Power Solutions Residential Generators

Need a generator for your home? Answering these basic questions will help you make important decisions.

Standby or Prime?

A standby genset works in tandem with an automatic transfer switch. It sits in a ready state waiting for a power outage at which time it starts the generator set and puts it online to power the loads for the duration of the outage, at which point it shuts back down and returns to its ready mode. Most standby gensets do not run more than 200 hours per year, so they're rated differently. A prime power genset is the primary power source for the loads. It may run around the clock, or only part of the time, but if the genset will be running more than 200 hours per year, it's important to concentrate on the prime rating of any machine you are considering purchasing.

Gas or Diesel?

Gas for our purposes is defined as either pipeline natural gas or propane. Gasoline is difficult to store and gensets powered by gasoline can be troublesome. Gas generators are a great choice for home standby or light duty prime power "“ such as backing up a solar system or periodically filling a water tank. They are generally less expensive to purchase and maintain, quieter, and cleaner. Diesel generators are the best choice for remote locations where it is difficult to obtain gas or for heavy-duty prime power applications. These units can be a bit more expensive, but, with proper maintenance, they tend to last longer than gas units so the overall cost of ownership is typically lower. Modern diesel units must meet very strict EPA standards within the USA, so they are much cleaner than they used to be, but typically still not as clean as a gas unit.