Best Solar Generator for Off Grid Living [Top 10 for 2023]
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Howdy, fellow Off-gridders! My name’s Jeff, and I have a vital solar generator question.
Do you know one of the trickiest parts of cutting ties with the traditional networks and finally going off-grid? The problem is finding reliable power!
How can I still get consistent, sure-fire electricity to juice up my stuff when not connected to traditional sources or camping among the prairie and pines?
Luckily, we have to look no further than overhead, my friends. I’m talking about systems to keep the electricity flowing with solar power!
That’s right. I’m talking about getting juice from that lovely lemon in the sky and catching some high-quality solar power!
I’m not saying you need to invest in some crazy army of solar panels that might cost you half the farm, either!
These handy-dandy portable power sources take the convenience and efficiency of larger arrays and condense them into boxes only. In most cases, slightly bigger than a desktop computer to harness all that solar goodness dripping down from the heavens and turn it into usable power!
Though these generators may not be the best bet for powering homes, they pack plenty of punch as a backup during blackouts or bring on an adventure to recharge your devices.
These things can be your saviors when you desperately need some electricity while keeping you off-grid and free.
What are the Best Solar Generators for Off-Grid Living?
The best solar generators for off-grid living will have enough kilowatt-hours to power the appliances you use around your homestead. So what are the best solar generators for living off-grid? We reviewed dozens of solar-power generators and hand-selected the following.
- Best Overall Solar Generator: BLUETTI AC200p
- Best Bang For Your Buck: Jackery Explorer 2000 PRO Portable Power Station
- Strongest Solar Generator: Goal Zero Yeti 6000X
- Best Solar Generator for your Budget: Westinghouse IGen600s 296Wh
- Best Portable Solar Generator: Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station
- Best for Powering Lots of Devices at Once: Ecoflow Delta
- Best Solar Generator for Get-Togethers: BLUETTI EP500 5100Wh Power Station
- Easiest Solar Generator: Wagan (EL2547) Solar e Cube 1500 Plus
- Best Solar Generator for Grills: ALLWEI Portable Power Station
- Best Looking Solar Generator: Tacklife p50 500Wh Portable Power Station
- Best Solar Generator for Fridges: Lycan 5000 Power Box
We also want to review the best solar generators under $500 in more detail below.
Sound good?
Let’s begin!
Best Solar Generators – Our Top Picks
We think the BLUETTI AC200p is the best solar generator overall. But, it’s not perfect! It’s not the most affordable, nor is it the most portable solar power generator.
That’s why we also want to showcase the top 10 best solar generators. Whether you need power for your backyard barbeque, RV, or off-grid life, one of these models should help.
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$1,399.00Get More InfoIf you read the start of this article, you know I’m a bit partial here, but I think the BLUETTI AC200p is the best all-around unit for most.
Its combination of power and the three abilities (affordability, reliability, and portability) make it an excellent choice. It's perfect for individuals looking for a solar generator that can do almost anything!
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08/29/2024 11:16 am GMT -
$2,399.00$2,099.00Get More InfoThis little portable 43-lb solar generator packs a huge punch for its size. It has an incredible 2160Wh Capacity and comes with three 2200W AC Outlets, so you can keep fans, lights, and even smaller fridges running when you're off the grid.
However, the best feature of this generator is how quickly it charges. With solar, you can expect to be at 100% within 2.5 hours, and with a wall outlet, you're ready to hop off the grid in just 2 hours!
While it comes at a slightly higher price than other generators of its size, this guy is unbelievably powerful, considering it's just 15 inches long and 1 ft tall. It's perfect for keeping devices like laptops and phones charged, but it can also run a hot plate for up to 45 minutes and keep an electric grill hot for over an hour.
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08/29/2024 11:05 am GMT -
$3,499.00Get More InfoThis solar generator lives up to its name and is a beast when it provides solar power. With a 2000 watt AC inverter and a 6071-watt-hour generator, you can guarantee yourself you’ll be able to stay plugged in for days no matter the location or situation.
It's used by countless professionals to power up tools and provide relief in disaster locations. The Yeti 6000X, though pricey, is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get the most out of their solar-powered generator.
It's perfect for those with heavy items that need to stay powered up like handsaws or even when they need to give their electric cars a few extra miles when desperate.
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07/23/2024 04:55 am GMT -
$149.98$137.99Get More InfoNeed portable, renewable power, but can’t afford to lose your shirt? Look no further than Westinghouse’s IGen600s solar generator.
This compact, hand-held solar generator is great to have when you need to keep smaller devices charged and ready for action.
Able to recharge laptops twelve times over, the IGen 600s 296Wh will give a good bang for your buck, making it an excellent choice for off-gridders on the move or your next camping trip.
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08/29/2024 11:02 am GMT -
$400.00Get More InfoComing in at a featherweight heft of 22 pounds, with an ergonomic handle for easy grabbing and going, the Jackery Explorer 1000 provides exceptional power with optimal portability.
