Add to that the skyrocketing costs of fossil fuels, and you’ve got the circumstances for a perfect storm. 

Sourcing the right solar generator can keep your life working in a power outage and provide a more affordable way to power your home.

Solar generators supply vital energy for camping trips, backup for medical devices, and even home appliances in remote areas for truly off-grid living.

But not all solar generators are suitable for all circumstances. The power needs of a solo camper going off-grid in the woods for a week will be different from a family of four that needs a reliable emergency power supply. 

Here are the seven best solar generators for off-grid living, whatever your reason is for doing it.

1. EcoFlow DELTA

The EcoFlow DELTA has exceptional power output plus ground-breaking technology. It can charge from 0%-80% within one hour, faster than any other battery generator on the market.

Power 11 devices simultaneously for reliable home energy during an emergency outage or to support a planned off-road trip or holiday. The DELTA effortlessly powers a television for eight hours straight or a fridge for six hours.

EcoFlow 110W solar panels will fully charge the DELTA if you are going off-grid or need another power source. 

Specifications

• Capacity: 1260
• Output: 1800W
• Outlets: 11
• Charging time: From 0%-80% within 1 hour
• Solar charging:  1 x 110W solar panel
• App: Not supported

Pros

• Fast charge time – Obtain 80% of a full charge within one hour
• Multi-device – Powers 11 devices simultaneously
• Supports heavy-duty appliances – DELTA delivers consistent support for essential power-draining appliances like fridges

Cons

• No app control – No remote control or status monitoring

2. EcoFlow DELTA 2

EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 is the latest addition to the DELTA Series, and it’s an upgrade on the original DELTA in every way. 

With cutting-edge LifePO4 (LFP) battery chemistry, DELTA 2 is built to last. With a lifespan of 3,000 cycles (full discharge/recharge) before diminishing to +/-80% storage capacity, the DELTA 2 will provide you with reliable off-grid electricity for many years to come.

It’s also expandable. Out of the box, DELTA 2 offers a storage capacity of 1024WH, but you can double that by adding a DELTA 2 Smart Extra Battery. Or you can supersize your off-grid electricity by adding a DELTA Max Smart Extra Battery, tripling your DELTA 2’s capacity to 3kWh.

Thanks to LiFePO4 battery and chemistry and EcoFlow’s proprietary X-Stream tech, the DELTA 2 can charge from 0-80% in 50 minutes or 100% in 80 minutes using AC electricity.

With 2 x 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panels — or 1 x 400W Rigid or Portable Solar Panel, the DELTA 2 can fully recharge using clean, renewable solar power in 3-6 hours (depending on environmental conditions).

When it comes to AC output, DELTA 2 is a beast. With 1800W of running watts (Surge 2700W), the DELTA 2 can operate over 90% of home appliances and power up to 13 devices at once.

With its expandable capacity and affordable price, DELTA 2 is the perfect entry-level solar generator for full-time off-grid living. 

Specifications

• Capacity: 1024 Wh

• Output: 1800W (Surge 2700W)

• AC Outlets: 6

• Charging time: 0%-80% in 50 mins, or 0-100% in 80 minutes with AC input. 3-6 Hours using 2 x 220W or 1 x 400W solar panels.

• Solar charging: 500W max

• App: Supported

Pros

• Expandable – If your off-grid electricity requirements increase, DELTA 2 can grow with you. Double or triple your electricity storage capacity by adding a DELTA 2 or DELTA Max Smart Extra Battery. 

• Powerful – Enough AC output to power over 90% of home appliances or charge up to 13 devices simultaneously.
• Durable – With a cycle life of 3000 discharges/recharges to 80+% capacity, the DELTA 2 can last you 10 years or more. 

Cons

• Not suitable for whole home backup – The DELTA 2 is a workhorse, but it can’t back up or run your whole house.

3. EcoFlow DELTA Max

Stay powered in any situation with the EcoFlow DELTA Max. It boasts a substantial 2016Wh capacity, which you can expand up to 6000Wh with additional smart batteries. This solar generator handles hefty home appliances like televisions and microwaves easily, thanks to unique X-Boost technology.

Fast dual charging means the DELTA Max delivers charging speeds of up to 3600W and can reach 80% charge from a wall outlet in just one hour.

The DELTA Max also works with EcoFlow’s range of solar panels for the environmentally conscious who truly want to live off the grid. Use the two 400W solar panels to achieve an impressive 800w solar charging speed.

Specifications

• Capacity: 2016 Wh (up to 6000WH with smart batteries)
• Output: 2400W
• Outlets: 13
• Charging time: Wall charging 1.8 hours
• Solar charging: Up to 2 x 400W solar panels
• Wi-Fi: Supported

Pros

• Impressive output – Keeps a whole household on power for several hours with X-Boost technology
• Easy power boost – Add Smart batteries to increase capacity
• Charge with solar panels – Capture green solar energy at impressive charging speeds

Cons

• Not portable – This is a heavyweight unit

4. EcoFlow River 2

Designed with portability in mind, this is an outstanding solar generator for festivals and camping trips. It’s great for any outdoor adventure where outlets are in short supply. It’s lightweight and compact enough to fit in your backpack for even extended hikes without weighing you down.

The River 2 offers incredible power and capacity for its size. It can support essential consumer electronics wherever you are. Enjoy a full charge in just one hour using AC electricity. Partner the EcoFlow River 2 with a 110W solar panel, and you can recharge on the move. 

Specifications

• Capacity: 256Wh

• Output: 300W

• AC Outlets: 1

• Charging time: 60 minutes

• Solar charging: 1 x 110W solar panel

• App: Supported

Pros

• Versatile – Compatible with third-party solar panels

• Easy carry solar panel protection case – Perfectly portable, this handy case also doubles as a kickstand

Cons

• Not the most powerful – For a busy household, the capacity may not be sufficient; look for larger capacity generators to power appliances for longer

5. EcoFlow River 2 Max

Enjoy the ultimate in portability and power for any outdoor location or trip. The rapid charging feature means you can reach full charge within an hour using a standard plug socket. Your generator will always be ready when you need it. 

A 160W solar panel provides a sustainable recharge in around 4 hours even when the light conditions are dim, perfect for a camping trip or sustainable living at home.

The River 2 Max has ports and plugs to power nine devices simultaneously with a carport, USB-C, USB-A, and AC/DC outlets. This generator can handle appliances up to 1000W with X-Boost, which covers most regular household devices and equipment.

Specifications

• Capacity: 512Wh

• Output: 500W

• AC Outlets: 2

• Charging time: 60 minutes to reach full charge 

• Solar charging: 220W

• App: Supported

Pros

• Versatile – Multiple outlets handle all types of household appliances and devices, including equipment rated up to 1000W.

• Sustainable solar recharge – Use a 160w solar panel to gain a sustainable recharge in just 4 hours

Cons

• Would struggle with extended outages – There are bigger generators that offer a longer run time for extended power outages or heavy-duty appliances off-grid