Best Solar Generator For Off-grid Living: Ultimate Guide For 2023

There are no questions, living off the grid is a dream for many people. It’s a way to return to nature and live in harmony with the environment. But it can also be a way to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and critical money on your energy bill. One of the most important aspects of off-grid living is having a reliable power source. That’s where solar generators come in! But, what makes the best solar generator for off-grid living?

This article will discuss the best solar generators for off-grid living and provide information on each one. In this article, we’ll also talk about the pros and cons of solar generators, so you can decide if they are right for you!

Before we get started, we will cover a few frequently asked questions and things to consider to find the best solar generator for off-grid living. Also, check out my article on how to prepare for climate change.

Points To Consider Before Buying A Solar Generator For Off-Grid

Power Output And Batterie Capacity

Solar generators are a great way to provide power for off-grid living. However, a few things to consider when choosing a solar generator.

First, you need to decide how much power you need. A solar generator can range from 250 watts to 10’000 watts. Operating virtual electronic devices like a fridge, lights, and cooking in a campervan require around 400-600 watts.

To operate a whole house with essential gadgets, TV, Air Conditioning, Fridge, etc., you need around 2000-4000 watts.

For a luxurious off-grid living with a fully equipped house with all the bells and whistles, you need around 8000 watts or higher.

The second thing to consider is battery capacity. Most solar generators come with built-in batteries, but some don’t have batteries. The battery is what stores the power that the generator produces.

Most solar generators come with batteries that range from 100Ah to 200Ah. This stat will determine how long the generator can run before it needs to be recharged. 100 Ah equals around 1000 watt-hours, and 200 Ah equals about 2000 watt-hours.

Weight And Price

Regarding weight, you want to choose a lightweight solar generator that is easy to train and import. On the other hand, if you use the generator for camping or RVing, you don’t want it to be too heavy or bulky. The range of solar generators goes from around 20 pounds to over 100 pounds.

Also, as far as price goes, investing a little more is usually worth it with solar generators. The more expensive models will have more features and better quality than the cheaper models. A solar generator can range from $500 to $9000. It all depends on the size, brand, and features that you want.

Extra Features

Without a doubt is a solar generator is a great way to have backup power in an emergency. However, a few extra features make solar generators even more helpful. For example, the best solar generator on the market can charge laptops and other electronic devices.

Additionally, solar generators come with various adapters to make them compatible with as many devices as possible. Finally, solar generators should be easy to transport so they can be taken with you in an evacuation.

Best Solar Generator For Off-Grid Living

Blueetti is a solar generator company that is known for its quality products. The company was founded in 2016 to provide clean and reliable energy solutions.

The AC200P is the best solar generator for off-grid living on the market because it has a high capacity and can charge multiple devices simultaneously.

The portable power station is a versatile and reliable option for those who need a portable solar generator. With 2000Wh of capacity, it can easily handle most home devices.

The LiFePO4 battery cells offer a long life span, and the BMS tech provides multiple protections, making it a durable option that will last for years, if not decades.

The AC200P also supports solar charging, with a fast recharge rate of 700W. The 17 outlets provide plenty of options for charging devices, and the 12V/25A DC port is perfect for powering appliances.

All Bluetti generators also come with a 24-month warranty for peace of mind. We also like that the power station is relatively lightweight and easy to install. Additionally, you can also control Bluetti generators with your smartphone.

The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000 is an excellent option for those who need a portable power source. With a 1000W wattage and 1002Wh capacity, it can handle most of your power needs. In addition, it features 3 PURE SINE WAVE AC outlets, 2 USB-C ports, and 1 Quick Charge 3.0 port.

Jackery is a portable solar generator company specializing in clean and green energy. The company was founded in California in 2012 by a group of engineers.

The Jackery Portable Power Station is an excellent option for those who need an affordable and reliable power source. It’s also straightforward to use, making it a perfect choice for beginners. It is especially suitable for a camping trip or off-grid living with basic needs.

The MPPT technology provides a 23% higher conversion charging efficiency.

Remember that it is not ideal for high-power appliances such as hair dryers and irons, and it can sometimes (depending on the situation) take up to 8 hours to charge fully. But, overall, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000 is an excellent option for those who need portable power.

The Goal Zero Yeti 6000X Portable Power Station is a professional-grade solar generator equipped with 6,071 watt-hours of power and seven versatile ports. It is easy to use and can power many devices, including smartphones and tablets. It is the most potent power station on this list.

The Yeti 6000X also features a 2000W AC (3500W Surge) inverter that allows you to brew coffee, use your portable fridge, and power phones and tablets. The main advantage is obviously its massive power. Fully charged, it can power your portable fridge for a whopping 240 hours, your grill for up to 100 hours, and your TV for up to 60 hours before you need to recharge.

