Affordable Solar Power Stations
Going off-grid doesn’t mean you have to leave power behind. Whether you’re charging a phone, running a small fan, or keeping a CPAP machine powered overnight, a solar power station is a must-have for the satellite world for camping. But high-capacity models can get expensive, leaving many outdoor lovers searching for affordable yet reliable options. The good news? There are plenty of affordable solar power stations that deliver solid performance without costing a fortune.
In this roundup, we’re reviewing five of the best affordable solar power stations that provide a balance of price, power, and portability. These models can handle everything from charging multiple devices to power small appliances while remaining compact enough for travel.
Comparison Table: Affordable Solar Power Stations for Camping
| Model | Battery Capacity | Solar Input (Max) | Battery Type | Weight | AC Output | USB Ports | DC Output | Pass-Through Charging | Charge Cycles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackery Explorer 240 | 240Wh | 65W | Lithium-ion | 6.6 lbs | 200W (400W peak) | 2x USB-A (2.4A) | 1x 12V car port | ✅ Yes | ~500 cycles |
| BLUETTI EB3A | 268Wh | 200W | LiFePO4 | 10.1 lbs | 600W (1200W peak) | 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C (100W) | 2x DC5521 | ✅ Yes | ~2500 cycles |
| Anker 535 | 512Wh | 100W | LiFePO4 | 16.7 lbs | 500W (1000W peak) | 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C (60W) | 1x Car Port | ✅ Yes | ~3000 cycles |
| MARBERO 88Wh | 88Wh | 30W | Lithium-ion | 2.6 lbs | 80W (120W peak) | 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C | 1x DC | ❌ No | ~500 cycles |
| Rockpals 300W | 280Wh | 100W | Lithium-ion | 7.3 lbs | 300W (500W peak) | 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C (30W) | 1x DC, 1x Car Port | ✅ Yes | ~500 cycles |
1. Anker 535 Portable Power Station – Reliable for Long Trips
If you need a power station that won’t leave you scrambling for an outlet, the Anker 535 is a solid choice. With 512Wh of power, this thing can keep your essential devices running for days. You get four AC outlets, a USB-C port, and multiple USB-A ports, making it super versatile for anything from charging your phone to powering a small cooler.
Its smart display gives real-time updates on power usage. It also has temperature control to prevent overheating—something a lot of budget power stations struggle with. If you’re heading out for multi-day camping trips, this one won’t let you down.
✔ Pros:
- Ideal for multiple days off-grid
- Multiple ports, including USB-C for fast charging
- Built-in temperature control
- Smart display
✖ Cons:
- A bit heavier than smaller models
- Slower solar charging without high-wattage panels
2. BLUETTI EB3A Portable Power Station – Fast Charging
If you don’t need a massive power bank but still want reliability, the BLUETTI EB3A is a fantastic pick. It’s compact but still packs 268Wh, which is more than enough for short camping trips. It comes with two AC outlets, USB-A and USB-C ports, a DC port, and even a wireless charging pad.
One of the coolest things? It charges super fast—under two hours if you use solar and wall charging. That’s a lifesaver when you need quick power on the go. If you’re a weekend camper looking for an affordable, lightweight, and quick-charging station, this is a top contender.
✔ Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Fast charging in under 2 hours
- Includes wireless charging
- Easy to carry
✖ Cons:
- Lower capacity than larger models
- No built-in light
3. Jackery Explorer 240 – Dependable and Solar-Ready
Jackery is one of the most well-known brands in the portable power station world, and the Explorer 240 is a great budget-friendly option. With 256Wh of capacity, it’s perfect for charging phones, cameras, GPS devices, and even running small fans or lights. The pure sine wave inverter ensures smooth power delivery, so you don’t have to worry about damaging sensitive electronics.
It has one AC outlet, two USB-A ports, and a DC car port—not as many as some competitors, but still enough for basic needs. The best part? It’s designed to pair seamlessly with Jackery solar panels, making it an excellent choice for solar-only campers.
✔ Pros:
- Reliable brand with excellent build quality
- Works well with solar panels
- Lightweight and portable
- Good value for the money
✖ Cons:
- No USB-C ports
- Slower charging than some competitors
4. MARBERO Portable Power Station – Minimalist Campers
If you’re looking for something truly lightweight and budget-friendly, the MARBERO Portable Power Station is a solid choice. With 88Wh of capacity, it’s not going to run a fridge, but it’s perfect for charging phones, flashlights, and small gadgets.
One of the most underrated features is the built-in LED flashlight, which comes in handy when setting up camp at night. It also has a variety of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, and an AC outlet. If you’re on a tight budget and need just enough power for a short trip, this is a great pick.
