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Owning a reliable generator when you live in hurricane-prone territory is paramount. This life saving tool can keep your lights on, your food cold, and your electronics charged when the power grid fails. But with countless models on the market, how do you determine which generator is right for you?
First and foremost, you’ll need to know what kind of power you need and how long you anticipate an outage during a hurricane. This guide aims to help you navigate through the key considerations and choose the best generator to prepare for a hurricane.
EcoFlow Best Generators for Hurricane Preparedness
- Best for Hours-Long Outages: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro + 220W Solar Panel
- Best for a Full Day of Power: EcoFlow DELTA 2 + 220W Solar Panel
- Best for 3-Day Outages: EcoFlow DELTA Pro + 400W Solar Panel
- Best for Extended Outages or Your Last Resort: Smart Generator (Dual Fuel)
Best for Hours-Long Outages: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro + 220W Solar Panel
If the electric grid in your area is pretty reliable and you only expect to lose power for a few hours maximum, you can get all the power you need (and none that you won’t use) in a small and portable package with the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro + 220W Solar Panel.
The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro can run up to 80% of home appliances, but with a storage capacity of 768Wh and output of 800W (surge 1600W), it won’t be able to run several appliances simultaneously. You can also plug in the solar panel and get a full charge in 4.5 hours with sunlight. With this, you’ll be able to run your essential home appliances for nearly a half day.
Specifications
- Capacity: 768Wh
- Weight: 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg)
- AC Output: Pure Sine Wave, 800W total (surge 1600W), 120V ~ 50Hz/60Hz
- Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.2 x 8.9 in (27 x 26 x 22.6 cm)
- Battery Chemistry: LiFePO4/LFP
- Battery Life Cycle: 80%+ capacity after 3000 cycles
Pros
- Run 80% of high-wattage home appliances
- Optimize battery performance and safety with Smart Battery Management System (BMS)
- Light and easy to use quickly
- Ultra-fast power in a blackout, less than 30 ms EPS auto-switch
Cons
- Limited storage and output capacity prevent powering multiple high-wattage devices simultaneously
Best for a Full Day of Power: EcoFlow DELTA 2 + 220W Solar Panel
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 + 220W Solar Panel combination is a great entry-level home backup solution for those anticipating no more than a day or so of lost power. It offers an AC output of 1800W (2700W surge) that can be expanded even further with EcoFlow DELTA 2 Extra Batteries. Thanks to X-Boost, you can power 99% of appliances, meaning that your coffee maker, fridge, or microwave can be covered during a blackout. In addition, you can enjoy the benefits of smart remote control using the EcoFlow app.
Specifications
- Capacity: 1024 Wh
- Weight: 27 lbs (12 kg)
- AC Output: 6 outlets, 1800W total (Surge 2700W)
- Dimensions: 15.7 x 8.3 x 11.1 inches (40 x 21.1 x 28.1 cm)
- Battery Chemistry: LFP (LiFePO4 battery)
- Cycle Life: 3000 cycles to 80+% capacity
Pros
- Waterproof and durable
- Companion app makes monitoring convenient
- Power most household appliances for a day
Cons
- Insufficient AC output to run multiple high-wattage appliances
Best for 3-Day Outages: EcoFlow DELTA Pro + 400W Solar Panel
Is maximum solar power what you’re looking for? With the expandable EcoFlow DELTA Pro + 400W Solar Panel, you can enjoy up to 25 kWh of electricity storage. A single EcoFlow DELTA Pro unit provides 3600W AC output, and you can expand this to 4500W thanks to X-Boost technology, allowing you to power 99.99% of your heavy-duty appliances.
You can stick with just the EcoFlow DELTA Pro’s capacity of 3.6kWh or expand it according to your needs – up to 25kWh!
Specifications
- Capacity: 3600 Wh
- Weight: 99 lbs (45 kg)
- AC Output: 5 outlets, 3600W total (Surge 7200W)
- Dimensions: 25 x 11.2 x 16.4 inches (63.5 x 28.4 x 42 cm)
- Battery Chemistry: LFP
- Cycle Life: 6,500 cycles to 50% capacity, 3,500 cycles to 80% capacity
Pros
- Powers 99.99% of heavy-duty appliances at home
- Safe to use indoors
- Expandable for more power capability
Cons
- Heavier
- Not necessary for shorter outages
Best for Extended Outages or Your Last Resort: Smart Generator (Dual Fuel)
If you’re concerned that your first line of defense generator won’t be enough to sustain you and your home’s power needs amid a hurricane, the Smart Generator (Dual Fuel) can give you peace of mind. This generator is a great backup power option that also works well as a stand-alone product if you prefer a generator that runs on either gas or propane over a solar generator.
