Are you interested in buying a generator for home use? When you live off the grid, a reliable generator can be a valuable asset. But before investing your hard-earned money, do your research. And keep these ten things in mind whether you're hoping to buy a generator online or in person.
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Note: This is a follow-up article to Generators for Beginners: The Very Basic Basics.
This article is about buying a generator to use for regular backup power when living off the grid. Please note that we are **NOT** experts and that this piece is based on our own experiences buying generators for our off-grid home in Canada's Northwest Territories.
Size Matters
It's pretty common to underestimate your generator size requirements. Why? Because the generator size impacts the price. You're probably trying to save money. And no one wants to pay more than they have to.
Yet underestimating your required generator size is a problem. It could lead to overloading.
And overloading can lead to unexpected generator repairs costs and eventually cause the generator to wear out much faster.
Conversely, oversizing your needs can also be detrimental due to poor operating levels. This wastes fuel and substantially increases the operating costs.
Situation Requirements
So just what is the best generator for home use? It depends on your situation.
For example, the best standby generator for home use isn't necessarily the same as the best generator for running your off grid home. And the best generator for an off grid cabin depends on the length and frequency of the run times.
It also depends on whether your off grid cabin has any other energy source (ie. solar panels or a windmill.) And how much power your home systems require.
When you're reading the specs on a generator, look for any manufacturer's recommendations on whether it's for occasional use, emergency use, or to use off the grid.
Not all generators are made to withstand the heavy use of an off grid home. So don't make the off grid homeowner mistake of choosing one labeled "emergency use" as your everyday power backup for solar panels in the low-sunlight days of winter. Doing so could void the manufacturer's warranty.
Ultimately it would help if you completely understood the various appliances and equipment you want the generator to power. This leads to point number three.
Calculate Energy Usage Before Buying a Generator for Home Use
Knowing your household's average power usage will help you choose the best size generator for your home.
Get started by checking the manufacturers' nameplate rating of each appliance and adding them together.
Do you also plan to operate larger electrical motors, such as a well or lake pump, for an off-grid water system? What about a dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer? Or maybe you're planning some homestead projects that depend on power tools.
If so, be sure to double those figures. This ensures that you account for the initial starting surge. If needed, contact the manufacturer for the maximum power consumption.
For more information on calculating your estimated household use when buying a generator for home use, check out this post from SaveOn Energy.
A small household may do fine with a 2000-watt generator. However, a house with a well, off grid water pump system, or other appliances to run at the same time will likely need a generator in the 5000-7500 watt range or larger.
Note 1: small generators tend to produce lower-quality electricity than larger models. They also tend to vary the voltage more. This can damage your appliances and equipment.
Note 2: Some generators deliver 120 and 240 volts, with the full power only available at 240 volts. Some have two separate 120-volt outlets, each providing up to half the rated power.
Watch Your Weight
Like size, the generator's weight depends on the wattage it can generate. And weight also determines portability.
One person can carry a 2000-watt generator. Yet a 5000-10,000 watt generator for home use comes with wheels or is stationary in the case of diesel units.
Portability is typically unnecessary for an off-grid household, where a generator can be stationary. However, for trailer use, the smaller portable generators are more convenient.
Note: We use a diesel generator for off grid living. In fact, our household uses two 10 kW Lombardini diesel generators. They're housed in a generator shed 50 feet from our home. We just alternate between them.
UPDATE: February 2022: Our generator shed burned to the ground in December 2019. We now have a new 11kW Kubota diesel generator and a Champion portable gasoline generator for backup.
Generators Are Noisy
So here's the thing: for all their usefulness when you're living off the grid, generators are noisy.
They'll disrupt the quiet solitude of your off-grid home nestled in the woods, mountains, or other remote locations. In fact, they're so loud that today most manufacturers now include decibel (db) levels in their specifications.
Consider the noise level BEFORE buying a generator for home use. And consider the noise level based on the proximity of the generator to your home. And if you have them - to your neighbors' homes as well.
Several recent studies have shown that people can get actual physical symptoms other than hearing loss from excessive noise.
Tip: The rotations per minute (RPM) in a motor/generator can make a major difference in noise levels. The higher the RPM, the noisier your generator will be. Keep this in mind when comparing models.
Multiple Fuel Types
A generator for home use will require one of three fuel types: gasoline, diesel, or propane. (Note: you'll also find dual-fuel generators.)
