UK portable off-grid planning
Off-grid camping solar calculator
Plan trip energy, battery capacity, inverter output and cautious portable-solar capacity for tents, festivals, caravans, campervans and outdoor work.
Reviewed 24 July 2026 · Planning estimate, not a runtime, solar-yield or compatibility guarantee.
Portable off-grid planning
Plan power for your trip
Start with a trip preset, then edit appliance labels and actual use.
3. Edit selected loads
Phone charging
USB lights
Electric pump
How we calculated this
- Trip Wh = watts × hours/day × quantity × days used.
- Daily Wh = trip Wh ÷ trip days.
- Adjusted daily energy = daily Wh ÷ inverter efficiency ÷ retained energy after losses.
- Usable battery = adjusted daily energy × coverage days × reserve.
- Nominal capacity = usable battery ÷ usable-capacity fraction.
- Hook-up uses one coverage day; driving charge uses up to 1.5; otherwise up to two.
- Solar uses 4 summer, 2.5 spring/autumn or 1 winter peak-sun hours.
- Solar also applies visible position, cloudy-condition and 20% design allowances.
- Inverter assumes selected loads could overlap, plus 20% margin and the largest stated surge.
Portable camping products to compare
Use the calculator first, then compare its battery, output and panel estimates with the current product details.
EcoFlow
RIVER 3 Plus Solar Generator with 60W panel
A power station and solar-panel bundle sold together by the manufacturer.
Best for: Light weekend loads within its verified battery and output limits.
- Capacity: 286 Wh
- batteryCapacityWh: 286 Wh
- Continuous output: 600 W
- surgeOutputW: 1200 W
Check before buying: Match the product’s current manual to your calculator result and intended connections.
Affiliate linkView latest priceJackery
Explorer 300 Plus
An integrated portable battery and inverter for compatible off-grid appliances.
Best for: Small charging, lighting and electronics loads.
- Capacity: 288 Wh
- batteryCapacityWh: 288 Wh
- Continuous output: 300 W
- surgeOutputW: 600 W
Check before buying: Match the product’s current manual to your calculator result and intended connections.
Affiliate linkView latest priceBLUETTI
AC50B with 100W Solar Panel
A power station and solar-panel bundle sold together by the manufacturer.
Best for: A compact power station and panel bundle.
- Capacity: 448 Wh
- batteryCapacityWh: 448 Wh
- Continuous output: 700 W
- maxSolarInputW: 200 W
Check before buying: Match the product’s current manual to your calculator result and intended connections.
Affiliate linkView latest priceRenogy
200W Portable Solar Panel
A folding portable panel for compatible power stations and controllers.
Best for: Portable solar charging when its electrical output and connectors match your power station.
- Panel power: 200 W
Check before buying: Match the product’s current manual to your calculator result and intended connections.
Affiliate linkView latest priceHow to use the result
Battery capacity tells you how much energy can be stored; inverter watts tell you which AC loads can run. Compare both with a product's current manual, including surge output and solar input voltage, current and wattage limits.
UK sun is variable. Shade, cloud, low winter sun, poor orientation and hot panels reduce real harvest. Treat the solar figure as an initial sizing allowance, not promised daily generation.
Four worked trip examples
| Trip | Loads to enter | What usually drives the result |
|---|---|---|
| Two-person tent | Two phones, USB lights and an occasional air pump | Trip length and reserve |
| Family camping | Phones, tablets, lighting and a compressor fridge | Fridge duty cycle and mixed-weather recharge |
| Remote work | Laptop, phone, mobile router and task light | Daily working hours and laptop supply losses |
| Caravan or campervan | Fridge, television, electronics and occasional high-demand loads | Simultaneous output, motor surge and charging while driving |
Use rating labels and your own hours. Presets are editable examples, not product specifications or typical-use claims.
Heavy loads and essentials
Electric kettles, heaters, hair dryers, microwaves and cooking appliances can dominate both energy and inverter size. The calculator shows a full-trip versus essentials-only comparison when a heavy load is selected.
For CPAP machines, mobility equipment or other essential devices, confirm the exact device demand and power-supply compatibility with the manufacturers. Allow generous reserve and carry a safe independent backup. Do not base a health or safety decision on this calculator alone.
Portable station or leisure-battery system?
An all-in-one portable power station can be convenient and includes its own specified outlets and controls. A leisure-battery system can be more configurable, but correct protection, cable sizing, ventilation and compatibility require competent design. Neither should be used to backfeed a socket or improvised mains circuit.
Frequently asked questions
What size power station do I need for camping?
Add each appliance's watt-hours for the full trip, allow for conversion losses and reserve, then check inverter output separately. Capacity in Wh and output in W answer different questions.
Will a 100 W solar panel recharge a power station?
It may contribute useful energy, but actual input depends on weather, shade, orientation, panel temperature and the power station's compatible input limits. Rated watts are not guaranteed output.
Can I use a portable power station for a CPAP machine?
Only after checking the exact device, humidifier, power supply, expected hours, battery output and manufacturer guidance. Keep a conservative reserve and an independent backup plan; do not rely on this estimate for medical safety.
Is portable camping solar the same as plug-in solar?
No. This page covers off-grid batteries and portable panels. It does not cover a system connected to domestic mains wiring.