Generac Power Solutions

Professional Solutions

Generac Power Systems, Inc. is a leading global designer and manufacturer of energy technology solutions and other power products. While most commonly known for their backup generators, their “Power Solutions” encompass a broader range of products and services aimed at providing reliable, resilient, and increasingly sustainable energy. This includes not just generators, but also solar + battery storage solutions (like PWRcell), virtual power plant platforms, and engine- and battery-powered tools.

Here’s how Generac Power Solutions can be used for off-grid living and CEA Vertical Farming Systems, along with their benefits and company reputation:

At their core, intelligent onsite power generation systems involve producing electricity directly at the point of consumption, rather than relying solely on a centralized utility grid. What makes them “intelligent” is the incorporation of several key features:

Integrated Renewable Energy Sources:

They often combine various forms of renewable energy, such as solar (e.g., parabolic solar collectors to concentrate sunlight and generate heat) , and potentially wind or hydropower, minimizing reliance on fossil fuels.

Advanced Energy Storage:

Crucial for managing the intermittency of renewables, these systems include sophisticated energy storage solutions using thermal storage produce electricity on demand.

Smart Control and Management Systems:

These systems use real-time data and predictive analytics to optimize power generation, consumption, and storage and can intelligently decide when to generate power, when to store it, and when to draw from it.

Modular and Scalable Design:

Intelligent onsite systems are built with modular components, allowing them to be scalable based on specific power demands.

100% Decentralized Operation:

They operate as self-contained microgrids, providing energy, independence and resilience and are not dependent on a larger, potentially vulnerable, grid infrastructure.

Benefits Generac Power Solutions Offer

Reliability: Generac is known for its robust and reliable power solutions. Their automatic standby generators activate within seconds of a power outage, ensuring seamless operation for homes and businesses.
Peace of Mind: For homeowners, the main benefit is knowing that essential appliances, heating/cooling, and medical equipment will continue to function during outages. For businesses, it means avoiding costly downtime, maintaining operations, and protecting inventory.
Automatic Operation: Most Generac standby units automatically detect power outages, start, transfer power, and shut down when utility power returns, requiring no manual intervention.
Fuel Flexibility: Many Generac generators run on readily available natural gas or liquid propane, eliminating the need for frequent refueling trips during an outage (unlike gasoline portable generators). Diesel options are common for larger commercial units.
Power Quality: Generac’s “True Power™ Technology” in many of their standby units ensures clean, stable power (low Total Harmonic Distortion – THD), safe for sensitive electronics and advanced equipment found in homes and CEA facilities.
Remote Monitoring (Mobile Link): Generac’s Mobile Link™ Wi-Fi connectivity allows users to monitor their generator’s status, maintenance alerts, and fuel levels from a smartphone, tablet, or computer, offering convenience and proactive management.
Increased Property Value: For homeowners, a permanently installed standby generator is a significant amenity that can increase home value and appeal to potential buyers.
Scalability (Commercial/Industrial): Generac’s commercial and industrial lines offer a wide range of power outputs and the ability to parallel multiple generators, allowing for scalable solutions to meet growing power demands.
Energy Independence/Resilience: For off-grid applications or businesses seeking to reduce reliance on an increasingly unstable grid, Generac solutions contribute significantly to energy independence and resilience.
Integrated Solutions: Generac is moving beyond just generators to offer integrated energy solutions, combining generators with solar and battery storage to provide more comprehensive and sustainable power management.

Generac Residential Generators

Generac’s residential lineup primarily focuses on home standby generators, often referred to as Guardian Series, which automatically provide power during outages. They also offer portable options for more temporary or recreational needs.

Generac Commercial Generators

Generac’s commercial generators are designed for larger power demands, more rigorous use, and often operate in various industrial and business settings. They typically offer higher power outputs, more robust construction, and advanced control features.

Generac offers a wide range of generators for both residential and commercial applications. While both categories aim to provide reliable power, their features and specifications differ significantly to meet the distinct demands of homes versus businesses.

Getting Off the Grid with Generac

“Off-grid” living means disconnecting entirely from the public utility grid, relying solely on self-generated power. Generac offers solutions that can be integral to achieving this, primarily through a combination of renewable energy and generator backup.

Generators as Backup/Supplements: While traditional Generac home standby generators are designed for grid-tied backup (meaning they automatically kick on when the grid goes down), Generac also offers specific models designed for off-grid applications. The Generac EcoGen generator (e.g., 15kW EcoGen) is specifically built and warranted for off-grid use with alternative energy systems.

Integration with Renewables: In an off-grid setup, the primary power source is typically renewable, such as solar panels (PV system) or wind turbines. These systems charge a battery bank.

Automatic Battery Charging and Load Support: The EcoGen works in conjunction with an inverter and battery storage system. When the renewable sources aren’t producing enough power (e.g., at night, during cloudy days, or when wind is low) and the battery levels fall below a set threshold, the EcoGen automatically starts. It then provides power to the home while simultaneously recharging the batteries. Once the batteries are sufficiently charged, the inverter signals the generator to shut off. This cycle ensures continuous power without relying on the grid.

Prime Power Considerations: For true, long-term off-grid living, a generator might be considered a “prime power” source, meaning it’s the primary means of generating electricity, rather than just backup. While the EcoGen is built for this, traditional standby generators are generally not warranted for continuous prime power use, and doing so could void the warranty. For very heavy, continuous off-grid loads, larger commercial or industrial prime power generators might be considered, though these are typically diesel and come with their own complexities (fuel delivery, maintenance).

Solar + Battery Storage (PWRcell): Generac’s PWRcell system is a comprehensive solar energy storage solution. While often used for grid-tied homes to reduce electricity bills and provide blackout backup, it can form the core of an off-grid system when paired with appropriate solar panels and, crucially, a generator like the EcoGen for extended periods of low solar production.

Powering CEA Vertical Farming Systems with Generac

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), including vertical farming, is highly energy-intensive due to the reliance on artificial lighting, climate control (temperature, humidity, CO2), and advanced irrigation/nutrient delivery systems. Reliable and consistent power is paramount for these operations.