For most people, going camping means roughing it. And as much as we would love to “disconnect,” the biggest obstacle that comes in the way of enjoying the wild outdoors is having to carry a fuel source to accommodate your electricity needs.
People usually camp in inhabited, often remote places where finding power connected to the grid is almost impossible. Many campers will tent camp with generators. This means you have to carry your fair share of fuel, which can get very tiresome and inconvenient very quickly.
However, one renewable energy source available at all places at all times is the sun. So, many prefer to carry a Growatt Solar Generator to power their tent with, and they’re all set!
But what if we told you that there’s another amazing innovation that every camper must be aware of? Solar-powered tents.
You read that right! You now have the option of using tents powered by the sun, which will make your next camping trip so much more convenient.
So, how exactly does a solar-powered tent work, and how does it compare to a solar generator? Let's find out.
Solar Powered Tent
A solar-powered tent is just that — a tent powered by solar energy.
Now, you might think that you’d also need solar panels and a solar generator to use it. But you’d be wrong. All you need is a tent that is designed to draw power from the sun and a generator to store the generated solar power.
A solar-powered tent is made of solar textile or fabric that produces solar power. You can then use the power for heating, charging, cooking, lighting, and safety.
With a solar power tent, you don’t need to carry a fuel source. You can generate power on the go and camp anywhere you like without worrying about or restricting yourself to sites closer to a power source.
And since you’ll be using your tent to generate your own energy, you don’t have to worry about exhausting your fuel. Besides, solar energy is the best fuel for the environment, so you’ll also be doing your bit for your planet.
Solar Powered Tent Vs Solar Generator For Tent
Solar Powered Tent
The solar-powered tent is also known as the “Kaleidoscope” for environment-friendly tourists. It’s a revolutionary invention in camping history, something that will have a very positive impact on the environment. Solar-powered tents are especially useful for regular campers who are also environmentally conscious.
Functioning
The concept of solar tents is not entirely new. However, the earlier versions of solar tents were just regular tents with solar panels embedded in the roof fabric. The latest versions, however, are made from semi-photovoltaic fabric that has conventional threads and solar threads woven together to form a solar shell.
This fabric goes on the tent’s exterior and functions as a solar panel. The fabric must be positioned so that it faces direct sunlight. A major benefit of the tent’s exterior is that it is flexible. It has three directional glides, so you can move it throughout the day to maximize energy collection according to the position of the sun.
Features
Apart from the directional glide, the tent also has a central wireless control hub. This control hub will keep you informed about the amount of energy generated and used. It also has a wireless internet signal, making it easy to surf the net.
And while a solar-powered tent is great for capturing heat, it does not heat on the inside, keeping the occupants comfortable and cool. It is stylish and elegant and also has a self-heating feature that’s great for those chilly nights.
You can use the generated power for various camping purposes, including cooking and charging your devices.
And like all other tents, the solar-powered tent, too, is foldable and collapsible. So, you can carry it with you anywhere you go.
Pros:
- Environment-friendly
- Ideal for chilly weather
- One-time investment and cost-effective
- The glow feature makes it easy for you to find your way even when visibility is not very high
Cons:
- Still in the experimental phase. A lot of improvements are still required.
- Photovoltaic fabric is still under development.
- Real-world testing is required.
- Very heavy. Transportation can be a task.
- Production is not in bulk, making the tent very expensive.
Solar Generator For Tent
A solar generator is a generator that also harnesses the energy of the sun like the solar-powered tent, but the generator is not directly connected to the tent. It has solar panels for capturing and creating power and a battery for storing the created energy. It is the traditional option for eco-friendly campers. It is safe and can fulfill all your energy needs while camping.
Solar generators are not only used for camping but also for RVs and boats, and even as a backup power source in case of emergencies and power outages.
Functioning
A solar generator has four parts — solar panels, battery, charge controller, and inverter. The panels capture solar energy or sunlight and convert it into energy or DC power. The charge controller regulates the current and stabilizes it, making it safe for storage in the battery. The inverter converts the current into AC power and directs the electricity to whichever appliance it is connected to.
Features
Most modern solar generators come with many easy-to-use and safe mechanisms. They have LED displays to show charging status, output stats, and more.
Pros:
- No fuel is required
- Cost-effective
- Environment-friendly
- Low maintenance
- No noise
Cons:
- High upfront cost
Growatt Solar Generator For Tent
Solar generators by Growatt are the best solution for all your off-grid power needs. Whether you are camping or live in an area with regular power outages, solar generators by Growatt are a reliable power source.
Learn more about solar generator for camping
Take a look at some amazing features of Growatt generators:
- Lightweight
- Easy to set up
- Fast charging
- Remote control
- Sturdy
INFINITY 1500
The INFINITY 1500 generator by Growatt has a 1512Wh capacity and 2000W output. It has a high AC charging speed, getting 80% charge in just 1 hour and getting a complete 100% charge in 2 hours. Besides, it can be fully charged in 2.5 hours by solar panels.
