Living alongside nature can be considerably easier with the best solar generator for off grid living.
Even though you’ll want to immerse yourself in the wilderness, having access to portable power stations can be essential for safety and convenience.
Not only can you power small appliances, but you can also reduce your environmental imprint by avoiding gas generators.
Let’s explore the best portable power stations you can use when living away from the city.
Best Solar Generator for Off Grid Living: A Review
1. BLUETTI Portable Power Station EB3A
The BLUETTI Portable Power Station EB3A has a wide range of benefits for you to take advantage of.
With numerous power outlets and a reasonable power output, it works similarly to external batteries but with the added benefit of solar recharging.
It’s a fantastic alternative to wireless charging pads, giving you all the user-friendly features of a modern solar generator.
Product Highlights
Let’s jump into the most impressive features of the BLUETTI Portable Power Station EB3A to give you a direct current of solar power.
- Portable Size
The BLUETTI Portable Power Station EB3A is a decent size solar generator for you to consider.
It’s ideal for travel, making it easy to pack into the back of an RV or even your car.
It’ll also take up far less space in your off-grid home while offering plenty of power.
- Power Rating
When searching for a solar generator, the power rating is an essential feature to consider.
This unit offers 600W of AC power and a 284Wh LiFePO4 battery pack, perfect for energy while on the go.
You’ll find it’s great for small appliances or as a backup power source when hiking or heading out into the woods.
- Built-in MPPT Controller
As mentioned, the BLUETTI Portable Power Station EB3A is designed for solar power.
It has a built-in MPPT charge controller that allows up to 200W of solar energy input.
You will require the separately sold BLUETTI PV120/PV200 solar panel, as there aren’t panels built into the generator.
- Integrated UPS
Another fantastic feature of this unit is it comes with an integrated UPS.
In the event of a power grid failure, the device stores a specific amount of power to protect your devices against data loss.
For example, if you have a computer connected, it offers extra power so you can shut everything down safely.
- Solar Power Ratings
The solar power ratings for this unit are at 1200W at peak with the proper panels.
The recommended voltage range is between 12 and 28V, helping to make recharging considerably simpler.
When using PV + AC combined, you’ll have 430W max.
What to Like About It
The BLUETTI Portable Power Station EB3A is a good option if you have plenty of small appliances.
It’s conveniently sized and easily powers the essentials for off grid living.
Also, it has a unique ECO-friendly mode, helping you conserve more power over time.
What Not to Like About It
The most significant issue with the BLUETTI Portable Power Station EB3A is it’s best designed for emergencies rather than as a long-term power solution.
Also, it doesn’t come with solar equipment; you must purchase it separately.
Pros:
- Outputs plenty of power
- Conveniently sized
- Easily charges power tools
- ECO-friendly mode
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with solar equipment
- Best suited for emergency use
2. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500 has an impressive battery capacity and a good max input.
You’ll find its smaller size is best for your off-grid cabin, offering a reasonable stream of power for a decent period of time.
You’ll love the Jackery Explorer as a portable charger and a fantastic alternative to wall outlets.
Product Highlights
Let’s jump into the key features of the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500 that make it a reliable option for heavy loads.
- Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
One of the more interesting features of the Jackery Explorer is it’s built with an integrated lithium-ion battery pack.
This feature helps to store more energy than with other models and is safer to use for outdoor excursions.
With the opportunity to store more charge cycles, you’ll find it’s a better alternative than lead-acid batteries.
- Pass-Through Charging
With the uniquely designed battery management system, this device allows for pass-through charging.
You’ll find each cell will have boosted battery life while also reaching its maximum capacity when charging.
- Multiple Ports
If you’re looking for a reliable power source or a backup power unit, the Jackery Explorer has multiple ports.
You’ll have three USB-A ports, two DC ports, and a single car port.
These ports are excellent for most appliances, including hair dryers and other items that use a cigarette lighter for power.
- Optional Solar Panel
When looking for off grid power, this unit is an excellent option as a solar generator.
With the addition of the SolarSaga 100 Solar Panel, you can get unlimited power.
It’s a considerable upgrade, offering plenty of charge for numerous appliances and devices.
With these solar panels, you can get 80% recharging in just over seven hours.
What to Like About It
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500 is a great unit to use in addition to other solar generators for your off-grid living experience.
Its durable design makes it great for travel and packs power for recharging small devices and appliances.
You’ll also have an input-output display to monitor the unit’s power consumption.
