If you’re after a decent camper wind generator, then the Shine Wind Turbine might be just what you’re looking for.
No more relying on battery power to charge your devices, this portable wind charger will do the job.
Let’s take a look at this excellent addition to any camping setup.
Update: Shine Wind Turbine 2.0 (with major upgades) is currently in production.
I will update this review when the new unit goes on sale. You can pre order here.
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Shine Portable Wind Turbine
⭐️Verdict: Great Choice For Backup Power
The Shine Wind Turbine is aimed at anyone who likes the outdoors and needs a simple and effective way to charge smaller devices and equipment. It will also trickle charge power stations that have a USB charge port.
Although it’s too small to power any kind of larger equipment, it’s a really good piece of kit for any RVer to have available.
Rather than use your main RV battery, you can use the Shine Wind Turbine for the smaller stuff, and save the main juice for fridges etc.
I really like this little portable wind generator, it’s light, it’s compact and it’s really well made. Pair it with a solar panel, and you’ve got yourself a nice little setup for some extra power.
Pros
Quick Setup
Compact & Lightweight
Durable & Well Made
Cons
Wind Dependence
Care Needed If Small Children Around
Overall Rating
Performance / Efficiency
Build Quality
Features / Functions
Reviews
Value For Money
Features And Specs
What’s In The Kit?
- Shine Turbine
- Central Support Pole
- 3 x Stakes
- Guy Wires
- A Leveling Ball
- Anemometer (Measuring Wind Speed)
Shine have definitely thought long and hard about the portability of their turbine.
Build Quality
The build quality of this portable wind turbine is very good. It’s built to stand the knocks and scrapes that lots of outdoor use and camping trips would obviously bring.
The unit is highly weather resistant and corrosion proofed for outdoor use.
Use in the rain with no problems.
Dimensions
| Weight | 3 lbs (1.3 kg) |
| Assembled Height | 3 ft (91.4cm) |
| Folded Length | 13.75 in (35 cm) |
| Folded Width | 4 in (10 cm) |
| Rotor Width | 23.75 in (60 cm) |
The turbine is extremely compact when folded up – perfect for hikers and backpackers.
Electrical Specs
Power Output
- Will generate 40 watts at an optimal wind speed of 28 mph.
- Built in 12 Ah battery.
- Internal MPPT charge controller for energy management.
Connections
- 2 charge ports ( 1 x micro USB, 1 x USB-A )
This camper wind turbine will only start generating power when the wind speed is 8 mph and above.
As stated in the power output specs, the full charging output of 40 watts is only reached when the wind speed reaches a steady 28 mph.
Assembly And Setup
Setup of the turbine is pretty straightforward.
- Fold out turbine rotor blades.
- Assemble the mounting pole.
- Mount the turbine on the pole.
- Secure the pole with the guy ropes.
Job done.
With very little practice, setup of the Shine Wind Turbine will take a little under 5 minutes.
Important: The turbine is designed for ground mount only, and not for attaching to an RV.
The turbine will self align to the wind, so no need to worry about which way to mount it.
Performance
This portable wind generator is designed to charge smaller USB devices – phones, tablets, smart watches, cameras etc.
However, if you have a portable power station/solar generator that has a USB-C charge input, the Shine Wind Turbine will trickle charge it. All you need is a USB-A to USB-C charge cable.
This in my view is a major plus.
If you rely on solar, and there is no sun, and especially at night, you can leave the wind turbine charging your power station as you sleep. (If there’s wind).
| Smartphone Charge Time: | 1 hr 10 mins |
| Tablet Charge Time: | 2 hrs 40 mins |
When the turbine is up and running, there is an indicator light to show the amount of power being generated.
You can pre charge the turbine’s internal battery before your trip, and when out in the field, the turbine will continously charge its battery when running.
The internal battery is 12 Ah, which roughly translates to around 3 full charges of a smartphone.
The turbine can charge its own battery and other USB devices at the same time.
If the wind speeds are too high for the turbine, there is a safety braking feature to prevent damage.
Pros And Cons
Pros
Compact Size
The size and weight of this portable wind turbine is definitely a big plus. An easily stowable item for any camping or RV trip.
Durable And Weather Proof
The turbine is robust and very well made. It’s corrosion proof and can be used in the rain.
Easy Setup
Another big plus is how easy this unit is to setup. Can be fully assembled and up and running in under 5 minutes.
Quiet
When operating, this portable wind charger runs at about 50 db. Which in decibel terms is “whisper quiet”. You wouldn’t hear it above the sound of the wind.
Pre-chargeable Internal Battery
Can be charged before leaving on a trip and used like a mini power pack. (Enough juice to charge a phone 3-4 times)
Cons
Wind Dependence
Obviously its a wind turbine – so no wind, no power. It does require a steady brisk wind to get the best from the unit.
Suitable For Smaller Devices Only
With a maximum output of 40 watts, the Shine Wind Turbine is not capable of powering larger equipment such as fridges etc.
Not Cheap
Although I wouldn’t consider this turbine overpriced, it’s also not a budget option either. It’s in the same price range as a smaller power station.
Alternatives
Pikasola Wind Turbine Kit
If you’re looking for something a bit more heavy duty, the Pikasola Wind Turbine Kit will do the job.
This kit will require some extra fittings and a pole to set it up properly on your RV.
If rigged properly, and paired with a solar setup, this kit would be a good addition for extra power.
Pros
Higher Power Output
Charge Controller
Good Customer Support
Cons
Needs Mounting Pole
Not A Quick Setup
Verdict
The Shine Wind Turbine is aimed at outdoorsy folks looking for a easy and reliable way of generating free energy for their smaller devices.
The only real drawback that I can see, is that you really do need a good amount of wind to get the most from the device. So if you’re thinking of purchasing, factor in the type of locations it would work the best.
I really like the portability aspect of the turbine, it’s small enough to stow in your RV and also lightweight enough to strap to rucksack should you want to.
I like the durability, and I also like the thought that has gone into the design.
It may not be able to power larger appliances, but the fact you can trickle charge a power station with the Shine Wind Turbine, is a major plus as far as I’m concerned.
Please check out my other equipment reviews.
See how I rate products in my reviews here.
