Should you buy an inverter generator? It all depends on how you plan to use it and, ultimately, your willingness to pay more for better performance.
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As with a traditional portable generator, an inverter generator can power your home appliances and electronics when the electricity goes out. You set it up the same way, too, using gasoline as fuel and safely positioning it at least 20 feet from your home—never indoors—with the exhaust pointing away from your dwelling to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
An inverter generator electronically throttles the engine to meet demand, making it more efficient and quieter than a portable generator that runs full tilt the whole time. “An inverter generator only ramps up as high as it needs to,” says David Trezza, the Consumer Reports engineer who oversees our generator testing.
To help you make better sense of your size options, we break our inverter generator ratings into four groups:
Large Inverter Generators
Most large inverter generators in our ratings weigh from about 150 to about 300 pounds (wheels included). That’s too heavy to haul along on a camping trip or to a tailgate party, but it’s big enough to power your house. These models generate 5,000 watts or more.
The largest inverter generators have 220v outlets that can be connected directly to your electrical panel with a safety device called a transfer switch, which CR strongly recommends. That allows the generator to power entire circuits in your home rather than requiring you to plug in individual appliances and electronics with extension cords.
Midsized Inverter Generators
Midsized inverter generators weigh 80 pounds or more and may or may not come with wheels. They produce 2,500 to 5,000 watts, but you can’t connect them directly to your electrical panel with a transfer switch because they lack 220v connections. That means you can’t use them to power equipment such as a water heater or a well pump. Instead, you plug appliances or electronics directly into the generator, which is less convenient.
This size is well suited for tailgaters or users of recreational vehicles. These models put out all the power you need for plug-in appliances like a toaster or microwave, and they’re light enough to unload and carry away to a safe distance from your vehicle or RV before use.
Small Inverter Generators
Small inverter generators weigh 50 to 60 pounds and generate 1,500 to 2,500 watts. That’s enough to be a steady source of basic backup power for a fridge, some lights, and a charger—but not much else. These units can’t be connected to a circuit breaker panel or used to power any hardwired device that doesn’t have a standard two- or three-prong plug.
Many small recreational inverter models have user-friendly features such as fuel-level indicators; some have wheels. They’re designed to be carried with one hand.
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Compact Inverter Generators
Compact inverter generators weigh 30 to 40 pounds and produce around 1,000 watts, enough power for light-duty tailgating or camping. These units lack convenience features like fuel gauges or standard wheels.
Because they’re small and light, they’re designed for convenient, one-hand carrying. But they still can’t be brought inside safely. “Even a smaller generator can emit hazardous levels of CO in an enclosed space, so make sure you get a unit with CO safety technology and follow placement guidelines,” Trezza says.
Whether an inverter generator is worth buying depends on how—and how often—you plan to use it. If you just want a generator to power household appliances during short power outages, a portable generator will likely work fine and save you some money.
But if your power outages tend to be several days long, the efficiency of an inverter means you won’t have to fill up the gas tank as often. That could be useful if fuel becomes scarce after an emergency. An inverter generator also produces lower emissions than a conventional model, though you still need to take the same safety precautions by running one outdoors and well away from any dwelling.
Similarly, most household appliances will work just fine on the power from a conventional generator. But some medical equipment can be sensitive to the quality of the power or even be damaged by dips and spikes in voltage. An inverter generator tends to deliver power that’s “cleaner,” with more consistent voltage, which is reflected in the power quality test in our ratings. All of the recommended models have earned our highest score for power quality, while some of the conventional generators that we recommend score slightly below that.
Finally, the noise difference between an inverter generator and a portable generator can be significant. “Inverter generators are generally quiet enough not to drown out nearby conversation,” Trezza says. Many inverter models in Consumer Reports’ generator ratings earn a very good or even an excellent score for noise, making them especially useful if you plan to use your generator for camping or tailgating. In contrast, most portable generators we test have middling scores for noise—or worse.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a serious risk with all portable generators that aren’t used properly, and inverter generators are no different. Like portable generators, inverter generators should only be used outside in an unenclosed area, at least 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust port pointing away from your dwelling.
