10+ Best Solar Generators for Off-Grid Living in 2023

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Best solar generator for off-grid living

What is the first item to run out when we go camping? Food? No, the first thing that always runs out is power. when you are away in the wild, with no power backup. There are chances that you might run into trouble. Therefore, you need a good solar generator for your backup. In this blog post, we will tell you what is the best solar generator for off-grid living, Actually, we have 10 of them for you, so you can choose one that meets your requirements.

This article is going to be a lengthy one, so, bear with me. Without, wasting a single second, let’s get straight to the point.

What is a solar generator?

Solar generator as the name suggests is self-explanatory. It is a device that converts solar energy into electrical energy.

Usually, a solar generator is confused with solar battery storage. A solar generator is much more than that; it is a complete system that includes a storage battery to store power, an inverter to convert DC to AC power, and an array of inputs to power appliances.

It is used for several applications including homes, off-grid living, RV, boats, outdoor parties, work sites, businesses, and automobiles.

A solar generator is an ideal option to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Through this device, we can harness, solar energy which is a great renewable and sustainable energy source.

How to recharge a solar generator when living off the grid?

Since you are living off-grid, you have no direct power access. Therefore, to charge your solar generator you need a solar panel system.

If your solar generator has a high power capacity, then it will take more power and time to get recharged. The larger your solar generator, the more time it will take to recharge.

Benefits of using a solar generator

A solar generator is designed to offer multiple benefits to the users, such as.

  • They have low/no emissions
  • It helps you reduce your carbon footprint
  • It gives energy security
  • Cost-effectiveness in the long-run
  • The device is easy to set up and operate
  • The device can be used to power a variety of electrical devices
  • An excellent emergency power backup

What is the best solar generator for off-grid living?

Solar generators come in all sizes and shapes. If you ask us what is the right solar generator for me. We would say, it depends on your energy requirements.

If you need more energy, then solar generators with higher energy output are the way to go. Solar generators with high capacity can even power heavy-duty electric appliances like fridges, televisions, and other electronic appliances. Likewise, for minor applications, a small solar generator will work fine.

If you are going camping for only a few days or traveling around in your RV, you might need a more portable option that could power your laptop, camera, smartphone, and bulb. In such cases, your main requirement is the portability of the device.

We usually recommend people calculate their energy requirements and purchase a solar energy generator accordingly.

Note: According to U.S. Energy Information Administration, an average US residential utility customer utilizes approximately 29.2kWh daily or 10,649 kWh annually.

Things you need to consider before purchasing the best solar generator for off-grid living

If you have decided to purchase a solar generator for off-grid living, then there are a few important points you need to consider, which are as follows:

  • Your total energy requirements
  • The total battery capacity of the solar generator
  • Can you connect external solar panels to the device?
  • Is the device portable?
  • What size inverter does it come with?
  • Does it have a wheeling system – Usually a wheeling system is suitable to take it from one place to another.
  • How many charging ports does the device have?
  • What is the lifespan of the device/ how many charge cycles does the device offer?
  • Design and durability

Note: To help you make an informed buying decision. We have calculated a Price/Power Capacity ratio for each generator. It is the amount of money you pay for every Watt-hour of power. Although, this is not a standard parameter to compare two products. But it may be helpful for you.

10+ Best solar generators for Off-grid living

The following are Sustainoverse’s picks for the best solar generators for an off-grid living you can buy in 2023.

A detailed description of each generator is given below.

1. Goal Zero Yeti 6000x Portable Power Station – Capacity: 6,071Wh Price: $5,999.95

Let’s start the list with a powerful device in terms of power capacity, right? Yeti 6000x from Goal Zero has the highest energy capacity compared to other devices on this list. The device is enough to run all kinds of appliances including heavy-duty machines such as refrigerators, Microwave, CPAP, and others.

Even though the device is heavy (48.1Kg), the handle and the wheeling system make it easy to carry it around wherever you go. It is the perfect device for all types of applications. With all the specifications, this device tops the list of the best heavy-duty solar generator for off-grid living.

Price/Power Capacity ratio: $0.988/Wh

Best features:

  • Wheeling system
  • 7 different types of outlets
  • An integrated MPPT charge controller
  • Yeti App 3.0
  • Three ways of recharging (Solar, AC wall outlet, and Car)
  • Simultaneous recharging and discharging

Pros:

  • Portable
  • Fast recharging
  • Highly durable
  • Up to 2-Year warranty
  • 3-6 months’ self-life

Cons:

  • Slow recharge time (12 hours using 600W power supply)
  • Quite heavy (106 lbs. /48.1Kg)
  • Expensive

Most ideal for: Heavy-duty use, Emergency home backup, RVs, Trailers, Off-grid living, work sites, and camping.

2. Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro + 2xSolarSaga 200W –  Capacity: 2,160Wh Price: $3,299

Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro is one of the best solar generators for Off-grid living. With a power capacity of 2,160Wh, the device is enough to deal with long-lasting power outages.

The easy-to-use interface makes it easy for an average person to operate the device without any prior training.

The device comes with 2xSolarSaga 200W panels which can be customized up to 6xSolarSaga 200W panels. Using 6xSolarSaga 200W panels the device can be fully charged in less than 2.5 hours.  

Price/Power Capacity ratio: $1.527/Wh (This includes 2xSolar Saga 200W)

Best features:

  • Four temperature core detectors
  • Different on-screen features such as fault code indicator and low battery indicator)
  • Battery Management System
  • Over Voltage Protection
  • Short Circuit Protection

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Plenty of ports
  • Fast charging (2 hours via AC Wall outlet and 2.5 hours using 6xSolarSaga 200W
  • High Capacity
  • Quiet charging (53 DB)
  • Eco-friendly
  • 1000+ cycles to 80%+ capacity
  • 5-Year warranty (3-year warranty on regular purchase and a 2-year warranty extension)
  • Lightweight (8.0 ± 0.3 Kg)

Cons:

  • Low shelf-time (Less than 3 months)
  • Heavy for its size

Most ideal for Home emergency backup, off-grid living, and road trips.

3. Bluetti EP500 Pro Solar Power Station – Capacity: 5100Wh Price: $5,999

If you are flexible with your budget, we have got a perfect product for you. Bluetti EP500 Pro Solar Power Station is the best solar generator for off-grid living. It is a product that is suitable for various occasions including family outdoor get-togethers, camping, outdoor parties, and off-grid living, to name a few.

The device can be used to recharge kitchen appliances (such as refrigerators, microwave ovens, washers, and Electric fry pans), Home equipment (heater, air conditioning, smartphone, laptop, etc.), and transportation (E-bike, electric vehicles). In short, you can use it anywhere, where power is needed.

Price/Power Capacity ratio: $1.176/Wh

Best features:

  • Wheeling system
  • Smart touch screen
  • LiFePO4 battery
  • 3000W rated Pure sine wave AC inverter

Pros:

  • Elegant design
  • Compact shape
  • App remote control
  • 5-year warranty
  • 15 outlets let you charge anything simultaneously
  • 3500+ cycles to 80% capacity

Cons:

  • Heavy (182 lbs. /83 Kg)
  • Expensive

Most ideal for: Power outages, RV, Skoolie, off-grid living, outdoor parties, cabin workshops, and camping.

4. Renogy Lycan 5000 Power Box – Capacity: 4800Wh Price: $5,199.99

Another generator from the high power capacity league is Renogy Lycan 5000 Power Box. It is suitable for heavy-duty use.

Moreover, the device also offers the ability to plug directly into your home circuit. With cutting-edge pure sine wave technology, all your AC appliances are protected against any short circuits.

The device is so powerful, that on one full charge, it can power a refrigerator (135W) for 60 hours, an Air conditioner (1000W) for 6.2 hours, and a heater (1750W) for 2.9 hours. Therefore, Renogy Lycan 5000 is a powerhouse in the true sense.

With all the specifications, Renogy Lycan lets you take full control of your own energy.

Price/Power Capacity ratio: $1.083/Wh

Best features:

  • Capacity expandable up to 19200Wh
  • Wheeling system
  • Multiple ways of recharging (Solar, AC input, and generator)
  • Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
  • Renogy LiFePO4 battery technology
  • Built-in circuit breaker and surge protection
  • Advanced pure sine wave technology

Pros:

  • Fast recharging (1.3 hours simultaneously charging using Solar and AC outlets)
  • Durable
  • A lifespan of 10 years/4500 battery cycles
  • A nice working smartphone application
  • Clean and quiet operation
  • Safe for outdoor use (IP55 protection rating)
  • High solar input (4400W)

Cons:

  • Heavy (264.6 lbs. /120Kg)
  • Expensive

Most ideal for: Off-grid living, Power outages, construction sites, heavy-duty appliances,

5. Ecoflow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station – Capacity: 3600Wh Price: $3,699

Don’t judge this device by its ranking on our list. A simple ranking doesn’t define what a device is capable of. If you have reached this far, you are probably looking for a better option. Don’t look further, EcoFlow DELTA Pro is the ultimate option.

