Ultimate Guide to Off-Grid Appliances with Jackery
As bustling city life loses its charm, people gradually move towards natural abodes. However, we still need the comfort and functionality of electric appliances. So, a natural setup with energy-efficient and low-maintenance off-grid appliances is the best option for nature lovers. A high-power solar generator can power up multiple appliances, including refrigerators, laptops, phone chargers, TVs, etc. Our recommendation for powering living off-grid appliances is the Jackery solar generator 2000 Pro because of its high capacity and noise-free operation.
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1. 2160Wh that can power up to 99% of off-grid appliances. 2. No fumes or noise operation makes it perfect for an environment-friendly and peaceful setup. 3. Multiple output ports allow the charging and running of various appliances simultaneously. 4. The Jackery solar generator 2000 Pro can be charged using solar generators, wall outlets, and carport. 5. Ultra-fast charging takes only 2.5-7.5 hours using solar panels and 2 hours using wall charging. |
What Are Off-Grid Appliances
Off-grid appliances are the ones that operate using alternate power options other than the main electricity grid. You may need them while living in a remote area or if you are living in areas with frequent power outages. These appliances can be operated with solar panels, wind turbines, solar-powered generators or storage batteries.
Living off-grid appliances include refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, water heaters, TVs, and many more.
Pros of Off-Grid Appliances
- Off-grid, appliancesare cost-effective as they are energy efficient and last longer.
- They reduce carbon footprint to a large extent as they do not use fossil fuels.
- Off-grid appliancesprovide comfort and convenience.
- These appliances make you self-sufficient and reduce your reliance on the power grid.
Cons of Off-Grid Appliances
- Off-grid appliances are costlier than conventional appliances.
- They might be less efficient like the washing machine might not have a dryer, smaller refrigerator, and so on.
Must Have Off-Grid Appliances
Since you cannot have all the appliances in the off-grid setup you normally use, you have to choose the most important living off-grid appliances you can easily power up using alternate power sources. Here is a list of must-have off-grid appliances.
1. Off-grid Refrigerator
Food is a basic necessity, and keeping it fresh is also important. So, a refrigerator is the most important off-grid appliance. You can continue to use your traditional refrigerator; however, it might need to be more energy efficient and eat up all your alternate energy. However, you also have options for more energy-efficient electric, DC electric and propane refrigerators.
The dual-zone Unique UGP-275L Solar Off-Grid Refrigerator is great for off-grid setup. It takes only 63 Watts to support its ten cubic feet capacity.
2. Off-grid Washing Machine
The main factors while choosing an off-grid washing machine are water saving and energy efficiency. A washer-dryer combination is not an ideal choice. Instead, you should choose only a highly efficient washer that takes less water.
The Magic Chef White MCSTCW09W1 Compact Washer is also perfect for small spaces and is portable. It takes only 23 kiloWatt per year and offers five different washing modes.
3. Off-Grid Water Heater
A tankless propane water heater is the best choice for an off-grid water heater. They save energy because they only heat water when the tap is opened. Solar water heaters powered by solar panels are also preferable choices.
Tankless propane water heaters are a smart choice because they are small and can be installed easily. They also do not draw power continuously.
4. Off-grid Stove
You can choose between an electric stove, a propane stove, a gas range and an oven. You should go for a small stove setup that can do the work yet does not take up a large space. However, in a true off-grid sense, you should have a cast iron cook stove. It is powered by wood and also warms your cabin.
5. Off-grid water pump
The water pump is also an essential off-grid appliance. They allow you to pump water into a storage tank to flow into your taps and other appliances. Small water pumps that can do 5.5 gallons per minute.
How to Power Off-Grid Appliances
We have listed the must-have off-grid appliances, and now the next logical question is about the power sources. How to power off-grid appliances, and what energy sources are the best?
1. Gas-powered Generator
Gas-powered generators remained the most popular power source for a very long time. However, they are not the first choice now because of their noise and fumes. Also, it isn't good for the environment because of carbon monoxide emissions. For any reason, if they are your choice, then ensure you always have enough gas.
2. Propane Tank
Propane is also popular, especially when renewable energy sources are unavailable. Propane can power many living off-grid appliances and also 12-volt appliances off-grid. You must have a steady supply of propane, and installing a stationary tank is the best choice.
