What Size Solar Generator Do I Need? For House, Camping, Camper and More

A “solar generator” can technically refer to a solar solution that combines two (or more) components. A Jackery Solar Generator consists of:

1. The solar panels – which collect the solar energy from direct sunlight.

2. The power station – which stores the electrical power converted by the solar panels.

In this article, we will help you figure out what size power station is most suitable for your solar generator goals. Keep reading to learn how to calculate the right power station size, along with other information about solar generators, so that you make the best choice.

AI Takeaways 

• The right solar generator size depends on the total wattage of the devices you want to run, from small electronics to larger appliances.
• Look at both wattage (output power) and watt-hours (battery capacity) to ensure the solar generator can run your appliances for the required duration.
• Different needs like home backup, RV trips, camping, or powering tools require different generator sizes. A small unit may cover essentials, but larger setups ensure reliable backup for heavy-use appliances.
• Expandable solar generators, like Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus, Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, and Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus, allow you to start with a base unit and add extra batteries or solar panels as your power demands grow.
• What are the benefits of buying a portable solar generator.

How Power Stations Are Sized

Power stations are typically sized in watts (W). This is a measure of power that’s used to calculate the rate of energy transfer. But what you really need to know is that the greater watts a power station has, the more power it can provide you in a single charge.
That being said, there are different watt measurements to pay attention to when deciding on a power station.

Continuous Power

The first measurement is usually called continuous power. This is the amount of power that a power station can provide consistently.

Peak Power

The second measurement is usually called peak power. This is the maximum amount of power that a power station can provide in a short burst.

Continuous Power vs. Peak Power (An Example)

Here’s an example. Think of when you turn on your air conditioner. It needs a quick burst of power to get started. That’s peak power. But the amount of power needed to continuously run the AC unit is generally lower. That’s continuous power.

Some appliances, such as refrigerators, need a burst of 3-4 times their normal power needs to get started. Keep in mind, your power station needs to be able to accommodate this peak power requirement to run the appliance. So, if you are looking for a solar generator to run a refrigerator, simply meeting the continuous power requirements won’t be enough.

Continuous power will likely be the more impactful number for you to think about. It’s what tells you how much power you will get from a single charge of your power station under normal conditions.

How to Calculate Your Optimal Power Station Capacity in 3 Steps

In order to calculate the right size of power station for your needs, you need to list all the appliances with their wattage consumption along with how long you plan to use them. Jackery manufactures power stations to meet a wide variety of power consumption needs. The products range from 99Wh of capacity to as high as 60,000Wh of capacity. To figure out which Jackery product offers the right power capabilities for the appliances you want to charge, you’ll need to perform the following calculations. Here's the step-by-step to calculate the right size power station:

Step 1: Select Tools/Appliances You Want to Power With Your Power Station

The first part of picking the right power station for your needs is understanding what those needs are. This means selecting the specific devices that you want to power with your solar generator and setting a rough estimation of how long you’d like for its power station to provide that power.

Here are some common devices that people power with solar generators:

• Laptops and PCs
• Phone chargers
• Coffee maker
• Hairdryers
• Air conditioners
• Water heater
• Blender

Note: You'll need to list the appliances that you are planning to use at the same time.

Step 2: Note Down Their Running & Starting Wattage

Once you know what appliances you want to power simultaneously, it’s time to figure out their starting and running wattage. For this, you can either check the user manual or the appliance wattage chart. Sometimes, the wattage consumption is also printed on the appliance itself. But if you only see a measurement for amps and volts, you can multiply these numbers to get appliance wattage consumption.

Shown here:

Step 3: Calculate the Surge Wattage of the Solar Generator

Once you've listed the running and starting wattage of the appliances you want to charge simultaneously with the power station, the next step is to calculate the surge wattage by adding the total running wattage and the highest starting wattage of the appliance. The number obtained will represent the surge wattage that the solar generator should be capable of supplying power to all these appliances.

Can a Solar Generator Power a House?

Yes, a whole-home solar generator can power a house, but the capacity has to match your household’s energy needs. For instance, the Jackery Whole-Home Backup Kit 5000 Plus (20kWh) can support multiple appliances for long hours or even days. The essential home backup solution like Jackery Solar  Generator HomePower 3000 or Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus can only run critical loads like lights, routers, and phones, while larger whole home backup systems with several thousand watt-hours can handle refrigerators, heating or cooling devices, etc.

If you find that the answer you got in Step 3 is higher than almost every power station you look at, then you may need to go back and reassess what you really need to power with it. If you can lower yourself down to just the essentials, then you will find a solar generator that works for you without having to break your budget to buy it.

