What Size Generator Should I Use For A House?

Why Do You Need A Generator for Your House?

Understanding the appropriate size generator for a home is crucial to maintaining an adequate and consistent electricity supply from renewable energy sources. A home generator is an excellent investment to ensure your family is secure and comfortable even when the power goes out. A house generator can manage all your essential demands, whether caused by a weather-related power loss or a sudden electric current surge. 

Safety: Having a generator at home will give you and your family security during power shortages. Knowing that an alternative energy source is accessible gives you peace of mind during a storm or other unplanned power outages.

Convenience: During an extended outage, a home generator can allow you to keep your refrigerator running, check emails, watch movies, or use any other electronic devices you may require.

Cost-Savings: While it is essential to consider the initial cost of purchasing and installing a home generator, do not forget to factor in the amount of money you could save over time by not having to replace items damaged by power surges or being able to work from home because your electronics continue to function even during a blackout.

Add Value to Your House: While a home generator may appear pricey at first, it will likely pay for itself in years due to its overall worth, particularly for homes with children or elders vulnerable to extreme cold or hot temperatures. Furthermore, if you intend to stay in your current home for the foreseeable future, a generator can boost its value when sold.

What to Consider When Determining The Size of A Generator? 

Homeowners purchasing a generator have a similar decision, but more so. A considerable generator costs too much to buy and run, but a little generator is far worse. If your household places less demand on a generator at a time, it risks overloading, which can cut off your immediate power and limit the generator's lifespan. The following are the elements to consider while deciding on the appropriate size generator for your home. 

House Size & Energy Use: The house size and typical energy consumption are important considerations. Larger residences usually require more energy, necessitating a more significant generator. Analysing previous electricity bills can accurately approximate your average energy usage. Predict future increases in energy demand. This could be due to a growing household, increased appliances, or a shift towards a more energy-intensive lifestyle. Investing in a more extensive system upfront is frequently more cost-effective than upgrading later.

Appliances and Equipment: The number and kind of appliances and equipment to be powered can significantly impact the size of the solar generator required. Energy-intensive products like air conditioners, heaters, and refrigerators necessitate more remarkable capacity generators.

Peak and Sustained Loads: It is critical to distinguish between peak loads (the maximum amount of power utilised at any given moment) and sustained loads (the average amount of energy used over time). Your household generator should be capable of handling peak loads with ease.

Battery Capacity: The battery capacity of your generator influences how much energy is needed for later use, particularly during power outages and emergencies. Higher battery capacity increases energy storage, especially in places with less steady power sources.

Budget and Cost-Effectiveness: Your budget determines the solar generator you can purchase. However, weighing the initial expense against long-term savings and benefits is critical. Sometimes, the more significant the initial investment, the greater the long-term savings.

In conclusion, determining the appropriate size generator for a home considers present and future energy requirements, budgetary constraints, and environmental goals. Careful evaluation of these variables can guarantee that your selected generator fits your requirements and situation. 

What Size Generator Should I Use for A House? 

What size generator should I use for my house? It's a vital question to address before purchasing a home generator that can keep your major appliances functioning during power outages. The following are the steps for determining the size of your home generator.

Step 1: Calculate The Power Usage

Choosing the right size generator for your home is crucial to ensuring that your electricity requirements are satisfied without being too big or too tiny. This section will review the stages required in sizing a generator, including determining how much electricity your home will use. Let's get into the details.

Calculate average daily power consumption: Determining your home's moderate everyday electricity use is the first step in sizing a generator. This information can be retrieved from your monthly energy bill, which typically indicates total electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours. Divide this by the number of days in a month to calculate the average daily power use. For example, if your monthly usage is 300 kWh, your average everyday use is approximately 10 kWh.

Consider peak consumption: Besides average consumption, examining peak consumption at specific times of day is critical. Electricity usage is typically higher in the morning and evening due to the simultaneous use of air conditioners, heaters, and kitchen appliances. Identify these peak times and calculate the additional electricity required during those times.

Appliance and equipment power:

1. List all the major appliances and equipment you intend to power with your generator.
2. Consider their power ratings in amperes (A)or watts (W).
3. Add these figures to calculate the smallest generator size required to meet basic power demands.

Certain appliances, particularly those with electric motors (such as refrigerators and air conditioners), require additional power to start. This first spike can be much more significant than the operating power. Make sure your generator can withstand these surges without overloading.

Calculation example: There is an example of the calculation: Assuming average daily power consumption: 10 kWh; peak power during high power hours: an extra 20% (2 kWh); appliances and equipment: total power demand of 8 kW; startup surge factor: 25% (2 kW).

