Living off the grid is becoming increasingly popular as people seek to reduce their carbon footprint and live a more self-sufficient lifestyle. One of the most critical aspects of off-grid living is the ability to generate power. While there are several options available, a generator is often the most reliable and practical choice.
Best Generators for Off-Grid Living
Looking for a reliable generator for your off-grid living needs? We’ve got you covered. Our team has researched and tested the top generators on the market to bring you the best options for powering your home or cabin off the grid. Whether you need a portable or stationary generator, we’ve got the best options for you. Check out our list below to find the perfect generator for your off-grid lifestyle.
VQP Portable Generator
If you’re looking for a lightweight hand-operated generator for off-grid living, the VQP Portable Generator could be a great choice.
Pros
- Power generated is proportional to cranking speed
- A variety of interfaces for free choices
- Sufficient vent holes on both sides to provide better heat dissipation
Cons
- Manual charging of electronic devices may take longer than expected
- The generator may not be suitable for high-power devices
- The generator may be noisy during operation
We recently used the VQP Portable Generator during a camping trip and were impressed with its performance. The generator is easy to carry and set up, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
One of the best features of the generator is that the power generated is proportional to cranking speed. This means that the faster you crank, the more power you generate. Additionally, there are a variety of interfaces to choose from, giving you flexibility in charging your devices.
However, we did notice that manual charging of electronic devices may take longer than expected, especially if the battery capacity of the device is high. Additionally, the generator may not be suitable for high-power devices, such as laptops or refrigerators. Lastly, the generator may be a bit noisy during operation, which could be a concern for some users.
Overall, we would recommend the VQP Portable Generator for those looking for a lightweight and portable option for off-grid living. It’s a great choice for camping, travel, field operation/work, survival training, long-term power shortage, natural disasters, and other emergency uses.
Nature’s Generator Platinum System
If you are looking for a reliable generator for off-grid living, we highly recommend the Nature’s Generator Platinum System.
Pros
- Easy to install with detailed instructions and all necessary tools included
- Multiple ways to recharge the generator, including solar panels, wind turbine, and AC power
- High-performance polycrystalline solar panel provides up to 100W of recharging power
Cons
- The accessories need to be installed by yourself, such as installing the solar panel wheels
- The recharging speed depends on the strength of the sunlight or wind
- The generator is quite heavy and difficult to move around
We were impressed with the performance of the Nature’s Generator Platinum System. The generator is easy to install with detailed instructions and all necessary tools included in the package. We appreciated the multiple ways to recharge the generator, including solar panels, wind turbine, and AC power. The high-performance polycrystalline solar panel provides up to 100W of recharging power and has three adjustable angles to take full advantage of sunlight.
However, we did find that the accessories need to be installed by yourself, such as installing the solar panel wheels. Also, the recharging speed depends on the strength of the sunlight or wind, so it may not be the best option for areas with limited sunlight or wind. Additionally, the generator is quite heavy and difficult to move around, which may be a concern for some users.
Overall, we highly recommend the Nature’s Generator Platinum System for anyone looking for a reliable generator for off-grid living. With its multiple recharging options and high-performance solar panel, it is a great investment for anyone looking to live off the grid.
Nature’s Generator Gold WE System
If you are looking for a reliable generator for off-grid living, the Nature’s Generator Gold WE System is worth considering.
Pros
- The generator is powered by solar and wind energy, making it environmentally friendly.
- It is easy to install and comes with detailed installation instructions and tools.
- The generator has a high output wattage of 1800W, which is enough to power most appliances.
Cons
- The wind turbine is not portable and requires a permanent installation.
- The generator is expensive compared to other options on the market.
- The shipping boxes are not sturdy, which can cause damage during transportation.
We were impressed with the Nature’s Generator Gold WE System’s ability to provide power through solar and wind energy. It is easy to install and comes with detailed instructions and tools. The generator has a high output wattage of 1800W, which is enough to power most appliances.
One downside of the generator is that the wind turbine is not portable and requires a permanent installation. Additionally, the generator is expensive compared to other options on the market. Finally, the shipping boxes are not sturdy, which can cause damage during transportation.
Overall, if you are looking for a reliable generator for off-grid living, the Nature’s Generator Gold WE System is a great option to consider.
20W Portable Generator Manual Power Supply for Camping Off-grid Emergency Backup Hand Crank USB Charger
If you’re looking for a lightweight, hand-operated generator for off-grid living, camping, or emergency situations, the 20W Portable Generator Manual Power Supply for Camping Off-grid Emergency Backup Hand Crank USB Charger by N/P is a great option.
Pros
- Generates power proportional to cranking speed
- Multiple interfaces for charging various devices
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Not suitable for high-powered devices
- Requires manual cranking for power
- May not be durable enough for heavy use
We recently had the opportunity to test out this generator in a camping setting, and we were impressed with its performance. Despite its small size, it was able to generate enough power to charge our phones and other small devices. The different interfaces made it easy to connect to a variety of devices, and the lightweight design made it easy to transport.
