To maintain your lifestyle while living off the grid, it is essential to harness your own power. Solar generators are an excellent choice for off grid life due to their easy installation, greater environmental friendliness compared to fuel-powered generators, and quick charging capability using solar panels. Additionally, solar generators are quieter, more dependable, and have a longer lifespan than fuel-powered generators.
What Do Off Grid Solar Generators Do?
Off grid solar power generators function as power sources for various types of buildings such as homes, RV units, and others. Given that these generators are not reliant on the primary power grid, they can be utilized to complement your power supply, act as a backup during power outages and natural calamities, or substitute your connection to the power grid in order for you to completely disconnect from it.
The generator is equipped with a battery and is linked to solar panels, serving as a self-contained power station. By capturing sunlight, the solar panels recharge the battery, which subsequently supplies power for the structure. The most effective off grid solar generators possess the capability to energize substantial devices and meet your everyday power requirements, depending on their wattage.
Even if you are not an expert electrician, you can easily handle the installation with the help of a kit. The kit includes all the necessary equipment and is clearly labeled. By using an off-grid solar generator, you can save money on installation expenses as well as long-term utility bills. Additionally, it provides a sense of security as you are protected from power outages and other unexpected situations.
What Makes a Solar Generator the Best?
Solar generators offer numerous benefits whether you are in need of a portable energy source or aiming to disconnect from the grid entirely.
- They are easy to set up
- They don’t require any fuel
- They’re totally quiet
- Because solar panels filter power into a battery, you can use them at any time
When choosing a solar generator kit, it is important to consider factors such as the size and wattage of the off-grid generators available, as this will simplify the process of finding the ideal generator to match your power requirements.
- Battery storage capacity
- Expandability
- Reliability
- Cost
- Portability
- Recharge rate
- Output options
- Extra features such as remote control and status display
Our Picks
EcoFlow DELTA Mini
The EcoFlow DELTA mini is the ideal generator for any place without a nearby wall outlet, thanks to its perfect portability. Whether it’s used at home or during a camping trip in the great outdoors, it can power a television nonstop for six hours or a fridge for five hours.
You have the option to connect and charge up to 12 various devices with an extensive range of DC, USB, and wall-style outlets.
The DELTA mini charges in 1.6 hours with X Stream technology, which is four times faster compared to other portable power stations. Additionally, you have the option to charge the DELTA mini using 160W solar panels or a 12V car adaptor.
Bluetti AC300
The Bluetti AC300 is a compact solar generator with a capacity of 3,072Wh. It can fit into small spaces but still provides enough energy for daily use. If additional power is required, it can be expanded by pairing it with another AC300 or a compatible Bluetti product.
If you want this unit to be reliable and last long, ensure that it remains charged, and it will come in handy whenever you require backup power.
Bluetti AC200Max
If you are new to the off-grid lifestyle, the Bluetti AC200Max generator is the ideal choice for you. It offers a blend of superior quality, excellent value, and user-friendly operation.
This power station, which is expandable, has a sizeable capacity of 2,048Wh. It is designed to be coupled with other kits in order to increase power capacity. Additionally, the kit includes two solar panels and is capable of receiving a maximum input of 900W.
Stay powered in any situation with the EcoFlow DELTA Max, which has a generous 2016Wh capacity that can be increased up to 6000Wh by using extra smart batteries. Thanks to its unique X-Boost technology, this solar generator effortlessly handles heavy-duty home appliances such as televisions and microwaves.
The DELTA Max offers fast dual charging capabilities, allowing it to reach charging speeds of up to 3600W. It can achieve an 80% charge from a wall outlet within one hour.
For those who are environmentally conscious and genuinely desire to live off the grid, the DELTA Max is compatible with EcoFlow’s selection of solar panels. By utilizing the two 400W solar panels, you can attain an impressive solar charging speed of 800W.
Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro
If you are in search of a reasonably priced portable power station, we suggest considering the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro. With its 1,002Wh capacity, it can adequately fulfill your power requirements, and it only requires 1.8 hours to charge. Additionally, it is uncomplicated to set up and install, making it beneficial for camping outings or emergency circumstances.
EcoFlow River 2 Max
Experience the highest level of convenience and strength for any outdoor setting or excursion. With the rapid charging capability, you can achieve a complete charge in just one hour by utilizing a regular plug socket. Rest assured that your generator will constantly be prepared for your needs.
For a camping trip or sustainable living at home, a 160W solar panel is ideal as it takes approximately 4 hours to provide a sustainable recharge, even in dim light conditions.
The River 2 Max is equipped with ports and plugs that can power nine devices at the same time. It has a carport, USB-C, USB-A, and AC/DC outlets. With X-Boost, this generator can handle appliances up to 1000W, which includes a wide range of typical household devices and equipment.
How to Choose the Best Solar Generator for Off-Grid Living
The average person faced power disruptions for eight hours in 2020, which may not appear significant initially. However, this number is expected to increase due to the aging infrastructure and disruptive events such as natural disasters. The existing power grid cannot provide a consistent and reliable source of electricity. In such situations, a solar generator becomes essential for off-grid living, transitioning from being just a novelty to a necessity.
Here is the method for selecting the appropriate one.
Appliance Energy Use
If you are considering which generator to choose, capacity plays a vital role. If you only require a solar generator for power outages and your household’s needs are minimal, then a small unit will suffice.
If you need to ensure the continued operation of a large family home during an extended severe weather event, you will need a solar generator with significantly higher power capabilities.
To determine the necessary wattage for your appliances, assess their individual needs as they can differ. Consider the generator’s capacity for supporting the desired appliances and its run time. Keep in mind that certain appliances, such as refrigerators or air conditioning systems, consume more power compared to others.
Charging
When considering charging, two important factors to consider are ease and speed.
During emergencies, it is important to have a solar generator that can quickly recharge. While certain solar generators are impressive as they can recharge in slightly over one hour, they rely on a wall outlet which is not viable when experiencing a power outage or during a camping trip.
If you are on an outdoor vacation or taking a van trip, a slower charge from a couple of solar panels may be suitable for your needs. It is important to check if your generator, which is specifically designed for outdoor use, can be charged using a 12V car adaptor.
Ease of Assembly and Usage
When it comes to most off-grid solar generator systems, you typically need extra accessories to ensure everything is set up and functioning to your liking. At Ecoflow, we have always prioritized making assembly and usage simple – and now we have made it even simpler!
