An automatic home standby system works as an emergency power source. If, for whatever reason, local power to your home is shut off, Generac’s controller automatically switches on the standby generator, and brings the lights back on! How much power the standby generator provides depends on the model’s capacity.

Generac’s automatic home standby systems come in four power outputs: 7 kW, 10 kW, 13 kW, and 16 kW. The latter unit is the least expensive – with a cost of slightly over $2000 USD – and Generac proudly declares it to be the “world’s most affordable standby generator.” Although less popular, the 10 kW is a good mid-power alternative.

It should also be noted that none of Generac’s automatic home standby systems run on diesel; they are either natural gas or propane fuelled. Likewise, an automatic home standby generator cannot be powered by one of Generac’s Bi-Fuel engines.

In addition to the generator, the second important component of any automatic home standby system is the switch. Without a switch, power from the standby generator will not be routed to your home. Generac manufactures their own high-quality switches, and bundles them with their generators – so both components of your automatic home standby system are designed to work well together.

Those new to automatic home standby systems should also consider the current electrical set-up of their homes, and decide which circuits receive the most power. For free tips and more information, see Generac’s website.

Although Kohler Power Systems also offers residential and commercial power generators, their trademark product is the industrial power generator.

Kohler’s industrial generators come in two kinds: gas-fuelled models that are capable of up to 800 kW; and more powerful diesel-fuelled engines that can output nearly 3000 kW. Both types of industrial power generators are also “built tough”, to withstand even the most harsh environmental conditions.

And, for customers who wish to protect the environment, Kohler Power Systems makes industrial power generators that fit within the environmentally-friendly regulations on emissions set out by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

However, what most sets Kohler Power Systems apart from other industrial power generator manufacturers is their dedication to a complete power generation package; whereas another company may sell comparable industrial power generators, Kohler sells industrial power generators that come with unprecedented service and integration.

Dubbed by Kohler Power Systems as Total System Integration, this idea – put into practice – provides for an integrated network of power generation tools, which revolves around an industrial power generator, but also includes a transfer switch, controller, and system monitor. For the ultimate in control, Kohler even allows for the inclusion of a personal computer, to serve as a hub for all the activity.

Generac’s trademarked Bi-Fuel technology is a way of hybridizing a power generator’s engine, so that it runs simultaneously on both diesel and natural gas. Although, as Generac is first to admit, the idea to create a dual-fuel engine is not new, Generac is the first manufacturer to apply it to standby power generators – at an affordable price.

The list of benefits to using a Bi-Fuel system over a regular one is substantial, but somewhat diminished when applied to a strictly back-up generator. For example, the Bi-Fuel’s ability to run for a longer consecutive period than a diesel-only engine may be an advantage, but it is not nearly as important for a stand-by generator as it may be for a primary one.

Still, the Bi-Fuel’s potential to cut both fuel and maintenance costs, as well as its reduced air emissions when compared with diesel-only generators, make it stand-out as one of Generac’s best and most marketable innovations. The potential to run the same generator on diesel-only or on up to 90% natural gas – but never just natural gas – provides a comfortable level of flexibility.

It is also important to note that Bi-Fuel is not a specific product; rather, it is a type of engine used in a wide number of Generac’s power generators. Therefore, Bi-Fuel power generators can fit a wide range of power needs.

If you are looking for a back-up power solution, a generator is a great option, but a constant fuel source is necessary to avoid ongoing refills and check-ups of gasoline tanks.  Your fuel options are diesel, propane or natural gas.  Propane is generally the most common and most practical option; however; if you have natural gas piped in already, it may be worth considering.  If you are converting a generator designed to run on diesel or gas, the general rule is to discount the output 10% for a propane system and another 10% for a natural gas conversion.  If the generator is designed to run on propane or natural gas, the base ratings will hold accurate.