Let us introduce you to the EcoFlow DELTA Pro portable power station, which is a complete beast when it comes to dealing with power outages.

With a power capacity of 3600Wh (expandable to 25000Wh), the device can handle all types of energy requirements. It powers all types of electric appliances including an air conditioner, electric hammer, cutting machine, electric oven, electric grill, air fryer, drone, projector, car fridge, blender, and laptop. Do we really have to list all the electric appliances out there? We are sure you got the point.

No doubt, the device is a complete package. If budget is not a constraint, there is nothing that keeps you away from buying this beast.

Price/Power Capacity ratio: $1.0275/Wh

Best features:

  • Easy integration with home circuits via the smart home panel
  • Capacity can be expanded up to 25,000Wh using extra batteries
  • X-Boost technology can expand a single unit capacity to 4,500Wh
  • Smart battery management system
  • Smart Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
  • Wheeling system

Pros:

  • Fastest charging device (1.8 hours using X-Stream charging technology)
  • Can provide power to up to 10 home circuits
  • 6 recharging methods
  • 6,500 battery cycles to 50% capacity
  • Multiple ways of monitoring and controlling the device (remote control, EcoFlow app, etc.)
  • Portable
  • Power saving and energy security 

Cons:

  • Bulky (45kg)

Most ideal for: Home backup, Heavy duty use, RV, Outdoor adventures, and off-grid life. In short, it is suitable for all kinds of applications. 

6. Goal Zero Yeti 1500x Portable Power Station – 1,516Wh $1,799.95

Moving forward with the quest for the best solar generator for off-grid living, we have Yeti 1500X from Goal zero. The device offers a 1,516Wh, which is decent output.

Goal zero’s Yeti 1500X can be used to power many electric appliances including Microwaves, CPAP, TV, Pellet Grill, lamp, fridge, and the list goes on.

YETI 1500x has a nice smartphone application; through which you can control the device remotely.

Price/Power Capacity ratio: $1.1873/Wh

Best features:

  • Lithium-ion battery
  • 3 ways of recharging (the sun, AC wall charger, and car)
  • Easy integration with home circuit

Pros:

  • 2-Year warranty
  • Simultaneous recharge and discharge
  • Lightweight (20.7 kg)
  • Compact size
  • Modern design

Cons:

  • Not suitable for high-duty use
  • Slow recharging
  • A bit expensive for its capacity

Most ideal for: RV, Off-grid travel, Home power backup, camping, and professional use.

7. Golabs solar generator R300 portable power station– 299Wh $299.99

Pricing of solar generators can be a headache. We agree. Therefore, we have added an affordable option for you. Golabs Solar generator R300 is the cheapest energy solution on our list.

However, this generator suits those people, who have low power requirements and who are running on a short budget. After all, there is always a trade-off between price and power capacity. If you are looking for a solution at an affordable price, here you go.

Price/Power Capacity ratio: $1.0033/Wh

Best features:

  • Integrated flashlight
  • LifePo4 batteries

Pros:

  • More than 2000 lifecycles
  • Portable
  • 10 years of use
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to setup

Cons:

  • Low power capacity
  • Not suitable for heavy use

Most ideal for: Light use, RV, Solo traveler,

8. BLUETTI PowerOak AC200P Solar Portable Power Station – Capacity: 2000Wh Price: 1,799

Power outages in the middle of office work can be frustrating. But there is a solution to that. Bluetti AC200P is a perfect solution for energy outages. 2000Wh is enough to power your office for several hours.

In addition to its application in the office, the device is a great companion for off-grid living, Van life, and camping. Keeping in mind all the features and functionalities of the device, I say it is a pretty good deal.

If your energy requirements lie somewhere between 1800Wh to 2200Wh, then search no more. You have got the best deal here. You get affordability, portability, and reliability in one device. What else do you need?

