5 Best Solar Generators For Off-Grid Living [2024 Updated]

Off-grid living is a popular modern lifestyle where one relies on their own power sources. Living completely off-grid is an appealing idea for people wanting to be self-sufficient.

Sustainable life involves disconnecting from electrical grids and living a "green life." However, the idea seems impossible as we depend heavily on electronic devices. That's where a solar power station comes into the picture.

A solar generator is great for off-grid living, as solar energy is always available. In addition, the best solar generators for off-grid living can help you recharge batteries and power electronics.

As long as the sun shines, a solar generator could be a life-saver to charge all your appliances. Post the daytime, the recharged battery will help you power gadgets at night. If you want to switch to an off-grid lifestyle, check out the top 5 solar generators available on the market.

What Is a Solar Generator For Off-Grid Living?

Off-grid living isn't a walk in the park. Having a reliable, safe, and quiet energy source can help you live off-grid while keeping your electronic devices up and running.

A solar generator for off-grid living is a device that converts solar power into electricity. It acts as a power station that generates enough electricity to charge all your appliances, including but not limited to refrigerators, heaters, grills, etc.

A solar generator is great for off-grid living, as solar energy is always available. In addition, the best solar generators for off-grid living can help you get renewable energy and power electronics.

Off-the-grid power stations are not reliant on the electric grid, meaning you'll never run out of power.

What Size Generator Do You Need For Off-Grid Living?

While choosing the right size of solar generator, you must first evaluate the two basic terms: watt and watt-hour.

A watt (W) is a power unit representing the rate at which there is energy consumption or production. You can think of watt as an electric flow measure that powers devices.

For instance, a large appliance like a refrigerator will use more energy, have high watts, and require a more considerable flow than a bulb.

Meanwhile, a watt-hour (Wh) is an energy unit that measures the amount of work performed. Understanding the off-grid energy requirements (watts and watt-hour) will assist you in choosing the best solar generator that fits your needs.

The average off-grid home or cabin generally requires around 5000-7000 Watts of power to run all the home appliances.

Solar generators are an excellent choice to provide power to your off-grid cabin. A solar generator of 1000 watts can charge all the basic appliances like fridges, laptops, toasters, etc.

However, we suggest using a solar generator of 1500 watts and above to charge everything from a small water kettle to a large refrigerator.

Check out the estimated watts for all the appliances in the below table.

Kitchen 

Bedroom

Washing room

Living room

Tools for work and  transportation

Appliances for Winter

How To Choose The Best Solar Generator For Off-Grid Living?

When selecting the best solar generator for off-grid living, many options are available on the market. Below we have compiled a list of crucial factors to consider before investing money in the first solar generator you see.

• Capacity

Solar generator capacity, or precisely battery capacity, is how much energy your solar system can store. If you want to eradicate the need to recharge batteries again and again, go with a bigger solar generator with a large power station size.

The best solar generator for off-grid living should have a battery capacity over 1000 watts. The bigger battery can store more electricity and power your devices for an extended time before you've to recharge them.

• Input/Output Ports

The next vital point you should evaluate is the number of input and output ports. Does it have enough external and internal charging ports that can charge multiple appliances at the same time?

For instance, you can pick Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro to charge up to 8 devices simultaneously. It features a DC input, AC input, carport, USB-A, two USB-C outputs, and three AC outputs to power up all appliances simultaneously.

• Charging Options

Always consider choosing solar generators with multiple charging options, so you don't have to worry about how to charge them. The three common ways to fuel solar generators are charging by car outlet, wall outlet through an AC charger, and solar panels.

• Inverter

Batteries store power in the form of DC, which needs to be converted into AC current to charge up appliances. DC current generally powers 12-volt devices, whereas AC current powers 110, 120, and 130-volt devices.

Generally, the primary function of a solar power inverter is to execute the DC/AC inversion process. Always consider finding a solar system with a verified pure sine inverter. A highly efficient generator can effectively create clean power with less energy loss during the conversion.

• Solar Charging Time

Some solar power generators take more time to charge, whereas others take less. You can determine the charging time depending on the number of appliances you want to recharge and their power requirements.

For instance, Jackery's solar power generator has a fast charging system. You can quickly charge it up and power all your appliances. Jackery 2000 Pro is a quick and efficient solar power generator for renewable power.

• Weight

Solar generators should be lightweight and portable. Think of how often you need to pack and unpack while off-grid living. That said, you should focus on the portability of the generator.

Always check if the solar generator has a foldable handle so you can quickly move it from one place to another. All the Jackery products come with a foldable handle and lightweight nature, so you can focus on enjoying your off-grid living without dealing with heavy generators.

• Price

Finally, everything boils down to what you can afford.

As a general rule, don't go for the most expensive or the cheapest models. Instead, look for a cost-effective product that checks off all the essential points of being the right generator for your needs.

