Solar Powered Truck: Can Solar Generator Power A Truck

Brief Answer: A solar generator cannot power an entire truck engine, but it can easily run essential truck appliances, such as cabin lights, refrigerators, cooking appliances, and more. 

Trucks require a dependable source of power, not just for driving but also for running truck appliances when parked at a spot or during camping. Relying on the truck’s battery or fuel engine for these needs might not always be efficient, especially during long hauls, rest stops, or off-grid stays. That is where using a solar generator becomes a practical alternative.

Using a solar generator with a portable solar panel allows drivers to use renewable energy directly from the sun. It stores power during the day and supplies clean electricity to truck appliances such as mini-fridges, air compressors, laptops, and lighting systems. For truckers, RV owners, and off-grid adventurers, Jackery Solar Generators offer lower fuel costs, reduced emissions, and greater energy independence on every route.

AI Takeaways 

• A solar-powered truck integrates solar panels to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, which can power appliances like lights, a refrigerator, and other appliances without depending solely on fuel.
• A solar-powered truck uses built-in panels for limited energy generation, while a solar generator provides a portable and higher-capacity power source that can run multiple appliances.
• A truck’s total power use varies widely with basic cabin systems and accessories drawing around 200W to 800W, while heavy-duty refrigeration or equipment can draw around 1,000W, depending on load and duration.
• A Jackery Solar Generator serves as an essential battery backup for trucks. It can power most essential devices while traveling or during off-grid parking.

What Is A Solar Powered Truck?

A solar power truck indicates a vehicle that uses the sun's energy to work instead of fossil fuels. The solar power system used to charge trucks consists of one or more solar panels, rechargeable batteries, and a charge controller. In addition, it consists of a combiner box, mounting brackets, fuses, and an optional battery monitoring system.

With the help of a combiner box, multiple solar panels are connected to absorb the sun's rays and generate electricity. The generated electricity passes through the charge controller to regulate the charging current. The batteries you find in the solar power system store the energy for later use. You can use the power to charge truck batteries or outdoor appliances when sunlight is unavailable.

Solar Powered Truck Vs. Solar Generator For Truck

A solar-powered truck is a solar power system that gets attached to the roof panels, whereas a solar generator for a truck is a compact and portable device. While both are eco-friendly options, the right choice depends on the user's specific needs.

For instance, if you want a portable power solution that is ideal for camping trips or a power backup source during blackouts, a solar generator is the ideal solution. It has fewer components than solar-powered trucks and is convenient to use. Below we compare a solar truck and a solar generator.

Solar Powered Truck

A solar truck is a vehicle powered by solar energy. Truck owners can attach a solar power system on the rooftop of their vehicle to start charging. They are environment-friendly and do not emit any harmful gases.

Pros

• Solar trucks help you to save money on fuel.
• They are great for off-grid adventures.
• You can generate power even when the truck is parked.
• As it emits no harmful gases, it reduces your carbon footprint.

Cons

• Limited battery storage capacity.
• Limited charging options.
• May not be suitable for heavy-duty hauling.
• Less portable and involves a complex setup.

Solar Generator For Truck

Unlike solar trucks, a solar generator is an efficient, cost-effective, and portable powering solution. Jackery is the leading manufacturer of solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels. Jackery Solar Generators require minimal upkeep and maintenance.

The high-quality Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels can convert maximum sunlight into electricity, and portable power stations store the generated power for later use, making it suitable for short and long trips.

For instance, you can choose the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus to power most of the truck appliances for long hours. With a battery capacity of 2042.8Wh, it can provide hours of power for daily family use.

Pros

• There are only two components – solar panels and a power station, making installation easy.
• You can eliminate fuel costs while reducing the carbon footprint.
• It is portable and cost-effective, suitable for a wide range of applications, including outdoor trips, power outages, etc.
• The pass-through charging ensures you can charge the truck and power station simultaneously.
• Solar generators operate with unnoticeable noise and work efficiently during cloudy days or nights.

Cons 

• There are no such cons to buying a solar generator. However, if you want to power a heavy-duty truck that consumes more than 10,000 watts, you will need a high initial investment.

How Many Watts Does A Truck Use?