What Not to Like About It
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500 isn’t the best choice for off grid living because of its poor longevity.
Within one year, you’re bound to find the battery pack retains considerably less power than before.
Also, it takes quite a while to recharge, mainly through solar power.
Pros:
- Extremely durable design
- User-friendly input-output display
- Useful for recharging devices
- Very lightweight
Cons:
- Very lengthy recharging
- Lacking longevity
3. Jackery Solar Generator 1000
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 is a great alternative to the Jackery Explorer.
It has an impressive solar input capacity, perfect for various devices for off-grid living conditions.
You’ll find it’s one of the better extra batteries to have, allowing you to meet your power requirements for everyday living.
Product Highlights
Let’s review the top features of the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 that make it a reliable power source for all electronic devices.
- Power Ratings
Undoubtedly, these portable units are some of the best solar chargers you can use for a camping trip or off-grid living.
They feature a 2000W surge wattage as well as 1000W for running wattage.
With an upgraded 1002Wh capacity, you’ll have plenty of options for powering and recharging devices.
- Built-in MPPT Controller
As expected from a solar generator, these power units feature a built-in MPPT controller as one of their strong suits.
Thanks to their solar compatibility, you’ll find they master many off-grid applications.
Along with solar charge cycles, you can bring power to the unit through the car and wall outlets.
- Multiple Ports
Apart from the AC output, this device has numerous ports for all your devices.
You’ll have USB-A, USB 3.0 (quick charging), and USB-C.
As a perfect alternative, there’s also a DC output and DC input for you to benefit from.
What to Like About It
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 is the perfect source of renewable energy while off-grid.
It’s easy to set up, offers plenty of ports, and powers your must-have appliances all day.
You’ll have reliable access to electricity with its impressive life span and high output power.
What Not to Like About It
One notable concern with this unit is its solar panels aren’t waterproof, so you must take good care of them.
Also, the general weight of the unit is heavier than expected.
Pros:
- Very easy to set up
- Powers essential devices all-day
- It comes with solar panels
- Offers reliable access to electricity
Cons:
- The solar panels aren’t waterproof
- Slightly heavy for a solar charger
4. ECO-WORTHY 84Wh Portable Power Station
The ECO-WORTHY 84Wh Portable Power Station is a great option if you need plenty of watts of power output from a long-lasting generator.
With reasonable output power, you’ll be able to connect numerous essentials.
You’ll also find it’s one of the most compact options while also being a clean-energy option, reducing your environmental footprint.
Product Highlights
Let’s review the most interesting features of the ECO-WORTHY 84Wh Portable Power Station that make.
- High-Capacity Battery
One feature that makes this unit great for a wide range of activities is its high-capacity battery.
You’ll be able to go through over 3000 energy cycles with the charge controller before it begins losing its ability to hold a charge.
This model is ideal for up to 12 years of everyday use compared to other units.
- Continuous Lighting
The ECO-WORTHY 84Wh Portable Power Station is one of the best external batteries with built-in lighting.
Its compact size offers three individual lamps that you can alternate between two lighting levels.
It will offer up to 64 hours of lighting with 140 lumens worth of brightness.
- Lightweight and Portable
When searching for a solar charger, it can be helpful to find small, portable units.
The ECO-WORTHY 84Wh Portable Power Station is an excellent option for a solar charger you can bring anywhere, as it weighs less than three pounds.
It also has a plug-and-play design, making it an excellent choice for outdoor activities and expeditions.
What to Like About It
The ECO-WORTHY 84Wh Portable Power Station is a good option for small devices.
Its built-in lighting is exceptionally bright, and the unit recharges faster than expected.
Another massive benefit is it retains its charge for days.
What Not to Like About It
The largest concern with this unit is it’s not powerful enough to power hair dryers or coffee makers.
You’ll find it’s best suited for lighting and recharging small devices like smartphones.
Also, after using the unit for over a year, you may find the battery doesn’t hold a charge like it used to.
Pros:
- All-inclusive kit
- Bright built-in lighting
- Recharges quicker than expected
- Retains its charge very well
Cons:
- Questionable longevity
- Less powerful than expected
5. EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA
The EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA isn’t just sleek and stylish; it also packs a powerful punch.
This device is for you if you need a unit to offer hours of air conditioning and numerous output ports.
With a relatively high maximum power capacity and a reliable battery capacity, it’s one of the top solutions for off grid living.
Product Highlights
Let’s look at some highlights of the EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA that make it one of the best choices for off-grid living enthusiasts.