Focus on finding affordable options without sacrificing quality while buying the best solar generator for off-grid living in 2024. Remember, the cost of an off-grid generator will depend on the brand, location, size, and type of system.

Of course, living off-grid requires some preparation. First, you need to have a reliable power source solution by weighing the pros and cons of each available option. Then, you can consider investing your money into the right solar generator that will reduce your dependence on resources, help you attain a modern lifestyle, and lower your carbon footprint.

Best 5 Solar Generators For Off-Grid Living With Jackery

People are planning to switch to off-grid to reduce their environmental impact by generating their own power. But with so many solar systems in line, it can be challenging to choose the generator to get a fantastic charging experience. To help you make an easy choice, here are the three best solar generators for off-grid living in 2024.

Jackery Solar Generator 4000 Kit for Extended Off-Grid Living

The Jackery Solar Generator 4000 Kit bundle contains one Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus, Battery Pack 2000 Plus, and 2*SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels. It has a battery capacity of 4085.6Wh with 3000W rated and 6000W surge peak power. With the high battery capacity, you can charge hours of professional work and even power most of your outdoor appliances while off-grid living.

Best Features

LiFePO4 battery ensures up to 10 years of lifespan

Powers heavy-duty appliances like microwaves, refrigerators, and air conditioning units

Uses a unique variable-speed charging algorithm for fast solar charging

Customer Review "Extremely well built and expandable! Purchased for home backup, but I also take these out with me on long camping trips. It will easily power whatever you plug in it, and the 30 amp RV plug is a nice addition. Additional batteries can be added depending on your needs and can handle up to 6*SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels." — Chris.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus for Most Off-Grid Appliances

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus has high output power to support charging 99% of off-grid appliances. It features a safe LiFePO4 battery that can be expanded from 2kWh to 24kWh with the help of Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus. Jackery's smart app control lets you control and monitor the functioning of Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus.

Best Features

Foldable handle and a sturdy design for easy transportation during off-grid living

Innovative ChargeShield technology boosts battery life by 50%

Innovative LiFePO4 battery technology delivers safe and efficient operation

Customer Review

"Enough power for me for van camping or in a power outage. Holds charge well. Heavy, but the handle is sturdy, and so are the wheels, so easy to move. We haven't charged with solar panels yet, but they seem high-quality. Very impressed so far." — Mo.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro for Most Off-Grid Living

Jackery's Solar Generator 2000 Pro has a 2160 Wh capacity which utilizes the sun's magnificent energy to power all large appliances, including microwaves, ovens, refrigerators, and more. It is one of the cost-effective solar generators for off-grid living and working. The bundle of Explorer 2000 Pro and 6x SolarSaga 200W features fast charging capabilities that can power up in just 2.5 hours. Some other bundle options include Explorer 2000 Pro with 4x SolarSaga 200W, Explorer 2000 Pro with 2x SolarSaga 200W, and Explorer 2000 Pro with 1x SolarSaga 200W panel.

Best Features

• Emits no toxic gases and causes no harm to the environment
• Works with less than 53 DB sound to ensure peaceful and quiet charging
• Supports large appliance charging, including refrigerator, air conditioner, microwave, etc

Customer Review    

“You can't go wrong with Jackery. All their products are top shelf. I have 4 generators. Just bought this 2000 Pro. It's a big boy alright! I'm 66 and I can pick it up myself and move it. But it's considerably heavier than 1000. I think having as many of these as you can afford is a good idea. Great peace of mind.”  -- Kay Phillips

Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro for Quality Off-Grid Living

Another best solar generator that can help you charge most off-grid appliances is Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro. It can power everything from a mini cooler to an electric blanket, coffee maker, and much more. Furthermore, the 1512Wh capacity of the solar generator can charge up in only 2 hours with 6*SolarSaga 200W solar panels.

Best Features

• Features 7 output ports that help you charge multiple devices at once
• Six layers of safety and battery system management monitor battery health and protect appliances
• Easy to set up and can power most of the electronic devices required for off-grid living

Customer Review 

“I'm a smallish woman in my 70s, so I needed something I could move around and set up by myself. No problem there! Set everything up and got it fully charged, then packed everything away. The generator and only 2 panels arrived in one shipment, but the other 2 panels came today. Very pleased with this...ready for a big pour-out now.” -- AnneTiffany

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus For Basic Off-Grid Living

With a battery capacity of 1264Wh and a massive 2000W output, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus can meet your off-grid living needs. It supports up to three additional Jackery Battery Pack 1000 Plus to expand the battery from 1.25kWh to 5kWh. It is lightweight and more compact than other similar-level products and supports charging 99% of home appliances.

