panel with my solar generator?
A: Yes, you can use any solar panel with your solar generator, but always check the compatibility and efficiency ratings.

Q: What is pass-through charging, and why is it important?
A: Pass-through charging allows you to use your devices while the generator is being charged, essential for running 24/7 appliances like fridges.

Q: Why did my RockPals generator fail with my 12V fridge?
A: It lacked a regulated 12V outlet, causing voltage drops that stopped your refrigerator from running efficiently.

Q: How often do these units go on sale?
A: Frequently, especially around holiday seasons. Always check for discounts and bundle offers to get the best deal.

Thanks for reading! Happy camping! ??