- Numerous Charging Outputs
The EcoFlow Delta is one of the most high-powered options with multiple outputs to consider.
You’ll have six AC outlets, with up to 3300W at peak paired with a standard 13.6V DC port.
It also comes with two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and two USB-A fast-charging ports.
You’ll find it’s a reliable option for CPAP machines, blenders, refrigerators, cameras, smartphones, and small coffee machines.
- Triple Recharging
One of the more unique features of the EcoFlow Delta is it comes with triple recharging modes.
You’ll have a built-in lithium battery that allows for recharging while on the go.
There’s also the 10-65V solar panel that you can purchase separately.
In addition, the AC wall adapter is fantastic for recharging the immense capacity battery for all-day use.
What to Like About It
The EcoFlow Delta offers an abundance of options when powering your essential appliances.
It’s a great clean-energy option to help with powering fridges, freezers, and coffee machines.
You’ll also find it’s a budget option with user-friendly setup instructions.
What Not to Like About It
The largest concern with this unit is it may get hot while recharging.
Also, it’s best used with at least three solar panels, making it a higher-budget option.
Pros:
- Impressive dedicated battery management system
- Works well with everyday appliances
- Maintains battery levels over time
- User-friendly installation options
Cons:
- It may get hot when recharging
- Best used with multiple solar panels
Buyer’s Guide
When searching for portable generators, there are plenty of important things to consider.
You’ll need a unit with plenty of ports, such as an AC outlet and numerous input ports.
It should power your off-grid cabin’s electronic devices, appliances, and lighting.
That said, let’s explore some key features to keep in mind when you start looking for one.
Solar Input
The most important feature of these electronic devices is their solar input.
Units with a small solar input will take considerably longer to charge, reducing the amount of power you have access to.
On average, try to find a solar input of at least 700W, which should fully recharge in four hours with 600W solar panels.
Power Outlets
The power outlets on your generator are also important, as they determine what you can plug into it.
Ideally, you’ll want a variation of USB and AC outlets to accommodate electronics, fridges, and other must-have essentials.
It can also be helpful to have quick-charging ports for your smartphone.
Battery Type
Solar generators suck in sun energy and store it in their battery cells. As such, you’ll need a model with the best battery type possible.
Lithium-ion batteries are known to hold charges considerably longer, and they recharge the fastest, helping to give you more power for longer.
Other Input Options
A portable generator with other input options can be helpful, especially when there’s little to no sun.
If you can recharge the unit using your car battery, you can guarantee you’ll always have a stream of power.
Digital Screen
Modern solar generators come with digital screens, perfect for first-time users.
This feature helps you track the remaining battery in your generator, its charging speed, and the power consumption of your appliances.
Using this data, you can live as energy-efficient as possible while off-grid.
Best Solar Generator for Off Grid Living FAQs
1. Is a solar generator worth it?
Solar generators are well worth the investment, whether you want to run an air conditioner or recharge your phone.
Many units have plenty of power to give you a hot shower while living off-grid.
As long as you can look at a unit’s spec sheet and determine it has enough power for your appliances, it’s a fantastic backup power source.
2. Where can I get a solar generator?
You can find these electronic gadgets in many different places.
Shopping online is one of the more popular choices, as it allows you to review the spec sheets and compare different features from the comfort of your home.
You can also find them at your local hardware store, although they might not be in as much of an affordable price range.
3. Should I get a solar generator?
Investing in a solar generator is a must-have if you want to live off-grid in a tiny home.
You’ll need some type of electricity generation process to connect to the outside world in case of emergencies.
With a powerful unit with a high maximum wattage, you can live in nature with a few bonuses.
4. Are solar generators tax deductible?
Solar generators are not tax deductible if used for residential purposes.
However, commercial solar generators can be a tax deduction.
It’s always best to check with your local area to see if there are incentives or rebates for using solar power instead of standard power.
5. Can solar generators be used indoors?
One of these powerful units’ largest benefits is their indoor and outdoor applications.
Since they don’t produce toxic fumes, you can use your solar generators inside for long periods.
With their clean-energy charging, they make a remarkable option for high-powered devices.
What Is the Best Solar Generator for Off Grid Living?
The BLUETTI Portable Power Station EB3A is our choice for the best solar generator for off grid living.
It has lightning-fast input capacity, perfect for off-grid living enthusiasts.
You’ll also find it has an abundance of options for powering numerous essential devices for everyday use.