A Guide to Generators

Having a reliable backup power source is critical for prepping and survival. Whether you're facing a long-term grid-down scenario or want to be prepared for short-term outages, understanding the options for generators and solar generators is key. In this guide, we'll explore the different types of generators, their pros and cons, use cases, and how to size your system to meet your needs properly.

Types of Generators for Preppers

1. Gasoline Generators

Overview: The most common type of generator found in households. These are affordable, widely available, and offer various power levels.

Pros:

• Easily accessible fuel.

• Lower initial cost.

• Suitable for short-term outages.

Cons:

• Noisy.

• Requires frequent refueling.

• Gasoline has a short shelf life (1-2 years with stabilizer).

• Not ideal for stealth operations.

Best For: Short-term outages, camping, small power needs like refrigerators, lights, and charging devices.

The Prep Community's Pick for Portable Gasoline Generators:

• PowerSmart 1500-Watt Gas Powered Portable

• Pulsar 2,300W Portable Gas-Powered Portable

The Prep Community's Pick for Large Gasoline Generators:

• Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 9500

• Champion Power Equipment 4250-Watt

2. Diesel Generators

Overview: Known for durability and efficiency, diesel generators are often used in industrial applications but can be scaled down for home use.

Pros:

• Diesel fuel is more stable and stores longer than gasoline.

• More fuel-efficient than gasoline.

• Generally more durable and reliable.

Cons:

• Louder than gasoline generators.

• More expensive upfront.

• Diesel fuel can be harder to find in some areas.

Best For: Long-term power needs, off-grid living, farms, and homesteads.

3. Propane Generators

Overview: Propane generators offer a cleaner-burning alternative and are great for intermittent use.

Pros:

• Propane has an indefinite shelf life.

• Cleaner emissions.

• Quieter than gasoline or diesel generators.

Cons:

• Requires large storage tanks for long-term use.

• Propane may not be as easy to find in a crisis.

• Lower energy density than diesel or gasoline.

Best For: Backup power for homes, remote cabins, or RVs.

4. Natural Gas Generators

Overview: These generators are typically hooked to a home's natural gas line, offering a constant fuel supply.

Pros:

• No need to store fuel.

• Quieter operation.

• Can run for extended periods.

Cons:

• Dependent on natural gas lines, which may fail in certain disasters.

• High installation cost.

• Not portable.

Best For: Permanent home installations for long-term power security.

5. Dual Fuel Generators

Overview: Generators that can run on gasoline and propane, offering flexibility in fuel choice. If you buy a generator, we HIGHLY recommend dual fuel.

Pros:

• Flexible fuel options.

• Easy to switch between fuels.

• Can extend generator runtime by switching fuels when needed.

Cons:

• More expensive than single-fuel generators.

• Slightly heavier and more complex to maintain.

Best For: Preppers who want maximum flexibility and security during emergencies.

The Prep Community's Pick for Portable Dual Fuel Generators:

• Pulsar 2,200W Portable Dual Fuel Generator

• Westinghouse 2550 Portable Dual Fuel Generator

The Prep Community's Pick for Large Dual Fuel Generators:

• DuroMax XP13000HX Dual Fuel Generator

• Westinghouse Outdoor 4650 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Generator

6. Solar Generators (Solar Panels + Battery Bank)

Overview: A quieter, more sustainable option, solar generators use solar panels to charge a battery bank that stores electricity.

Pros:

• Silent operation.

• Unlimited power as long as the sun is shining.

• No fuel to store or manage.

• Safe for indoor use (no emissions).

Cons:

• Limited power output—cannot run heavy-duty appliances for long periods.

• High initial cost for the setup.

• Dependent on sunlight (may need multiple days of sun to recharge fully).

Best For: Urban preppers, off-grid enthusiasts, and those looking for a stealthy, long-term solution for powering essential devices (lights, phones, small appliances).

