ON Solar,the blowing up thing needs to be put into context, solar its self does not blow anything up. Living off grid and providing your own AC power source is more accurate.

AC Power Generation comes mainly in this next of the woods from either a standalone Generator or a Inverter System using DC Batteries to convert DC power to AC power and or a combined mixture of both. The blowing up bit Nigel is referring to is usually associated with the Inverter side of things. There are basically two types on Inverters on the market place, Firstly the more expensive True Sinewave inverters which produce a Grid Equivilent or better true sinusodal (sinewave) and all electrical equipment will have no problems and they wont be blowing up or frying your white goods. Providing that it is wired correctly and earthed properly,with proper surge protection and lightning arrestors. Bottom line if you live off grid with any level of frequency then when it comes to inverters save your pennies and buy a True Sinewave Model. (NoBrainer)

The more problematic inverters are the Modified Sinewave or Square wave cheaper inverters. Certain electrical items do not like Modified or Square Wave Inverters the list includes Washing Machines, Phone Chargers, PIR Security lights , Microwaves certain types of electrical motors fitted in fridges . In the case of some of these items failure is instant like Secuirity Lights,  a couple of hours operation will fry many a phone charger or cordless tool charger. Certain power supplies for laptops games consoles and the like work harder and hotter and eventually fail. A well serviced in Spec internal   combustion engine generator running at its correct voltage and hz should again provide no problems, as rotary generators are also sinusodal true sinewave.  Solar or Windturbines off grid are used to recharge the batteries that feed the Inverter.  

When I was visiting here doing my place up I used a Xantrex DR Modified Sinewave Inverter Charger it fried two security lights instantly , fried a Dewalt Battery Charger and  two mobile phone chargers. caused my two week old washing machine to break its motor mounting. ( The washing machine was made by Spanish/English company called Taurus they came out in 3 days and fixed it no problem.  I only ever ran it from the generator after that untill I got a Truesine wave inverter !18 months later the water pump failed fixed foc no problem 2 days later. I can recommend Taurus usually sold in the Supermarkets. If you need confirmation of warranty claims ask the store for there policy on such. My Taurus repairer was a local company from Tortosa who repaire white goods he seemed oblivious to my supply but I suspect things have changed as per Nigels caution, If youve got a modified sinewave inverter then dont for get to snuff your candles and turn off your gas lamps before going to bed tonight    ;)

NB Modified Sinewave can be used sucessfully on many other items and once youve experimented and fried different things then you learn to operate them only when the genny is running and not the Mod Sinewave, its a bit of a chore but it can be done . You get what you pay for !