Best Solar Generator For Off-grid Living

Here are some of the most popular, bestselling and highest-rated solar generators available for off-grid living today…

Best Solar Generators For Off-grid Living 2022

1. Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station

A lot of generators are bulkier and heavier, which is great for some situations, but not for all. That’s where the Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station comes in. Its size and weight are perfect for shorter trips and power outages, able to be stored and hauled out as needed. It is able to power small appliances and six smart devices simultaneously, owing to its 293Wh (Watt-hour) power capacity.

When charged via the wall charger and USB-C port, it takes 2.5 hours to reach a full charge. However, it has other ways to charge, including through solar, car, and generator. Solar charging is particularly effective, thanks to built-in maximum power point tracking (MPPT) feature. In conjunction with a SolarSaga 100W solar panel, it can be fully charged in only 5.5 hours (assuming adequate exposure to sunlight).

Power station outlets and ports:

• 2 pure sine wave AC (wall plug) battery powered outlets.
• 60W PD USB-C port (input/output charging)
• QC3.0 USB-A port
• standard USB-A port
• 12V carport

The Jackery Explorer 300 is designed to be mindful of common concerns people have with portable power stations. For example, the eco-friendly options like solar charging help reduce your carbon footprint. Meanwhile, the Battery Management System (BMS) in conjunction with its pure sine wave emitter protects devices from damage.

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2. Jackery Solar Generator 1000

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 combines the SolarSaga 100 Solar Panels with the Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station in order to bring you a greener alternative that still serves your needs perfectly well. It has a capacity of 1002Wh (Watt-hour), able to supply 1000W of power, and 2000W of surge power.

The Jackery Solar Generator has multiple outlets and ports, including:

• Three pure sine wave AC outlets (providing clean power for your devices)
• One Quick Charge 3.0 port (can bring a dead phone to 80 percent in just half an hour)
• One DC carport
• Two USB-C ports

The generator charges rather quickly; if you use two SolarSaga 100 panels connected through the included adapter cable, it will finish its charge only after eight hours of exposure to direct sunlight. However, if you need to charge it even faster than this, you may opt to plug it into a traditional method, like a wall outlet or car outlet. It also has the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) feature, which speeds up your solar recharge time, cutting the time by half.

This generator is good for a variety of scenarios, including when you’re going camping, heading on a road trip, or in need of an emergency source of power when your power goes out.

It can charge and provide power to a variety of devices, including:

• Macbook Pro13 Laptop (8 charges)
• 900W Pressure Cooker (50 minutes)
• 60W Mini Fridge (17 hours)
• 900W Electric Grill (50 minutes)
• iPhone 8 (100 charges)
• 10W Camera (50 charges)

While the device is not small by any means, it is surprisingly light for what it offers, making it that much easier to haul around. When set up, you can prop the panels up with kickstands.

If you are having trouble deciding between the model with the SolarSaga 100 and SolarSaga 100X, just note that the only difference between these two is purely aesthetic, so choose whichever looks best for your purposes. This device has three different bundles, and each bundle has a different size and number of solar panels. One bundle includes two of the SolarSaga 100X, while the other two bundles include one and two SolarSaga 100 each.

You can even run your refrigerator on solar power with the Jackery Solar Generator 1000.

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3. BLUETTI AC200 Max

The BLUETTI AC200 Max Expandable Power Station is good for a lot of situations and circumstances. When it’s time for it to be recharged, you have a lot of options at your disposal. You can charge it via several means, including:

• Solar
• AC
• Vehicle
• Generator
• Lead battery
• Dual AC
• A combination of AC and solar

When charging via solar energy, it can reach up to 900W in direct sunlight. However, if you are using direct sunlight and an AC adapter at the same time, the charge can reach up to 1300W. This generator comes with a 2200W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter, which allows for a 4800W surge power. It is accompanied by the BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel, which is best used in pairs. Its battery has more than 3,500 life cycles to it.

The BLUETTI AC200 Max is able to assist in the charging and powering of a variety of different devices. These include (but are not limited to):

• 1650W electric grill (one hour)
• 150W refrigerator (10 hours)
• 10W lightbulb (more than 150 hours)
• 2000W coffee maker (approximately 70 cups)

It is also able to have its capacity expanded; by connecting up to two of the BLUETTI B230 and/or BLUETTI B300 battery modules, this device’s capacity can be boosted to as high as 8192Wh (Watt-hours). This is helpful for a multitude of situations, ranging from camping to an emergency to a road trip. Due to the way it is designed, it manages to produce a relatively smaller carbon footprint in its use.

BLUETTI has its own App, which allows you to control compatible products such as this to both control and monitor them. Using this app, you can help manage how great the power consumption is for your device.