The generator can power all kinds of devices with 12 diverse outlets. It is also very easy to charge and can be either solar-charged, car-charged, or wall-charged. Plus, it is exceptionally safe. The generator comes with BMS (Battery Management System), which ensures that the batteries are safe to use.
Additionally, the product comes with a 2-year guarantee, warranting its superior quality and standards.
| Series | Capacity | Ports | Recharge Time | Outdoor Appliances |
| Growatt Solar Generator INFINITY 1500 | 1512Wh | Net Weight: ~36.4lbs (16.5kg) Dimensions (LxWxH): 16.5 x 9.1 x 11.3 in (418.7 x 230 x 287mm) AC Output:120V~, 60Hz, 2000W Max (Surge 4000W) Quick Charge 3.0: 2 x 18W Max (5V/9V/12V, 2.4A) USB-A: 2 x 12W Max (5V, 2.4 A) USB-C PD: 2 x 60W Max (5V/9V/15V/20V, 3A) |
Solar 800W: 2.5H Wall Charging: 2H Car Charging: Support 12V/24V Standards |
Light(10W): 128H CPAP(60W): 21H Laptop(65Wh): 19Cycles Drone(60Wh): 21Cycles Headphone(13Wh): 99Cycles |
INFINITY 1300
Growatt’s INFINITY 1300 generator has a 1382Wh capacity and 1800W output. It comes with a LiFePO4 battery and offers the fastest charging with 3000+ life cycles. With 14 versatile outlets, you can charge a variety of appliances with ease.
The generator also comes with a 5-year warranty and has an app that allows you to control the settings.
The generator has AC outlets, DC outlets, USB A ports, USB C ports, and a wireless charging pad. It will simultaneously charge portable electronics and power home appliances.
| Series | Capacity | Ports | Recharge Time | Outdoor Appliances |
| Growatt Solar Generator INFINITY 1300 | 1382Wh | AC Outlet: 4 x 120V~, 50/60Hz, Pure Sine Wave Max. 1800W, Surge Peak 3600W Car Outlet: 1 x 13.2V/10A, 132W Max. DC5521 Output: 2 x 13.2V/3A, 36W Max. USB-A: 2 x 5V/2.4A, 12W Max. USB-A Fast Charge: 2 X 5V/2.4A, 9V/2A,12V/1.5A, 18W Max. USB-C: 2 x 5V/9V/12V/15V/20V, 5A, 100W Max. Wireless Charging: 1 x 15W Max. |
Solar 800W: 2.5H Wall Charging: 1.8H Car Charging: Support 12V/24V Standards |
Light(10W): 117H CPAP(65W): 18H Camera(10Wh): 117Cycles Drone(60Wh): 20Cycles Headphone(13Wh): 90Cycles |
VITA 550
With a 538Wh capacity and 600W output, the VITA 550 is another great option from Growatt. It has a LiFePO4 battery that gets solar-charged in 2.5 hours and wall-charged in 1.6 hours. It has 3,000+ life cycles and 11 outlets.
The best feature of the generator is its ultra-portability. Featuring an ergonomic handle and weighing just 8.16 kg, the generator is easy to move around the campsite and carry in your car.
| Series | Capacity | Ports | Recharge Time | Outdoor Appliances |
| Growatt Solar Generator VITA 550 | 538Wh | AC Output: 100V-120V, 60Hz, 600W Max. 660W (Surge 1200W) USB-A: 5V /2.4A, 12W Max USB A-FAST Charge: 5V /2.4A, 9V /2A, 12V /1.5A, 18W Max USB-C: 5V/9V/12V/20V, 5A, 100W Max Car Outlet: 13.2V /10A, 132W Max DC5521 Output: 13.2V /3A, 36W Max Watt+ Maximum Supported Power: 1050W (Need to Use APP to Start) Wireless Charging: 15W Max LED Lighting: 1W |
Solar 200W: 2.5H Wall Charging: 1.6H Car Charging(100W): 5.4H |
Light(6W): 76H Radio(100W): 4.5H Laptop(50W): 9H Drone(60Wh): 7Cycles Headphone(6Wh): 76Cycles |
FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need to power a tent?
The size of the solar generator you will need will depend on the number of devices you intend on powering. All three generators from Growatt are great for powering a tent as they can power multiple appliances simultaneously.
Do solar-powered tents work on cloudy days, in winter, or without the sun?
Solar-powered tents harness the energy of the sun. So, they work best when the sun is shining brightly. But when the sun is not at its peak, such as in winter or when it is cloudy, the charging will not be as fast.
In such cases, the best option is solar generators. They charge relatively faster and can power more devices. They are also robust and can stand harsh weather conditions.
Final Thoughts
Camping offers a relaxing escape from the hectic lifestyles most of us have. It allows you to be closer to nature or spend a weekend being a complete recluse by choosing camping spots that are more remote. And in such situations, having a reliable power source becomes a crucial necessity. Solar generators and solar-powered tents offer the perfect solution, allowing you to enjoy nature without any hurdles.
