Best Generator for Home Backup Power in Australia

What Is Home Backup Power? 

Australia is a large country in the Asia-Pacific region, separating Southeast Asia from Oceania. During power outages, telecommunications and nightlights will be unavailable. Relying on electricity for a living can lead to financial difficulties. Consider having an alternative power source to guarantee your family's safety during storms. 

A power loss can be especially frightening for those with little children or elderly relatives and those who rely on appliances or electricity for safety. Home backup generators are a practical, cost-effective, and operational solution to unexpected power disruptions.

Unexpected power outages could leave you and your family without electricity for a few hours or days. Having a reliable backup generator is essential for Australian homeowners, especially those living in isolated places or areas prone to severe weather. A generator for home backup power provides a dependable power source during a power loss, sustaining vital functions, including communication devices, heating or cooling, refrigeration, and lighting.

Why Do You Need a Generator for Home Backup Power? 

Generators for home backup power are vital in Australia for various reasons, including the country's vast and diversified topography, extreme weather conditions, and the need for consistent electricity for homes, companies, and critical infrastructure. Here's why backup generators are crucial in Australia:

Severe Weather Conditions: Summertime in Australia is a time for intense bushfires, which can harm electricity infrastructure and result in extensive outages. The electrical grid is strained by high temperatures, occasionally resulting in power outages. Additionally, cyclones and intense storms that can knock down electricity lines for days are common in northern Australia.

Power Grid Reliability in Remote Areas: Many rural and distant places are far from big power plants, leaving them more susceptible to blackouts or power fluctuations. Some areas rely on off-grid options, such as diesel or solar-powered backup generators, to ensure steady electricity delivery.

Emergency Services: During power outages, emergency services require backup power to keep life-support equipment, surgical tools, and communication systems operational.

Commercial and Residential Use: If you own supermarkets, restaurants, or data centres, you need backup generators to avoid losing perishable items and data. Furthermore, households, particularly in rural areas, employ generators to power critical items during outages.

Renewable Energy Integration: Australia is expanding its use of solar and wind energy, although these sources are intermittent. Backup generators serve to balance the supply when renewable energy generation is low. 

Types of Generators for Home Backup Power

There are various types of generators available for home backup power; here are some comparisons between the standard styles and types of generators: 

Portable vs. Standby Generators 

There are two styles of generators: portable and stationary (also known as standby). Portables are less expensive to buy and install but require fuel and maintenance. A portable must also be wheeled outside, started, and attached to the device it will power. 

A stationary type must be professionally installed outside, which adds time and price. Still, it starts automatically when the power is turned off, and periodic maintenance checks are required to ensure it starts automatically when necessary.

Solar vs. Gas Generators

These days, with clean and renewable energy constantly being the concentrate, you may be attempting to choose between a solar-powered generator and a diesel generator. Fortunately, both kinds of generators are reliable. Since a solar-powered generator doesn't require fuel, it is more cost-effective. On the other hand, diesel generators are dependable. A diesel generator is your answer if there is no power because of bad weather or if you wish to run your generator all night.

In contrast to gas or diesel generators, which can be noisy and release exhaust fumes, solar-powered generators are quiet and effective. Diesel generators are typically less expensive than solar generators if you want to buy one instead of renting one. Even yet, there are still factors to take into account while using diesel generators, like fuel prices and potential risks. 

Jackery Solar Generators combine Portable Power Stations with Jackery Solar Panels, allowing you to generate electricity from a clean and renewable source - the sun. This is particularly beneficial in Australia, which has high solar irradiance.

Conventional vs. Inverter Generators

The operation of conventional and inverter generators differs. Conventional four-stroke generators are frequently noisy devices. These are bigger, bigger, and more potent than inverter generators. They can be powered by a variety of fuels, including propane, diesel, and gasoline. However, gasoline is the most popular and is better suited to heavy-duty power needs. 

The inverter generator automatically adjusts the engine speed to meet electrical demands rather than keeping it constant. Both noise and fuel consumption are significantly decreased. They provide clean power to delicate devices and are small, light, and fuel-efficient. Fuel and gasoline are frequently used with inverter generators. The inverter cannot power large appliances because of its smaller power outlet.

What Size of Generator Do I Need for Home Backup? 

Home square meterage, household size, and the appliances you wish to run must be considered when determining the appropriate size needed to power your house. To help you find a dependable generator for home backup power, we'll go over some questions and calculations: 

What's the Size of My House?

The square footage of your home heavily impacts the size of the generator you'll need. A home's size significantly impacts total energy consumption, particularly for energy-intensive appliances like heating and air conditioning. In general, larger homes consume more electricity. Depending on your family's habits, the average Australian household uses about 18 kWh of power daily, although this can vary greatly.

What Do I Need My Generator to Run?