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4. BLUETTI EB240 2400wh

The Bluetti eb240 has been discontinued by the manufacturer.

However, it’s still remains one of their most highly sought after models and is still available for purchase on sites like Amazon.

The BLUETTI EB240 2400wh is the largest high-capacity portable power station, sporting a lithium battery storage of 2400Wh (Watt-hours)/1000W. This capacity allows you to use any number of devices for an extended length of time, depending on how much wattage they require.

• 70W Router (29 hours)
• 10W Lightbulb (204 hours)
• 30Wh Smartphone (255 recharges)
• 60W Laptop (34 recharges)
• 300W Blender (6.5 hours)

To recharge the BLUETTI EB240, you can either charge it in an AC wall outlet for approximately 12.5 hours, via solar for approximately 9.5 hours (assuming the use of two BLUETTI SP200s), or in 12.5 hours via a generator. Thanks to its built-in maximum power point tracking (MPPT) feature, solar charging Bluetti Power Station Generators is significantly faster than it would be without.

The major advantage of devices like the BLUETTI EB240 is that they are a more green energy alternative to a gasoline-powered inverter generator. Further, because power generators may wind up generating a fair bit of heat, he BLUETTI EB240 has a system that keeps the device cooled. It is good for a variety of occasions, including an emergency situation, camping, going on a road trip, and/or to settle in at the cabin. This generator can be charged via two means: an AC wall outlet and a BLUETTI solar panel.

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5. EcoFlow DELTA Max 2000 with Solar Panels

The EcoFlow DELTA Max 2000 (as well as the 1600) are compatible with the EcoFlow solar panels, both of which are 400W each. The EcoFlow DELTA Max can receive charge via solar power at a maximum of 800W when in contact with direct sunlight. The generator uses a system called maximum power point tracking (MPPT), which helps optimize solar generation, regardless of the condition of the weather.

One of the advantages of this device is the speed by which it charges. In only 65 minutes, it is able to go from no charge to 80 percent charge. The charge can become even faster, depending on the method used. For example, the combination of AC and a smart generator allows up to 3400W, while the combination of AC or a smart generator with solar allows up to 2600W.

The DELTA Max allows you to power devices up to 3400W. This means that, if you experience a power failure, you will not have to worry about throwing out your refrigerator and freezer items. If the refrigerator is connected to the power generator, which is plugged into the wall outlet, the DELTA Max 2000 will automatically switch to battery power.

The DELTA Max is compatible with the EcoFlow App, which allows you to not only monitor the device’s power book, but also control it remotely via your phone or tablet.

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6. EcoFlow Delta Pro

The EcoFlow Delta Pro has a world of potential expansion. Starting out with a base 3600Wh (Watt-hour) and able to provide two days of emergency home power and three hours of daily home power, there are greater levels it can reach.

• 7200Wh (three days emergency home power, six hours daily home power)
• 10800Wh (five days emergency home power, nine hours daily home power)
• 25000Wh (13 days emergency home power, 20 hours daily home power)

The device can be expanded through multiple options, including additional batteries, a smart generator, and/or a smart home panel.

Owners of the EcoFlow Delta Pro can use it with most devices, providing support for devices up to 7200W. Some of the compatible devices include:

• Refrigerator
• Washing Machine
• Microwave
• Electric Frying Pan
• Coffee Maker

Users may also use it in a variety of situations, including camping, a home emergency (such as a power outage), or a road trip. If you want to keep it safe from water, there exists a EcoFlow waterproof case you can purchase for it.

There are multiple methods by which to charge the device, including:

• AC wall outlet
• Car charger
• Solar charging
• Smart generator
• Electric vehicle charging stations

Because of its use of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) feature built into it, solar charging is able to be that much more effective a charging method, automatically adjusting your solar generation depending on the conditions.

Additionally, the device can be charged even faster by combining AC wall charging and solar charging. In the future, EcoFlow Delta Pro will be compatible with a prospective EcoFlow Wind Turbine for charging. EcoFlow puts a lot of significance in promoting renewables, thanks both to the compatibility with solar energy and (eventually) wind energy.

