An increasing number of individuals are opting to live off the grid due to reasons such as desiring self-sufficiency and independent living. The current number of people in the United States living in this way exceeds 250,000. The feeling of empowerment that comes with living independently from societal structures and knowing that one can sustain their own life is a significant motivator. If you are considering transitioning to this unconventional lifestyle in the near future, we will assist you in navigating one of the most challenging aspects of off-grid living, which is securing dependable power sources.
If you are considering ending your relationship with traditional utility providers, solar power, specifically solar generators, are a well-liked choice for obtaining a dependable source of energy. Are you wondering what the top solar generator is for off-grid living? An ideal solar generator should possess the following qualities: operates quietly and requires minimal upkeep; provides enough power for your requirements; has an adequate number of watt hours and run time; and can be expanded. In this blog post, we will discuss important information about solar generators and provide you with some tips for purchasing one that is suitable for your needs.
Can you live off-grid with a solar generator?
The majority of portable solar generators available can provide power for small appliances and recharge various devices, such as chargers, lights, TVs, and microwave ovens. This makes them perfect for off-grid camping or for use in RVs. Additionally, they can serve as reliable backup power sources for both brownouts and blackouts, which are unfortunately becoming more frequent due to climate change and the country’s aging power grids.
If you have power-hungry appliances like a natural gas furnace or portable AC in your off-grid home, not all solar generators can meet the demand. However, newer and larger models from Nature’s Generator are specifically designed to power an entire household. If these models do not qualify as one of the best solar generators for off-grid living, we are unsure what would.
In order to power your house with a solar generator, it is crucial to select the appropriate size that can fulfill the energy needs of your appliances and devices. To determine the required wattage, we advise you to familiarize yourself with the electronics used in your household.
To determine your household’s monthly electricity usage, simply check your electricity bill and note the amount of kWh consumed. Additionally, keep in mind that these appliances do not operate continuously throughout the day, except for your refrigerator.
What to consider
How Much Charging Do You Need?
One of the key distinctions between these models lies in their respective charging capacities. When deciding which one to choose, take into account the electronic devices you intend to bring along and the amount of power each one requires. This aspect is applicable not only to portable chargers but also to home generators utilized during power failures.
When you think step by step, you should consider that running a refrigerator requires more power than recharging a phone or powering lights. Create a list of the items that require charging or power and note their individual power consumption. Then, consider the duration of time you will be off the grid and calculate the time required for the solar-powered generator to recharge once its power is completely used.
Charging Capacity
This is closely connected to your requirements. After determining your rates, you can proceed to compare the capacities of each unit based on a full charge. The cost rises as the capacity increases, but for individuals planning a weekend off-grid, a minimum of approximately 40 amp-hours or 500 watt-hours is usually desired.
If you are in search of a backup power solution for power outages at home, it is advisable to opt for a model that possesses a minimum of 100 amp-hours. Additionally, I suggest acquiring 200 watts of solar panels to facilitate recharging. It is important to note that solar panels are generally not provided with the unit, hence I recommend purchasing both items simultaneously to optimize charging efficiency.
To make comparisons easier, I denoted the watt hours as “wh” in the specifications for each model.
Portability
Weight and size may not have a direct correlation to the technical aspects of power banks, but they do affect the convenience of each model. Due to limited space in camping and overlanding setups, the more compact models are likely to be more appealing as a result.
Before you make a purchase, take into account the weight and size of the power bank as they tend to increase significantly with higher capacities. Also, think about the storage space in your vehicle or camper where the power bank will be kept during your travels.
Our Picks
Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station
This product is highly popular among car campers, remote workers, and overlanders. I personally used it on a media trip where we needed to keep multiple camera batteries charged for a whole week. Its maximum capacity is 1,002 watt-hours, which is lower compared to other options mentioned in this list. However, it is able to provide power to items for a longer duration than certain models with higher capacity. While it may not be suitable for larger appliances, it serves as an excellent power station for smaller items and off-grid camping.
On a very sunny winter day, we charged our photographer’s camera batteries using solar power while simultaneously charging the power bank. This method was both effective and efficient.
This model is equipped with a total of eight ports, comprising two AC outlets, two USB-C ports, one 12-volt car port, and two standard USB-A outlets. Its capability allows for eight charges of a regular laptop or for supplying power to a small refrigerator or powered cooler for a duration exceeding 15 hours.
During our trip, we charged the Jackery Explorer 1000 using solar panels or the 12-volt outlet in our vehicle while we were on the move.
Goal Zero Yeti 200X Solar Generator
This power bank serves as my go-to option for shorter trips when I’ll be working remotely but may not have reliable access to power outlets. With a weight of only 5 pounds, it conveniently fits in my car camping bin. Additionally, I can charge it within 8 hours using the 12V outlet, and it can also be halfway charged in just a few hours. Plugging it in during drives between locations is effortless. Moreover, it serves as a reliable backup option if I find myself in a location without accessible power, making it ideal to keep charged in a to-go bin.
I utilize this for things like my phone, a compact speaker, and headphones, but I have also successfully operated my laptop with it for two complete power cycles. I would suggest this to anyone seeking a portable, space-saving generator for charging phones, portable speakers, headlamps, cameras, and earbuds, essentially anything that does not require powering an RV or refrigerator.
The Yeti 200X can be fully charged in 8 hours using the 12-volt car charging port, and on a sunny day, it can be fully charged in 3 hours by solar panels. It has four ports, specifically a 12-volt outlet, an AC port, and two USB ports, which should be adequate for most immediate requirements. However, it is advisable to monitor the charging capacity as it has begun to decrease in the last year.
BioLite BaseCharge 1500
BioLite’s solar-powered generator is a recent addition to the market, weighing 26.5 pounds. It features a streamlined interface with clear metrics, allowing users to quickly check the charging status and available power. Additionally, the generator includes a wireless charging pad on the top deck, which proved useful for charging my phone and reducing cord clutter when charging other compact items.
Despite its weight, this unit would be more difficult to transport without the in-cut side handles. I used only one ratchet strap to secure it in my truck bed. Additionally, when I powered multiple items, the ventilation system activated to avoid overheating, which is beneficial during car camping trips in the desert.
Similar to my other favorite options, this device features an integrated maximum power point tracker (MPPT) that enhances charging efficiency and speeds up the process of reaching a full charge. However, it is important to remember to charge this device well in advance if you are charging it at home, as it requires an entire overnight period to achieve a complete charge.
Last year, I tested this model on extended off-grid camping trips. I used it to charge phones, speakers, headphones, and a laptop. During the testing period, it also powered a small refrigerator in my friend’s setup. With good conditions, it can be charged via a 100-watt solar panel in just 4 hours. Alternatively, it can be fully charged in an AC outlet or the car’s 12-volt port, although it will take a bit longer.
