You're hot, you're sweaty, and you're dying for a fan or a portable AC unit. If only there were a way to get electricity out in the middle of nowhere.
Oh, but there is!
The solution lies in a solar fan. That's right: a fan that runs on solar-generated electricity.
Are you interested in buying one? This guide will help you do so. Here's how to choose the best solar camping fan.
What Is a Solar Camping Fan?
A solar-powered camping fan is a fan for use in tents powered by solar energy. It's equipped with a small solar panel.
When continuously exposed to the sun, this panel sends energy to a charger within the fan. It's stored until it's ready to be used.
You can use solar-powered camping fans out in the wilderness, as there's no need for an electrical outlet. You can charge one of these up as long as the sun is present.
Most solar-powered camping fans have hangers or clips. These enable you to hang the fan from the top of a tent.
While many of these fans are just fans, some include added features such as being hybrid lanterns as well.
If you are not going camping but instead going on a long road trip, check out our full guide on solar powered fans for cars!
The Benefits of a Solar Powered Fan
Solar-powered fans come with numerous benefits. For one, they can be charged anywhere. So, whether you're at a music festival or in the middle of the mountains or forest, you can charge your solar-powered fan if you have sunlight.
Another benefit is the ability to receive airflow in remote areas. You can't bring a corded window fan out to the middle of the woods. However, with a solar-powered camping fan on your side, you can get increased airflow anywhere.
There's also the benefit of compactness. Most of these fans are on the small side. As such, they can be easily stored and transported.
Apart from these benefits, solar-powered fans often come equipped with additional features. Therefore, they might provide an extra light or an extra USB port.
If you're more of the DIY type, you might want to check out our guide on how to run a small fan directly from a solar panel.
But we understand if you don't want to build your own solar fan, so below are the best solar camping fans on the market! Let's check them out!
SupBri Solar Camping Fan/Lantern
First on our list is the SupBri Solar Camping Fan/Lantern. This fan is not just a fan but a light as well. It can be strategically placed in a tent to provide airflow and illumination.
This fan can be 100% charged by the sun. However, it can also be charged with an electrical charger and, more specifically, a 100 to 220 V AC charger.
This fan is exceedingly lightweight because it's made of plastic. As such, you can carry it around with great ease.
It's also compact, measuring 2 inches x 2 inches x 7 inches. Because of its small and narrow size, it can be seamlessly stored in a bag and maybe even in your pocket.
It makes use of a high-powered LED light. This light can run anywhere from 6 to 12 hours straight on a single charge without fan usage.
In summation, this is a terrific solar camping fan. Its ability to provide wind and illumination makes it a great buy. Reasonably priced, it's arguably the best of its kind on the market.
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The features of this fan include:
- Comes equipped with an LED light
- Compact and easy to store
- Equipped with a hanger
- Can be charged via solar power and electricity
Up next is the BUSYPIGGY Solar Camping Fan. This fan is similar to the SupBri fan in that it possesses both a fan and lights. However, it differs in some areas.
Like the SupBri, it's made out of plastic. This keeps it lightweight and easy to transport. Note, though, that it's a little wider than the SupBri, measuring in at 5.5 inches x 4.3 inches x 8.5 inches.
Because of its additional width, it stands no chance of being stored in a pocket. That said, it's still relatively compact and can be stored discreetly.
This fan can be charged both by solar power and electricity. It features a USB port along with a solar panel. It can last anywhere from 5 to 48 hours on a full charge, depending on the light and fan levels used.
All told, this is an excellent product. Whether you're looking to use it outside, in a tent, or otherwise, it will accommodate you.
The features of this fan include:
- Has both electrical and solar charging capabilities
- Possesses a hanger
- Offers up to 48 hours of continuous use
- Can be used as both a light and a fan
You may also consider the Ansee Solar Camping Fan. This fan serves as a fan, a flashlight, and a table lamp. Available at a mid-range price, it has very few weaknesses.
It's made out of plastic and is therefore very lightweight. In addition, it possesses a built-in stand so that it can sit straight up on a table. For use in tents, it's also equipped with a hanger.
It possesses both solar charging and electricity charging capabilities. It works anywhere from 4 to 8 hours continuously on a full charge.
This fan might not provide the exceptional airflow of others. That said, it offers excellent versatility and is a solid option overall.
The features of this fan include:
- Equipped with a built-in stand
- Has a hanger
- Can be used as a flashlight, lamp, and fan
- Charges from both solar power and electricity
We'll round out this list with the DHD Solar Fan. This is the most versatile fan on our list, as it provides a fan, radio capabilities, MP3 capabilities, a table lamp, a flashlight, and a cell phone charger.
Of course, with its many features also comes a higher price. It is the most expensive fan on our list.
It can be charged with both solar power and electricity. You can also run it on a constant electrical signal, allowing you to use it even when it's not charged.
This fan provides between 6 and 8 hours of continuous use on a full charge. Using all of its features at once could significantly reduce those numbers.
All in all, this is an exceptional solar camping fan. If you have the money for it, it's probably the ideal option.
The features of this fan include:
- Provides airflow, MP3 and radio capabilities, lighting capabilities, and phone charging capabilities
- Stands up on its own
- Equipped with a hanger
- Can be both electrically and solar charged