Propane is by far the cleanest burning, and it is also the safest to transport. A gasoline or diesel generator often stinks, even when not running. A propane generator does not.
If your house has a propane tank, feeding the generator directly from it may be possible. The downside to a propane generator is there are fewer models available. They're also a little more temperamental to start because they require priming by opening for the gas and letting it flow for a few seconds.
You Get What You Pay For
I mention price and quality here because, generally, the old adage is true. You do get what you pay for.
Diesel generators generally cost more to purchase yet tend to last the longest. One of our diesel generators was a 1996 model; the other is 2004. And our neighbor runs a1956 (!) Lister is still running strong. As of 2020 we run an 11.5Kw Kubota diesel generator.
Gasoline models will wear out the fastest of the three types of generators, although they are far cheaper on their initial purchase.
Propane generators run somewhat cleaner and generally quieter than diesel or gasoline.
And generators with a low rpm (typically 1800 rpm) should last longer than those that run at a faster rpm (typically 3600 rpm).
Location, Location, Location
Operating a generator indoors is unsafe. Never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space.
Why not? Because, as this article in Popular Mechanics explains, it's dangerous. They produce carbon monoxide. And that can be fatal.
Ideally, a generator for home use is best placed outdoors. This is due to noise levels, exhaust, and other fumes associated with operations.
Having said that, it's still advantageous to have an enclosure that protects your generator from the elements. This will promote long life and fewer maintenance issues. This, of course, reduces your overall operating costs living off the grid.
One option is to purchase a generator with its own weatherized enclosure. So it comes ready to leave outside, and you could cover it with a tarp when not in use if needed.
You can also have a generator shed dedicated to your energy source with an adjacent fuel source. This is what we have.
Propane and diesel generators are frequently coupled with large outside storage tanks. However, gasoline generators usually rely on small internal tanks. And these require regular filling based on usage.
Temporary or Permanent?
While you're considering your generator's location, don't forget to choose whether that's a temporary or permanent location.
Some generators are small enough to be stored in a garden shed and carried outside when needed. Portable generators are convenient for things like running power tools at the edges of your property, far from a permanent generator.
About Those Starters?
Yes, different generators have different starters.
Most of the small models of generators to use at home are started with a pull cord. Not to be confused with a generator power cord.
Newer, larger models almost all now have an electric starter for push-button convenience. Our diesel generators both have turn-key ignition.
A gasoline generator doesn't need pre-heating due to the use of spark plugs. And if possible, house your generator in a heated shed during the winter months.
Related: Generator Won't Start? 8 Things to Try Before Calling a Pro
Diesel models require the use of a glow plug to preheat the generator. A glow plug is basically a heating device that heats the combustion chamber prior to starting the generator.
This prestart process usually takes ten to twenty seconds.
In more modern generators, a light turns on when you turn your ignition to start. Then it goes off to tell you when the generator is ready to be turned over.
Even better, most models with an electric starter have the option for remote starting. This means they can be started from inside the house. And this is a great feature when dealing with less-than-ideal weather.
A generator for your off-grid home can be a significant investment, easily costing several thousands of dollars. Do your research, get expert advice, and talk to neighbors or friends before buying one.
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Henry Roop
Good information. My setup is a little different. I have one 7500 watt gen to operate the freezer and refrigerator each about 4 hours a day, and recharging batteries at the same time, when the solar array is having a cloudy day. If we do have a permanent EMP situation,
I have a partially built wind generator to help. I also have a small 900 watt gen for my
C-Pap device in case the batteries get low, it will run 6 hours on a quart of gasoline.
Sarita Harbour
Hi Alice - thanks for your comment. When I was growing up back East several of the local farmers had backup generators to help with the increasingly frequent power outages. I think getting a backup generator is a great idea for rural folks on or off the grid!
Alice Carroll
Thanks for the tip that I have to be very aware of my household's electricity consumption as that would be one of the most important things to consider when choosing generator equipment. I recently moved in with my family were where living right now earlier this year and my neighbors warned me that during very windy days after summer, there are sometimes power outages caused by power lines being compromised by the strong winds. I think having a generator for my home would be very convenient for us should a power interruption does happen this year.
Sarita Harbour
This is great news. Thanks, Kelly!
Kelly
Thanks for the great information! We love it so much we're featuring it this Wednesday on the Homestead Blog Hop. Stop by and pick up your featured badge. Thanks so much an keep them coming!