Total generator capacity = average daily consumption + peak power + equipment power + starting surge

Total generator capacity = 10 kWh + 2 kWh + 8 kW + 2 kW = 20 kWh + 10 kW = 30 kW

To determine the appropriate size generator, conduct a detailed analysis of your household's electricity usage trends, considering average and peak demand. Understanding your needs and factoring in startup surges allows you to select a generator that will safely provide an uninterrupted electricity source to your home.

Step 2: Decide The Type of Generator

Solar, gas, and diesel generators are examples of diverse power generation systems, each with pros and cons. This section aims to compare several generator types in-depth, assessing factors such as efficiency, cost, environmental impact, and adaptability to various use cases.

Efficiency: Solar generators effectively turn sunlight into power with no fuel expenditures. Weather and sunlight hours can both have an impact on efficiency. In contrast, gas generators are only moderately efficient. They start faster than diesel generators and can adjust more quickly to shifting power demands. Diesel generators are more fuel efficient than gas generators, particularly in high-load situations.

Initial and Operating Costs: Solar generators have a higher initial cost because they require the purchase of solar panels and batteries. However, because no fuel is needed, running expenses are incredibly minimal. Gas generators have a cheaper initial cost than solar generators but are more expensive than diesel generators. The price of natural gas determines operating costs. Diesel generators have more affordable startup costs than solar generators, but their costs are higher owing to fuel consumption.

Environmental Impact: Solar generators have the most negligible ecological impact because they do not release greenhouse gases during the process. Gas-fired generators produce less CO2 and pollutants than diesel generators, but they still have a substantial environmental impact. Diesel generators have the most significant environmental effect due to their emissions of numerous pollutants.

Applicability: Solar generators are ideal for sunny places. Best suited for low to medium power requirements, focusing on reducing environmental effects. Gas generators are suitable for places with a consistent gas supply. We are preferred when quick startup and varied power output are started. Diesel generators are ideal for high-power applications and areas without reliable access to gas or sunlight. They are typically employed in industrial settings.

Maintenance: solar generators, such as Jackery Solar Generators, require little care. Batteries may need to be replaced after several years. Gas generators require regular maintenance, which includes oil changes and component inspections. Diesel generators require maintenance similar to gas generators but are often more durable and have a longer service life.

Noise: Solar generators run almost softly. Gas generators are relatively noisy, although generally quieter than diesel generators. Diesel generators are loud and may be a concern in residential areas.

Step 3: Choose The Generator for Your House Size

The link between household size and consumption is typically proportionate. Larger household sizes usually consume more electricity, owing to greater use of appliances, lights, heating, and cooling systems. For example, a two-bedroom house typically consumes less energy than a three- or four-bedroom house.

(Data Source: Hedgefield Homes)

Based on the statistics above, the electricity usage of two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses in Australia was compared.

Electricity consumption in two-bedroom houses: In Australia, two-bedroom houses are typically occupied by small families or couples and require a moderate amount of energy, with the average yearly consumption for these apartments ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 kWh. The use of air conditioning systems (especially in hotter places), heaters in colder areas, and the general use of electrical and electronic appliances all contribute to increased electricity consumption. Occupant lifestyles and energy efficiency measures also influence consumption patterns.

Electricity consumption in three-bedroom houses: Three-bedroom houses in Australia are primarily designed for larger households and hence demand more electricity, with typical annual electricity consumption in these flats ranging between 6000 and 9000 kWh. The rise in electricity consumption could be attributed to an increase in the amount of space that has to be heated or cooled, an increase in the use of domestic appliances, or even an increase in the use of electronic gadgets. Energy usage patterns vary greatly based on geographic location and building efficiency.

Electricity consumption in four-bedroom houses: Four-bedroom residences in Australia often house larger families, resulting in increased power consumption, with these apartments consuming between 9,000 and 12,000 kWh on average each year. Improving energy efficiency in these larger living spaces is becoming increasingly critical regarding cost control and environmental effects.

Jackery Solar Generators for Houses

The Jackery Solar Generators are a series of portable solar solutions that employ Jackery Solar Panels and a high-capacity Portable Power Station to produce renewable and sustainable energy for your home appliances. They are perfect for indoor use due to their lightweight construction, and their low noise level allows them to be used while sleeping.

