Before purchasing a portable generator, it's crucial to perform a wattage assessment to determine your precise power requirements. This step prevents you from buying a generator that is underpowered solar generators for camping your backup needs or overly expensive and inefficient. Start by identifying every piece of equipment you plan to run during a power outage. This might include refrigerators, lights, medical equipment, fans, sump pumps, or a coffee maker.

For each item, consult the manufacturer’s label—usually found on a nameplate or user guide. Look for the power consumption in watts (W). If the rating is given in current and voltage measurements, multiply amps by volts to get watts. For example, a device drawing 5 amps at 120 volts uses 600 watts.

Next, note whether each device has a surge or startup wattage. Motors and compressors, like those in coolers and dehumidifiers, require a significant surge at startup. This surge can be as much as 2–3x the steady-state consumption. Make sure your generator can handle the highest surge requirement among your devices.

Add up the running watts for all devices you plan to use at the same time. Then, find the equipment with the biggest power spike and factor in its maximum instantaneous draw. This gives you the essential rated output you need.

Don’t forget to add a contingency allowance. It’s wise to choose a generator with a output rating 10–20% above your total than your calculated total. This ensures consistent power delivery and extends the life of the generator by keeping it within safe operating limits. Also, consider the duration of expected outages. A enhanced fuel economy or bigger reservoir can make a significant advantage in multi-day emergencies.

Finally, think about ease of transport, operational sound, and protective mechanisms like low oil shutdown and carbon monoxide detection. A power audit doesn’t just save money—it guarantees reliability during critical moments.