Why every homestead needs a generator
10/25/20232 min read
Part of homesteading is becoming more self sufficient and when you have a power outage you quickly realize that you have a vulnerability. Whether a small inverter type generator as pictured (red), or a larger frame type unit (yellow), a portable generator can help you keep things going when the power goes out. Let's say that you just made that trip to stock up on your grass fed meat and the freezer is loaded. A power outage can destroy your protein stash if you are not prepared. Even a small generator can be enough to plug in your fridge, freezer and a light. Just protecting your refrigerated and frozen food is well worth the modest investment in a generator.
You can often find something like a Honda EU2000 or EU2200 used on marketplace, craigslist or even at flea markets and yard sales. This size generator is light and easy to move, start and maintain. Used units run anywhere from $200 to $800 depending on the age, condition and how quickly the person wants to sell. If you need something bigger, open frame generators are fairly inexpensive as well. Although they might be cheaper per watt when compared to an inverter generator, there is a trade off. The inverter generator has cleaner electricity in the form of a pure sine wave which can be safer for more sensitive appliances and electronics. The non-inverter open frame units have a modified sine wave and therefore dirtier electricity. But, have no fear, they do make larger inverter style generators and although more expensive, they can still be worth the extra investment, especially if you need to run a bunch of things.
Whichever size or style generator you decide to pursue, be sure to think about what exactly you need to power at a minimum and calculate the wattage needed for those items, then find a generator that will handle that wattage. This takes a bit of research but can save you from buying too small of a unit. Or, if you find an amazing deal on something, you can just buy it and adjust your usage to fit within it's means.