Best Features

LiFePO4 battery can easily last up to 10 years and provides 4000 charge cycles

Expanding to 5kWh can provide 1-3 days of home backup power

Emits less than 30dB of noise, which makes it ideal for indoor use

Customer Review

"If you enjoy the outdoors but can't live without your gadgets, then you need something like this. I already have a 3000pro, so I didn't purchase the extra battery pack for this unit. Charging is quick using AC or 4*SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels. Took this unit out this weekend, and it performed as expected. Charged my Segway scooter, MacBook, and a couple of small gadgets." — Chris.

Find more about the best solar generator for off-grid living in 2024 in the below table:.

Benefits Of Using Jackery Solar Generator For Off-Grid Living

Jackery Solar Generators are a dynamic power backup solution for off-grid living. The best part about the Jackery power station is that they have a lifespan of10 years to 80% maximum capacity.

It is a renewable energy source that meets all your solar energy needs but involves a considerable investment. Therefore, you must thoroughly research, check the available options, analyze features, and then make your final purchase.

Here are a few reasons why Jackery power stations are considered the best solar generator for off-grid living in 2024.

• Reliable and Renewable Energy

Jackery Solar Generator 1500 or 2000 Pro is a reliable option for anyone who wants to go off-grid. To charge up the generator, you can plug the solar panels into the power station until it's fully charged.

Post charging the power station, you can use the generated power to recharge any home appliance or electronic device of your choice. As the power/energy is derived from the sun, you always get access to clean and renewable power.

• Safe to Use at Home

The lithium-ion batteries of the generator last long and produce safe energy. The best part about Jackery Solar Generator is the dual protection chips that monitor the battery during charging and prevent overcharging issues.

The temperature sensor checks the battery pack to prevent overheating while charging and discharging. Hence, you can rest assured that solar generators are safe to use during off-grid living.

• No Fumes, No Need to Use Fuel

Unlike gas generators, Jackery solar generators do not produce fumes. Instead of adding fuel, the best solar generator for off-grid living works on solar energy.

As a result, no fumes or toxic gases are emitted while charging. The SolarSaga panels with a Jackery power station easily connect to the generator for battery charging. The time required to fully charge the battery will depend on the power station size

• Saves Money and the Environment

As we know, solar generators convert solar energy to produce electricity. Therefore, no fuel is used, and toxic gases are emitted while solar to electrical conversion.

That makes Jackery Solar Generator an eco-friendly choice for people wanting to go off the grid for a weekend or extended period.

Going off-grid means you generate your own power utilizing solar panels. That said, you can save money on electric bills while protecting the environment with no toxic emissions.

• Pass-Through Charging

The pass-through feature of Jackery Solar Generator differentiates it from the other generators available on the market. The feature allows you to charge your gadgets even when the generator is recharging.

The solar generator has a handy input and output display. Thus, it means you can view how much power you're putting in and how much energy you're using.

Not to mention your gadgets will remain up and running without worrying about whether the generator is fully charged.

• Quiet

Jackery Solar Generator is quiet as compared to traditional generators at home. The cooling fan in the generator produces no more than 53 dB to keep the electronics cool.

Besides, it does not produce noise while operating and powering your appliances. With that said, you can keep the solar generator on while sleeping. The emission-free and quiet nature of the Jackery Solar Generator positions it above gas-powered generators.

Not only does the solar generator charge appliances, but it also ensures that you can enjoy a modern off-grid lifestyle with the abovementioned benefits.

FAQs About Solar Generator For Off-Grid Living

1. Can you live off the grid with a solar generator?

Yes. The solar generator is an excellent option to cherish off-grid living. It is a safe, reliable, and convenient means of using solar energy to power all your electronic devices and gadgets.

2. How many solar panels does it take to run a house off-grid?

The number of solar panels varies depending on the type of solar generator. Here are the solar panel options for the best solar generator for off-grid living.

• Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro with  6*200W solar panels can power 99% of appliances.
• Meanwhile, Jackery Solar Generator 1500 with 4*100 solar panels can provide you a quality off-grid living.
• 4*200 SolarSaga panels in Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro can build up a solar power system for your basic off-grid living needs.

3. How many solar panels are needed to run a house off-grid?

The number of solar power panels you need to go off-grid depends on the electricity you use, the type of solar generator, the amount of direct sunlight you receive, and so on. For example, the average off-grid house usually requires 5000 Watts of power. So if you can choose the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro (Explorer 2000 Pro + 4* SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels) to fully recharge the power station in 4 hours.

Conclusion

Investing in one of the best solar generators for off-grid living is vital if you've decided to cut connections from the grid and adopt the off-grid lifestyle.

Jackery solar system is an excellent choice for adventurous people. It can be a temporary power backup source to power up all your appliances while camping, off-grid living, during power outages, and more.

If you plan to go for a long time off-grid trip, Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus (4kWh) is the ultimate choice. It features a fast charging mechanism and can power all small and large appliances with multiple charging points.

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