Off-grid living is becoming more of a popular topic these days. Many of us dream of leaving society to follow the blissfulness of solidarity, nature, peaceful living, and life without technology. Whether it’s in an off-grid cabin or traveling the country in your RV, it’s important to choose the best solar generator for off-grid living.
Off-grid truly means living without dependence on utilities (especially electricity). However, there may become time you may need it in the case of an emergency or your specific lifestyle preferences.
This article will cover the best solar generator for off-grid living, depending on your needs. I’ll also cover the basics of solar generators and answer other popular questions.
Why Do you Need a Solar Generator for Off-Grid Living?
Many off-griders love the simplicity of not dealing with electricity or other utilities. Genuinely living off the grid will have some folks using fire to cook and warm up, and they’ll be okay with not having technology or any means to contact the rest of the world. Off-grid living also applies to the people who are living while traveling in an RV, van, or vehicle of choice.
However, several still want to hold onto some of the comforts of society. This is where a solar generator will be needed. In this case, you can use your solar generator to run small appliances such as an electric grill or a refrigerator. It’ll also be used to charge any electronics you’re still using.
Solar generators aren’t just suitable for off-the-grid either. They come in handy as a backup if you have an electricity shortage or need it out on a camping trip.
If the idea of “living off-the-grid” in a small cabin or tiny house appeals to you, but you still want the convenience of electricity, solar panel kits would be the next option. Much pricier than a solar generator, but it is the only option for luxury out in the peaceful…middle of nowhere.
What Size Generator Do I Need?
The size of your generator will depend on what you’d like to use it for. If you’re charging cell phones and occasionally plugging in electronics for a short period of time, a smaller wattage output will work. If you’re planning on using it to run air conditioning or a refrigerator – you’ll need a larger one.
Solar generators are measured by Watts (W) and Watts Hours (WH). The more Watts the generator has, the more power it has. Watts hours measure the amount of energy in hours. If you need to power up small items for no longer than 7 hours, then going with a smaller WH such as 500W/300Wh will suffice.
If you need power for larger appliances for extended periods, it would be best to create a list of the devices and how much wattage they use against how many hours you’ll be using them. This will give you a better idea of which size solar generator would work best.
It’s also a good idea to round the wattage upwards. Especially if you live in an elevated area, as the generator can lose power due to elevation.
How Long Do Solar Generators Last?
Solar generators will run off of one of two engine speeds: 1800 RPM and 3600 RPM, and can last anywhere from 25-35 years, which makes them an excellent investment! It’s vital to always look at the warranty policies for off-grid-living when shopping for your generator.
Best Solar Generator for Off-Grid Living: Top 3
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro (All-Around Best Solar Generator for Off-Grid Living)
The Jackery 2000 Pro is one of the newest models from Jackery. This model comes in three different wattages: 400W, 800W, and 1200W. This solar generator is an excellent choice if you’ve got large appliances to power, such as AC and refrigerators, because of its large Watt hours capacity.
Its power station can be fully charged within 7.5 hours with the two solar panels that are included. Additionally, it’s easy to use and extremely quiet while charging and in use! Jackery also has a lot of other models with more wattage power.
Although their products have a higher price tag, it’s definitely worth it, and their customers agree! This is my number one pick for the best solar generator for off-grid living.
BLUETTI Portable Power Station (Best Solar Generator For Versatile Off-Grid Living)
This BLUETTI model is loved by many off-griders because it can fully charge in 3.5 hours either by solar or dual AC charging and is perfect for emergencies as well as daily use of appliances. It can effectively power appliances under 2000W.
This model does not come with solar panels, so you’ll have to buy those separately. You also have to purchase the correct panels for this model, which you can find here. It comes with an AC adapter, solar/car charging cable, and an XT90 aviation cable. There are 7 ways you can charge this generator, which makes it versatile for any situation you might be in!
EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA (Best Solar Generator For Off-Grid Living Emergencies and Traveling)
If you’re looking for a solar generator solely for emergencies or while you’re traveling, the EF ECOFLOW might be the best option for you. While it does have six 1800W AC outlets, this model is best for powering appliances for smaller amounts of time or backup.
The EF ECOFLOW comes with solar panels and is waterproof, making it ideal for traveling and camping! It also comes with an EcoFlow Power station you can combine with the solar panels to improve solar charging in cold and cloudy environments.
It’s also very quick to charge, going from 0-80% in 1 hour. This is also a more affordable option if you’re not needing as much power. Plus, the panels are included, so you don’t have to purchase them separately.
Leave a Reply