However, we did find that the generator struggled to keep up with higher-powered devices such as laptops or larger tablets. Additionally, the manual cranking required to generate power can become tiring after extended use. Finally, we have concerns about the durability of the generator over time with heavy use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a lightweight, portable generator for off-grid living or emergency situations, the 20W Portable Generator Manual Power Supply for Camping Off-grid Emergency Backup Hand Crank USB Charger is a solid choice. However, if you need to power larger devices or plan to use the generator frequently, you may want to consider a more heavy-duty option.
BLUETTI Expansion Battery B300S
If you’re looking for an expansion battery for your BLUETTI AC500, the BLUETTI Expansion Battery B300S is a great option.
Pros
- With the ability to hook up a total of 6 B300S expansion batteries to your AC500, you can power your whole family’s basic needs for days!
- The Temperature Adaptive Function ensures that the B300S will work actively and smoothly even below 0℃.
- The 100W USB-C, 12V/10A cigarette lighter, and 18W USB-A output ports are perfect for charging your on-road essentials like smartphones, laptops, mini fridges, lights, and so on.
Cons
- The B300S requires extra accessories for AC/vehicle/lead-acid charging.
- The battery cell type is lead acid, which may not be as efficient as other battery types.
- The price point may be higher than other expansion batteries on the market.
We recently used the BLUETTI Expansion Battery B300S on a camping trip and were impressed with its performance. With the ability to hook up 6 expansion batteries, we were able to power all of our camping essentials without worrying about running out of battery. The Temperature Adaptive Function was also a great feature, as we were camping in colder weather and didn’t have to worry about the battery not working properly. The 3 output ports were also very useful for charging our devices.
However, we did find that the B300S requires extra accessories for AC/vehicle/lead-acid charging, which may be an inconvenience for some users. Additionally, the battery cell type is lead acid, which may not be as efficient as other battery types. Lastly, the price point may be higher than other expansion batteries on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for an expansion battery for your BLUETTI AC500 and don’t mind the higher price point, the BLUETTI Expansion Battery B300S is a great option.
Buying Guide
When looking for a generator for off-grid living, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look at:
Power Output
The power output of the generator is one of the most important factors to consider. You should choose a generator that can produce enough power to meet your needs. Calculate the total wattage of all the appliances and devices you plan to power with the generator. Then, choose a generator with a power output that exceeds this wattage.
Fuel Type
Generators can run on different types of fuel, including gasoline, propane, and diesel. Consider the availability and cost of fuel in your area when choosing a generator. For example, if gasoline is expensive or hard to come by, a propane or diesel generator may be a better option.
Noise Level
Generators can be noisy, which can be a problem if you live close to neighbors or in a quiet area. Look for generators with a low decibel rating to minimize noise pollution.
Portability
If you plan to move the generator frequently, look for a model that is lightweight and easy to transport. Some generators come with wheels and handles for easy maneuverability.
Runtime
The runtime of the generator refers to how long it can run on a single tank of fuel. Look for a generator with a long runtime if you need to power appliances for an extended period of time.
Price
Generators can vary greatly in price, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. Consider the features you need and choose a generator that fits within your budget.
In summary, when choosing a generator for off-grid living, consider the power output, fuel type, noise level, portability, runtime, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the best generator for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size generator do we need for an off-grid house?
The size of generator you need for an off-grid house depends on the amount of power you require. To determine the required size, you should calculate the total wattage of all the appliances you plan to run at the same time. Once you have the total wattage, add 20% to cover the surge power required when starting some appliances. This will give you the minimum size generator you need.
Can we live off-grid with a generator?
Yes, you can live off-grid with a generator. However, it is important to note that generators require fuel, which can be expensive and difficult to obtain in remote locations. Additionally, generators emit fumes and noise, which can be a nuisance to you and your neighbors.
What’s the best generator for off-grid living?
The best generator for off-grid living depends on your specific needs and budget. Some popular options include diesel generators, propane generators, and portable generators. It is important to consider the size, fuel efficiency, noise level, and overall reliability of the generator before making a purchase.
How many watts do we need to live off-grid?
The number of watts you need to live off-grid depends on your lifestyle and the appliances you plan to use. A basic off-grid system may require 1,000-2,000 watts, while a larger system for a family may require 5,000-10,000 watts or more.
What’s the difference between solar and diesel generators?
The main difference between solar and diesel generators is the source of power. Solar generators use renewable energy from the sun, while diesel generators use fossil fuels. Solar generators are generally quieter and more environmentally friendly, but may not provide as much power as diesel generators.
Is a whole house solar generator a good option for off-grid living?
A whole house solar generator can be a good option for off-grid living if you have a reliable source of sunlight and a large enough system to meet your power needs. However, these systems can be expensive and may require regular maintenance. It is important to weigh the costs and benefits before making a decision.