✔ Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and compact
- Affordable price
- Built-in LED flashlight
✖ Cons:
- Low capacity (best for short trips only)
- Slower charging speed
5. HOWEASY Portable Power Station – Good Port Variety
For those who want a balance between affordability and versatility, the HOWEASY Portable Power Station is a great middle-ground choice. It comes with 120Wh of capacity, an AC outlet, USB-A and USB-C ports, a DC port, and a car socket—plenty of options for different devices.
This one also includes a built-in LED light, which is great for night use. Plus, it supports solar charging, making it a solid option for off-grid campers looking for a small, but useful power station.
✔ Pros:
- Good mix of ports for different devices
- Compact and easy to carry
- Supports solar charging
- Built-in LED light
✖ Cons:
- Not enough capacity for bigger power needs
- Plastic build feels a bit cheap
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an all-around reliable power station, the Anker 535 is a great high-capacity choice. For those who want something lightweight and quick-charging, the BLUETTI EB3A is the way to go. No matter which one you choose, these solar power stations make off-grid camping easier and more comfortable—so you can enjoy nature without worrying about a dead battery!
How to Choose the Best Affordable Solar Power Station for Off-Grid Camping
Not all portable power stations are the same, and picking the right one depends on how much power you need, what devices you want to charge, and how long you’ll be off the grid. Here’s what to consider before buying one:
Battery Capacity (Wh) – How Much Power Do You Need?
Battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh) and tells you how much energy the power station can store. Here’s a rough estimate of what different capacities can handle:
- 100Wh–200Wh: Best for charging phones, cameras, GPS devices, and LED lights for short trips.
- 200Wh–500Wh: Can power laptops, small fans, and CPAP machines for a night or two.
- 500Wh and above: Ideal for multi-day camping trips, running small coolers, and recharging multiple devices.
Solar Charging Speed – How Fast Does It Recharge?
Since you’ll be off-grid, you need a power station that charges quickly via solar panels. Look for:
- Solar Input Power (Watts): The higher, the better. A 100W solar panel charges much faster than a 30W panel.
- MPPT Controller: Helps maximize solar charging efficiency. Power stations with MPPT controllers charge up to 30% faster than those without.
- Dual Charging Options: Some power stations allow you to charge via solar and wall outlets simultaneously, cutting down recharge time significantly.
If you’re relying only on solar, get a model with fast-charging capability and consider pairing it with high-wattage solar panels.
Port Selection – What Can You Plug In?
Different power stations come with different ports. Make sure yours has:
- AC Outlets – For laptops, CPAP machines, mini coolers, or other small appliances.
- USB-A & USB-C Ports – For fast charging phones, cameras, and tablets.
- DC & Car Ports – Useful for 12V-powered gear like car fridges or air pumps.
- Wireless Charging – Some newer models include this for added convenience.
If you need to power multiple devices at once, pick a model with plenty of ports.
Weight & Portability – How Easy Is It to Carry?
For camping, you want a power station that’s light enough to carry but still powerful enough to meet your needs. Under 5 lbs (2.3 kg) is ultra-portable, but lower capacity. 5–10 lbs (2.3–4.5 kg) are a good balance between power and portability. Over 10 lbs (4.5 kg) are more power, but heavier—better for car camping than backpacking.
Durability & Safety Features
Camping gear takes a beating, so your power station should be built to handle outdoor conditions. Look for robust casing to withstand rough handling. Temperature control prevents overheating in hot weather. Short circuit protection & surge protection keeps your devices safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much should I spend on a budget-friendly solar power station?
Affordable solar power stations range from $100 to $400, depending on capacity and features. If you only need to charge small devices like phones and cameras, a $100–$200 model will work. For running CPAP machines or small coolers, expect to spend around $300–$400.
Can an affordable solar power station run a mini fridge or CPAP machine?
Yes, but only if you choose a model with at least 300Wh–500Wh capacity. A small 12V fridge or CPAP machine requires over 300Wh for overnight use. The BLUETTI EB3A and Anker 535 are good budget options for this purpose.
Do budget solar power stations come with solar panels?
Most affordable models do not include solar panels. You usually have to buy them separately. However, some brands sell bundles that include both the power station and a compatible solar panel at a discount.
How long do budget solar power stations last?
Most affordable solar power stations last 500 to 2,000 charge cycles, depending on the battery type. Lithium-ion models like the Jackery Explorer 240 typically last 500 cycles, while LiFePO4 models like the BLUETTI EB3A last 2,500+ cycles, making them a better long-term investment.
What’s the difference between budget and high-end solar power stations?
Budget-friendly models have smaller battery capacities (100Wh–500Wh) compared to premium models (1000Wh+). Slower charging speeds and fewer output ports. Shorter battery lifespans unless they use LiFePO4 technology. Despite these differences, many budget options still perform well for weekend camping and light power needs.
