What are some things to consider before buying an off-grid residential solar system with batteries?

Before investing in an off-grid residential solar system with batteries, consider factors like system size, battery capacity, and inverter efficiency. Research reputable brands and models, ensuring they’re reviewed for performance and reliability. Assess your energy needs, location, and local regulations. Seek recommendations from trusted sources like Gavin’s Garage, ensuring comprehensive coverage and unbiased insights.

What are some recommended generators for home use, and how much do they Cost?

Recommended generators for home use vary depending on power needs. Portable generators, suitable for camping or basic backup power, range from $400 to $2,800. Midsized options for more extensive backup power needs can cost between $1,000 to $1,700. Larger generators capable of powering entire homes during outages range from $2,000 to $6,000. Prices are approximate and based on wattage output.

How can inverter generators be so quieter than conventional gas generators?

Inverter generators produce clean energy through advanced electronic circuitry, resulting in smoother power delivery and reduced noise. Unlike conventional generators that run at a constant speed, inverter generators adjust their engine speed based on the required load, minimizing fuel consumption and noise levels. Additionally, sound-dampening materials and mufflers further contribute to their quiet operation, making them ideal for sensitive environments like campsites or residential areas.

BUYER’S GUIDE - Generator Superstore

Buyer’s Guide

Buyer’s Guide: Generator Considerations

Size: What size generator do you need?

Type: What are the different types of generators?

Brands: What are the most popular generator brands?

Price: What about the price?

Safety: What are the safety features of generators?

Noise: Why is my generator making noise?

What Size Generator do you need?

When deciding what size generator to buy, start by considering where you’ll use your generator. Will it be for home backup power? Recreation (like camping or tailgating)? Or for a work site? Then think about what you’ll need to power.

The most crucial measurement of a generator is its power output (maximum wattage).

When considering what you’ll need to power, remember that your larger appliances—such as refrigerators, freezers, and ovens—require a lot of watts to operate. Light bulbs, fans, and radios require next to nothing to run. Commercial-grade equipment, heating, and air conditioning systems generally draw the most power from generators.

If choosing a generator for home use during a power outage, list all critical appliances you’d want to run. The amount of power required to run those appliances will help you determine the size of generator you need. You’ll need to know the starting and running wattage of each appliance.

Appliances use more power when they’re starting up than they do while running. A good tip is to purchase a generator that offers more watts than you need. It’s better to have more power available than a generator that suddenly shuts off due to the overload. But also know that you do not need to run everything at once, and with some planning, you can keep from overloading your generator or get away with purchasing a smaller size.

Generator sizes:

Camping/ Recreational 1000 to 2,500 watts

Midsized 3500 to 4,500 watts

Large 5,500 to 7,000 watts

Portable Home Backup 9,000 watts

Home Standby up to 20,000 watts

What are the different types of generators?

Generators come in wide varieties and sizes, from small “portable” units to large “standby” units that can be semi or permanently installed outside the home. They use gasoline, natural gas, or solar energy to produce electricity. We’ll look at four different types of generators (Portable, Inverter, Standby and Solar) and how you might use them.

1. Portable Generators

Portable generators are small, easy to carry, and fueled by gasoline, propane, or solar energy.
Excellent choice for: camping, tailgating, or keeping in your car for emergencies
Reviewed & Tested options:

2. Inverter Generators

Inverter generators can be whole-home or portable; they produce what’s known as clean energy—energy that remains stable while in use. For that reason, they operate more quietly than other standard generators.
Excellent choice for: protecting electronics from power surge
Reviewed & Tested options:

3. Standby Generators

commercial-grade engine and often allow you to monitor their status via a mobile app.
The most significant drawbacks of standby generators are their cost and require regular maintenance.
Excellent choice for: an automatic whole-home backup system
Reviewed & Tested options:

4. Solar Generators

Standby generators supply your home’s entire electrical system with power in an emergency. These generators have a large fuel tank and a commercial-grade engine and often allow you to monitor their status via a mobile app.
The most significant drawbacks of standby generators are their cost and require regular maintenance.
Excellent choice for: an automatic whole-home backup system
Reviewed & Tested options:

What are the most popular generator brands?

We’re often asked to recommend or rate products. In an effort to be impartial, we’re making available a shortlist of the brands we’ve reviewed & tested so far. Also, to get a better sense of what buyers like you feel about these brands,

What about the price?

