What Is the Best Whole-Home Generator?
A whole-home generator is one of the best options for backup power. They turn on automatically when the grid goes down and provide continuous backup power for your entire home.
Finding the best whole home backup generator, however, can be overwhelming. There are thousands of options available. How do you look through all of them?
If you don’t want to spend days researching the standby generators but you want to install a high-quality, reliable generator, we’ve got you. SouthFace Solar & Electric has been installing backup generators in Arizona for over 15 years. We have firsthand experience with a huge variety of generators and believe these are the absolute best options on the market today.
Kohler Home Generators
If you’re looking for a reliable, long-lasting generator, a Kohler generator is a great option. Kohler generators have heavy-duty, commercial-grade engines. Engine quality plays a major role in a generator’s overall lifespan, and it’s one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a home generator. They’re not cheap, and you don’t want to have to replace your generator any sooner than necessary. Kohler also makes some of the best looking-generators on the market. They come in 14 colors and 3 camouflage-esque patterns so your generator doesn’t have to stick out like a sore thumb.
For whole home backup, we typically recommend:
| Generator Capacity | Description |
|---|---|
| 26 kW Kohler Generator | Powers your entire home, including HVAC, sump pump, and all major appliances. A good option for most standard-size houses. |
| 48 kW Kohler Generator | Ideal for bigger houses. Powers everything in a house with 200 amp service. |
Generac Home Generators
Generac is the top-selling brand of residential standby generators in the United States. They are generally more affordable than other top generator brands yet still provide impressive performance and reliability. They are also available in a huge variety of sizes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your power needs.
| Generator Capacity | Description |
|---|---|
| 24 kW Generac Generator | Can power your entire home, including HVAC and all major appliances, depending on the size of your house. |
| 26 kW Generac Generator | Powers your entire home, including HVAC, sump pump, and all major appliances. A good option for most standard-size houses. |
| 30 kW Protector Series Generac Generator | Provides automatic backup power for your entire home. Ideal for large or custom houses. |
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Generator Alternatives: Solar with Battery Backup |
A standby generator is a great option for whole home backup power, but generators have their downsides. They have to be continuously refueled, for one, which costs money and can become an issue during an emergency. If there’s a fuel shortage or roads are blocked and delivery trucks can’t get through, you will run out of power. A solar panel and battery storage system is an alternative that can, in some scenarios, be more reliable. Plus, you never have to pay for fuel—sunlight is free. The downside is that you will need several solar batteries to backup your entire home and enough solar panels to charge them. But solar systems are eligible for incentives that generators don’t qualify for. You can save 30% on a solar panel and/or solar battery installation with the federal solar tax credit. There are pros and cons to both options, and it’s worth comparing solar batteries vs generators before choosing a backup power system for your home.
Whole-Home Generator Installation in Arizona
Losing power for a few hours is more than an inconvenience. During summertime in Arizona, it can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Having a backup power plan in place will ensure you are protected during a power outage so you can stay comfortable and, more importantly, safe.
SouthFace Solar & Electric installs premium generators, including Generanc and Kohler generators, as well as solar battery systems. We can recommend the best backup power system for your home based on your power needs and budget. Reach out today to learn more about your options and be ready the next time the power goes out!