Price/Power Capacity ratio: $0.8995/Wh

Best features:

  • Smart touchable interaction LCD display
  • Fast recharge (2-2.5hours) – when charged using solar and AC simultaneously
  • Recharge 13 devices simultaneously
  • 3500+ lifecycles
  • Pure sine wave inverter

Pros:

  • Eco-friendly
  • Affordable
  • Fast
  • Durable
  • Simple to use
  • 2 Years warranty

Cons:

  • Doesn’t have an app
  • Heavy (27.5Kg)
  • No wheeling system

Most ideal for: Off-grid living, road trips, emergency backup systems, camping, RV, and more.

9. Geneverse Solar Generator (HomePower 2 series) – Capacity: 2060Wh Price: $3,797

With the slogan “Power your home”, Geneverse delivers its promise in the form of its HomePower 2 series solar generator. This device is an excellent option if you are looking for a good solar generator at an affordable price.

The device is known for its cleaner, smoother, quieter, and more reliable operations. Moreover, it is compatible with 99% of home appliances.

Geneverse HomePower 2 plus with two solar panels is ideal for single-person usage. However, it can be customized for multiple users by adding more solar panels.

Price/Power Capacity ratio: $1.8432/Wh (This also includes two solar panels)

Best features:

  • Equipped with a Sine-wave inverter
  • 9 simultaneous outputs
  • Ergonomic portable design
  • 6 built-in protection modules in the battery management system (BMS)
  • Wheeling system

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Can be charged using AC, carport, or solar panel (More than 800 cycles)
  • 5-years warranty
  • Can store power for up to one year
  • Provides power for up to 7 days
  • Comes with 2 solar panels
  • Fast recharging (1-2 hours using AC wall outlet, 3-4 hours using Solar energy, and 7-9 hours by car)
  • Quick hassle-free setup (It only takes 30 seconds to set up the system)

Cons:

  • Not suitable for high-energy consumption
  • It is a little bit bulky (starter 20.5kg and Plus 21.5Kg)
  • No wheeling system

Most ideal for: Solo travelers, RV, off-grid living, emergency home backup, Picnic, and long road trips.

10. Anker 545 Powerhouse – Capacity: 778Wh Price: $699.99

If you are looking for a reliable and portable emergency backup, then nothing can beat Anker 545. Due to its high compatibility, it works with most solar panels.

To ensure optimal recharging efficiency it is equipped with cutting-edge MPPT (Maximum power point tracking) technology.

If your energy requirements lie somewhere between 500 and 1000Wh, then Anker 545 is the perfect solution. This device is my personal favorite when it comes to long road trips.

Price/Power Capacity ratio: $0.8997/Wh

Best features:

  • Fast charging
  • Can power 11 devices simultaneously (2 AC outlets, 2 DC outlets, 2 USB-C ports, 4 USB-A ports, and one vehicle-class outlet)
  • It recharges fully in only 4.9 hours
  • MPPT (Maximum power point tracking) technology

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Lightweight (Only 8.3 Kg)
  • Compact design
  • Comes with a lot of accessories

Cons:

  • Doesn’t support appliances with over 500W rating such as hair dryers, electric cars, microwaves, and toasters.

Most ideal for: Outdoor RV/Van, Camping, and off-grid living.

Do I need to buy solar panels along with a solar generator?

Well, some of the solar generators on this list already come with solar panels. But if the package doesn’t include solar panels then you can buy them separately. You may also charge your solar generator using an AC wall outlet in your home or using your car. So, it’s entirely up to you, whichever option suits you.

Buying solar panels for your solar generator might cost you an additional amount, but it will be cost-effective and eco-friendly in the long run. Moreover, if you have decided to go off-grid for a long-time, then you might be needing solar panels.

What other options are available other than solar generators?

A solar generator coupled with solar panels is the most preferred solution for an off-grid living since it is sustainable and environmentally friendly. Moreover, in the long-run solar generators are cost-effective. But if you are running on a tight budget then there are a few options you can use to power your appliances.

You may use a fossil fuel-powered generator, propane gas generator, and petroleum-powered generator. We personally don’t recommend these solutions. But it is entirely up to you, to go with the method that suits your budget and requirements.

Conclusion

While writing this blog post, we came across different options that are available in the market. Limiting the number to just 10 was super tough for us. But after spending many hours in research; reading product reviews, product manuals, and other documents, we have compiled the list, which will surely help you find the best solar generator for off-grid living.

We have one last piece of advice for you. Since you are going to make an important purchase, take some time and thoroughly assess each product, and see if it suits your requirements. Then make the final decision, whether to buy it or not.

We hope you find this article helpful. Let us know in the comment section below.