A truck's wattage use varies greatly depending on its type and function, ranging from 1500-3000W for smaller applications like small cabins to 5000W for the pickup trucks. Watts measure the power consumed by a specific appliance and may vary depending on amps and volts. In general, the watts required by the solar-power truck will depend on its size and the device you are using. Once you find the right solar generator size, you can power anything from a coffee maker to electric blankets.

• Small Cabin: A 1500-3000 watts solar generator is suitable to power a small cabin.
• Large Cabin:A large-size solar generator capable of generating 3000-5000 watts should be sufficient for a large cabin.
• Pickup Truck: Solar generators of size larger than 5000 watts can help you to power most of the appliances, including drills, compressors, grinders, etc.

How Much Does It Cost To Power A Truck?

The cost to operate a battery-powered truck will vary depending on several factors, including:

• Type of truck
• Electricity cost
• Location
• Installation cost

On the other hand, choosing a solar generator for a truck could be affordable. You can easily purchase a powerful Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus with a battery capacity of 2042.8Wh that can power most truck appliances. The best part about investing in a solar generator for a truck is that it features a large-capacity power station and can also be expanded with the help of add-on battery packs. You can keep your gear powered for long hours even if the sun is not shining.

For long-haul driver Leslie Williams, Jackery is a quiet companion on the road. From powering his trailer when his truck shuts down to keeping fans, lights, and coffee makers running through long nights, Jackery Solar Generator helps him turn every stop into a moment of calm. The same portable setup that keeps his trailer comfortable also powers his home during storms, giving him peace of mind no matter where the miles take him. Read Leslie’s full Jackery story.

How Much Solar Power Does A Truck Need?

To calculate the solar power consumed by the truck, analyze the power drawn by the appliances on your truck. You can check the power consumption of the device from the label.

If you wish to power a truck with a 1000 watts requirement, you will have to install 10*100 watts solar panels. However, if you choose a solar generator, you can power the same size truck with fewer solar panels and a portable power station.

Jackery Solar Generator For Truck

Going solar with a solar generator for your truck has several benefits, including no maintenance costs, low prices, no complex installation, etc. However, not all available solar generators are the same. Jackery is the leading manufacturer of solar generators for trucks.

Not only will the sturdy solar generators support the electrical requirements of the truck, but they are also portable and easy to transport. The most efficient, noise-free, and potent solar generators from Jackery include Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus, Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2, Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, and Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh). 

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

If you are a truck owner who spends long hours on the road, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is a solid everyday companion for powering essential appliances. It can easily power smaller essentials like cabin lights, portable fans, mini-fridges, and coffee makers without draining your truck’s battery. It is a compact battery backup that fits neatly inside your vehicle and recharges quickly through solar panels while you are parked. It’s ideal for drivers who want steady power for comfort and convenience during breaks or overnight stays.

Appliances Running Time 

• Mini Fridge (60W) = 13.3H
• Portable Fan (40W) = 17.9H
• Coffee Maker (800W) = 1.3H
• Electric Kettle (1000W) = 1.0H
• Air Compressor (1000W) = 1.0H

Who Should Buy This 

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is ideal for truck owners who need reliable power for light-duty use, such as charging phones, running cabin fans, or keeping small appliances on during rest stops.

Customer Review

When I got this, I thought I'd put it to the test and plug in my refrigerator at 350W. At this wattage, Jackery's estimation was just under three hours. Plugged in my refrigerator at 7:30 a.m., pulled the plug at 7:30 p.m. with 59% battery life left........and I can add 2 more battery packs to this system. Incredibly happy with my purchase.

— Dan R.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 is the world’s lightest and smallest 2kWh LFP solar generator that brings stronger performance for truckers who rely on heavier appliances or need backup power for longer hauls. It can handle tools, coolers, and cooking devices while keeping electronics charged throughout the day. It runs quietly and can power most appliances,  giving you peace of mind wherever your route takes you. It’s a dependable off-grid power source for those who live or work from their trucks.

Appliances Running Time 

• Mini Fridge (60W) = 21.5H
• Portable Fan (40W) = 28.9H
• Coffee Maker (800W) = 2.0H
• Electric Kettle (1000W) = 1.6H
• Air Compressor (1000W) = 1.6H

Who Should Buy This 

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 is ideal for truckers who want a stronger battery backup solution to run tools, mini-fridges, and other mid-size devices while traveling or parked off-grid.