3. Solar Panels
Solar power is the best option, and you will also find many dedicated solar-powered off-grid appliances in the market. You need to estimate the expected power consumption and purchase enough solar panels. It is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly power source for off-grid setups.
4. Hydroelectric Power
If you are setting up your off-grid house in an area with fast-moving water with sufficient vertical drop, you can also harness hydroelectric power. However, it is a big investment, but it is a lifelong asset.
5. Wind turbine
A wind turbine is a green option that works well in windy locations. Like hydroelectric power, it is an expensive option. An average annual wind speed of 9 mph in a consistent direction is required for practical wind turbines.
Why Solar Generators Are Best for Off-Grid Appliances
As discussed above, solar power is the best choice for powering off-grid appliances. Though you can use dedicated solar-powered off-grid appliances, a solar generator is a better option to harness solar energy. Solar generators enable you to use living off-grid appliances even when the sun isn't shining because these generators can store solar power for later use. Also, these generators are noise and fumes-free, making them a green option.
- Solar generators can be charged through solar panels and power appliances even when the sun is not shining.
- They are cost-effective in the long run because of zero fuel costs.
- They are environmentally friendly as they do not emit toxic gasses and use no fossil fuels.
However, there is a downside to using solar generators too.
- The initial setup cost is high.
- They might not work on cloudy and rainy days.
What Size of Solar Generator Do I Need for Off-Grid Appliances
Every household may have different power requirements. However, there is always a baseline that is required for everyone. On average, 5000 to 7000 watts is a good estimate for solar power requirements. The size of the solar generator depends on the following;
- Electricity requirement
- Available space for solar panels.
- Direct sunlight hours
- Solar panel efficiency
Here is a breakdown of estimated power requirements of must-have living off-grid appliances.
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Off-Grid Appliances |
Estimated Watts |
Using Time |
Solar Power Needed |
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Refrigerator |
300W |
8H |
2400Wh |
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Water Pump |
800W |
1H |
800Wh |
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Washing Machine |
500W |
1H |
500Wh |
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Water Heater |
1000W |
1H |
1000Wh |
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Stove or Cooker |
800W |
0.25H |
200Wh |
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Air Conditioner |
1000W |
8H |
8000Wh |
Jackery Solar Generators for Off-Grid Appliances
The Jackery solar generators combine solar panels and portable power stations to acquire and store solar energy. The Jackery solar generators stand out among the other brands in the market because they are the best value for money as they offer the best build quality, ease of use and after-sales service.
The Jackery solar generators offer;
- Quick solar charging.
- Intelligent BMS system and pure sine wave inverter to keep your off-grid appliancessafe from fluctuations and heating up.
- LCD screen that shows charging statistics and battery life status for safety and ease of use.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery solar generator 2000 plus is unique as it offers an expandable capacity of 2-24 kWh. It can power off-grid appliances up to 6000W. It has very fast charging even with solar panels. You can charge it in 2 hours; even if it rains, you will be using solar power.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro
Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro is another portable solar power source for off-grid appliances. It has a capacity of 2160 Wh and an output power of 2200 Watts. It offers BMS battery management that ensures a fluctuation-free power supply to ensure safety.
Customer Review
“I bought Jackery generator in order to shift to a more clean power source. So far this decision has proved to be the best so far. It is quiet and I can use it even indoors”
Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro
Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro offers you a whopping 1512 Wh capacity to power 12V off-grid appliances and others too. You can connect various devices to the generator with multiple output ports. Its intelligent BMS gives you safety and fluctuation power supply for your devices.
