Solar Powered Heater: Can Solar Generator Power A Heater

Yes, a solar generator can power a space heater or water heater perfectly fine. However, heaters typically consume a lot of power due to their heating elements, and you will need a solar generator with enough wattage capacity to power it.

Camping is a great way to unwind, get close to nature, and relax. However, even in natural settings, keeping yourself safe and healthy is important. In this regard, one must-have piece of equipment for camping is a space heater for your tent. Since remaining eco-friendly is important for every nature enthusiast, a solar-powered heater is the best option.

Solar-powered heater for camping is a safe and reliable way to keep you cozy without compromising environmental safety. You must get a solar-powered heater that is portable and easy to transport, is energy efficient, and can also work on batteries. Jackery Solar Generators are ideal for powering different types and sizes of heaters when you are outdoors or there is an unexpected outage at home.

AI Takeaways 

• A solar-powered heater uses solar panels to directly convert sunlight into heat, while a solar generator stores solar energy in batteries and then powers electric devices like space heaters.
• A solar-powered heater is built only for heating, whereas a solar generator is versatile and can power different appliances, including heaters, lights, and electronics during outages or off-grid use.
• Most electric space heaters use between 750 to 1,500 watts, though larger units may require up to 2,000 watts. Always check your heater’s label to know the exact wattage before pairing it with a solar generator.
• Running a 1,500-watt heater for one hour costs about $0.26 with grid electricity, but with a solar generator, the cost depends mainly on the upfront investment in panels and batteries, since sunlight is free.
• How much solar power does a heater need.

What Is A Solar Powered Heater

Solar-powered heaters use solar energy to warm air, which is then blown into the tent or room you want to warm. A solar heater comprises solar panels, a duct system, and diffusers. Some heaters also have fans, while others depend on a natural ventilation system to distribute air.

Solar heaters might not work efficiently when the weather is cloudy, it's raining, or in winter when the sun is not bright enough. Also, the solar panels must face the sun in the right direction to collect maximum sunlight.

Solar Powered Heater VS. Solar Generator for Heater

Solar-Powered Heater

The solar-powered heater provides direct heating for your living space. It can be used for small rooms or tents while camping. The principle of solar heaters is that they collect cold air, collect it in a solar collector, and blow it back into the room after heating. Many factors can influence your choice of solar heaters. A review of the pros and cons may help you to decide better.

Pros

1. Solar-powered heatersare more environmentally friendly than traditional space heaters.
2. Cost-effective.
3. They do not produce any emissions, have less carbon footprint, and are noise free.
4. They help you save energy and money on your electricity bills.
5. Easy to install and operate.
6. Low maintenance.

Cons

1. They are only useful for small areas.
2. You cannot use solar heaters when the sun is not bright enough or at night.
3. They have only one use, i.e., heating.

Solar Generator for Heater

A solar generator collects the sun’s energy using portable solar panels and then stores it as electricity in a solar battery or power station. Solar generators are a perfect off-grid energy option and a home backup solution.

Can a solar generator power a heater? Yes, if you have a solar generator with enough specifications, you can use it to power a heater. For example, the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus can run a space heater or water heater when the grid is down. It is an essential home backup solution that can run critical household appliances such as refrigerators, ACs, heaters, microwaves, etc.

Pros

1. Provide a renewable source of energy.
2. Eco-friendly, no noise, reduces greenhouse gasses and carbon footprint.
3. Low maintenance.
4. Reliable and safe.
5. It can power multiple devices at a time because of multiple ports.
6. Pass-through charging allows charging and powering up devices at the same time.

Cons

The initial setup cost of a solar generator can be a put-off; however, Jackery solar generators are available in many specifications so that you can choose one within your budget.

How Many Watts Does A Heater Use

Most portable space heaters consume around 750 to 1500W. Water heaters often fall under the 2,000 to 3,000-watt range.

It is important to review some terms before calculating the wattage of an electric heater. So, let's dive in.

1. Volts (V): It measures the speed of electricity passing through a circuit.
2. Amps (A): It measures electrical current, i.e., the number of electrons flowing through an electric circuit.
3. Watts (W) and kilowatts (kW): Watts is the electricity consumption rate.

Watt = Volts x Amp

4. Kilowatt-hours (kWh): It is the electricity consumed over a period of time.

But how many watts does a space heater use?The electric heaters are available in various wattage ratings. It starts with 200 watts and goes up to 4,000 watts. The average heater used is 1500-1,600 watts. Low-wattage heaters, i.e., 200, 500, and 750 watts, are personal space heaters that you keep next to you to warm your personal space. 1,500 to 4,000-watt heaters can be used for heating rooms and tents while camping.

How Much Does It Cost to Power A Heater

If you live in the USA, where the electric rate is 17.47 cents per kWh, you can expect to spend $62.89 monthly on using a 1500W heater for 8 hours.

The cost of running a heater depends on how long it is used, the wattage of the heater, and the average electricity rate in your area. We have taken the average electricity rate of different states and calculated the monthly and yearly cost to run a heater (1,500W) when used for 8 hours in one day.

How Much Solar Power Does A Heater Need

A solar-powered electric heater or off-grid water heater uses power, and the amount of power depends on the duration of use. Refer to the following table for calculating what specification of the solar generator can power your electric heater.

Jackery Solar Generator for Heater

Jackery can power heaters of different sizes and capacities.The Jackery has a series of solar generators that can power many different types of equipment, including refrigerators, water pumps, camping lights, electric heaters, TV, and many more. These efficient, portable, and noise-free generators come in different specifications so that you can choose one according to your requirements and budget. Here is a review of some solar generators.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a flexible and easy-to-use essential home power backup solution that allows for running electric heaters both indoors and outdoors. It gives you peace of mind during power cuts and freedom to enjoy longer trips without worrying about running out of electricity. With solar charging, you can stay independent from the grid while keeping your essentials running smoothly.

