Complete Guide to Home Backup Electrical Generators in Australia
Blackouts are common in Australia. They can come from bushfires that last for days or sudden storms that cut power in minutes. When the lights go out, fridges, heaters, and phones stop working, and life quickly gets difficult. A home backup generator can keep things running and take the stress out of an outage.
This guide walks through the main types of generators, what to look for when choosing one, and three options that work well for Australian homes. Ready to find the right home backup electrical generator? Let’s get started.
What Types of Home Backup Generators Are Available?
Before picking a model, it helps to know the basic types of home backup generators. Once you see the options, it’s easier to decide what fits your needs and budget.
Category | Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
By Size & Capacity | Portable Generators | Small, mobile units ideal for powering basic appliances during temporary outages. | - Affordable - Easy to move - Good for outdoor use | - Limited power - Not ideal for whole-house or long-term use |
Standby Generators | Permanently installed, high-capacity systems that automatically power the home. | - High output - Automatic switch-on - Long-term reliability | - Expensive - Requires pro installation & maintenance | |
By Fuel Type | Gasoline Generators | Common and budget-friendly; easily available fuel. | - Cheap - Fuel easy to find | - Noisy - High fuel consumption - Short-term only |
Diesel Generators | Durable and efficient generators for frequent use and larger loads. | - Fuel efficient - Long lifespan - Reliable power | - Bulky - Higher upfront cost | |
Solar Generators | Powered by sunlight, using solar panels and batteries for clean, renewable energy. | - Silent - No fuel needed - Environmentally friendly | - Sunlight dependent - Limited output |
How to Choose a Backup Power Generator for Home?
Now that you know the types and models, let’s look at practical factors for Australian homes and key tips to help you choose the right generator.
1. Match Power to Your Home
List the appliances you need during an outage, such as fridges, lights, communication devices, or medical equipment. For city homes, a solar generator with a portable power station like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 usually covers essentials. Larger households, or those in areas with frequent long blackouts, may need the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra with whole-home capacity.
2. Noise and Neighbours
In apartments or suburbs, low-noise, emission-free models are the only practical choice. Portable power stations are best here. If you live on a larger property, noise may be less of an issue, and higher-output models become more practical.
3. Fuel and Safety
Gasoline and diesel units are common, but they’re noisy and need safe fuel storage. If you prefer clean energy and no fumes, look at solar-compatible battery systems like the EcoFlow DELTA series. They also carry safety certifications to perform reliably in extreme heat or cold.
4. Ease of Use
During a storm or blackout, you don’t want to wrestle with cords or fuel. Automatic start features and app-based controls make management simple. EcoFlow’s app monitoring lets you check battery levels and charging status from your phone.
5. Installation and Rules
Permanent standby generators need professional installation and must meet local council and safety rules. Portable power stations don’t require permits or wiring work, making them a faster and easier option for most Australian households.
Best Generators for Home Backup Power
From the comparison above, solar generators stand out as the best choice for home backup. They’re quiet, eco-friendly, and simple to use. Below are three models reviewed for capacity, output, and reliability.
1. EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Whole-home Backup Battery
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Whole-home Backup Battery stands out for its flexible capacity—expandable from 6kWh to 30kWh—making it powerful enough to support your entire household’s energy needs for weeks, even during prolonged outages like those caused by Victoria’s summer storms or winter cold snaps.
With a 6900W high-output rating, it effortlessly runs all large household appliances you rely on daily, including central air conditioning, full-size refrigerators, electric water heaters, and even laundry machines—no need to sacrifice comfort during power cuts.
What sets it apart is its safety credentials: it’s the only device on the market with dual UL1973 and UL9540 certifications, ensuring stable, hazard-free power delivery even in extreme conditions—whether that’s scorching 40°C+ summer heat, heavy rain, or freezing alpine temperatures.
Charging is equally convenient, with support for four versatile methods: grid power, solar panels, gas generators, and even EV charging stations. For faster replenishment, two DELTA Pro Ultra batteries (when paired) can be fully recharged in just 2 hours—ideal for quickly bouncing back after short outages or prepping for incoming storms.