If you’re worried you may deplete your solar energy storage before power gets restored in the case of an outage, the Smart Generator is the perfect solution to maintain your power supply. Choose between gas or propane fuel types and turn it on using one of four methods for your ideal generator experience.
Specifications
- Net weight: 67.2 lbs (30.5kg)
- Dimensions: 23.5 x 11.8 x 18.7 in (59.7 x 30 x 47.5 cm)
- Type: Inverter Generator
- Frequency: 60Hz
- Rated Voltage: 120 volts
- Rated Power (Gas): 1800W (Peak Value 1900W)
- Rated Power (LPG): 1600W (Peak Value 1700W)
Pros
- Can run entirely on LPG (propane)
- As quiet as 56db at a 23 ft distance
- Option to use propane or gasoline, providing more choices during a hurricane
Cons
- Only safe for outdoor use
- Not fully clean energy like solar options
What to Consider When Choosing a Generator for Hurricane Preparedness
When preparing for a hurricane, having a reliable power source is essential. A generator can provide electricity during power outages and help keep your home or business running smoothly. However, not all generators are created equal, and you must consider several factors before purchasing a generator to prepare for a hurricane.
Maintenance Schedule
Like any piece of equipment, generators require regular maintenance to ensure they’ll properly function when needed. Choosing a generator with a maintenance schedule that fits your needs and capabilities is essential.
Some generators may require more frequent maintenance, while others are designed for easier upkeep. If you’re in the midst of a hurricane, you don’t want a generator for which you’ll need to change the oil daily. A generator that can mostly run itself during its required use is ideal – and one that offers mobile control and visibility, like EcoFlow solar generators, makes maintaining your generator even easier.
Fuel Availability
Another crucial factor to consider is the type of fuel required for the generator. In a hurricane, gasoline or propane may be challenging to obtain, so it’s essential to consider choosing a generator that can run on alternative fuels if necessary.
Solar-powered generators are great because they can run even if there’s no fuel available and don’t require active sunlight to work. By storing saved solar energy during peak times, your solar generator will provide enough power for you even during dark and stormy hurricane days.
Some generators, like the EcoFlow Smart Generator (Dual Fuel), can also switch between different fuel types, allowing for added flexibility in emergencies.
Power Requirements
The power output of a generator is measured in watts, and it’s essential to know how much power you’ll need during a hurricane. Consider your essential appliances and electronics that need to be powered – refrigerators, stovetops/ovens, microwaves, phones, computers, etc. – and choose a generator with enough wattage to handle the load. During an outage, it’s better to have more power than you think you’ll need than not enough.
Safety
Safety should always be a top priority when choosing a generator for hurricane preparedness. Make sure to follow proper safety protocol when using a generator, especially those that use fuel. Safety requirements, such as the need to keep fuel generators outside (as well as other requirements), can pose a challenge if a hurricane brings in relentless rain and wind. For this reason, it’s crucial to consider safer options like solar generators.
Reliability
When it comes to hurricane preparedness, having a reliable generator is crucial. You want to be confident that your generator will start and function properly when needed without any issues. That’s why it’s essential to research the reliability of different generators before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, whole-house generators can work during a hurricane. Solar options eliminate the need to worry about fuel, but if you have a gas-powered generator, it’s important to note that there may be temporary power disruptions if the generator needs maintenance or refueling.
The size of your hurricane generator will depend on your power needs. One with a 1600W output is a good baseline for a hurricane outage that lasts a few hours, while a generator with a 3600W output can provide even more power security.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right generator for hurricane preparedness requires careful consideration and research. Ensure you think about maintenance schedules, fuel availability, power needs, safety, and reliability when deciding.
By selecting one of EcoFlow solar generators, like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro + 400W Solar Panel, you can be confident that you’ll have the power and reliability you need during any hurricane. For even more power security, you could pair it with the Smart Generator (Dual Fuel).
Don’t wait until a storm hits – prepare now by choosing the best generator for your needs. Stay safe and powered up with EcoFlow innovative solar and dual-fuel technology. Remember, it’s not just about surviving through extended outages but doing so in comfort.