Camping is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the outdoors. But if you love camping, you know how important it is to have a reliable source of power for your devices and appliances. Whether you need to charge your phone, laptop, or camera or run a fan, heater, or minifridge, you’ll want a generator that can meet your needs without compromising your comfort or safety. Traditionally, gas generators have been the go-to option for campers, but in recent years, solar generators have become increasingly popular. So which type of generator is better for camping: solar or gas? Let's take a closer look.

Cost

Gas generators are typically less expensive than solar generators, but they require fuel, which can be costly over time. Solar generators, while more expensive upfront, don't require any fuel other than sunlight, which is free and abundant, and that means they can save you money in the long run. Additionally, solar generators have a longer lifespan than gas generators. While most gas generators last about 5 years before they begin breaking down, solar generators can last as long as 25 years, making them a more cost-effective long-term solution.

Performance

Gas-powered generators aren’t as efficient as solar-powered ones; many of them can only put out up to 1000 watts of power at a time, while the Vanpowers Solar Generator can reach 2000 watts of output. Also, gas generators need time to warm up and often don’t run well in cold conditions. Solar generators are a plug-and-play setup that can charge your devices without warming up—just flip the switch.   

Moreover, gas generators can be large and heavy, making them difficult to lug around on your camping trips. You’ll probably need to bring an additional gas tank, too, since the generator is useless without fuel. By comparison, solar generators are more lightweight and compact, making them easier to transport. For example, the Vanpowers Super Power Pro 2000 Portable Power Station and SP200 Foldable Solar Panel are both very portable. Thanks to the power station’s industrial-grade wheels, telescopic aluminum handle, and low center of gravity, you can take it just about anywhere! Similarly, the solar panel comes with a carrying case and kickstand, making it easy to generate electricity wherever you pitch your tent.

Maintenance

Maintenance is one of the most frustrating aspects of using gas generators. They have many moving parts that can wear out and break down over time. They also need regular oil changes, spark plug replacements, air filter cleanings, and fuel stabilizer treatments. On top of all that, gas generator maintenance often needs to be done by a professional, which can be hard to arrange when you’re trying to relax at a campground or national park! When it comes to solar generators, you don’t need to schedule maintenance or pay for expensive upkeep. The only thing you need to do is clean your solar panels once in a while by simply rinsing them with a hose or using a leaf blower to eliminate any debris buildup.

Environmental Impact

The last criterion we’d like to compare solar generators and gas generators on is their environmental impact. Gas generators emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants that contribute to global warming and smog formation. They also make a lot of noise when in use, which can disturb wildlife and other campers. In comparison, solar generators produce no emissions and are all but silent, making them a more eco-friendly option for camping.

Conclusion

The choice between solar and gas generators largely depends on your personal preference, budget, power needs, and environmental values. But if you want a generator that can save you money and hassle in the long run while reducing your carbon footprint, a solar generator is the best option for you. With its large 2096Wh capacity and 14 output ports, the Vanpowers Solar Generator can power all of your campsite devices. What’s more, it supports smart app control, putting power at your fingertips. Whether you head out for a weekend camping trip or embark on a long journey in your van, this is the way to go.