Off-grid internet with a Starlink Mini satellite dish set up at a remote campsite is a reality – if you have the power to keep it running! In this guide, we explore how campers can use portable battery packs (with or without solar panels) to power a Starlink Mini when far from any electrical outlet.
Why You Need a Battery Pack for Starlink in the Wild
Renting a Starlink Mini satellite from Dyal Rental lets you enjoy high-speed internet in remote places – perfect for campers and RV adventurers. But there’s a catch: Starlink needs power to work, and when you’re off the grid, you won’t find any wall outlets behind the nearest tree. The Starlink dish and router draw roughly 40–60 Watts continuously during use (peaking around 100W at startup), which means a typical car battery or small USB power bank won’t cut it. To keep your Starlink (and your connection to Netflix or work emails) alive through the night, you’ll need a portable power solution.
Bring Your Own Power: Our Starlink Mini rental includes the dish, router, and necessary cables – but not a battery or power source. Think of it like renting an electric guitar without an amp: you get the gear, but you provide the juice. For short sessions (checking emails or posting those campsite selfies), you might get by using your vehicle’s inverter or a small battery. However, if you plan to run Starlink for hours or days in a row, a dedicated portable power station or high-capacity battery pack is the way to go. Below, we’ll break down the best options to power your Starlink off-grid, from simple battery packs to solar-charging “generator” kits.
Option 1: Portable Battery Packs (No Solar Panel Needed)
Maybe you’re camping just for a night or two, or you have access to charge up your battery pack at a campground or in your car during the day. In that case, a high-capacity battery pack / portable power station without solar panels can do the trick. These devices are essentially big batteries with AC outlets and DC/USB ports – think of them as supercharged power banks that can run Starlink, laptops, cameras, and more. Here are some traveler-friendly battery pack options:
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Renogy 72000mAh 12V Power Bank (266 Wh) – Don’t let the plain name fool you; this beefy battery bank packs enough juice to run a Starlink Mini for around 8 hours. It’s about the size of a hardcover book and weighs a few pounds, so it’s carry-on compatible for those flying to their adventure. The Renogy has DC output ports (including a 12V “cigarette lighter” socket and a barrel connector) that can plug directly into Starlink’s input, meaning you won’t waste power on an inverter. It also supports 60W USB-C Power Delivery. Why we like it: It’s compact yet powerful, and it can double as a backup for charging phones, cameras, or even a CPAP machine. Where to buy: You can find it on Amazon here.
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Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station (518 Wh) – Jackery is a well-known brand among campers, often seen as the orange lunchbox of power. The Explorer 500 is a mid-sized lithium power station with a built-in inverter that provides AC outlets (up to 500W), 12V DC outputs, and USB ports. With ~500 Watt-hours of capacity, it can run a Starlink router for roughly 8–9 hours on a charge (enough for an evening’s stargazing + Starlink surfing combo). It’s easy to use – charge it at home or from your car’s 12V socket, and you’ve got a portable “outlet” anywhere. Why we like it: Reliable and user-friendly, with an LCD screen showing battery status. It’s also on the lighter side (around 13 lbs), which is liftable with one hand (no gym membership required!). Where to buy: Available on Amazon and from Jackery’s own website.
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Goal Zero Yeti 500X (505 Wh) – If you prefer a brand that sounds as rugged as your camping plans, Goal Zero’s Yeti series is a contender. The Yeti 500X is similar in capacity to the Jackery 500 and will likewise keep Starlink going for 8–10 hours on average. It features multiple output ports and is known for build quality. It’s a bit pricier (you pay for that tough name and build), but many overlanders trust Goal Zero for off-grid power. Why we like it: Durable build, chainable with other Goal Zero batteries for expansion, and regulated 12V output (which Starlink appreciates for steady power). Where to buy: Check Amazon or outdoor retailers like REI.
Tip: Whichever battery you choose, be ready for the classic camping paradox – you went into the wilderness to disconnect, yet here you are powering a satellite dish to watch YouTube in the woods. We won’t judge (heck, we facilitate it!), but maybe take a hike in between Zoom calls to maintain balance with Mother Nature.
Option 2: Battery Packs with Solar Panels (Solar Generator Kits)
If your adventure lasts more than a couple of days, or you truly want to live out in the boonies indefinitely with Starlink, you’ll need a way to recharge your battery pack off-grid. This is where portable solar panels come in. A “solar generator” kit is basically a battery power station (like the ones above) bundled with one or more solar panels. By day, you lay out the panels under the sun to recharge the battery, which then powers your Starlink by night (or simultaneously). It’s like having a mini renewable power plant in your camp – no gas, no noise, just sunshine. Some top solar generator options for Starlink users:
- Anker SOLIX C200 (192 Wh) + 60 W Panel
An economical solar kit: 192 Wh LiFePO4 battery with a compact 60 W foldable panel. Base runtime is ~3–4 hours, but with 60 W solar input, expect nearly full-day use when sunny. Buy it on Amazon.
