Don’t get caught with a solar generator that can’t power your fridge.
Sizing your system correctly is key to staying powered during blackouts, camping trips, or off-grid adventures.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about solar generator wattage, including how to calculate your needs and which units are right for different scenarios.
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- Meta Title: How Many Watts Do I Need for a Solar Generator? | 2025 Sizing Guide
- Meta Description: Learn how to calculate the right wattage for your solar generator based on your needs. Perfect for home backup, camping, or van life in 2025.
⚡ What Are Watts and Watt-Hours?
Understanding the difference is the first step:
- Watts (W) = the amount of power a device needs to run.
- Watt-Hours (Wh) = how much energy a generator can store or supply over time.
🧠 Think of watts as speed, and watt-hours as the size of the fuel tank.
📏 How to Calculate Your Power Needs
Here’s a simple 3-step method:
Step 1: List Your Devices
Example camping setup:
| Device | Watts | Hours Used/Day |
|---|---|---|
| LED lights | 10 | 5 |
| Smartphone | 5 | 2 |
| Laptop | 50 | 3 |
| CPAP machine | 40 | 8 |
| Portable fridge | 60 | 10 |
Step 2: Multiply Watts × Hours
| Device | Daily Watt-Hour Usage |
|---|---|
| LED lights | 10 × 5 = 50Wh |
| Smartphone | 5 × 2 = 10Wh |
| Laptop | 50 × 3 = 150Wh |
| CPAP machine | 40 × 8 = 320Wh |
| Fridge | 60 × 10 = 600Wh |
| Total | 1,130Wh/day |
Step 3: Add 20% Buffer
For inverter losses, startup surges, and cloudy solar days:
1,130Wh × 1.2 = 1,356Wh
💡 So, How Many Watts Do You Really Need?
| Usage Scenario | Recommended Output (W) | Battery Size (Wh) | Example Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone charging, lights | 150–300W | 250–300Wh | Jackery 300 Plus, ALLPOWERS R600 |
| Laptop, CPAP, TV | 500–600W | 500–700Wh | Anker 535, Bluetti EB3A |
| Small fridge, power tools | 1000–1500W | 1000–1500Wh | Bluetti AC180, Jackery 1000 Pro |
| Whole-home backup | 2000W+ | 2000Wh+ | Anker SOLIX F2000, Bluetti AC200P |
📝 Always check both output wattage (can it run the device?) and battery size (how long will it run?).
🌞 How Solar Charging Fits In
🔋 A quick solar charging primer:
- Solar panels generate input watts, e.g. 100W, 200W, etc.
- The more watts you input, the faster your generator recharges.
- Pair your generator with the right panel:
- 100W panel: ~20–30% charge in 3–4 hrs
- 200W panel: ~50–60% in 3–4 hrs
🔌 Bonus: Wattage of Common Appliances
| Appliance | Typical Wattage |
|---|---|
| Smartphone charger | 5–10W |
| Laptop | 50–60W |
| LED lightbulb | 10W |
| WiFi router | 6–15W |
| Electric blanket | 200W |
| Mini fridge | 60–100W |
| Microwave | 1000W |
| Kettle | 1500W–2000W |
| Hairdryer | 1200W–1800W |
| CPAP machine | 30–60W |
FAQs
Can I run my house on a solar generator?
Only with large units (2000Wh+) like the Anker SOLIX F2000 or expandable systems like Zendure SuperBase V.
Will a 300W generator run my fridge?
No. Most fridges need at least 500–800W to run, with higher surge watts at startup.
What size generator for camping with CPAP?
At least 500Wh with 300–600W output. Look at the ALLPOWERS R600, Bluetti EB3A, or Jackery Explorer 500.
✅ Final Thoughts
Choosing the right wattage for your solar generator is essential — not just for running your devices, but for making sure they run long enough and safely.
🎯 Calculate your daily power use, add a buffer, and choose a unit that fits your needs — not just your budget.
🔥 Ready to Buy? Here Are Our Top Picks:
- ✅ Entry-level: Jackery 300 Plus
- ✅ Best Budget: ALLPOWERS R600
- ✅ Midrange Power: Bluetti AC180
- ✅ Home Backup: Anker SOLIX F2000