When pricing out generators, remember that the more power a generator produces, the more it costs. If you’re not worried about saving money and are looking to buy a generator to power everything in your home, get one installed by a competent supplier.

But if you’re looking to get the most power for your budget, start with the wattage required to run your critical appliances and work backward until you find a generator in your price range.

Approximate price ranges:

Recreational Inverter priced from $400 to $1,000

Midsized Inverter priced from $1,000 to $1,700

Portable priced from $700 to $2,800

Large Inverter priced from $1,400 to $4,000

Home Standby priced from $2,000 to $6,000

What are the safety features of generators?

Generators should run outside, at least 20 feet from the house, away from windows and doors, with the exhaust blowing away from home. They produce carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas in the exhaust that can poison and kill people. Do not run a generator in an enclosed space or front of an open door or window.

If you plan to install a permanent standby generator, hire a professional. A professional will help you follow the code to ensure your generator is installed correctly.

Many manufacturers offer models that will shut down automatically if they detect carbon monoxide.

Other hazards associated with generators:

Shocks and electrocution from improper use of power or accidentally energizing other electrical systems
Fires from improperly refueling a generator or inappropriately storing the fuel for a generator
Noise and vibration could cause hearing loss (excessive noise and vibration)

Common safety features:

Automatic Carbon Monoxide Shutoff
Circuit-breaker-protected outlets to guard against generator overload
Larger fuel tanks for extra runtime
Integrated fuel gauges to help prevent power interruptions
Clean power that’s safe for computers and other sensitive electronic devices
Low-tone mufflers for quiet operation

What about the noise level?

There is no absolute silent generator. Vibrations from running generators can transfer into the ground and cause much noise, especially on hard surfaces. A standard generator can operate at noise levels of 100 decibels or more. Even the quietest generators produce a noise level of about 65 decibels or less, similar to the noise made by two people having a conversation.

When using generators on residential properties with homeowners’ associations, campgrounds, or construction sites, it’s important to be mindful of the laws, rules, and restrictions.

Approximate appliance wattage

This worksheet will help you determine what size generator is suitable based on the wattage required for each appliance. When calculating required wattage, you need to pay attention to both starting and running watts. The number of watts an appliance needs to run is typically less than the initial startup.

Electronic Devices

Starting Watts

Running Watts

Kitchen

Can Opener

165

Coffee Maker

1000

Dishwasher (Hot Dry)

1500

Electric Stove (8″ Element)

2100

Food Processor

400

Microwave Oven (625 watts)

625

Microwave Oven (1000 watts)

1000

Refrigerator/freezer

2200

1050

Toaster

850

Toaster Oven

1200

Laundry

Clothes Dryer (Electric)

1350

5400

Iron

1200

Washing Machine

2250

1150

Heating and Cooling

Air Conditioner (10,000 BTU)

3000

1,500

Air Conditioner (24,000 BTU)

4,950

3,800

Air Conditioner (40,000 BTU)

6700

6000

Furnace, Blower (1/2 HP)

2350

800

Furnace, Blower (1/3 HP)

1400

700

Heat Pump

4500

4700

Portable Space Heater

1800

Window AC (10,000 BTU)

1800

1200

Window AC (12,000 BTU)

3950

3250

Lighting

Light Bulb (60 watt)

Light Bulb (75 watt)

Home Electronics

AM/FM Radio

100

Desktop Computer (17″)

800

Printer (Inkjet)

Printer (Laser)

950

Stereo

450

Television (28”)

500

Miscellaneous

Garage Door Opener (1/2 HP)

2350

875

Humidifier (13 Gallon)

175

Security System

500

Sump Pump (1/2 HP)

2,200

1050

Water Heater

4000

Well Pump (1/3 HP)

2,000

1000

Tools

Air Compressor (1/4 hp)

1600

975

Air Compressor (1 hp)

4500

1600

Circular Saw (7-1/4″)

2300

1400

Hand Drill (½”)

900

600

Miter Saw (10″)

1800

Reciprocating Saw

960

Table Saw

2000

Buyer’s Guide

Buyer’s Guide: Generator Considerations

What Size Generator do you need?

Generator sizes:

What are the different types of generators?

1. Portable Generators

2. Inverter Generators

3. Standby Generators

4. Solar Generators

What are the most popular generator brands?

What about the price?

What are the safety features of generators?

What about the noise level?

Approximate appliance wattage

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