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7. Jackery Solar Generator 1500

The Jackery Solar Generator 1500 is a combination of the Explorer 1500 and Jackery’s solar panels, and are an ideal option for camping, a cabin outing, or even in an emergency situation. One of the best aspects of the Solar Generator 1500 is that it is both quiet and easy to use for what it is. It can power up to 85 percent of devices, including:

• 500W Blender (130 minutes)
• 500W Coffee Maker (130 minutes)
• 1000W Microwave Oven (68 minutes)
• 700W Ice Shaver (120 minutes)
• 60W Mini Cooler (21 hours)

It hosts a capacity of 1534Wh (Watt-hours) and 1800W with 3600W in surge power. It comes with multiple ports and outlets, including:

• Three AC Pure Sine Wave AC Outlets (providing clean power for your devices)
• One PD 60WUSB-C Port
• One Quick Charge 3.0 Port (can bring a dead phone to 80 percent in just half an hour)
• One USB-A Port
• One 12V Car Port

The device on its own contributes zero emissions, thanks to its solar charging feature. The Solar Generator 1500 uses an upgraded version of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) feature called Solarpeak. This allows you to charge the generator to 80 percent in only approximately four hours, assuming it is exposed to ideal conditions.

The Solar Generator 1500 comes in three bundles. One bundle comes with one SolarSaga 100, one comes with two SolarSaga 100X, and one comes with four SolarSaga 100. The different between the SolarSaga 100 and SolarSaga 100X is purely aesthetic, so do not fret the difference.

Find it on eBay.

8. Goal Zero Yeti 1000x Portable Power Station

The Goal Zero Yeti 1000x Portable Power Station is an ideal option for those looking to charge and power their things; no matter if they are looking to use it while traveling, or if they simply want to be able to power their medium and large appliances. However, it is also usable for smaller devices, such as phones, laptops, cameras, and more. It is also beneficial for emergency situations, such as the power going out.

This portable power station has multiple ports and outlets, including:

• 60W USB-C Power Delivery
• Three USB-A Ports
• Two 120V AC Ports
• One Regulated 12V Output

This portable power station can be charged using solar energy, and is particularly effective in doing so thanks to the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) feature. This not only offers more efficient solar charging, but it also recharges faster via solar energy. It uses a lithium-ion battery, which serves as clean and safe power, both in the home and on the road.

The station powers pretty quickly from the wall; by itself, it will finish charging after only nine hours. However, if you want a faster charge, you can invest in the Yeti X 600W Power Supply as an addition. It will decrease your charge time by seven hours!

Find it on eBay.

Features To Look For In The Best Off-Grid Solar Generators

Here’s a quick rundown of the most useful features to look for when choosing the best solar generator  for off-grid living:

Battery Type – Some of the most efficient generators run from solar power stored on a lithium battery. Lithium-ion batteries typically cost more, but they last the longest. Traditional lead-acid car batteries store less energy by weight and size than lithium-ion. However, they are cheaper and deep cycle batteries may meet your power needs if portability is not a major factor. AGM lead acid batteries are the preferred choice here.

Battery Capacity – Using the least amount of power you can get away with will require less energy come time to run your devices, but make sure you have enough battery capacity for the power you need. This varies based on the watt-hour calculations you made, and the battery must have that capacity.

If you need a lot of battery capacity, the best solar generator for you would include hook-ups for external batteries.

Power Output (Watts) – This relates to how many watts a unit can provide when running sent from the power source to whatever item is plugged into it. You also might hear of the difference between “continuous” and “startup” wattage for certain power storage units.

The continuous power usually is much lower, meaning that a 300W battery pack can only run that amount. However, it may increase up to 600W of power when initially starting up a device; this momentary higher draw happens with any appliance that has an electric motor.

Power Outlets – Most any portable power generator will have AC power outlet like the ones you have in your house. You may also want DC power outlets such as the USB ports used for tablets and phones or some fans and USB heating equipment. Old school cigarette lighter style 12v outlets are sometimes useful, as they can be used to recharge your car battery or run some 12v devices.

You might also want an RV outlet, which has three prongs that are larger than a standard plug. A portable generator solar system may come with universal adapters to use for varying computer, tablet and power cord connection types.

Inverter – Some of the best solar powered generators offer pure sine wave inverter technology for higher efficiency and cleaner, more reliable power output. The wattage capacity of an inverter can not be upgraded, so be sure you get one that provides the power output you need.

Solar Panels – More surface area mean quicker recharge times, but also greater bulk. Look for included stands that make setup of your solar panels easier, such as those found on Bluetti solar panels.

Charge Controller – Look for an MPPT charge controller, they are more efficient and so reduce the time needed to recharge your batteries and also work better in low sunlight. You might want the charge controller to have extra capacity so you can add more solar panels.

Solid Construction – The best solar generators for off grid living are the ones that actually work. You want something that can handle the occasional bit of mishandling, which is bound to happen. Check consumer or professional reviews for comments about build quality.

Tip: If you plan on using a solar generator as your primary source of power for your entire home, then consider looking into setting up a solar array (see what is a solar array for more info).