What Size Generator Do I Need To Run A 2000 Sq. Ft. House

Extreme weather conditions or high electricity demands can cause brownouts, blackouts, or long-term power outages. Buying a home battery backup generator can keep your appliances running even if the power outage lasts more than a few hours.

The most common question every homeowner asks before investing is, "What size generator to run a 2000 sq. ft. house." However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the generator size boils down to the number of appliances you want to use.

Jackery Solar Generators are powerful energy sources that can help you charge most of your home or outdoor appliances. One popular example is Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, an expandable power solution that can quickly charge most devices in your 2000 sq. ft. house.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
- 2-12 kWh of expandable battery capacity. - Advanced IBC technology for ultra-fast solar charging. - Outstanding LiFePO4 battery with long-lasting reliability. - Takes only an amazing 2 hours for a full solar charge. - Operates with only 30dB of noise.

What Size Generator Do I Need To Run A 2000 Sq. Ft. House?

If you're planning to get a generator for your home, the first step is to understand your power needs.

Generator Size = Wattage Consumption × Number of hours you use it

Watts (W) = Volts (V) × Amps (A)

You can find the wattage requirements labeled on the top of the appliance. Generally, you can find the device's starting, running, and surge watts that determine the generator size for home backup.

• Starting Watts: The maximum energy your appliance will consume while starting up is called starting watts.
• Surge Watts: The maximum watts a generator must supply for a short time to start heavy-duty devices, like sump pumps, refrigerators, etc.
• Running Watts: The maximum watts of energy the appliance requires to run for longer hours.
• Rated Watts:The maximum wattage a generator can produce for a longer time to run electric devices in a stable condition.

The below table recommends the solar generator size based on usage.

Why Should Size The Generator?

In order to find the answer to "what size generator to run a 2000 sq. ft. house," you'll need to understand how much electricity the generator can output.

It's no secret that sizing a home generator is of utmost importance to understand if you'll get an uninterrupted electricity supply. When sizing the generator, you need to focus on how many appliances you want to power and for how long.

If you buy a generator that is too big for your needs, you'll waste your money on overspending. Alternatively, purchasing a small generator means your energy demands won't be met efficiently.  

Sizing Up

If you have a flexible budget, you can select a generator with more AC output and storage capacity. Investing in a solar generator that exceeds current electricity demands ensures you can add appliances in the future.

Sizing Down

Unlike sizing up, sizing down is a cost-effective option that suits best if you use less electricity. Smaller generators are portable and easier to operate. However, one downside is that you won't be able to charge multiple heavy-duty appliances at once.

How To Determine What Size Generator Do I Need To Run A 2000 Sq. Ft. House?

Choosing the right size generator ensures your electricity needs are met appropriately, and it won't run dry when used for long hours. Multiple critical factors determine what size portable generator to run a 2000 sq. ft. house.

What Type Of Generator Do I Need?

The first and foremost thing you'll need to consider is the type of generator, i.e., gas, propane, solar, and inverter generators. Even though gas and propane generators are popular choices, they are being replaced with solar and battery-powered generators.

How Many Watts Does A 2000 Sq. Ft. House Uses?

The watts consumption of a 2000 sq. ft. house will depend on the usage and number of appliances, like microwaves, TVs, refrigerators, and air conditioners. While an average household consumes around 5-7kWh, you might need a solar generator of 12-15kWh to power heavy-duty devices.

The below table indicates the common household appliances with their starting and surge wattage.

How Much Generator Power Do I Need?

If you're wondering "what size generator to run a 2000 sq. ft. house," you'll need to determine the common appliances' starting and running watts.

The simple formula to calculate the generator wattage is adding all the running watts of the appliances you want to use and then adding the single highest starting watts in those items.

Once you've calculated the wattage, sum the total running watts and highest starting watts to calculate the total watts needed.

Note: This is a general example, and your electricity needs may vary depending on how many appliances you're using simultaneously.