To make management even easier, it comes with a smart app that lets you real-time monitor battery levels, adjust power priorities (e.g., prioritize fridges over non-essentials), and optimize energy usage. And when paired with EcoFlow’s Transfer Switch, it creates a fully integrated whole-home backup solution—perfect for Australia households, as it enables seamless auto-switching from grid to backup power the moment an outage hits, eliminating delays in keeping your home running.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Whole-home Backup Battery
2. EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W)
Ideal for city households and small families, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W) blends portability, flexibility, and solar efficiency—making it a top pick for short to mid-length outages.
Its scalable capacity ranges from 4kWh to 12kWh, paired with a 4000W output—enough to power almost all daily essentials: coffee makers, Wi-Fi routers, small fridges, LED lights, and even home office gear (laptops, printers). No more choosing between work and comfort during blackouts.
What sets it apart is its charging speed and versatility: it offers 6 unique charging methods and 18 combination options, hitting 80% charge in just 50 minutes (think: a quick lunch break, and it’s ready to go). When paired with its 400W solar panel, it harnesses clean energy to keep running—great for eco-conscious users or areas with frequent sunny days.
Plus, it operates at ultra-low noise levels (quieter than a typical conversation), so it won’t disturb your apartment neighbors or family time. For city dwellers who need reliable, unobtrusive emergency power, this is the go-to choice.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W)
3. EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station balances capacity, power, and portability, making it the best choice available.
Its expandable capacity ranges from 3.6kWh to 25kWh, with a maximum output of 7200W, covering 99% of home appliances.
As one of the best home backup generators, EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station also charges quickly, reaching full capacity in just 2.7 hours. Equipped with wheels and a retractable handle, it's easy to move around—perfect for outdoor activities like camping or RV trips.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station
Conclusion
Based on your household's power requirements, local population density, and personal electricity needs, you can roughly determine the type of home backup electrical generator that suits you best.
If your home has large appliances, a spacious layout, or you frequently face extended power outages, a standby generator or a portable power station with expandable capacity would be ideal.
For households with lower power demands, mainly needing temporary support during short outages, a standard portable power station is usually sufficient. Those seeking clean energy solutions may also consider using a solar-powered generator for everyday storage and backup.
FAQs
What is a good size generator for home backup?
The right generator size for home backup depends on your household power needs.
For smaller homes with only basic appliances, a 2kW–5kW generator is usually sufficient during short outages.
If you plan to run multiple high-power devices like air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines simultaneously, a 5kW–10kW generator is recommended.
For homes frequently facing long outages or requiring full-house power, choose a generator above 10kW, potentially even higher depending on your home’s size and appliance load.
Always calculate your total power demand and select a generator with slightly higher capacity to ensure reliability.
Is a 10 kW generator enough to run a house?
A 10 kW generator is generally sufficient to power most households, handling appliances like refrigerators, TVs, washing machines, air conditioners, and even water heaters.
Whether it's enough depends on your home size and energy habits. If multiple high-power devices run simultaneously, it might fall short.
To be safe, list the appliances you'd use during a blackout, calculate their total wattage, and choose a generator slightly above that figure. This ensures stable, safe, and uninterrupted power when you need it most.
What is the lifespan of a home generator?
The lifespan of a home generator depends on type, usage, and maintenance.
Portable units typically last around 10,000–20,000 hours, while standby or permanently installed generators can reach 20,000–30,000 hours or more.
Regular upkeep, such as changing oil, cleaning filters, inspecting batteries, and checking connections, significantly extends durability. Choosing a reliable brand and proper installation also improves longevity.
With good care, a high-quality generator can provide dependable backup power for many years, making it a worthwhile household investment for both safety and convenience.
Should you leave a generator running all night?
It's generally not recommended to run a generator continuously overnight, especially portable gas-powered models.
Risks include noise pollution, high fuel consumption, safety hazards like carbon monoxide buildup, and overheating. If overnight power is necessary, a permanently installed standby generator is safer.
Ensure it's in a well-ventilated area and equipped with automatic monitoring and safety features. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and perform regular maintenance to keep it operating safely while protecting both your family and your home, even during extended blackout situations.