What you intend to operate during a blackout will determine how big your generator should be. Here are some estimated energy consumption numbers (in Watts) for a few typical home appliances to help you gauge your usage: 

These include:

60W-100W Incandescent Light Bulbs

6W-12W LED Light Bulbs

150W-400W Refrigerator

1200W-2400W Dishwasher

300W-500W Washing Machine

600W-1200W Microwave Oven

50W-400W Television

100W-400W Computer and Monitor

800W-1800W Hair Dryer

How Much Power Is Needed to Start Appliances?

The starting power (also known as surge power) requirements of your electronics and appliances are important when selecting a generator. The surge watts of certain appliances may be two to three times greater than the running watts. For instance, a 700-watt refrigerator would need 2200 watts of surge power while starting up.

Starting and Running Watts of Typical Household Appliances in Australia

How to Calculate How Big of Generator Do I Need for My Home?

To determine the generator size, perform these steps:

First, we add up the running watts of essential appliances during a power outage;

Refrigerator + 3 Light Bulbs + Laptop + 20 Box Fan(summertime): 700+ 60*3 +300 +200 = 1380watts

Add the highest starting watts to the total running watts；

1380 watts + 2200 watts = 3580 watts = 3.58 kW

You will need a backup generator that has higher output than 3.6 kW.

A Quick Guide to What Size Generator You Will Need:

If you only need the basics during outages, including:

Refrigerator (600 watts)

Microwave (1,000 watts)

Sump pump (700 watts)

Several lights (400 watts)

TV (500 watts)

You will need a small portable generator that is around 3kW to 4kW.

If you need the basics and some extras, including:

Portable heater (1,300 watts)

Computer (250 watts)

Heating system (500 watts)

Second pump (600 watts)

More lights (400 watts)

You will need a midsized portable generator or a small stationary generator, around 5 kW to 8.5 kW.

If you need to power all of the above and some extras, including:

Small water heater (3,000 watts)

Central air conditioner (5,000 watts)

Electric range (5,000 watts)

You will need a large portable generator or a sizeable stationary generator around 10kW. 

Jackery Solar Generators for Home Backup Power 

Jackery Solar Generators combine a Portable Power Station with Jackery Solar Panels, allowing you to generate electricity from a clean and renewable source - the sun. This is particularly beneficial in Australia, which has high solar irradiance.  

By utilising solar energy, you can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a lower carbon footprint, aligning with growing environmental awareness in Australia. Unlike traditional petrol or diesel generators, Jackery Solar Generators operate silently, allowing you to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature without disruptive noise.

Once you have the solar panels, the "fuel" (sunlight) is free, reducing your ongoing energy costs compared to gasoline generators. Jackery Portable Power Stations come equipped with various AC outlets, USB ports (including USB-C), and DC ports, allowing you to power a wide range of devices, from smartphones and laptops to refrigerators, lights, and even some power tools, which are perfect for home backup.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is the ideal way to back up your home's power. It gives you more power and more options to charge appliances with expandable capacity. This powerhouse can hold up to five more battery packs and has a 12kWh capacity that can be expanded. It will power you for up to a week without using regular electricity, saving you money on your electric bill.

It is easy to use Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus; all you need to do is use connectors and cables to connect Jackery SolarSaga 200W solar panels to the Explorer 2000 Plus portable power station. You can choose to pair two or six pieces of solar panels; the more solar panels you connect, the more sunlight conversion efficiency it will have. Besides, the parallel or series connecting methods are all suitable for 2000 Plus. Recharging Explorer 2000 Plus is easy; it only takes 2.5 hours to fully recharge it, or using wall outlets for 1.7 hours or a carport for 25 hours.

2 kWh: This is enough to charge some essential and small appliances, such as your phone, computer, TV, etc.

4 kWh: Power relative to higher appliances, such as the kettle, microwave, fridge, etc.

12 kWh: Capable of powering a house for a few days.

The Solar Generator 2000 Plus prioritises durability and security. Its advanced ChargeShield Technology offers 62 layers of security to safeguard your gadgets and extend battery life, and its LiFePO4 battery chemistry ensures a 10-year lifespan. This generator is approved by the FCC, CE, and UL standards and is made to deliver dependable, incredibly safe performance in any situation.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

Learn about the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus's power and versatility, designed to boost your energy independence and result in comparatively lower electricity costs. Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus combines a Jackery SolarSaga 100W or 200W solar panel with an Explorer 1000 Plus. 99% of equipment may be powered by this portable generator's impressive 2000W output and robust 1264Wh capacity, making saving electricity for household utilities easy.  

Like the Solar Generator 2000 Plus, it has expandable capacity. You may attach up to three more battery packs to it because of its expandable design, which raises its capacity to an amazing 5kWh, enough for one to three days of backup power at home. To use Solar Generator 1000 Plus, you only need to connect Explorer 1000 Plus with a SolarSaga solar panel.

1.25 kWh: Charging some small appliances in tiny houses or off-grid cabins.

5 kWh: Powering low-to-high appliances, even the iron, electric oven, and dryer.

