How to Choose the Best Solar Generator for Off-Grid Living

Last updated on May 22nd, 2022 at 01:53 am

You’re considering going off the grid and want to know the best solar generator for off-grid living.

Off-grid living means different things to different people. This article it’s intended for small consumption needs. Think in terms of small hunting cabin or van life.

I’ve written an in-depth article about adding storage batteries to my residence solar panel system, which is a different purpose than this article discusses.

Important considerations and questions to ask when looking at options solar-powered generators.

• How many watts will be required to power your appliances? 
• What types of devices will you need to power (TV, lights, fans)? 
• How long can you go between charges? 

These are all essential questions you’ll want to ask when researching the best solar generator for off-grid living.

Another thing to consider is how portable you need your solar generator to be. Some generators are small and compact enough to take with you on trips.

Others are backpack-ready or designed for easy storage so you can tuck them out of sight when friends visit.

So how do you choose the right solar generator? It depends on your budget, power needs, and off-grid living preferences.

You may be feeling overwhelmed as you consider all of your options for going off the grid. It’s a big decision, and many things to consider. But don’t worry, you’re not alone.

This article will help you navigate the process and choose the best solar generator for your needs.

Table of Contents

1. What is a solar generator?
2. What are the benefits of solar-powered generators?
3. How to select the best solar generator for your needs.
   1. What types of appliances will you need to power?
   2. What’s your budget?
4. The different types of solar generators available on the market
   1. Solar panel kits
   2. Portable solar generators
   3. Off-grid solar generators
5. Best Solar Generator Buying Guide (Comparing Our Top Picks)
6. Best Solar Generator for Tiny Home or Cabin Use—Our Picks
   1. GOAL ZERO YETI 6000X + (2) BOULDER 200 BRIEFCASES SOLAR KIT
7. Best solar powered generators for camping—
   1. Jackery Explorer 500 
8. Best solar powered generators for Compact —
   1. Jackery Explorer 160
9. FAQ’S
   1. What size generator do I need for off-grid?
   2. Are solar generators worth the money?
   3. What is the most powerful portable solar generator?
10. Conclusion

What is a solar generator?

A solar generator uses photovoltaic panels, which turn light into electricity and store it in batteries for later use-hence the name ‘solar power’!

They usually come with an inverter, which means you can plug in your devices to charge electronics like laptops or cell phones when needed or run the fridge without relying on dirty fossil fuel-powered outlets year-round.

We will dig deeper into each of these benefits so you can understand them in more detail to ensure you buy the best solar generator for off-grid living.

What are the benefits of solar-powered generators?

The benefits of owning a portable solar generator include the following:

They are eco-friendly. A solar generator uses renewable energy, which reduces your carbon footprint and makes for a cleaner living space.

A solar generator is a portable power source to use as backup power or help obtain off-grid dependency.

It’s cost-effective. Electricity is expensive, especially if you’re running large appliances constantly, but you can reduce or eliminate these costs depending on your needs.

Solar Generator are the most beneficial for those who use small amounts of electricity daily, such as those running battery chargers, small refrigerators and LED lights.

They enable you to live off the grid. The Solar generator lets you access power anywhere there is sunlight (within reason), regardless of weather conditions outside or the availability of traditional power sources like fossil fuels.

How to select the best solar generator for your needs.

When it comes to generators, one size doesn’t fit all. It’s crucial to select the best solar generator for your specific needs and size for how much power output you need to get the most out of your investment.

Solar power generators are a clean, quiet, and efficient renewable energy method to power your appliances and medical devices during a power outage.

Solar-power generator is a great option to go off-grid and have power for your appliances. Different appliances have different power consumption needs. It’s essential to evaluate.

What types of appliances will you need to power?

This is an important consideration when deciding what solar generator option(s) will work best for your situation.

Some appliances pull a lot of watts, and others don’t require a ton of energy to run correctly. Some standard devices that use roughly the same amount of power include

• Televisions: 50-300 Watts
• Lamps: 60-100 Watts
• Refrigerators: 350-800 Watts
• Freezers: 250-700 Watts
• Air Conditioners: 1000+ Watts

Before purchasing a solar generator, spend some time evaluating your power consumption needs on a given day.

Consider installing a sense energy monitor to make this easier to evaluate your power consumption.

What’s your budget?

When it comes to solar generators, you get what you pay for. A cheap solar generator won’t have the same wattage output as a more expensive model, and it will likely not last as long.

That said, some tremendous budget-friendly solar generators on the market still offer plenty of power and durability.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a solar generator based on your budget:

Solar generators come in various wattages, so be sure to choose one that meets your needs. Generally, the higher the wattage output, the higher the price.

Suppose you plan to use your solar generator for heavy-duty tasks like powering an air conditioner or running a refrigerator. In that case, you’ll need a higher wattage model. or consider a gas generator if these are critical.

A lower wattage model should suffice if you’re using it for a few primary devices.

The different types of solar generators available on the market

There are a few different types of solar generators available on the market, so it’s essential to understand the differences before you make a purchase. They are also called Portable Power stations, so keep the term in mind when shopping.

Here are the three most common types:

Solar panel kits

A solar panel kit includes all the components you need to set up a basic solar generator system. It usually contains a solar panel, battery, and inverter.

This is an excellent option if you want to generate your power but don’t want to spend a lot of money.