To further reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, many portable generators feature a built-in sensor that triggers an automatic shutoff if CO builds up to dangerous levels in an enclosed space, while others have an engine that emits less CO in the first place.
The bottom line is inverter generators are not inherently safer than portable generators. While only portable and inverter generators with automatic CO shutoff earn our recommendation—regardless of how well the model performs otherwise—you’ll still want to observe safety precautions like with any other generator.
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I need help with figuring out a generator selection for my upcoming off-grid home build. Quick details: Planning on two Schneider XW Pro+ Inverters and two Conext MPPT-80A or 100A, 18-22 kW PV array, ~50kWh LiFePO4 battery bank (to be expanded later). Location is Eastern Washington, where snow is common and several (3-5) days with very little sun happens in the wintertime (but not socked in like the west side can be). I fully expect to run a generator most days during the winter when days are short for supplemental charging, but hoping that my dependancy on full generator power will be limited. My (very conservative) estimated loads are about 32kWh per day max and 28kWh average with a peak demand of about 10kW. As far as fuel type goes I am not set on any fuel type. Although I will likely have propane on the property for supplemental heating/cooking/water-heating during the low solar production times, and I also already have a 250 gallon diesel tank. Gasoline would probably be my third choice, but not totally against it.
I am having trouble deciding on a larger (15 kW+) typical backup generator that can handle prime power and charge batteries or going with a smaller portable generator in the 7kW to 9kw range that would mainly just charge the batteries (I would likely have two at all times for redundancy). It seems like with current battery technology allowing pretty quick charging that running a smaller generator to supplement battery charging may be all that is needed. But this is my first foray into off-grid living, so maybe I am being too optimistic about a small generator (or 2 small generators in parallel) being able to charge batteries.
Any insight on generator usage for This type of system will be greatly appreciated.
I need help with figuring out a generator selection for my upcoming off-grid home build. Quick details: Planning on two Schneider XW Pro+ Inverters and two Conext MPPT-80A or 100A, 18-22 kW PV array, ~50kWh LiFePO4 battery bank (to be expanded later). Location is Eastern Washington, where snow is common and several (3-5) days with very little sun happens in the wintertime (but not socked in like the west side can be). I fully expect to run a generator most days during the winter when days are short for supplemental charging, but hoping that my dependancy on full generator power will be limited. My (very conservative) estimated loads are about 32kWh per day max and 28kWh average with a peak demand of about 10kW. As far as fuel type goes I am not set on any fuel type. Although I will likely have propane on the property for supplemental heating/cooking/water-heating during the low solar production times, and I also already have a 250 gallon diesel tank. Gasoline would probably be my third choice, but not totally against it.
I am having trouble deciding on a larger (15 kW+) typical backup generator that can handle prime power and charge batteries or going with a smaller portable generator in the 7kW to 9kw range that would mainly just charge the batteries (I would likely have two at all times for redundancy). It seems like with current battery technology allowing pretty quick charging that running a smaller generator to supplement battery charging may be all that is needed. But this is my first foray into off-grid living, so maybe I am being too optimistic about a small generator (or 2 small generators in parallel) being able to charge batteries.
Any insight on generator usage for This type of system will be greatly appreciated.
I have two 5kW Victrons in parallel split phase and a puny W Predator that currently only feeds ONE phase (about W). I can tell you, the reduced power is very restricting during charging. If Victron didn't have the power assist function, it would be maddening. Clearly a worst case situation compared to your proposed scenario. I need to get the second leg connected to the other inverter.
In any case, it really depends on what your baseline loads are, and what you can tolerate in a "mostly charging" situation.
For efficiency of a traditional generator, you want to run at about 70-80% rated. If it's an inverter generator, it matters much less.
Since I'm too cheap for an inverter generator, I think what I'm going to do is evaluate my typical "background" load (about 300-500W), add my peak charge power to that and then divide by 0.65 and select a generator around that size (I've factored in the charger efficiency in the 0.65 number).
