This article only offers a summary overview of commonly requested details regarding generator warranties and is not exhaustive or guaranteed to be completely accurate and up to date. In the event of any differences between the summary below and the warranty terms and conditions, the terms and conditions control.  

Can my home standby generator be used as a primary source of power?

Generac's residential and commercial home standby generators are not designed or intended to be used as the primary power source (prime power) for a site where utility power does not exist.

Primary (prime) power means the generator is the main, ongoing source of electricity for a site, typically because utility power is not available. Home standby generators are intended to run during brief outages, not to power a site continuously.

Alternative power refers to systems such as solar, wind, and battery storage. In these setups, the alternative energy system is the primary source of power. A generator may be used only as a backup to support the system when the alternative source cannot meet demand (for example, to recharge batteries or support loads during extended low-sun or low-wind conditions).

Environment

This article applies to Generac residential and commercial home standby generators.

Examples of prime power also include:

• Using a home standby generator for a primary source of power for any dwelling or structure where utility power isn't present. (ex. hunting cabins)
• Using a home standby generator to back up wind turbines.
• Using a home standby generator to back up solar power systems.

Note: The EcoGen generator has been discontinued. NextGen home standby generators can be used to provide backup power to certain alternative energy systems when properly configured. NextGen generators still cannot be used for primary (prime) power.

Using NextGen with alternative energy systems (example: Generac PWRcell 2)

Some NextGen installations can interface with a Generac PWRcell 2 system by using a 2-wire start connection. In these configurations, the 2-wire start signal can automatically start and stop the generator as needed to help support the system (for example, to help power loads and recharge batteries when solar or battery capacity is low). A 2-wire start is not only for remote starting; it can also be used as part of an automated strategy for solar-and-battery backup setups.

Because alternative energy integrations vary by site design and equipment, contact an Independent Authorized Service Dealer for compatibility and installation guidance.

To summarize, Generac home standby generators should not be used in off-grid applications as a primary source of power. Home standby generators are designed and intended to supplement utility service during brief power outages.

Using a home standby generator as a primary source of power will compromise warranty coverage: What Does My Home Standby Generator Warranty Cover?

See here for additional examples of improper use and installation practices that will compromise warranty coverage: What Types of Things Can Void the Home Standby Warranty?

Generac does offer industrial generators that are capable of operating as a prime power source: Generac industrial generators