Having a consistent source of electricity is critical, and Jackery Solar Generators, particularly the 2000 Plus, 2000 Pro, and 1000 Pro, have gained favour among homeowners. These solar generators are efficient, portable, and environmentally friendly, ideal for home backup during an emergency.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

One of the most notable aspects of the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is its ultra-fast charging capacity. The Explorer 1000 Pro can be fully charged in just 1.8 hours, an impressive feat in the portable power solutions market. This efficiency can be attained with a conventional wall outlet or by attaching four SolarSaga 100W or 80W solar panels. The double-sided solar panels utilise solar reflection technology to boost power generation by 25%. This feature is essential for those wishing to reduce their carbon footprint and minimise energy expenditures.

The generator weighs 25.4 pounds and has a foldable handle for convenient transportation and use. This portability enables variable energy use in various home areas, including living rooms and outdoor spaces. Forty-six decibels of silent operation provide little disruption, making it appropriate for use in a domestic setting. The clever on-screen display monitors power use, a crucial element for efficient energy management.

The generator includes two 100W PD ports, two USB-C connectors, and additional USB A and DC carports. These ports are adaptable enough to charge many devices simultaneously, including phones, laptops, and drones, addressing the energy requirements of today's homes. Three LED light settings, including an SOS feature, increase emergency preparation and highlight its utility in a household setting.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro is an innovative home energy consumption solution ideal for people wishing to lessen their dependency on traditional energy sources while embracing renewable energy.

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro has a large energy storage capacity of 2,160 watt-hours (Wh). This is crucial for a portable generator because it can power various household appliances and electrical gadgets. The large storage capacity ensures that critical equipment continues to operate even during a power outage or off-grid circumstance.

With an output of 2200 watts, this generator can readily power major equipment like refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines. It also supports a 4400-watt surge peak, which is crucial for appliances that require a more extensive power input at the beginning to operate safely and reliably. One of the most notable aspects of the Explorer 2000 Pro is its fast-charging capacity. It can be charged in 5.5 hours using 6*SolarSaga 100W solar panels. In addition, it can be recharged from an AC outlet in around two hours. This versatility enables customers to select the most convenient or environmentally friendly charging method.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery's high-performance Solar Generator 2000 Plus significantly advances portable power solutions. With its large capacity and high power output, it can power conventional vans for weeks and suit outdoor adventure or home backup power needs. The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus combines Explorer 2000 Plus with SolarSaga 100W solar panels, making it perfect for household use due to its portability and renewability. 

Incorporating battery cells into the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus significantly boosts capacity from 2 kWh to 12 kWh, resulting in a paradigm shift in domestic backup power supply. This device can extend to 3000W and has a 30% higher rated power than comparable 2 kWh items. Powered gadgets make up the vast bulk of essential domestic appliances. Despite its steady daily use, the sophisticated LiFePO4 battery has a ten-year operating life.

What Size Generator Should I Use For A House FAQs

The following are the most often-asked questions about what size generator I should use for the house in Australia:

1. What size generator do Ineed to run a house?

With a generator rated between 1,000 and 5,500 watts, you can power your most vital domestic appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, well pumps, and lighting circuits. Furthermore, a 7,500-watt generator can power all of these devices simultaneously. RV requires a generator with a power output of 3,000 to 4,000 watts.

When you've determined how much electricity you need for your home, you may select the appropriate size of solar generator. If you use a Jackery Solar Generator with a capacity ranging from 300Wh to 12 kWh, you can use the calculation below to calculate the working hours of appliances:

Working Hours= (Jackery Portable Power Station Capacity x 85%) / Appliance Wattage

For example, if you use a Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro (2160Wh) to charge a 25W light, it will charge for 73.44 hours to light up the house during a power outage.

2. How far should a generator be from the house?

People should never use a fuel-type generator (gas generator, diesel generator, and more) in an enclosed location or indoors, so keep it at least 20 feet away from the house and direct the engine exhaust away from doors and windows. As for the solar generator, particularly the Jackery Solar Generator, is suitable for inside use with no hazardous emissions or noise.

3. Can you have a too big generator for your house?

If a generator is underpowered, it may be forced to deliver more power than it can handle. If this occurs, the generator will shut down or overheat, failing the generator and your valuable appliances. If there is too much electricity, you will spend too much on the equipment and operating costs.

Final Thoughts

What size generator for a house is crucial for Australian homeowners. It's more than just backup power; it's about lifestyle, energy requirements, and environmental consciousness. Jackery Solar Generators 1000 Pro, 2000 Pro, and 2000 Plus are beneficial. The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is ideal for tiny homes or flats. Families with higher energy requirements can benefit from the 2000 Pro or 2000 Plus, which can withstand extended power outages and reliably support significant appliances and a wide range of equipment.