Power When You Need It
Part 2 of the Off-Grid Essentials Series
When the grid goes down—whether from a snowstorm, heatwave, rolling blackout, or cyberattack—the most immediate question for most households is: How do we keep the essentials running? That’s where generators come in. Reliable, versatile, and increasingly efficient, generators are often the first step toward true energy preparedness.
But what kind of generator is right for you? And how do you make sure it actually works when you need it?
In this post, we’ll break down the role of generators in your off-grid or backup power plan, the pros and cons of different types, and what to consider before making an investment.
What a Generator Does—and Doesn’t Do
A generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, usually powered by gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas. When your primary power source (the grid or solar) fails, a generator provides electricity to essential systems like:
Refrigeration
HVAC or space heaters
Medical devices
Water pumps or filtration
Lighting
Communication equipment
Freezers or food storage
Battery charging
However, it’s important to remember: generators are not infinite power sources. They require fuel, maintenance, and a clear understanding of your household’s energy demands. A generator is a lifeline—but not a long-term substitute for full independence unless integrated with other systems.
Types of Generators: Know Your Options
There are three primary categories of generators used for residential or small business preparedness:
1. Portable Generators
Best for: Short-term use, camping, emergencies.
Fuel: Typically gas or propane.
Pros: Inexpensive, easy to move, simple setup.
Cons: Noisy, limited output, manual start, can’t run whole-home systems.
2. Inverter Generators
Best for: Quiet, efficient use with sensitive electronics.
Fuel: Gas or propane.
Pros: Clean power output, fuel-efficient, quieter operation.
Cons: Higher price than basic portables, still limited wattage.
3. Standby Generators (Whole-Home Units)
Best for: Seamless backup during extended outages.
Fuel: Natural gas or propane.
Pros: Automatic startup, can power entire home, reliable.
Cons: Higher upfront cost, requires professional installation.
For many preparedness-minded households, the ideal setup includes a combination of off-grid solar with a backup generator—offering renewable independence and a fail-safe when needed.
The Fuel Factor
Fuel availability is one of the most overlooked but critical aspects of generator planning.
Gasoline: Easy to obtain but degrades quickly in storage and is volatile.
Diesel: More stable than gas but less common in residential setups.
Propane: Stores well long-term and burns clean.
Natural Gas: Unlimited supply if lines stay intact—but dependent on utility service.
Ask yourself: In a multi-day grid outage, what fuel will I actually have access to? That answer should shape your generator choice.
Output Matters: Know Your Wattage
A common mistake is buying a generator too small (or too large) for your needs. You should:
List critical appliances you want to power.
Add their wattage requirements (starting and running watts).
Choose a generator that can handle at least 20% more than your total load for safety.
Here’s a quick reference:
ApplianceAverage Running WattsRefrigerator600–800Well Pump1,000–2,000Electric Furnace Blower800–1,500Space Heater1,200–1,500Phone/Device Charging10–100LED Lighting (per bulb)10–20
Maintenance and Reliability
A generator is only useful if it works when you need it. Regular maintenance is non-negotiable. That means:
Starting it monthly
Checking and replacing oil
Inspecting fuel lines and batteries
Keeping fuel stabilized and rotated
Running test loads periodically
Also consider location and weatherproofing. Generators should be kept dry, ventilated, and placed on a level, stable surface away from doors or windows.
Integrating Generators into a Preparedness System
For truly off-grid living—or even just blackout readiness—generators work best as part of a layered system:
Solar provides renewable, silent, daily power.
Battery storage ensures night-time and low-sun performance.
Generators provide emergency coverage when solar and batteries are insufficient.
This integration reduces fuel dependency while maximizing your autonomy.
Key Takeaways
Generators are a vital part of energy preparedness, especially in grid failure scenarios.
Choosing the right generator depends on your energy needs, fuel access, and lifestyle.
Regular maintenance and test runs are essential to ensure reliability.
Generators work best when paired with solar and battery systems for long-term resilience.
PA OFFGRID designs solar and generator systems for real-world reliability. If you want help figuring out which type of generator is right for you, reach out for a no-pressure consultation. Independence starts with knowledge—and we’re here to equip you.