The Goal Zero company is based in the United States and specializes in portable solar generators and panels. The Yeti 6000X is one of their most popular products and is an excellent option for those who need a reliable backup power source and strong power.

We particularly like that the generator is quiet and has a low operating temperature. Additionally, it is also easy to use, with clear instructions. You can also add more solar panels to increase the charging speed.

Remember that this is a heavy unit, weighing in at 106 pounds. Therefore, it is not the most portable option, but it is still manageable, and the price is relatively high. One slight downside is that it takes relatively long to charge compared to other models fully.

The Anker 535 Solar Generator is one of the best solar generators for off-grid living on the market, if you are on a budget. It is equipped with a charge controller and a high-capacity battery, making it ideal for various settings. In addition, it is the only product on the list where solar panels are already included in the price.

Anker is a company that specializes in portable solar generators and panels. The company has a wide range of products and options, but the Anker 535 solar generator is the best option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option.

The generator also features an intelligent sunlight alignment system, making it easy to capture direct sunlight for maximum charge.

The Anker 535 Solar Generator also includes an extra USB-C port for charging devices. The only downside of the Anker 535 Solar Generator is that it does not have a built-in inverter, so it cannot be used to power AC devices.

The product’s main advantages are the price, portability, and solar charging capabilities. On the downside, the lack of an inverter is a bit disappointing as the capacity limitations are a factor to consider for off-grid living.

However, the Anker 535 Solar Generator is an excellent budget option for those looking for a reliable and durable solar generator at a relatively low price.

The EBL Portable Power Station Voyager 1000 is one of the best solar generator for off-grid living on the market, thanks to its massive battery capacity and compatibility with solar panels.

The Voyager 1000 can be charged via AC wall outlet, car outlet, or from two compatible 100W solar panels, and it features a USB-C PD Quick 60W port, 3*Quick charge 3.0 port, and 1* Wireless charging for phone.

With its massive battery capacity, the Voyager 1000 is perfect for powering most home and office appliances, including laptops, TVs, and printers. Moreover, the Voyager 1000 is highly portable, making it easy to take. However, in our test, the stated power capacities were not quite met. Nevertheless, the generators produce enough power for everyday scenarios.

In my opinion, of the most valuable features of the Voyager 1000 is the LCD screen, which shows you the battery level and charging state dislike is that the unit is a bit on the bulky side, with a total weight of 23 pounds. Also, it takes 8-12 to charge the device fully, which is a bit too long for our taste.

The iGen600s is a versatile and efficient portable power stat perfect for outdoor or home use. It is powered by lithium-ion batteries and has four charging methods: a wall charger, a car charger, an optional solar panel, and a portable generator.

The unit has two 120V household outlets, one 12V 8mm DC port, and four USB ports, including a Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 port and a USB-C outlet, making it ideal for charging small electronic devices from laptops, tablets, and smartphones to GoPros, drones, cameras, lights, speakers, or headlamps.

The iGen600s is also adventure-ready with its lightweight portability at 11 lb and built-in carry handle. The generator is a suitable option for basic needs, but if you need a potent generator, there are better options.

One cool gadget is the LED data center and the integrated three-mode lighting system that can act as a flashlight, emergency light, or reading lamp. Obviously, one of the best things about this generator is that it has a runtime of up to 150 hours.

The Shell Portable Power Station 500 is an excellent option if you’re in the market for a portable power station. This generator is powered by a pure lithium battery and features a pure sine wave inverter for faster, quieter, and more stable operation.

The Battery Management System (BMS) also provides temperature control, voltage control, and other safety features to protect your devices.

The unit also includes versatile port options, including 120v AC, USB (2.4A), USB QC (18W), USB Type C PD (65W max), and regulated 12V outputs.

Whether you’re looking to keep phones and tablets charged up or need to power lights, camera equipment, or a small appliance, the Shell Portable Power Station 500 can handle it. Plus, with its solar panel, you can recharge the unit using solar energy.

The durable lithium battery and the fast charging time are the main advantages. On the other hand, the model is best for camping our outdoor trips, but not strong enough to power an entire house reliably.

The EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station is a convenient and popular option to keep your devices charged while on the go. It features 6 AC outlets, 2 USB-C ports, 2 USB-A ports, 2 USB-A fast-charge ports, and one standard DC 13.6V port to power your smartphone, laptop, camera, drones, and more.

The power station can be charged efficiently by the 10-65V solar panel (not included), AC wall adapter, or car charger. We don’t recommend using third-party solar panels. (Please refer to the product manual if you must use it and need DIY wiring.)

It features two AC outlets and a USB port, making it easy to charge devices. The unit is also very lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport. Also, the charging by solar panels will only take 3.5 hours in optimal conditions.