Jackery Solar Generators and Suggested Usage Scenarios

Running out of power can never be fun. That is why Jackery has designed different sizes and capacities of solar generators. Whether you are looking for a home backup solution or a power pack for your outdoor adventure, Jackery offers an impressive product line for every scenario.

All-Day Trip Activities

When you're on an outdoor adventure, the last thing you want to worry about is running out of power. One-day outdoor adventures like backpacking, hiking, fishing, etc., require a portable power solution.

The Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is a compact charging solution for power on the go, weighing only 11 lbs. It boasts a 288Wh capacity and can power most small appliances, like electric blankets, laptops, mobile phones, cameras, camping lights, and mini coolers, during all-day trip activities.

Jackery Solar Generator 240 v2 and Jackery Solar Generator 500 are other portable battery backup solutions that are compact enough to be packed as essential gear during such trips.

Since these solar generators are lightweight and portable, they are highly preferred for short trips with moderate power requirements.

Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.

Car Camping/Tent Camping/Music Festivals

Whether you're embarking on a car camping trip, setting up a tent in the wilderness, or immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a music festival, having a reliable and portable power solution is essential.

Jackery Solar Generator 500 is a truly portable solution that can keep your small devices charged for 1-2 days, ensuring you stay connected and powered up throughout your adventure. Whether you're relying on your smartphone to capture breathtaking moments, illuminating your campsite with lights, or amplifying the atmosphere with speakers, the Jackery Solar Generator 500 is the ideal choice.

The Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus comes with a LiFePO4 battery and can support up to 2 days of a camping trip. It has a foldable handle so you can easily transport the power station to outdoor locations. For those seeking even greater power during their camping trips, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 is designed to take things to the next level. With a battery capacity of 1070Wh and a power surge of 1500W, it can charge not only small devices but also mini fridges and coolers that require little more power.

Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.

Van Life

Jackery Solar Generator 500 or Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 sounds like the ideal pick if you want to make your off-grid living experience more comfortable. Jackery Solar Generator 500, with a battery capacity of 518Wh, can power most small to midsize van appliances.  It works well as a compact backup option, especially if you already have a main van battery and just need extra power to keep outdoor essentials like lights, fans, or small electronics running.

The Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 can power your essential appliances in your van, and its flat top lets you save space. You can stack items over the solar generator and enjoy extra space with seamless charging. If you are a beginner and do not have a customized electrical system like 12V or 24V in your van, it's better to look for large capacity solar generators like Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 and use it as a complete battery backup system.

Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.

Camper/Trailer

Campers often find it arduous to choose a power solution that occupies less space and provides stable electricity to most of their appliances. Trailers are small rooms on wheels, often lacking in-built electric systems to power different appliances. This is why it's vital to pack a power solution before you commence your journey.

The two popular battery backup solutions for campers and trailers include Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus or Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. If you're a camper who often travels to remote locations with energy efficient appliances, you may consider investing in the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus. It's lightweight and has a large battery capacity of 1264Wh, which can be expanded to 5kWh with additional Jackery Battery Pack 1000 Plus.

On the other hand, if you own a travel trailer and want to power multiple small and large appliances during the outdoor trip, you may invest in the larger Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. The LiFePO4 battery has a large capacity and can be expanded from 2kWh to 24kWh with the Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus. It can power most of your camper or trailer appliances, including refrigerators, electric grills, etc.

If you need more power in a more compact design, you can go ahead with the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2. It features a large battery capacity of 2042Wh (almost similar to the capacity of Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus) but has a compact design compared to other similar products available. It's the world's lightest and smallest 2kWh LFP solar generator and features a foldable handle for easy transportation.

While Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus can power essential camper or trailer appliances, the bigger capacity generators like Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 and Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus are designed to power full-size fridges, electric grills, etc.

Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.

RV

RVs usually have a solid in-built electrical system that sometimes goes up to 6kWh. Jackery Solar Generators with a decent battery capacity that can efficiently support an RV's electrical needs and power small and large RV appliances like laptops, coffee makers, TV, refrigerator, etc.

A lightweight solar generator, like the Jackery Solar Generator 500, during your RV trip can be a great companion when you go fishing, hunting, or hiking. It can keep your appliances like smartphones, drones, and many other electrical devices.

In addition to powering your outdoor devices, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 can also power your CPAP machines so you can enjoy your outdoor activities without skipping your comfort.

Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.

Off-Grid Living

Off-grid systems are often less portable and require highly technical installation. But that's not the case with Jackery Solar Generator. The large-capacity Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 is an advanced essential home backup solution that can power most of your critical off-grid appliances for long hours.