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Jackery Solar Generator 1000 (Explorer 1000 + SolarSaga Panels) – The Jackery Explorer 1000 is a larger 1002 Wh battery station that can comfortably run Starlink for 15+ hours on a charge (and that’s not even counting solar recharging). In this kit, Jackery pairs the Explorer 1000 with folding 100W SolarSaga panels (often two of them for 200W total). With good sun, you can fully recharge the Jackery 1000 by afternoon (it supports around 200W solar input), meaning you could technically stay online day and night if the weather cooperates. Why we like it: Plenty of capacity for not just Starlink but also charging laptops, running a mini-fridge, or making coffee with a small travel espresso machine (for the truly civilized camper). The solar panels are lightweight and easy to angle toward the sun. Where to buy: Jackery offers bundles on their website and Amazon.
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BLUETTI EB70S (716 Wh) + 120W Solar Panel – BLUETTI is another reputable brand in portable solar power. The EB70S power station (716 Wh capacity, 800W AC output) paired with their 120W folding solar panel is a great mid-size solution for campers. While the EB70S battery alone can run Starlink roughly 12–14 hours (at ~50W draw), the solar panel can recharge it in around 6–8 hours of good sun, extending your connectivity far beyond a weekend. Why we like it: The EB70S uses durable LiFePO4 battery cells (good for thousands of cycles), and the kit includes everything you need – even a nifty wireless charging pad on top for your phone. It hits a sweet spot of being large enough for serious use but still under 25 lbs. Where to buy: You can find BLUETTI’s kits on their official site and on Amazon
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EcoFlow Delta 2 + Solar Panel – For power-hungry setups or longer off-grid workations, the EcoFlow Delta 2 is a 1024 Wh power station known for fast charging and high output. Pair it with EcoFlow’s 160W portable solar panel, and you’ve got a robust system. With ~1 kWh of battery, you can get roughly 17–20 hours of Starlink use per charge, and the 160W panel will help recharge during daylight. What’s cool about the Delta 2 is it can expand – you can add extra battery packs if you ever need even more capacity. Why we like it: The “X-Boost” feature lets it power appliances beyond its normal output (handy if you ever plug in something like a blender or electric grill at camp), and its rapid AC recharging means you can juice it up quick before heading off-grid. Where to buy: Available via EcoFlow’s website and Amazon.
| Model | Capacity (Wh) | Solar Included? | Est. Runtime (Starlink Mini) | Weight | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renogy 266 Wh 12 V Power Bank | 266 | ❌ | ~5 h (active) | ~6 lb | Budget |
| Jackery Explorer 500 | 518 | ❌ | ~6–7 h (75 W draw) | 13 lb | Mid |
| Goal Zero Yeti 500X | 505 | ❌ | ~6–7 h | 12 lb | Mid–Premium |
| Anker SOLIX C200 + 60 W panel | 192 | ✅ | ~2.5 h solo, ~6–9 h with solar | ~7 lb | Budget Solar Kit |
| Jackery Solar Generator 1000 (Explorer 1000 + 200 W) | 1002 | ✅ | 15+ h + solar recharge | 22 lb | Premium |
| BLUETTI EB70S + 120 W panel | 716 | ✅ | ~12–14 h battery, 6–8 h solar recharge | ~25 lb | Premium |
| EcoFlow Delta 2 + 160 W panel | 1024 | ✅ | ~17–20 h + fast solar recharge | 29 lb | Premium |
Note on Solar Use: To get the most out of a solar panel, you’ll need decent sunlight (clear skies, oriented properly towards the sun). In summer, a 100W panel can often collect around 500–600 Wh of energy per day (more in peak sun, less in cloudy conditions). So if Starlink uses ~50W, that’s ~1200 Wh needed for 24 hours – meaning a single small panel might not fully sustain continuous use, but it will significantly extend your runtime. Many campers use a combo of solar charging by day and conservative internet use at night. Also consider carrying a car charger adapter for your power station – you can recharge the battery from your vehicle’s alternator while driving to your next campsite.
Stay Connected (and Charged) Wherever You Roam
In summary, going off-grid with a Starlink Mini satellite is absolutely doable – you just need the right power strategy. If your trips are short or you prefer packing light, a standalone battery pack like a Jackery, Goal Zero, or Renogy will keep you online through the evening. For longer adventures, investing in a solar generator kit ensures you can recharge as you go, harnessing the sun to stay connected even in the deep wilderness.
Remember that these power solutions are separate purchases from your Starlink rental. We’ve provided links to popular models (from Amazon and other reputable retailers) so you can easily find the gear you need. It might feel ironic to buy extra gadgets just to enjoy nature with internet, but consider it an insurance policy – not just for entertainment, but also for safety and work. After all, having a powered Starlink means you can get weather updates, navigate, send an SOS email, or upload your stunning campsite photos to make your friends jealous in real time.
Final pro-tip: Test your Starlink and power setup before you venture into the wild. There’s nothing humorous about hiking five miles into a canyon only to discover you’re one cable short or your battery isn’t charged! Do a trial run in your backyard or a local park to ensure all systems are go. Once you’re confident, head out to those remote vistas with peace of mind. You’ll be camping under the stars, and Starlink – a true 21st-century explorer. Happy camping and streaming!