Customer Review
“Jackery solar generator 1500 Pro, I highly recommend this portable solar generator. I can connect my laptop, phone charger, lights and other devices simultaneously. I am using it during power outages but planning to do more experimentation in future. ”
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Series |
Capacity |
Ports |
Recharge Time |
Off-Grid Appliances |
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Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
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2042.8Wh |
AC Output(×4)： |
120V~ 60Hz, 20A Max
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Solar Panel: 2 Hours AC Adapter: 2 Hours Car Port: 25 Hours |
TV (60 W) Heater(1800 W) Washing Machine(500W) Stove(800W) Air Conditioner(1000W) Weeders (2200W) Drone (90W) Electric Pressure Cooker (1080W) |
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AC Output(×1) |
120V~ 60Hz, 25A Max |
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USB-A Output(x2) |
Quick Charge 3.0, 18W Max |
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USB-C Output(x2) |
100W Max, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A)
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Car Port(x1) |
12V⎓10A |
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AC Input |
120V, 60Hz, 15A Max |
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DC Input |
11V-17.5V, 8A Max, Double to 8A Max 17.5V-60V, 12A Max, Double to 24A/1400W Max |
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2160Wh |
AC Output(x3) |
120V, 60Hz, 2,200W (4,400W Peak) |
Solar Panel: 5.5 Hours AC Adapter: 2 Hours Car Port: 24 Hours |
TV (60 W) Heater(1800 W) Washing Machine(500W) Stove(800W) Air Conditioner(1000W) Coffee Maker (1120W) Microwave (700W) Branch Crusher (1800W) |
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USB-A Output(x2) |
Quick Charge 3.0, 18W Max |
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USB-C Output(x2) |
100W Max, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A) |
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CarPort(x1) |
12V⎓10A |
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AC Input |
120V, 60Hz, 15A Max |
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DC Input |
11V-17.5V, 8A Max, Double to 8A Max 17.5V⎓60V, 12A, Double to 24A/1400W Max |
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1512Wh |
AC Output(x3) |
120V, 60Hz, 1,800W (3,600W Peak) |
Solar Panel: 2 Hours AC Adapter: 2 Hours Carport: 16.5 Hours |
TV (60 W) Heater(1800 W) Washing Machine(500W) Stove(800W) Air Conditioner(1000W) Portable Air Conditioner (1150W) Microwave (700W) Electric Drill (900W) |
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USB-A Output(x2) |
Quick Charge 3.0x2, 18W Max |
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USB-C Output(x2) |
100W Max, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A) |
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CarPort(x1) |
12V⎓10A |
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AC Input |
120V, 60Hz, 15A Max |
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DC Input: |
11V-17.5V, 8A Max, Double to 8A Max 17.5V⎓60V, 12A, Double to 24A/1400W Max |
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How to Choose Off-Grid Appliances
The four main factors that you should consider while choosing off-grid appliances are;
1. Energy efficiency
Energy consumption is the most critical factor in choosing your off-grid appliances. When you know the power requirements of your appliances, then you can plan what size of a solar generator or any other power source you need. It is also important that you know both running wattage and surge wattage. Running wattage is the constant requirement of power for the appliance. In comparison, the surge wattage or starting is the high wattage required when the appliance is turned on.
2. Water usage
Water usage is important in washing machines, dishwashers and water heaters. In off-grid setups, water is also a treasured commodity.
3. Ease of maintenance
Since you might need access to plumbers, technical people and spare parts for the appliances, it is always better to choose the best quality appliances that are also low maintenance. Low-maintenance devices also prove to be cost-effective in the long run.
4. Available space
Off-grid houses are often small and compact; hence, you must buy smaller space-efficient appliances and furniture.
Off-Grid Appliances FAQs
1. How many solar panels do I need to power off-grid appliances?
The number of solar panels required to power off-grid appliances depends on many factors, including;
- Solar panels efficiency.
- Average peak sunlight hours.
- The power wattage of the appliance and how many appliances you want to power simultaneously.
- The duration of use.
The Jackery SolarSaga solar panels are available in 100 Watts, 200 Watts and 80 Watts specifications. They offer high solar conversion efficiency of 24.3%; thus, they can operate appliances longer. Also, they are compact and foldable, so you can easily use them in remote areas and camping setups.
2. How do I need to run a refrigerator off-grid? (how to choose an off-grid refrigerator)
You need to decide the power source you will be using and then choose the refrigerator. You can choose a propane or a solar-powered refrigerator. The factors that you will consider while buying an off-grid refrigerator are;
- Efficient cooling method
- Thick insulation
- Energy efficiency
3. Is going off the grid worth it?
Off course. Living off the grid is always worth it. It offers you freedom and a more natural lifestyle. It is good for your physical health and spiritual and mental well-being. However, you must plan early and acquire all the necessary equipment. The initial cost may be higher, but in the long run, the cost is covered because of savings.
Final Thoughts
Off-grid is the new cool as it is natural and healthier physically and spiritually. But you will still not want to let go of your comfort in your home, so off-grid appliances are a must-have. We have discussed the essential off-grid appliances and also several alternate power sources. The Jackery solar generators are the best choice for off-grid setups, as they are available in many sizes. They also offer multiple output ports to power up various off-grid appliances simultaneously. This guide will help you in your next adventure.
