What Are the 3 Main Types of Generators?

With more people striving to live sustainably, solar-powered generators have become popular options for reducing the amount of energy used to power homes and personal electronics. Solar back-up generators and power banks (large boxes with stored power) function like giant batteries fueled by the sun. In order for them to receive solar power, they must be paired with solar panels, which may need to be purchased separately from the power bank. The larger the panels, the more power your solar energy bank can receive in a short amount of time. Other variables that affect charge time include the direction of the sun, rate of exposure, cloud cover, and time of day.

The main advantages of solar power are that it's clean, renewable energy that is silent and does not give off any emissions. However, since it relies on sunlight, you must charge your solar generator battery during the day. Another potential drawback is that a single solar generator may not hold enough charge to power major appliances for an entire day or night.

On that note, you may wonder how much power can a solar generator provide? Generally, the larger the battery, the more power it will store. Some larger models are capable of powering compact refrigerators and other small appliances. But unless you are connecting multiple batteries together with multiple solar panels, these solar power systems that come with panels and a power bank are generally best for powering laptops and handheld devices. They also work well for powering RV appliances, tiny house appliances, and camping gear.

Fossil fuel generators are the most common type of generator. Depending on the model, they run on gasoline or diesel fuel, including biodiesel and emulsified diesel in some cases. They're ideal for operating power tools and equipment whether it’s in your backyard, a remote location, or for running appliances in an RV. Some people might also use these as backup generators for their homes in emergencies.

However, you must remember to keep fuel on hand as part of your emergency preparedness because fuel can become scarce when there are significant outages in a localized area, increasing the demand. It’s also important to note that gasoline is highly flammable and has a limited storage life, so it’s wise to replenish your supply on a regular basis.

A drawback worth mentioning is that fuel-powered generators can be quite loud when operated. Plus, they must always be used outdoors because the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from the fumes is significant.

This category refers to generators that operate using propane or natural gas, not gasoline. The benefits of gas-powered generators include the fact that propane has a longer shelf-life than gasoline or diesel and natural gas is widely available. Propane and natural gas also burn with fewer emissions, meaning they are less likely to violate pollution regulations in certain areas.

Another key benefit to gas generators is that they start reliably in cold temperatures. Although, while propane-reliant generators are generally affordable and durable, they can run through fuel relatively quickly (an 8-hour runtime is common), and their fuel is highly pressurized and flammable. By comparison, natural gas generators can be expensive to install because they must be hooked up to a gas line. But many people favor this option because they don’t have to worry about running out of fuel or having to go to the store to refill a propane tank.

Additionally, both natural and propane generators work well in residential settings because they produce less noise and fewer emissions. Because of their output, these standby generators should also be used outside the home so that noxious fumes aren’t inhaled.

The first factor to consider when buying a generator is the power source. After reading the descriptions of each type above, you should have a good understanding of the pros and cons of each type. For example, if sustainable living is important to you, then a solar-powered generator makes the most sense.

The next step is to ask yourself how much power you need from your generator. To do this, you must calculate the wattage requirements of each appliance or power tool that might be used simultaneously. Be sure to calculate not only the running wattage of the devices you will be powering but also their surge wattage. The surge wattage refers to the additional power that a device needs when it first turns on, which can be more than double the running wattage.

Finally, you’ll want to consider portability. The importance of how portable a generator is must be balanced against wattage requirements to determine which factor matters more in your personal situation. For example, the higher the power capacity, the larger and heavier the machine will likely be, which lessens the ease of moving your generator from one place to another.

After assessing each factor, you will be better able to make an informed decision as you start shopping for a back-up generator. You might also want to browse other options that can be helpful in an emergency, such as a weather radio or a first aid kit. Anything that can help you be prepared is worth the investment.