With three pure sine wave AC outlets, multiple USB ports, and 1000 wattage output, this powerful little generator makes the most of its lightness by offering a reliable power source on the go.
If you’re someone who needs strong power anywhere? Then look no further than the Jackery Explorer 1000 to keep your devices going wherever your adventures demand.
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08/29/2024 01:13 pm GMT -
$999.00Get More InfoThis versatile power station has a ton of ability to power all your devices at once. With 13 ports, including 6 AC outlets, you can hook up most anything to your Ecoflow Delta at once.
And with a max output of 1800 watts, it can keep your most essential items alive and kicking for a while before you need the generator to soak up more sun.
One max charge of the Ecoflow Delta can equate to over 100-charges of most modern phones, making this generator a go-to for anyone with a host of devices that need to operate continuously.
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08/08/2024 08:29 am GMT -
Get More InfoAre you looking to have friends over for a cookout or party? Maybe you know they’ll bring some speakers, a pellet grill, and even an electric guitar? You’re going to need a power source that can support the ruckus!
The BLUETTI EP500 will give you all you can handle and more. It has an on-unit smart-screen and an accompanying app - the app grants easy power-distribution management to whatever devices hook up to it.
Add in the 15 versatile outlet options, including two wireless charging pads, and you and your guests will have options aplenty when it comes to getting your next get-together rowdy with the help of solar power.
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Get More InfoMost solar generators on this list require you to purchase additional solar panels to hook into that sunny goodness, but not the Wagan Solar e Cube.
This complete generator comes with panels apart from the package allowing it to boast some of the most consumer-friendly words one can read on a box: No assembly required!
For those of you who want a straightforward solution and don’t want to deal with purchasing the right panels to fit your generator, the Wagan Cube might be the unit for you. It has a price roughly equivalent to the BLUETTI AC200p. It also has a bulkier size making it a hassle to store and wheel about your yard.
But, if you can deal with its cumbersomeness? Then you might have the perfect out-of-the-box generator for your off-grid needs
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$249.00$149.00Get More InfoNeed to fire up your pellet grill but don’t have a plug? Look no further than the ALLWEI Portable Power Station 300W.
This carry-friendly solar generator lets you hook up to one of its outlets to get your grill going when you're on the road. It's also perfect for roasting up your latest catch out on the homestead.
With a built-in cooling system that can automatically turn off and on, this system is ideal for powering up grills and other items that run at high heat.
So if you're looking to do some serious cooking without damaging your power station, look no further than the ALLWEI for your next grill session.
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08/29/2024 01:50 pm GMT -
$359.99Get More InfoWho says solar power can’t look good? When it comes to power, most of us want something to get the job done, but some are also looking for something with a sleek design that will make us say WOW while also powering up our stuff.
The Tacklife p50 is a cube that looks like something built from a Lego factory. Its minimalist design and weight of 13.6 pounds allow its owner to put it almost anywhere while still keeping the aesthetics of any homestead.
But don’t let it looks fool you. The Tacklife p50 has 500Wh capability meaning it can power up your devices while looking good
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Get More InfoProperly storing food is one of the trickiest parts of any off-grid lifestyle. Failure to connect a fridge or freezer to a reliable power source could needlessly destroy high-quality and hard-earned food. Potentially many pounds! Why trust your consumables to anything other than the best?
For running full-size fridges, I like the Lycan 5000 Power Box. It has a fast-charging ability, and it expands in times of need. Add in its 3500W continuous output, and you can expect this generator to power your fridge for around 60 hours.
That’s two and a half days of juice to keep your perishables from having to get tossed.
Though on the pricier side, the Lycan 5000 is worth the investment for those looking to keep their food safe and secure while living off-grid.
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Best Overall Solar Generator: BLUETTI AC200p
I’ve dug deep into solar generators, so you don’t have to. I’ve researched dozens of products to find the best generators that can fit what you’re looking for, depending on your budget, setup, and how you intend on using the generator. So keep reading to discover the best generators for your needs.
But before we get there, let me tell you what works best for me! And why I chose it as the right generator for my life to help paint the picture for what might be best for you.
I’m a BLUETTI AC200P guy myself, and I love it!
The BLUETTI packs a wallop at an affordable rate. While not the cheapest of the bunch out there, I’m sold on this generator’s reliability and durability.
BLUETTI is known for creating exceptional products. The materials they source (LiFeP04 battery cells and BMS technology, which means kick-butt tech) give me comfort in knowing that I’ll be owning this generator for a while.
According to their website, they boast a life span of 25-30 years. The long lifespan means that I’ll probably have this generator living with me longer than I will my kids!
I like to buy nice rather than buy twice! So having that assurance makes me feel confident in my choice that I won’t need another generator for some time.
It’s got the power to back it up too.
I live in the frigid Northeast, where a good blizzard can knock me off traditional power sources for days. But the BLUETTI AC200p can keep my mini-fridge running for an additional 24 hours with a single charge. The charge means there’s no need to throw away and waste all that stored up frozen meat and beer.
Hallelujah!
