- What Is an Inverter Generator, and How Do They Work?
- Why Inverter Generators Are Popular for Off-Grid Living
- Inverter Generators Use Cases
- Choosing the Right Solution for Your Off-Grid Lifestyle
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Inverter Generators Provide Clean Power, Reduce Noise, and Support Off-Grid Living
Inverter Generators Demystified: Power Your Life Off-Grid
- What Is an Inverter Generator, and How Do They Work?
- Why Inverter Generators Are Popular for Off-Grid Living
- Inverter Generators Use Cases
- Choosing the Right Solution for Your Off-Grid Lifestyle
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Inverter Generators Provide Clean Power, Reduce Noise, and Support Off-Grid Living
Going off-grid doesn't always mean leaving behind electricity. You can enjoy unplugging from the grid if you want to, but there are plenty of power solutions to keep you connected while remote. Generators are a popular option for off-grid living and many other situations where a traditional wall outlet isn’t readily available. However, terminology like inverter or diesel generator, portable power station, and solar generator can be confusing when deciding what you need.
Keep reading to learn more about inverter generators: what they are, how they work, why people choose them, and how to find the right one for you. Plus, learn unique ways to use it to maximize your investment.
What Is an Inverter Generator, and How Do They Work?
An inverter generator is a portable generator that creates clean and stable AC power instead of fluctuating power like a traditional generator. It converts generated AC to DC, then back into AC with a microprocessor.
Inconsistent electrical current from a traditional generator can damage sensitive electronics. Clean power provided by the inverter generator is much safer, meaning it doesn’t harmonically distort at a high percentage.
Why Inverter Generators Are Popular for Off-Grid Living
Traditional generators are designed for heavy-duty tasks, emergency backup, and other high-power situations. Off-grid living requires a more balanced and efficient electrical solution for day-to-day use. Inverter generators easily meet the needs of remote living.
Inverter generators are more fuel-efficient. The engine slows down or ramps up the RPMs in response to the amount of electricity used. In contrast, traditional generators do not regulate their engine speed. They run at max power while in use, quickly burning through fuel. Not only is this costly, but it’s not good for the environment.
While enjoying life away from the traditional grid, the last thing you want to hear is a generator roaring in the background. Inverter generators are quieter than traditional diesel ones. Some generators and power stations, like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus, run at a whisper-quiet level when outputting 600W or less.
An inverter generator provides lower power output and is more compatible with day-to-day uses, like small appliances and electronics. While this can be limiting, you can often stack them together to achieve the needed power output while maintaining all the advantages.
Inverter Generators Use Cases
Camping: Off-grid tent or car camping is about getting away from the comforts of on-grid living, but it’s not against the rules to bring electricity with you. Keep fans, phones, and lights going all without a wall outlet.
RVing: Inverter generators are perfect for powering appliances and devices in RVs, which are equipped with electronics for comfortable off-grid living.
Home Projects: A portable power station provides an easy-to-reach outlet to the project site. Run tools, chargers, electronics, and lighting to get the job done.
Mobile Businesses: Vendor fairs, food trucks, detailing services, and pop-up shops usually don’t have accessible, reliable power outlets. Power up the trailer while off-grid or offer intriguing displays through a portable power solution.
Boating: Power onboard electronics like fish finders and navigators while fishing or boating. This is convenient power without rigging a system into the boat.
Picnic: Power small appliances like a griddle, toaster, slow cooker, or fondue kit to upgrade the family picnic. It increases the options for food and makes preparations much easier.
Home Backup: The usefulness doesn’t end once you’re back home to he traditional grid. Keep the generator on hand and ready to go in an emergency, like a power outage from an unexpected storm.
Job Sites: Power tools, speakers, fans, and other equipment while working remotely. A portable generator can boost efficiency for small-scale construction work or other jobs.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Off-Grid Lifestyle
An off-grid lifestyle can take many forms, and you should have an idea of yours before finalizing your electrical solution. Three major considerations are power output, storage capacity, and fuel type.
Think about the equipment that will run off your generator. The max power output needed is determined by the sum of the running wattage from the equipment to be powered. Storage capacity is how much fuel or electricity the generator can hold, determining how long it will last. Of course, you can always stack multiple generators if additional storage is needed.
You have options regarding fuel type. Inverter generators use less fuel than traditional generators, or you can skip fossil fuel reliance entirely.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra can be powered with an EV Pile, solar energy, or gas. Pair this station with solar panels for a self-sufficient solar system, no matter how off-grid you go. With convenient wheels on the bottom, you can move it wherever you need to: around your home, in the park, or in the RV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between an Inverter Generator and a Traditional Generator?
The primary difference lies in how they regulate electricity. A traditional generator produces raw AC power with voltage and frequency functions. The engine runs at a constant speed. The inverter generator processes raw AC into clean AC, and it regulates its engine speed, making it a better option for off-grid power solutions.
Can I Power My Whole House With an Inverter Generator?
It depends, but generally, an inverter generator is not built to run a whole home. It provides limited power output that’s not compatible with large home appliances. A high-output portable power station is a better option for home backup.
Inverter Generators Provide Clean Power, Reduce Noise, and Support Off-Grid Living
You’ll need a generator to power off-grid. Inverter generators are a great solution. They’re more eco-friendly, use less fuel, run quieter, and provide clean power compared to traditional generators. Choosing this type of generator will set you up for success.
If you want more flexibility, the option to go solar, whisper-quiet run sound level, while still providing clean electricity for sensitive electronics, go with an EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 portable power station.