Recharging Explorer 1000 Plus is also easy. You can recharge a SolarSaga 100W in 18 hours or a SolarSaga 200W for 9 hours. You can also recharge it by wall outlets (1.7 hours) and carport (14.5 hours). With 4,000 charge cycles and a solid 10-year lifespan, its LiFePO4 battery cells offer longevity. 

Take charge with the Jackery App, which customises WiFi or Bluetooth and monitors real-time. As you embrace sustainable energy solutions, you can feel secure knowing that the Jackery 1000 Plus is small, effective, and long-lasting, and it comes with a 3+2 year warranty.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2

When dealing with unexpected power outages or planned extended blackouts, a lightweight and compact power solution can be invaluable, and the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 is exactly that. This type is perfect for instantly powering necessary devices because it offers portability without sacrificing capacity.

The Jackery 1000 v2 Portable Power Station is designed for mobility. Weighing about 10.8 kg and equipped with a tiny, foldable handle, it is more lightweight and portable than most. Engineered for convenience, it fits seamlessly in your rear compartment and is prepared for any expedition or auxiliary power requirement.

With a 1070Wh capacity and 1500W output, the Explorer 1000 v2 sustains key items such as your refrigerator, router, and mobile devices during power.

The UPS provides exceptional performance, guaranteeing smooth power transition for hard drives, computers, aquariums, and other devices. With a response time of 20 milliseconds, it ensures uninterrupted operation of your devices during power outages or voltage variations, thereby averting data loss or equipment damage due to electrical disturbances.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

How to Choose the Best Generator for Home Backup Power?

When choosing the best home backup generator in Australia, there are various factors to consider. Below are some factors to consider when selecting the best generator for home backup power:

Power Specifications and Load Capacity

Assessing your power requirements before investing in a backup generator is crucial. List the necessary equipment and gadgets you would have to keep running in the event of a power loss. Compute the overall power load while taking their wattage needs into account. This will assist you in figuring out how much power your generator needs. Selecting a generator with a marginally larger wattage capacity is usually advised to handle any future power requirements.

Type and Availability of Fuel

The most popular fuels for backup generators are gasoline and diesel. Every fuel type has pros and cons. Although gasoline is readily available and convenient to store, its shelf life is limited, and it might not be the best option during prolonged power outages. Diesel is available and efficient but may be more expensive up front and needs frequent maintenance. Before choosing a fuel type, consider its price, availability, and storage needs. 

The Degree of Noise and Its Effects on the Environment

Particularly if you live in a quiet neighbourhood or have close neighbours, generators might be noisy. For silent operation, look for generators labelled "low noise" or "quiet run."  Take into account the generator's effects on the environment as well. Seek out models that are eco-friendly and adhere to emissions regulations.

Usability and Portability

Think about if you require a stationary standby generator or a portable generator. Portable generators are ideal for sporadic use because they are lightweight, portable, and tiny. In contrast, standby generators are bigger and permanently placed, providing automatic power restoration in the event of an outage. When choosing a generator, consider your requirements and desired level of convenience.

Considering all the above factors, solar generators offer more advantages in Australia than any other kind. They generate clean, environmentally friendly, sustainable energy. They may be used indoors and outdoors and are more portable and quiet. Since solar energy is free, solar generators are more cost-effective in the long run. As a result, solar generators like the Jackery Solar Generators are perfect for home backup.

The Best Generators for Home Backup Power FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the best generators for home backup power in Australia:

1. What size generator do I need to run my house in Australia?

You need to consider your power requirements, including the wattage of your vital appliances and whether you wish to power the entire house or just a few key circuits, to choose the appropriate generator size for your Australian home.

2. Will a 10kW generator run a house?

It is definitely enough for backup. However, you'll likely need at least 10 kW of power for a typical-sized house if you want to use it for daily power supply.

3. What size generator do I need to back up my house?

It depends on various factors. During a power outage, some households could need to run more appliances and use more electricity, while others might only need a few. For a typical home, a generator with a power output of 5,000 to 8,000 watts would be sufficient.

4. What size generator will run everything in a house?

A 22kW is the ideal option for homeowners seeking the best entry-level whole-house standby to enjoy all the advantages of a whole-house generator over a standard home standby. A generator between 27 and 36 kW is ideal for most households because it can replace 75% of the 200 amps that enter your electrical circuit.

5. Will a 15-kw generator run the whole house?

After determining the minimal total demand needed to operate the house and selecting a generator of the appropriate capacity or bigger, the generator's wattage becomes irrelevant. Most homes should run on 15,000 watts.

Final Thoughts

Making an informed decision when purchasing a generator for home backup power in Australia is crucial. To ensure you get a generator that suits your demands, consider variables including portability, noise level, fuel type, and power requirements.

For a hassle-free experience, look for professional installation and maintenance services and search the market for cheaper solutions. You may rest easy knowing that your house will be powered during unplanned outages if the proper backup generator is installed. Jackery Solar Generators are your best choice for home backup power with their great portability, sustainability, and efficiency.