Living off the grid is a growing trend as more and more people are looking for ways to become self-sufficient. One of the most important components of off-grid living is having a reliable source of power. A solar generator is a great option for those who want to go green and live off the grid. In this blog, we will review some of the best solar generators on the market and provide tips for choosing the right one for your needs.
What size of solar generator will I need for off-grid living?
Living off-grid requires being connected to the power grid, which means that you have panels on your property that are collecting sunlight. The size of the solar generator you need is dependent upon how much electricity you use each day. This will depend heavily on how big your electric bill currently is, as well as what appliances or devices you plan on powering with the generator. An average solar generator for off-grid living can power lights, small appliances (such as coffee makers), and basic tools like saws or drills.
To find the size of the solar generator for off-grid living, you’ll multiply your power needs by 1.20. For example, if you’ll need a 4kWh, you’ll multiply 4 by 1.2 to give you 4.8 kWh. You need to get a 4.8 kWh system
How much will it cost to make my own solar generator?
There are many factors that determine the cost of making your own solar generator. The size of your solar panels will have a big impact on the cost. The more solar panels you have, the more expensive your generator will be to produce a clean charge. At a minimum, you’ll need about 100 watts of solar panels. This can range from $500-$1,000 for a small system.
The second factor is your batteries. Using deep cycle batteries is much more efficient than using standard car batteries. They also have a longer life span, so you won’t have to replace them as frequently. You’ll need to purchase multiple deep cycle batteries in order to store enough electricity for your off-grid solar generator. This can cost anywhere from $300-$900 per battery.
When looking at the total cost of making your own solar generator, it’s best to add up the cost of solar panels and batteries. This should give you a good estimate of how much your plan will be for materials and equipment.
If you’re looking for a more ready-made solution, consider purchasing a solar generator kit. These can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000, which is much cheaper than building your own generator.
How to pick the best solar generator for off-grid living
When looking for the best solar generator, there are three main things to consider: capacity, portability and noise.
- Capacity: The capacity of your solar generator will determine how much power you can store in it at one time. The capacity is measured in amp-hours (AH). The more AH capacity your solar generator has, the longer it will power your appliances.
- Portability: Look for a solar generator that is lightweight and compact for easy storage and transportation.
- Noise: Generators can produce a lot of noise, which can be annoying when you’re trying to enjoy the peace and quiet of off-grid living. Try to get one with minimal noise output or consider buying earmuffs to use in conjunction with the generator.
Now let’s take a look at some of the best solar generators on the market.
Reviews of the Best Solar Generators for Off-Grid Living 2022
Renogy Phoenix Portable Generator
The Renogy Phoenix is a versatile solar generator that offers 3000 watts peak power and 2000 watts continuous power. It weighs 77 pounds, which may be heavy for some users. However, it can be easily transported using the included nylon bag, which has shoulder straps and a handle for easy carrying.
It’s an inverter generator, which means it won’t produce any noise while running. You can power items such as microwaves, electric heaters or coffee makers with the Renogy Phoenix. It has eight standard outlets and one 12V outlet that also features two USB ports and a DC port for charging small electronics. It’s a great option for anyone looking to power larger appliances during a power outage or camping trip.
Goal Zero Yeti 400 Solar Generator
The Goal Zero Yeti 400 Solar Generator is an inverter generator that can produce 300 watts of continuous electricity and 600 watts of peak electricity. It provides enough power to run a chest freezer or small refrigerator.
It’s made in the U.S and is designed for rugged use. It has an advanced lithium-ion battery that can be recharged using either solar panels or a wall outlet. The Goal Zero Yeti 400 Solar Generator comes with an 8-amp charge controller, which allows you to charge the generator using a solar panel that is either 110 watts or less or a 15-amp wall outlet.
Wagan EL2230 Elite Solar Generator
The Wagan EL2230 Elite Solar Generator has a capacity of 1100 watt/hours, weighs 52 pounds and comes with inverter technology. It can be placed on its side for better stability and has an LCD screen that displays charging status and power output levels.
It can operate various appliances, such as laptops, small heaters, fans and lights. It also features two standard three-prong 120V AC outlets with one USB port for charging mobile devices.
Honda EU2000i Generator
The Honda EU2000i Generator is a lightweight and compact inverter generator that can produce 2000 watts of electricity. It weighs about 42 pounds and runs quietly, which makes it an excellent option for powering sensitive electronics such as phones and laptops.
It features an eco-throttle system to reduce fuel consumption when less power is needed or when the generator isn’t in use. The Honda EU2000i Generator is very easy to use and can run up to 12 hours on a full tank of gas. It also features an external battery charger that allows you to charge the generator without running it.
Requirements for living off-grid:
- A few acres of land ( 20 would be great )
- Sustainable, renewable source of electricity
- Solar panels or wind turbines
- A quiet & lightweight solar generator
You should have all of these to live off the grid. If you don’t, then start using your power source wisely and prioritize which appliances are necessary for survival. For example, if you have no way to refrigerate food nor purify water, then prioritizing a water filter over a computer is your best bet.
In conclusion, you need a quiet & lightweight solar generator to live off the grid and sustain your way of life without drawing too much attention to yourself. Try to get one with minimal noise output or consider buying earmuffs to use in conjunction with the generator. This way, you’ll be able to run your appliances without drawing too much attention to yourself. If you have any questions, please post them in the comments section below!
My name is Alex Landry and I am an experienced solar PV engineer and an editor here at Tru Solar Score. I am an accomplished solar PV expert with over 12 years of installing off-grid solar systems in various states in the US. Between 2015 and 2019, I led a small team of energy audit analysts for a company based out of Oregon. I currently run this site full-time and when I am not testing a new solar PV product in the market, I am offering customized consulting on solar systems installations. You can reach me directly using alex@trusolarscore.com