EcoFlow’s DELTA Series is recognized by some of the most prestigious international awards, including the CES Innovation Award, Red Dot Award, and iF Design Award.

However, there are some downsides to the ECOFLOW Delta. First, it is not compatible with all types of batteries, so you must be careful when choosing your power source. Additionally, the unit can be pretty noisy, so it may not be ideal for use in areas where peace and quiet are highly valued.

The Wagan Solar e Power Cube 1500 Plus is one of the best solar generators on the market. It’s easy to use and environmentally safe, with no fumes or gasoline.

The 100 Ah AGM/gel Hybrid Battery is more significant than previous models and can be charged via solar panels, home AC, or vehicle DC adapters. In addition, the 1500-watt continuous and 3600-watt peak surge power AC inverter is perfect for powering your devices. The digital LED battery status indicator ensures you always know how much power you have left.

Additionally, the Power Cube is expandable – additional solar panels and batteries (sold separately) can be connected for even more charging and powering capability. So whether camping or dealing with an emergency, the Wagan Solar e Power Cube 1500 Plus is a great choice.

The model is straightforward and versatile, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a solar generator. However, it is essential to note that the Wagan Solar e Power Cube 1500 Plus is incompatible with all types of batteries, so check compatibility before making your purchase.

The OUKITEL P2001 2000W Portable Power Station is a real power monster. It’s one of the largest solar generators on the market, with a 2027Wh huge capacity and 4000W AC output.

That means it can easily power most high-power appliances, like fridges, window air conditioners, hair dryers, microwaves, coffee makers (up to 2000W), heaters, electric grills, and drills.

And with 6x AC, 2x USB-A (5V/2.4A), 2x USB-C (PD-100W), 1x XT60 (12V/10A), 2x Output (12V/3A), and 1x Cigar lighter (12V/10A) ports, it can recharge virtually any electronic device you throw at it.

Plus, it’s built with 48 brand-new LiFePO4 batteries for lasting durability and safety. Whether you’re looking for a backup power source for your home or need a portable way to have your devices charged and ready to use while camping or hiking, the OUKITEL P2001 has you covered.

What we like about the generator is that it is mighty and can charge a lot of devices at the same time. However, one downside is that it is pretty heavy, so it may not be the best choice for those who need a portable option.

Oukitel is a very well-known and trusted brand in the solar generator market. Therefore, the OUKITEL P2001 is an excellent choice for a robust and reliable solar generator.

The pecron E1000 Solar Generator is a great way to get portable power. It has a solar panel, so you can charge it up anywhere there is the sun.

The charge control feature ensures that your electronic devices are charged safely and efficiently. The power output is also great for powering up small appliances or charging phones and other devices. The USB port that can be used to charge devices such as phones and tablets is worth mentioning.

This particular model is very lightweight and portable, making it an excellent choice for those who need a solar generator they can take on the go. However, one downside is that it does not have a very long run time, so it is probably not the best choice for those who need a lot of power.

The 12 volt DC cigar port is a great way to get power to all of your different devices while you are on the go. The pecron E1000 Solar Generator is a great product for anyone needing reliable power while on the go and has earned its place on our list of the best solar generator for off-grid living.

The BougeRV Portable Power Station is a powerful and versatile option for those who need reliable backup generators for off-grid living.

With a 1100Wh capacity and 1200W rated power, it can provide enough juice to keep your home or office running for days during a power outage, so the battery capacity is excellent. As a result, the device earned its place among the best solar generators.

And with ten different ports, including three 110V AC outlets, it can charge or power just about any type of electronic device you might need. Even better, the built-in charge control system helps to prevent overcharging and maintains the battery’s longevity. The main advantages are that it has a lot of outlets, is very versatile, and has a long run time. The disadvantages are that the solar panel needs to be purchased separately.

So whether you’re looking for an emergency home backup solution or a portable power source for your next camping trip, the BougeRV Portable Power Station is worth considering.

The CTECHi Portable Power Station offers an easy and fast way to charge your electronic devices when you’re on the go. This power station uses an automotive-grade lithium iron phosphate battery, capable of 3500 charge and discharge cycles, with a product life cycle of up to 15 years.

The solar generator’s built-in SEC wisdom control technology, exclusive 20V circuit design, UL, and many other safety tests are all-round to ensure the safety of you and your equipment.

The model is suitable for camping, travel, outdoor adventure, emergency, rescue and relief, and many other scenarios, it is a good helper for life.

The CTECHi Portable Power Station can be charged by an AC adapter, car charger, and solar panel (MPPT technology). If you are in a hurry and need to set up quickly, this solar generator is a great option. With its 3 METHODS OF CHARGE ANYWHERE, you can charge your electronic devices anywhere.