Congratulations! By being here, you are on your way to being IN CHARGE of your own power. In these times with increasing uncertainty surrounding energy and the climate, it's more important than ever to have options that don't leave you at the mercy of anything or anyone. And technology has made it possible to have the power you need anywhere you want! Whether for recreation, for work, for emergency or anything that needs power, this guide is designed to help you understand some of your power options. We have broken down some of the basics in the world of generators, and hopefully after reading this you will be one step closer to resting easy and confidently choosing the generator that best suits you.
There are so many types of generator available! Where do I Start??
What are your goals? Generators are as diverse as the activities that need power, but each has their own strengths and weaknesses. Here, we'll discuss some of the basics first, and help you choose a fuel source that fits your needs.
Solar Generators and Inverters
It’s no secret that here at HomeGeneratorsPlus.com we are big fans of solar energy. The solar industry has made huge strides forward in recent years, and has become a viable option for home backup, recreational, emergency, jobsite, and even main power supply.
We continue to create partnerships with some of the best in the industry when it comes to solar technology. We highly recommend all of our customers check out our selection of solar products to see what's available!
Solar Power Banks have the benefit of having multiple ways to charge: plugged right into your home outlet so it’s always ready, by solar panel for continued or remote use, or even by generator for extended blackouts. Add to all that the near complete lack of maintenance necessary, and you’ll find they really are the most versatile option for anyone looking to take a step toward energy independence and security.
Another benefit of solar power is the lack of noise. Silent operation makes it a must for productions and events where the noise of a gas or diesel generator is unacceptable.
In a world where fuel is an increasingly volatile commodity, Solar Power will continue to gain ground in the generator world, and we are pleased to bring you some of the best on the market.
Gasoline Generators
Gasoline generators are a mainstay in the generator market. They are versatile and reliable. The technology has come a long way in the gasoline generator market, with some products offering features like brushless technology, safety systems like CO2 shutoff, and easy to maintain high quality engines from manufacturers like Honda and Kubota. One major benefactor of the gasoline generator is the construction industry. These motors are designed for long runtime, low maintenance, and consistent power. The ubiquitous nature of gasoline as a fuel makes it easy to integrate a gasoline generator into your home emergency backup, remote, or jobsite power without additional fuel tanks and extra work. Always ready to pump out the power as soon as it’s started, gasoline power is still the generator of choice for many homeowners and contractors.
One of the downsides to gasoline generators are the noise. In some applications a noisy generator detracts from the project. If noise is a factor in your decision, look toward our solar selection to find your solution.
Another downside to traditional fuels is maintenance. Any combustion engine is going to require oil changes, air filter maintenance, spark plugs and general maintenance over its lifespan. Thankfully, with high quality engines from Honda, Kubota, Kohler and others, maintenance is as low as it can be, and the lifespan will be long and power-full!
Diesel Generators
Diesel Generators are very similar to gasoline generators in most aspects. They can often offer more heavy duty options than gasoline with larger engines and longer runtime. The main reasons for selecting diesel over gasoline are fuel preference and that they are tougher in general. This is most applicable to commercial and professional uses, as many professionals use diesel for equipment or trucks, and have diesel readily available for their generators.
The downsides are similar as well. Maintenance and noise can make these generators less attractive than solar for homeowners. But if big power is what you need, and diesel is what you use, they may be the perfect solution for you.
Dual and Tri-fuel Generators
One of the main areas that has benefitted from advancements in technology in the world of generators is the flexibility of fuel options. Many manufacturers offer generators that can use multiple types of fuel, changing with the flip of a switch.
Right now, we are a big fan of the EcoFlow Dual Fuel Smart Generator. It integrates the flexibility of dual fuel charging to your existing EcoFlow Power Stations.
Keep checking back for new products as we are always adding new lines and are in talks with some manufacturers with Gas+Propane and Gas+Propane+Natural Gas lines that we are excited to add to our selection!
PTO Generators
For the agricultural and ranching community, there are many benefits to the PTO, or tractor driven generators. These beasts put out massive power and hook right up to a tractor drive, eliminating the need for refueling the generator and providing power everywhere you can drive! This reduces maintenance and makes for the ultimate portable work generator.
Now that you are familiar with some of the basics of fuel sources, check out our article on generator uses. Selecting a generator based on your desired use is crucial to getting the most bang for your buck without overspending or underpowering.
We are confident that you will find exactly what you need if you take the time to read through these articles. But if you still have questions, feel free to call and talk to our generator experts anytime!