I need help with figuring out a generator selection for my upcoming off-grid home build. Quick details: Planning on two Schneider XW Pro+ Inverters and two Conext MPPT-80A or 100A, 18-22 kW PV array, ~50kWh LiFePO4 battery bank (to be expanded later). Location is Eastern Washington, where snow is common and several (3-5) days with very little sun happens in the wintertime (but not socked in like the west side can be). I fully expect to run a generator most days during the winter when days are short for supplemental charging, but hoping that my dependancy on full generator power will be limited. My (very conservative) estimated loads are about 32kWh per day max and 28kWh average with a peak demand of about 10kW. As far as fuel type goes I am not set on any fuel type. Although I will likely have propane on the property for supplemental heating/cooking/water-heating during the low solar production times, and I also already have a 250 gallon diesel tank. Gasoline would probably be my third choice, but not totally against it.
I am having trouble deciding on a larger (15 kW+) typical backup generator that can handle prime power and charge batteries or going with a smaller portable generator in the 7kW to 9kw range that would mainly just charge the batteries (I would likely have two at all times for redundancy). It seems like with current battery technology allowing pretty quick charging that running a smaller generator to supplement battery charging may be all that is needed. But this is my first foray into off-grid living, so maybe I am being too optimistic about a small generator (or 2 small generators in parallel) being able to charge batteries.
Any insight on generator usage for This type of system will be greatly appreciated.
I did this…
…and it’s working great.
It’s smart turns itself off when completely charged and throws 75A to my batteries from a Harbor Freight 7,000w 240V generator. Both of with cost less than a grand.
My experience with over 30 years off grid...
Generators,
CNG or Propane. Buy gas in the summer, as much storage tank as you can get the supplier to plunk down for free with exclusive contract.
Gasoline or diesel DOES go bad, it DOES require fuel filter changes, they WILL need fuel systems maintained/replaced.
When operating a generator, the initial cost is nothing compared to fuel, maintance costs. Lubrication oil, oil filters, fuel filters, air filters, etc.
From bad fuel (CNG/LPG never goes bad), to rodents working on the wiring to corrosion over time... MAINTIANCE.
Then there is the spare parts issues. This is your 'Emergency Back-Up' that absloutely HAS TO BE NO FAIL.
Spark plugs, starter motors, starter relays, starting batteries, any ONE failure point without spare parts and you are screwed.
A saying when it's 'NO FAIL',
"One is None and Two is One..."
Now...
All things considered, panels are cheaper (not cheap).
Panel string -> charge controller -> battery.
Batteries (plural) En Banc. Power supply redundancy. You will NEVER loose all panels at once, you will never loose all charge controller at once, you will never loose all batteries at once.
Stand alone charge controller are so cheap I wire two in parallel with transfer switches... Flip the switch, back in business and I can replace rhe failed unit at my leisure.
Same with inverters. Parallel inverters, flip the switch and back in business, even if it's half power, the beer & bologna stays cold, the lights stay on.
Besides redundancy, advantages include upgrading/expanding any part of the system as new equipment becomes available. From PMW chargers (hate those things) to switch from high loss transformer inverters to high efficiency semiconductor inverters, from lead/acid to Lithium batteries, everything changes.
If you have an 'All In One' box, all propritary, NOTHING CHANGES, and in a few years (or less) your 'BOX' won't be supported anymore making servicr/repair damned near impossible to completely impossible.
For instance, my switch from lead/acid to Lithium batteries. A inexpensive charge controller swap to perfectly support the battery chemestry change, tailor the charge to the battery for longest life, AND another layer of safety for my expensive batteries...
While I *Could* use the built in charger from the inverter, I choose to use what exactly, and specifically feeds each battery En Banc the best.
The 'Trick' is to get enough panels to charge the batteries on the shortest day of the year...
Expensive, but not hateful, about the same as a small generator and necessary charge controller/battery chargers.
Remember, generators produce in AC, your batteries are DC, that's a rectifier/converter AND a battery voltage regulator (charger).
The next 'Trick' is enough battery to power for those 'No Sun' days that can and do happen (sorry 'Idealists' its just a fact of life).
This plagued me for 30 years... The switchover to Lithium completed in FINALLY gave me enough reserve storage we don't have to watch every Watt.
While you WILL have substantial money in 3 days of storage, the size of your batteries EN Banc will make your batteries live MUCH longer. Return on investment... Redundancy AND much longer life when you aren't working the batteries 80% or 90% capacity every day.
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