primitive camping is just that if there is no power then we should not be able to make power if you need power go to a facility that has power

If generators didn't make any noise, I wouldn't have a problem with them.

Should campers be able to use solar while primitive camping?

I define primitive camping as dispersed camping - no amenities, just camping in the woods. Toward that end, those wanting to hear and see nothing but natural surroundings, dispersed camping is for them. For those wanting to experience most of the above but want some amenities, e.g. vault, then developed campgrounds are for them.

For developed campgrounds, from the simplest, e.g. vault and, say, open field parking to designated campsites w/partial or full hookups, flush toilets, etc., a balance must be struck between generator-driven campers and the "purists." Balance means respect for the comfort levels of others. There is nothing wrong with campers wanting to experience the magic of remoteness and the woods and also have the capability to watch their favorite soap opera on TV, use their electric shaver, or operate the toaster. Relegating these campers to a private campground is inappropriate and selfish.

It seems the owness for striking a balance is on the generator-driven camper. So, we must operate our generators in short intervals preferably during daylight hours and never to watch a feature-length film, well, maybe not "never" but you know what I mean. Generator-driven campers become selfish when they operate their generators for hours at a time - a no, no in my opinion.

One solution for generator-driven campers is to purchase a solar system. Expensive, yes. But if we want to enjoy the amenities of home and also the solitude of developed, non-private campgrounds, an investment in solar is the way to go. True, on occasion, it may become necessary to run the generator to charge the batteries (because of extended sunless hours), do so with respect for your neighbors.

The owness of purist campers is to get over their attitude that they own the definition for peaceful, solitude camping in developed campgrounds. Generator-driven campers are often told they should go to a private campground where they can enjoy all the amenities. The same can be said of purist campers, except instead of going to a private campground, they can disperse camp. These are no-win, confrontational statements. We can strike a balance through, among other things, courtesy and common sense. Both the generator-driven camper and purist have a responsibility to do this.

P.S. Express your opinion - take the poll above.

Very well Stated Fred, But I think there is also an owness on the Park or Forest Officials, thats to enforce the existing rules & regulations.
We camp/RV on Skyline Dr. in the Shenandoah NP, Big Meadows CG has a NO Generator area, the rest of the CG has "Generator Hours", (2 hours in the AM & 2-3 hours in the early evening),and quiet hours, the rangers seem to do a good job at enforcing it as I've never heard a generator after dark.
I'm sure that listening to others, other Parks & Forests don't do as good a job at enforcement.
Perhaps we should be complaining to or about the officials, rather than to each other, because someone else doesn't live or think the way that we do. Just my opinion, rant over now.

Your point is well taken, bukhrn. We should do that [complain to FS] but with the understanding that they may not have the staff to enforce. On the other hand, if the CG is hosted by a volunteer or concessionaire, it seems they should enforce the generator rules.