Jackery Solar Generators For A 2000 Sq. Ft. House

Most people seek a quality, affordable, and highly-efficient home solar generator. Jackery Solar Generators have a long backup time that runs quietly and powers numerous devices simultaneously.

These generators combine solar panels and power stations to collect, convert, and supply electricity to all appliances. Whether you want to choose a home backup system or enjoy off-grid living, these popular Jackery Solar Generators might be your ideal pick.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The solar generator offers a leaping performance and can easily expand from 2kWh to 12kWh using Battery Pack 2000 Plus. The outstanding LiFePO4 battery can power heavy-duty devices up to 6000 watts. It is ideal for off-grid living and extended blackouts. Some of the variants of Solar Generator 2000 Plus include:

• Solar Generator 2000 Plus(Explorer 2000 Plus + 1*SolarSaga 200W)

• Solar Generator 2000 Plus (Explorer 2000 Plus + 2*SolarSaga 200W)
• Solar Generator 4000 Kit (Explorer 2000 Plus + Battery Pack 2000 Plus + 2*SolarSaga 200W)
• Solar Generator 6000 Kit (Explorer 2000 Plus + 2*Battery Pack 2000 Plus + 2*SolarSaga 200W)
• Solar Generator 12000 Kit (Explorer 2000 Plus + 5*Battery Pack 2000 Plus + 6*SolarSaga 200W)

Customer Review

"Purchased for home backup, but I also take these out on long camping trips. It will easily power whatever you plug in, and the 30 amp RV plug is a nice addition. Additional batteries can be added depending on your needs and can handle up to 6 SolarSaga 200W panels." — Chris.

How To Choose A Solar Generator For A 2000 Sq. Ft. House?

While selecting the best solar generator for a 2000 sq. ft. house, you must consider a few crucial factors.

Low Noise Levels: Noise can be a major concern if you are using a solar generator in your home. Solar generators, like Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations, perform with only 30dB of noise and are ideal for homes and apartments.

Durability: Solar generators should be durable enough to withstand harsh conditions and power most appliances. Jackery Solar Generators are built with durable industry-grade materials that withstand most weather onslaughts.

Battery Capacity: You must consider how much power can be stored in the battery before deciding which solar generator is best for your needs. Instead of a smaller solar generator, choose a power station supplying stable electricity to most low-power and high-power-consuming appliances.

Portability: If you want a larger generator for your home appliance, you should not compromise on portability and mobility. However, most large-capacity generators are bulky. Therefore, you must look for a generator with wheels and rods attached to carry it from one place to another.

2000 Sq. Ft. House Generator FAQs

Do I need to cost a lot to own a generator for a 2000 sq. ft. house?

A full-house solar generator is much more cost-effective than installing solar panels on your home's roof. Expert installation of solar panels involves a significant investment. However, that's not true if you choose portable Jackery Solar Generators. They are designed with pull rods and wheels with a large battery capacity.

Can I use a portable solar generator to power sensitive electronics?

Yes. Portable solar generators, like Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations, have an upgraded BMS system and state-of-the-art temperature sensors to protect the charging appliances from overvoltage, under voltage, current fluctuations, and more.

How big of a generator do I need to run a whole house?

The short answer to what size portable generator to run a 2000 sq. ft. house you need will depend on your power requirements. While some homeowners may require more power to run appliances during power outages, others may need a small generator to run only a few devices.

For instance, if you want to run 99% of your home appliances, consider Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro. On the other hand, consider an expandable Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus to size the generator up and down based on your needs.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the answer to what size generator to run a 2000 sq. ft. house you need should be calculated based on the appliances you're using. Planning beforehand and purchasing the correct size generator will ensure your devices are powered during the next power outage.

Jackery offers a range of portable solar panels and power stations to fit the needs of all homeowners. Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus can keep 99% of home electrical devices running during a power outage. You can add Battery Pack 2000 Plus to increase the overall capacities and capabilities of the generator.