Appliances Running Time

• Electric Fan Heater (750W) = 2.2H
• Space Heater (500W) = 3.2H
• Outdoor Heater (1500W) = 1.1H 
• Patio Heater (900W) = 1.8H
• Garage Heater (1500W) = 1.1H

Who Should Buy This 

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is ideal for individuals or small families who need a balance of portability and reliable power for heaters, both at home and outdoors.

Customer Review 

Jackery makes things built to last. The handle makes it so easy to move around. Jackery has given me and my family the peace of mind if I ever need this during a power outage or emergency.

— Gary DeWitt.

Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 

The Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 is an easy home backup solution for families who want reliable and worry-free backup for their heaters. It can comfortably keep daily essentials going during an outage, from lights and fans to key appliances such as heaters and refrigerators, without the noise or fuel costs associated with traditional generators. It is an advanced home battery backup solution for households that want security and comfort when the power goes out.

Appliances Running Time

• Electric Fan Heater (750W) = 3.4H
• Space Heater (500W) = 5.0H
• Outdoor Heater (1500W) = 1.7H 
• Patio Heater (900W) = 2.8H
• Garage Heater (1500W) = 1.7H

Who Should Buy This 

If you are looking for an essential home battery backup solution that can handle everyday appliances such as heaters, refrigerators, and lights during outages, you can consider the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000.

Customer Review 

So far, I have only used it for a few days to make sure a mini-fridge works for our grandson to take to college. We bought the 3000 in the event of a storm power outage that would prevent us from running our portable generator.

— Michael Brooks.

Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus

Running a heater demands steady, high-output power, and the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus is built to handle that kind of load without any issues. Its expandable battery system gives you the battery capacity you need for long, cold spells. When expanded, it can keep a refrigerator operating for up to 14 days, which is useful when you're relying on a heater for warmth and still want the rest of your essentials stable. The pull-rod and wheel setup allows you to easily reposition the essential home backup solution as your heating needs shift from room to room.

Appliances Running Time

• Electric Fan Heater (750W) = 3.9H
• Space Heater (500W) = 5.8H
• Outdoor Heater (1500W) = 2.0H 
• Patio Heater (900W) = 3.3H
• Garage Heater (1500W) = 2.0H

Who Should Buy This 

If you depend on electric heaters during winter and want a backup that doesn’t struggle with heavy draw, the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus is an ideal choice.

Customer Review 

Very easy to set up. A week after this unit arrived we had several power failures. We were able to run lights and a small space heater overnight with outside temps below freezing and high winds. We were quite happy with the purchase and recommended Jackery to a neighbor. 

— Anonymous.

Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is an essential home backup solution built for those who don’t want to compromise on power. It can keep almost all home appliances powered for long stretches, making it ideal for major outages or when you want to live more independently off the grid. With its large capacity, it helps you stay prepared for anything, while cutting reliance on fuel or rising electricity costs.

Appliances Running Time

• Electric Fan Heater (750W) = 5.4H
• Space Heater (500W) = 7.8H
• Outdoor Heater (1500W) = 2.8H 
• Patio Heater (900W) = 4.5H
• Garage Heater (1500W) = 2.8H

Who Should Buy This 

The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is ideal for homeowners who want a powerful, essential home backup solution that can support heavy use and keep heaters running for long hours.

Customer Review 

I recently purchased a Jackery 5000 Plus with an extra battery and a manual transfer switch. They all work well. I am currently peak shaving higher summer electric rates and am comforted that I will have power in an outage.

— James Anglewicz.

Just like Richard, who transformed his home into a quiet, storm-ready sanctuary, powering everything from the fridge to the water heater with Jackery. He even kept essential appliances running smoothly during outages caused by Hurricane Milton. Jackery Solar Generators offer dependable, clean energy that keeps your heater on when it matters most. Read Richard's story on Jackery Stories to learn how he uses Jackery.

Solar Powered Heater FAQ

What size of solar generator do I need to power a heater?

The size of a solar generator depends on your heater's wattage requirement and how long you want to run the appliance. Let's say you are powering a heater (1500W) with the help of the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus. To calculate the estimated runtime, visit the product page and scroll to locate the Running Time Calculator. In this case, the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus will run the heater (1500W) for 2.8 hours.

Final Thoughts

A solar-powered heater is a must-have piece of equipment to heat your room or camping tent in chilled weather without compromising your eco-friendly principles. They come in various wattage requirements, starting from 500 watts and going up to 2000 to 4000 watts. Alternatively, you can power your essential camping equipment using a solar generator, which is a better option because it is multi-purpose and can power multiple devices simultaneously. Jackery Solar Generators are ideal for powering different sizes of heaters for long hours.

Reply to Comments

While our current blog comment system doesn't allow for direct replies, our customer service team will address comments and questions promptly via email. Additionally, we'll compile the most frequently asked questions and provide comprehensive answers at the end of the blog post.

Comment: How. Long will it heat a 8 by 20

Reply: Hey! A 1.5 kW heater will take nearly 25 minutes to heat the room from 10°C to 60°C, assuming no heat loss. However, this time might vary depending on the room's volume, heater size, temperature difference, and heat loss rate.

Comment: hi, I need a solar powered device to keep a heater continuously running at 60 degrees through the winter. It’s a storage container = 20′ × 8′. What can you recommend?

Reply: Hey! On average, if your heater consumes 1000W in one hour, you may consider going ahead with the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. It can supply electricity for 1.7H. It can be expanded to Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (12kWh) that will supply electricity for 10.4 hours.