However, the wattage of these kits is typically lower than other types of solar generators.

These are best for powering a laptop or a small battery pack when the sun is shining.

Portable solar generators

Portable solar generators are perfect for people who want the convenience of a portable generator with the benefits of solar power.

These models can often power more devices than a solar panel kit because of the high wattage. They are also easier to transport and set up, ideal for camping trips or tailgating parties.

Solar Panels are optional for portable solar generators, as they require batteries to store generated energy.

Off-grid solar generators

An off-grid solar generator is an excellent option if you want the convenience of a portable generator with the benefits of solar power and the ability to be used in your home without hooking it up to your primary grid.

These models can typically generate more wattage than other types of solar generators an energy monitor is recommended to see if it can work inside your home.

A larger unit will generate more power than a smaller one, but it will also take up more space.

Best Solar Generator Buying Guide (Comparing Our Top Picks)

If you’re looking for the best solar generator for off-grid living, this guide is for you. In it, we compare the most popular solar generators on the market and outline their features

This will give you a good idea of the features you should be looking for when shopping for a solar generator.

We’ve done some research and found the best solar generator.

Best Solar Generator for Tiny Home or Cabin Use—Our Picks

GOAL ZERO YETI 6000X + (2) BOULDER 200 BRIEFCASES SOLAR KIT

The most powerful solar kit to date is made possible by a large battery capacity power station and Boulder 200 Briefcase solar panels. The Yeti 6000X features a battery with 6000 watt-hours of lithium power, allowing it to run demanding electronics without the need for gas generators for days on end. Thanks to Power RV, the ability to charge the Yeti 6000X anywhere you go.

• POWER: Built to endure and tested in various settings, including Arctic outposts, construction sites, and houses. It includes seven separate output jacks, including a USB-A, an 18-watt USB-C, a 60-watt USB-C PD port, a 6-millimeter jack for12v 120v plug.
• INDUSTRY-LEADING TECHNOLOGY: You can rely on dependable power in any circumstance. With a Goal Zero solar panel, you may recharge the integrated MPPT charge controller, which improves charge efficiency by 30%.
• SAFE & USER-FRIENDLY: By using multiple layers of safeguards, including over- and under-voltage protection, temperature controls, and a battery management system to monitor individual cell and battery-pack health, we give product safety precedence. A two-year warranty covers the Yeti 6000X. All aspects of the product’s physical construction, as well as its user interface,

Perfect for Tiny Homes, RV’s, Work Sites, Events Stations.

Best solar powered generators for camping—

Jackery Explorer 500 

If you’re looking for a solar-powered generator to take with you on camping trips, the Jackery Explorer 500 is a good option. It’s lightweight and portable, and it has a 500 watt AC outlet that can power a wide range of devices. Remember that the appliance you want to power must be rated under 500 watts. (1000 surge)

• Jackery Explorer 500 is a portable, lightweight power pack with three USB ports, an AC outlet, and a 12V car output.
• SolarSaga 100W solar panels can recharge the Explorer 500 in under 9.5 hours.
• Professional MPPT technology allows for quicker solar charge rates. With an easy-carry handle, the Explorer 500 weighs
• Warranty coverage for two years.
• It comes with a PURE SINE WAVE inverter 500 watt AC outlet, which provides stable power to a wide range of AC-relied devices.

Best solar powered generators for Compact —

Jackery Explorer 160

The Jackery Explorer 160 is the most cost-effective, lightweight, portable power station with USB Type-C, USB-A, and an AC outlet. It’s rechargeable lithium-ion batteries store 167 watt-hours of energy.

• The Jackery Explorer 160 comes with a 167 watt-hour (46,400mah/3.6V) lithium-ion battery pack. There are no fumes, no clanging, and no need for fuel or gasoline. With a Jackery portable power station, you can make your next camping excursion more lightweight.
• The Explorer 160 Portable Power Station is a lightweight and compact portable power station with an integrated solar panel and Li-ion battery. It has one AC outlet (110V 100W/150W Peak), one USB-C port, two USB-A ports, and one standard DC 12V port to charge your phone, tablet, laptop, GoPros.
• Solar-Ready Recharging: The Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel (available separately) to charge the device quickly and efficiently.
• This portable power station is ideal for outdoor activities. It includes a built-in LED flashlight with an SOS function (long-press the button) and a sturdy handle for easy transportation.

FAQ’S

What size generator do I need for off-grid?

As a general rule, the above guideline recommends that the generator be twice the size of the inverter’s continuous output. For example, a 2,000-watt inverter paired with a 4,000-watt generator. As a minimum generator capacity to power the loads and provide enough voltage for charging the battery bank.

Are solar generators worth the money?

Solar generators have no ongoing operational costs when compared to gasoline-powered generators. Because they operate off direct sunshine, there is no need for fuel. They also have few moving parts, resulting in decreased maintenance expenses.

What is the most powerful portable solar generator?

No one solar generator is the most powerful portable solar generator on the market. Instead, many different solar generators offer different power levels and portability depending on your needs. Before purchasing, it’s essential to consider what you will be using the solar generator to ensure you get the best possible option for your needs.

Conclusion

Solar generators are an excellent option for anyone looking for an off-grid power solution. They’re lightweight, portable, and have a wide range of applications.

There are several different solar generators on the market to choose from, so it’s essential to consider what you will be using the generator for before making a purchase.