The Prep Community's Pick for Solar Generators:

• ECOFLOW Solar Generator River 2 Pro 768Wh (Small)

• ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA Max (Medium)

• ECOFLOW Solar Generator 4000Wh (Large)

How to Choose the Right Generator for Your Needs

When selecting a generator (or solar generator), it's crucial to size it correctly based on the devices and appliances you plan to power. Here's how:

1. Make a List of Appliances You Need to Power

   • Refrigerator (600 watts)

   • Lights (60 watts each)

   • Phone charger (10 watts)

   • TV (150 watts)

   • Electric heater (1,500 watts)

   • Well pump (1,000 watts)

2. Calculate the Total Wattage. Add up the wattage of all the devices you plan to run simultaneously. Remember to account for starting watts on appliances like refrigerators or pumps, which can momentarily draw much more power when starting up.

   Example:

   • Refrigerator: 600W (starting 1,200W)

   • 5 LED Lights: 300W

   • Well pump: 1,000W (starting 2,000W)

   • Total Running Watts = 1,900W

   • Total Starting Watts = 3,200W

   You would need a generator that handles at least 3,200 starting and 1,900 running watts.

Sizing a Solar Generator System

For solar-powered setups, the process is similar, but you need to factor in:

• Battery Bank Size: How much energy storage do you need?

• Solar Panel Wattage: The total wattage your panels can produce and how many hours of sunlight you expect.

  
  

  Example: If your devices require 1,000 watts to run continuously for 10 hours, you need a battery bank with a 10,000-watt-hour capacity. You might need 1,500-watt solar panels running for at least 7 hours to charge this battery.

Fuel Sources, Performance & Portability

• Consider Your Fuel Source

  • If you have easy access to gasoline and are willing to store it, a gasoline or dual-fuel generator might be your best bet.

  • Consider propane or solar generators for long-term storage or less reliance on fuel.

  • A solar generator with a battery bank is an ideal solution for off-grid living, where silence is golden.

• Portability vs. Permanence

  • Do you need a portable generator for camping, bug-out situations, or mobile power needs?

  • Or are you preparing for long-term power outages where a stationary home backup generator might be more reliable?

Connecting Your Generator to Your House: What You Need to Know

When using a generator for home backup power, it's crucial to connect it safely and efficiently. There are a couple of options for powering your home using a generator, but the key is to avoid backfeeding (sending power back through the grid), which is extremely dangerous.

1. Transfer Switch

A transfer switch is the safest and most reliable method for connecting your generator to your home's electrical system.

• How It Works: A transfer switch isolates your home's circuits from the grid and allows you to control which circuits receive power from the generator. It's installed next to your breaker box and can be wired to critical systems like the refrigerator, lights, and well pump.

• Benefits:

  • Automatic or manual switching between the grid and generator.

  • Safe, easy to manage.

  • Prevents backfeeding into the grid, protecting utility workers.

• Considerations:

  • Requires professional installation.

  • Best suited for stationary or whole-home generators.

2. Generator Interlock Kit

A generator interlock kit is more affordable and DIY-friendly than a transfer switch.

• How It Works: The interlock kit installs on your breaker panel and ensures your main and generator breaker cannot be on simultaneously, preventing backfeeding.

• Benefits:

  • It's more affordable than a transfer switch.

  • Easier installation.

  • It allows you to choose which circuits to power manually.

• Considerations:

  • Manual operation (requires switching breakers yourself).

  • Requires some basic electrical knowledge for installation.

3. Extension Cords (Temporary Solution)

You can use heavy-duty extension cords for smaller portable generators to power individual appliances. This is only recommended as a short-term solution.

• How It Works: Plug appliances into the generator using outdoor-rated extension cords.

• Benefits:

  • There is no need for electrical modifications.

  • Quick setup.

• Considerations:

  • Limited to a few appliances.

  • Cords can be a tripping hazard.

  • Doesn't provide whole-home power.

Final Thoughts: What's Right for You?

Your choice of generator depends on your individual prepping needs, location, and expected use. A dual-fuel generator could be the best option for rural homesteads or long-term off-grid living. For urban preppers, where noise and fuel storage are concerns, a solar generator or propane setup might be the way to go. Dual-fuel generators offer the best of both worlds, providing flexibility in any situation.

Preparing with the right generator ensures you're never left powerless when disaster strikes.