Generators

Power Up With Portable Generators and Other Generator Types From Lowe’s

Looking for a new generator to give you portable power on a jobsite or outdoor adventures? Or maybe you want something more powerful for home use.

Whether you need a portable camping generator, a recreational vehicle (RV) generator, a heavy-duty 1,000-watt generator or a 2,000-watt generator, we have you covered at Lowe’s. Our assortment of generators includes something for every lifestyle.

Types of Generators

There are several types of generators. Home standby generators are the most powerful. They can detect outages automatically and provide enough electricity for an entire home with minimal interruption during a power outage.

Another generator type is a backup generator. These generators require manual startup, and their wattage is enough to power some appliances.

A third type is an inverter generator — a lightweight, portable generator that’s ideal for tailgating and RV camping. If you want a small, quiet generator, this is a good option. These electric generator invertors run on either gas or liquid propane. Before deciding on one, check out our buying guide on How to Choose an Inverter Generator.

You also might want to consider solar or wind generators. These offer the ultimate in quiet, portable power.

Be sure to read up on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning before using a generator. You’ll also want to equip yourself with battery-powered carbon monoxide (CO) sensors.

Generators by Wattage

Before choosing a power generator, it’s important to think about the wattage you need. For tailgating, you might only need a generator that puts out as few as 500 to 1,000 watts. To power a whole home, you might need 10,000 watts or more. Light bulbs and small appliances, such as coffee machines, don’t require as many watts as large appliances, such as refrigerators, space heaters and sump pumps.

Generators by Fuel Type

Different generators use different kinds of fuels. Options include gasoline, propane and natural gas generators. There are also dual fuel generators and tri-fuel generators that can use multiple fuel sources.

If you want to generate free electricity and avoid toxic fumes, consider a solar-powered generator or a wind generator. Once solar and wind generators charge up outdoors, you can use them indoors to provide electricity — unlike generators that rely on other fuel sources. You can even charge some power solar generators and wind generators from your home electrical system.

At Lowe’s, you'll find generators from brands you can trust, such as Champion Power Equipment generators, Honda generators, KOHLER generators, Generac portable generators, Briggs & Stratton generators, Westinghouse generators, WEN generators and more.

If you need a generator installed, fill out our online installation request form. We’ll help you get the job done right with professional, independent installers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size generator is needed to power a house?

A: A generator’s wattage is one factor that determines what it can power. A home standby generator with at least 10,100 watts might be the best choice to power most of your home. However, one with 5,000 to 7,000 watts is generally enough to keep crucial appliances up and running during an outage.

Q: Do you need to turn off your main breaker when using a generator?

A: That depends on how the generator powers your home. You don’t need to turn off the main breaker if the generator uses an automatic transfer switch, which automatically detects a power outage. However, if your generator uses a manual transfer switch, you need to turn off the main breaker to ensure power flows only in the correct direction. Always check the documentation for your transfer switch.

Q: What’s the difference between inverter generators and portable generators?

A: Inverter generators are usually smaller, more fuel efficient and quieter than standard portable generators. They provide a stable power supply, which makes them ideal for powering sensitive electronics. They’re a good choice for camping or tailgating. A conventional portable generator is a good option for backup power or use on jobsites.