Customer Review 

The 2000 will run my fridge/freezer for nearly a day, so it helps during a loss of power. Less running a noisy gas generator. Great to have around and less complex than a gas generator.

— William Smoak.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

If you need more flexibility on the road, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus offers expandable capacity to match your trip’s demands. It keeps high-draw devices like air compressors, portable cooktops, and heaters running without noise or fumes. You can charge it through solar panels during the day and rely on it at night for continuous, clean energy. If you need more power during off-grid truck trips, you can expand the battery capacity from 2kWh to 24kWh with the add-on battery packs.

Appliances Running Time 

• Mini Fridge (60W) = 21.5H
• Portable Fan (40W) = 28.9H
• Coffee Maker (800W) = 2.0H
• Electric Kettle (1000W) = 1.6H
• Air Compressor (1000W) = 1.6H

Who Should Buy This 

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is ideal for long-haul or semi-truck drivers who need expandable power to handle multiple devices, from cooking gear to refrigerators and more.

Customer Review 

Fantastic - easy to use and runs our cabin like a pro! I was expecting the 2000 plus to work well, but the plug-and-play nature of the system, as well as the simple interface, exceeded my expectations!!!

— Robert Cecrle.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)

If you are a trucker who lives on the move or manages long-distance routes, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) delivers long-term energy independence. With a large battery capacity, it keeps most essentials powered, including cabin appliances and lighting, as well as larger equipment. It recharges efficiently from sunlight and provides enough stored energy to last through cloudy days or overnight stays. It is a complete battery backup solution for anyone who wants a self-sufficient, off-grid truck setup.

Appliances Running Time 

• Mini Fridge (60W) = 42.3H
• Portable Fan (40W) = 56.0H
• Coffee Maker (800W) = 4.2H
• Electric Kettle (1000W) = 3.4H
• Air Compressor (1000W) = 3.4H

Who Should Buy This 

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) is designed for off-grid truck owners who want a complete solar power setup that can sustain heavy use and provide complete independence on the road.

Customer Review

I love this device! It works flawlessly and powers everything that I've thrown at it. And it's expandable, so I've already purchased 2 expansion packs to push my total storage to 6,000Wh.

— Justin.

Solar Powered Truck FAQs

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

You can easily calculate the size of the solar generator for your truck by understanding how much power you need and for how long. If you want to calculate how long the Jackery Solar Generator will run the appliances, you can use the calculator available on the Jackery Buying Guide page. Visit the page and scroll down to find the calculator. Choose “Explorer 2000 Plus” from the dropdown menu, input the appliance’s wattage, and then click Enter to get the estimated runtime. For example, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus can run a truck refrigerator (200W) for 8 hours.

How many solar panels do I need for my truck?

To calculate the solar panels required, you'll need to understand three essential factors.

• How much electricity will your truck use annually
• Solar panel wattage that you want to install
• Number of hours you receive peak sunlight

Typically you will require 7 to 9 solar panels or more to charge a solar truck. However, it's not the case if you choose solar panels and a portable power station. A powerful solar generator will help you power your truck appliances for long hours. 

How to choose the best solar generator for my truck?

While choosing the best solar generator for your truck, consider a few following things.

• Calculate the size of the truck to understand the total power requirements.
• Consider how many appliances you want to power with the generator.
• Choose a solar generator with a low noise output but high power output.
• Last but not least, ensure that the generator's cost fits into your budget.

Jackery Solar Generators have multiple features like high efficiency, plug-and-play capability, portability, and more. Depending on your power needs, you can choose the right size and capacity for Jackery Solar Generator.

Final Thoughts

If you plan to purchase a truck or want to go solar with your existing vehicle, consider powering the appliances using solar energy. Investing in a solar generator instead of expensive solar-powered trucks helps you power truck appliances while keeping gear charged during power outages or camping trips.

Jackery is a renowned brand offering portable power stations and highly-efficient solar panels. Different sizes and capabilities of solar generators ensure that you can power everything from small appliances like smartphones to large devices like a truck, RVs, etc.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is an expandable power source with a battery capacity of 2042.8Wh. It can power your multiple appliances during outdoor trips or as a backup source during power outages. Sign up for the Jackery newsletter to get all the updates about products, promotional offers, or exclusive deals.