More and more households are shifting towards energy independence, especially solar power. This trend fuels the increasing demand for power stations. But what is the best solar generator for off-grid living? Whether for home backup or outdoor activities, choosing a reliable power station is essential. Continue reading for a comprehensive buying guide!
Why Should You Use Solar Generators For Off-Grid Living?
Using solar generators is eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Solar generators benefit you in many ways:
- Eco-friendly: The first and foremost advantage of switching to solar power is its sustainability. Utilizing the sun’s massive energy, these models don’t release any emissions or waste, reducing carbon footprints and promoting a cleaner, greener planet.
- Cost-effective: You only need to invest in the upfront cost of equipment and installation. Then, you’re free from the monthly electricity bills, easing the financial burden for many households.
- Low maintenance and quiet operation: Solar generators don’t require much care, saving you a lot of time and hassle. They don’t generate much noise while running, giving you a tranquil, off-grid environment.
- Flexible: These power stations are portable, allowing you to lug them around effortlessly. Whether going on a camping trip or living in a remote area, they will accompany you and power all your desired devices.
However, there are some limits you need to pay attention to:
- Dependable on weather conditions: As they run on the sun’s energy, they can’t generate much power on overcast or rainy days. So, if you live in cold regions with long winters, solar energy might not be your best bet.
- Limited energy storage: In low-sunlight conditions, these power stations can’t store much energy. When your household appliances require a lot of power, the generators might fail to suffice and can be overloaded.
What Is The Best Solar Generator For Off Grid Living?
Capacity
Choosing a proper capacity is important when you use power stations because they depend solely on solar energy. Meanwhile, portable generators can run on alternative fuels like gasoline or propane when solar power is insufficient.
The battery capacity should be high enough to run all your required devices, even during low-sunlight periods. Here is a formula to measure the right capacity:
Capacity (Ah) = Average Power Consumption Each Day (Wh) / Voltage (V) / Depth of Discharge (DOD).
For example, let’s say your household or RV calls for 1000 Wh daily, the voltage of the system is 12V, and the battery’s DOD is 30%. Then, the required capacity is 1000/12/0.3 = 278 Ah. So, you need to choose a solar generator with a 278 Ah battery or more.
Power Output
Choose the right power output to power your home or RV.
As a rule of thumb, a solar generator with 600W to 1000W is sufficient for dry camping, overlanding, or RVing. For those who want to go off-grid completely, the power output should be anywhere between 1500W to 2500W. However, if you’re a stickler for precision, here’s how to calculate the exact output:
Watts = Volts x Amps
For example, an AC’s label in your RV says 10 amps and 120V, so it requires 10 x 120 = 1200W to operate stably. Remember to choose a power station with a higher power output than the total required power.
Below is the wattage of some common appliances when running and starting for your reference:
- Window AC: 1200W/1800W
- Dehumidifier: 240W/240W
- Electric blanket: 200W/200W
- Vacuum: 300W/500-600W
- Space heater: 600-1500W/600-1500W
- Electric pressure cooker: 1000W/1000W
- Coffee maker: 800-1000W/1000-1200W
- Dishwasher: 350W/400-500W
- Electric stove: 1500W
Shape and Size (Portability)
If you’re usually on the go, a portable solar generator is of paramount importance. Undoubtedly, transporting a heavy and bulky item around can be daunting and cumbersome. Its compact size also doesn’t take up much space in your car’s trunk or RV.
Here’s the catch: the generator’s size doesn’t relate to its capacity, so a bigger one doesn’t necessarily produce more energy. Some models, like the Bluetti EB240, are incredibly lightweight while packing a punch of power. It’s advised to stick with models weighing below 45 pounds if you travel a lot.
Charging Options & Charging Time
When it comes to charging options, the more, the better. Various charging methods, such as solar, car chargers, and wall outlets, enable you to flexibly switch between different types of chargers, ensuring your home is constantly powered.
Quick charging time is a great bonus for solar generators. Consider your needs to choose a model with proper charging time. You don’t want your devices to run out of juice in the middle of the road.
Your Needs and Budget
Weigh your needs carefully to select the most suitable product. If you pursue an off-grid life, go for a powerful solar generator. For occasional camping or powering RVs, a portable model would suffice.
Also, don’t skim on your budget when buying. Compare the price range among different brands and products to choose a proper power station without breaking the bank.
Select the best model based on your allowed budget.
Some Recommendations
If you are confused about the vast pool of solar generators on the market, here are some of our suggestions:
- Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus: Suitable for home backup.
- EcoFlow Delta 2 Max + 220W Solar Panel: Powerful enough for off-grid living, compact size, and affordable price.
- Anker SOLIX F2000: A great choice for RVs with a fully featured app.
- Bluetti AC60 + Bluetti PV120 Solar Panel: Best for camping thanks to its compact dimensions, water and dust resistance, and wireless charging.
FAQs
How Much Solar Power Do I Need To Live Off The Grid?
The amount of solar power required for off-grid living depends on your household’s daily energy usage. On average, homes consume about 30 to 40 kWh per day. To maintain a self-sustaining lifestyle, select a solar power system that can produce enough energy to cover this daily consumption reliably.
What Size Generator Do I Need For An Off-Grid House?
The size of the generator required for an off-grid house is based on your overall power demand. Add up the wattage of all appliances and devices that will run simultaneously. The generator should be able to handle the total wattage to meet your household’s energy needs.
Conclusion
What is the best solar generator for off-grid living? Have you selected your favorite pick? We hope this full guide can help you find the best bet for your home or RV. Remember to consider all the above metrics before investing money in any product!
Article Sources:
https://www.integratesun.com/post/best-solar-generator-for-off-grid-living-in-2023#viewer-342tl
https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-solar-generators/
https://www.generatormechanics.com/best-solar-generator-for-off-grid-living/