With a massive battery capacity of 3072Wh, the off-grid solar system can seamlessly support large appliances like full-size refrigerators, microwaves, electrical grills, space heaters, etc. As it is the world's lightest and smallest 3kWh LFP solar generator, it can be easily transported from one room to another. 

The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is a powerful essential home backup solution that can power most household appliances, such as refrigerators, water heaters, furnaces, coffee makers, etc. It has a pull rod and double wheels that ensures easy transportation from one place to another. You can also expand the capacity from 5kWh to 60kWh with the help of add-on battery packs to extend the appliance's runtime.

Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.

Dry Camping

If you are planning to dry camp, Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 can efficiently power most of your outdoor appliances. With a battery capacity of 2042Wh, the solar generator can seamlessly power outdoor appliances, such as portable refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, and more. It emits less than 30dB noise, which is less than what you hear in a library.

You can team up the power station with Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels for efficient charging. The portable power station can be recharged in 7.5 hours using 2* Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels. If you have enough space in your car, consider packing Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 on your next dry camping trip.

Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.

Power Outage/Blackout

The refrigerator is a high-power-consuming home appliance that you need to power up during power outages, brownouts, and blackouts. Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000, and Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus are popular home battery backup solutions for powering core household appliances during unexpected power outages or blackouts.

You can integrate  Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus or Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 with the home circuits via the Manual Transfer Switch. You can choose up to 6 circuits from the breaker panel, such as garage door, refrigerator, light switches, and other outlets in the living area. This will help you ensure uninterrupted power supply when there's a power supply outage in the area. 

The Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus is the portable and essential home backup solution that can run most household appliances, such as refrigerators,  fans, lights, etc. It can power a fridge for up to 14 days, ensuring no food is spoiled. It features a luggage-style design with wheels and a telescoping handle for easier transportation. If you need more power, you can expand the capacity up to 43kWh when connected in parallel.

If you live in an area prone to long-term power outages, you can consider the most trusted essential home backup solution, such as Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus. It has a large battery capacity that can power almost all household appliances, such as refrigerators, induction cooktops, heaters, microwaves for hours or days. It is compatible with the Jackery Smart Transfer Switch to switch from on-grid power to battery backup during an outage.

Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.

Outdoor Professional Work

Note: The wattage given in the table may vary depending on the model and type of appliance you are using.

What are the Benefits of Buying a Portable Solar Generator

Portable solar generators are a dynamic backup power option. You can use them both in your home and when you’re on the go. They’re purposefully made smaller than dedicated home backup solar generators to offer this flexibility.

As they feature a power station that you charge with portable solar panels, you essentially plug the portable solar panels into the power station until it’s charged. Then you can use the power that you’ve created on almost any appliance or electronic device that you want.

Many people purchase portable solar generators to get access to clean power while enjoying the outdoors. Then, as an added benefit, they can use the generator as a backup source of energy for their homes whenever they need one. It’s this versatility that’s made portable solar generators so popular.

Common Questions about What Size Generator Do You Need

Can You Charge Any Device with a Jackery Power Station?

Jackery Power Stations can power a wide variety of consumer devices since they feature USB ports, a DC carport, and pure sine wave AC outlets.

Your device will need to be powered with one of these methods and use a level of power that is compatible with the Jackery Power Station you select.

Can a Jackery Power Station Jumpstart My Car?

No, you cannot jumpstart a car with a Jackery Power Station. But you can charge a car’s battery with a power station. So you can use your Jackery product to get the battery charged enough so that you don’t need to jumpstart it.

How Long Can a Jackery Power Station Power My Device?

This is entirely dependent on the amount of power that your device uses. If you want to know how long a Jackery Portable Power Station can run your appliance, you can use the Running Time Calculator available on the product page. Simply visit the product page you would like to buy for powering the appliance and scroll down to find the calculator. Enter the total wattage of the appliances you plan to power simultaneously to get an estimated runtime.

What Size Jackery Power Station Is Best for Me?

This will depend on how much power you want to get out of your portable solar generator. If you want to maximize the amount of power you get, then you should consider either our Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus or our Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, as these home battery backup solutions can be seamless with the help of add-on battery packs.

Conclusion

Solar generators provide clean, renewable energy as a low-maintenance power source for wherever you need it. Whether that’s in the home, the outdoors, or both. They can be a very worthwhile investment. However, it makes sense to buy the right size for your energy needs.

That’s why Jackery offers solar generators equipped with power stations of various sizes to ensure you find the one that suits your goals and budget. Always keep in mind what devices you are looking to power and for how long.

If you are unsure how much power you need, we hope this article helps you to calculate the right size power station, and consequently, the right size solar generator for you.

For more information on Jackery Solar Generators and the various size power stations they come with, take a look at our solar generators* page.