It’s also not bulky either. Some of these generators can get a little cumbersome, but the BLUETTI fits conveniently in the garage, sliding right on the shelf next to the solar panels needed to capture the power.
So while not the strongest out there, I went with it because I think of it as the best all-around. The BLUETTI can keep your vital devices charged for a good while. But also not break the bank.
And I like my bank in one piece, thank you very much.
But that’s just me and what fits my lifestyle at the moment. As I said, dozens of other generators can fit even modest budgets and needs.
So keep reading to find out the best solar generator for your off-grid living conditions.
Read More – The 10 Best Off Grid Refrigerator Options – Plus, How to Run Them!
What to Look for in a Solar Generator
Are you still having trouble deciding which solar generator is right for you? Try to understand your own electrical needs and compare the spec sheet of potential generators.
Here are a few things to consider when looking at solar generators.
Running Watts
A generator’s running watts tell how much electricity the unit can produce continuously. Gather up the devices you think you’ll want to run on the generator and then add together the total wattage required for the devices. (Hint: most appliances tell you the required wattage somewhere on the device.)
So long as the total wattage of your devices is less than the generator’s total running watts, you should be good to go!
Watt-Hours
Watt-Hours, also shorthand referred to as Wh, indicates how much power can be distributed from the generator for 60 minutes on a fully-charged battery.
For example, a 1000Wh solar generator could power up a 100-watt fridge for roughly 10 hours. This calculation can be inaccurate, though. It is often affected by temperature and device age.
For a basic estimate, multiply the total wattage of the thing you need to power by the duration of use. A generator with a Wh rating bigger than the result should do the trick.
Recharge Time
Look at a generator’s recharge time to estimate how long it will take for a depleted battery to reach full charge. The generator’s spec sheet should detail the amount of time needed related to the amount of power received from solar panels.
But a word of caution, solar energy can often be impacted by foul weather. So be wary of weather conditions before making final calculations on how and when you’ll use a solar generator.
Solar Panels
Most solar generators do not come with solar panels.
Bummer, I know. So unless you’re buying the Wagan Solar e Cube 1500 Plus, you’ll need to purchase separate panels to power up your generator courtesy of the sun. Make sure that you have or can buy compatible solar panels with your generator.
Details of panel requirements usually come on the equipment’s spec sheet or product box, so do your research before committing a generator!
Conclusion
There are endless amounts of solar generators to choose from that can keep that green, reliable energy flowing to your homestead or camper.
Your needs and budget also help determine the best solar generator for off-grid applications. How many appliances do you use – and for how often?
Whether it’s power, portability, or prettiness you’re after, there’s a generator for you, and I’m hopeful that the above list will help make that decision a little easier for you.
A solar generator is a great choice, no matter which one you choose. So what are you waiting for – and can we help in any way?
We know that choosing the best solar generator is tricky – and it’s also a big decision.
So – if you have any questions about choosing the best solar generator, don’t hesitate to ask.
Thanks again for reading.
Have a great day!
Read More – 11+ Things You Should Know About Whole House Generators! (According to Experts!)
Do you know if you can connect 2 identical solar generators together to increase the electrical load?
Hi Carol!
I did some research this morning and it seems to me that it may be possible to connect two solar generators together, if this is something the specific brand offers as a feature.
This answer, for example, mentions:
It sounds like you will need solar generators with a chaining cable, which will need to be compatible with your brand of generator.
The Goal Zero Yeti 3000X offers a range of accessories and chaining cables for their generators, for example.
Another example is the Ecoflow Delta, which mentions:
I found quite a few solar generators with solar panels that can be chained together. This may be a simpler option than chaining the actual generators.
However, it’s best to check with the individual solar generator manufacturers. Particularly if you haven’t purchased them yet, this could factor into your decision.
Let us know if you decide to go ahead with it, we’d love to hear about your experience!
@Elle, Well, I actually bought a Jackery 160Wh for my jeep to carry with it at all times for emergencies. It was on sale, small and ‘cute’,* and seemed easy to work. (I’m 69 and alone, so no one to help set up and such)
*Yeah, I know….silly woman….cute…phttt!
I bought the 60W solar panel to go with it.
Then more of the Jackery’s came on sale and I bought a 300Wh for my house…not really thinking about what I could power with it. Began really thinking and got 2 of the 1000Wh, and finally, thinking about my well pump got the 2000Wh. Almost all of these were on sale, either alone or with solar panels, and all purchased at different times.
So with all of those, I should be good to go with my house. Probably would use the 1000Wh’s for my freezer and TV/dvd player… I have lights and heat with solar lights and a Mr Buddy Heater (actually 4 of them) with almost 200 1# propane tanks…..so I feel I’m pretty well set.
I don’t know if my Jackery’s are compatible for ‘chaining’ as in my first question, but I have enough I believe to be ok. I have a few 100W solar panels for each solar generator. Most of which are the same brand and size. (I have two of one brand and two of another so I can use the same brand together on one generator as I know you can’t combine different brands together on a generator)
I do thank you for the post which began my quest for getting solar generators and gave me a lot to think about.