About the 26kW Generac Guardian Generator
Generac announced the 26kW Generator late in 2021 with a press release and introductory brochure. The generator is the largest in the Guardian Series air-cooled line, the most popular air-cooled home standby generator lineup on the market. Other models prior to the 26kW were the twenty-four and twenty-two kilowatt models. Both the 22 and 24 kilowatt models were more powerful than any other air-cooled generator on the market at the time of their introduction. Generac later dropped production of the 20kW in favor of the 22kW.
26kW Generac FAQ Contents
Generac 26kW Features
The Generac 26kW belongs to the Guardian Series home standby generators. These affordable generators are in the most powerful class of air-cooled generators available. Instead of a radiator with a fan and a water pump to remove heat from the engine, they rely on forced air driven by a fan. The generators can run on either Natural Gas or propane (LPG).
Generac designed and built the G-Force 1000 V-Twin Engine to meet the rigors expected of an air-cooled generator system. Cast-iron plateau-honed cylinder walls for rigid construction and plasma moly rings for cooler engine operation, lower oil consumption, and extended life. The fully pressurized oil system, including low-pressure shutdown, further extends engine life and reduces maintenance costs. EPA Certification of the 999cc OHV engine makes it suitable for non-emergency, demand-response applications.
Generac Builds the Guardian Series Home Standby in the USA and Staffs its Wisconsin Customer Support Center 24/7/365
True Power Technology for clean, utility grade power with less than 5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) from the Generac safely powers the most sensitive electronics, everyday appliances, and heavy motors. Get fast response to changing load conditions with maximum starting capability while maintaining a voltage regulation to within ±1.0 percent and a constant 60 Hertz frequency.
Mobile Link Wi-Fi provides free connectivity to monitor the 26kW Generac Generator from anywhere in the world with a smart phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. Access the operating state and get maintenance alerts. Connect with a service dealer program for proactive service that keeps your generator ready for the next outage.
The Generac 7291 includes Generac’s 200-Amp, Service Rated Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS). Suitable for use as the primary disconnect, the transfer switch installs between the electric utility meter and the main circuit breaker panel. After the generator starts, the transfer switch selects generator power instead of utility power, isolating the home from the utility lines. It controls up to 4 air conditioner loads and staggers their startup to prevent generator overloads. Add up to eight Smart Management Modules to manage other heavy loads, like water heaters, pumps, electric dryers, and more. The Generac 7290 does not include a transfer switch, but is compatible with both service rated and non-service rated Generac automatic transfer switches.
A Powerful Storm Strikes Power Lines Coming Into the City as Whole Neighborhoods Wait for Utility Restoration
How Many BTUs is a 26kW Generator Generator
A watt is a measure of electrical power. A watt-hour is a measure of energy use over 1 hour. Multiply watts or watt-hours by 1000 to get kilowatts and kilowatt-hours.
Heating and cooling systems add or remove heat. BTUs is measures the transfer of heat energy. The energy in 3412.14164 BTUs is equivalent to 1kWh (kilowatt-hours).
The 26kW Generac Generator produces up to 26kW running on propane and 22.5kW on natural gas.
26kW x 3412.14164 BTUs per kWh = 88,715.68 BTUs.
22.5kW x 3412.14164 BTS per kWh = 76,773.19 BTUs.
How Much Propane Does a 26kW Generator Use
Fuel costs and fuel storage are always a concern. Where propane is concerned, it is necessary to store enough fuel to get through a power outage without running out. If we purchase enough storage for fuel use at full load, we get additional run time at half-load or three-quarter load.
Note: It’s never a good idea to run a generator at full load all the time. Half-load or three-quarter load most of the time will extend the life of your generator.
|
Load |
Gallons Per Hour |
Gallons Per Day |
Gallons Per Week |
| Half Load | 2.06 | 50 | 350 |
| Full Load | 3.63 | 87 | 610 |
Remember that your propane supplier will only fill your tank to 80 to 85 percent full. The liquid propane needs room in the tank to evaporate with enough pressure to supply your generator and other appliances. A 500 gallon tank will hold 400-425 Gallons of Propane,
| Propane Tank Size in Gallons | Gallons of Propane |
| 500 | 400 to 425 |
| 750 | 600 to 637 |
| 1000 | 800 to 850 |
How Much Natural Gas Does a 26kW Generator Use
Natural Gas is a clean-burning and efficient fuel. However, it carries less energy than other fuels and therefore produces less power. The Generac 26kW produces a maximum of 22.5kW at full load. The same general rule applies for running your natural gas generator at less than full load most of the time.
Remember that the heavier load on the generator, the more fuel it uses. Lower the load and reduce fuel use. Large, heavy load like water heaters, baseboard heating, and air conditioners can add substantially to fuel use.
|
Load |
Cubic Feet / Hour |
Cubic Feet / Day |
Cubic Feet / Week |
|
Half Load |
188 |
4,512 |
31,584 |
|
Full Load |
333 |
7,992 |
55,944 |
Your 26kW Generator installer must check with the natural gas utility to determine if your natural gas meter can handle the additional load of the generator. You may require a larger meter.
Widely available in most towns or cities, Natural Gas availability and a virtually unlimited supply make it an attractive fuel for home backup generators.
Photo by TheLesleyShow.
How Many Amps Does a Generac 26kW Generator Produce
Need to Know 26kW Generator Math
- Volts x Amps = Watts.
- Watts x 1000 = Kilowatts.
- 26,000 Watts = 26kW.
- 22,500 Watts = 22.5kW
- Watts ÷ Volts = Amps.
A Generac 26kW Generator operating at full load produces:
- Propane: 26000 Watts ÷ 240 Volts = 108.3 Amps.
- Natural Gas: 22500 Watts ÷ 240 Volts = 93.75 Amps.
At half load, the 26kW Generac produces
- Propane: 13000 Watts ÷ 240 Volts = 54.2 Amps.
- Natural Gas: 22500 Watts ÷ 240 Volts = 46.9 Amps.
How Much Does a 26kW Generac Generator Weight
The Generac 26kW Generator weighs 518 pounds or 235 kilograms dry weight without oil added. That is less than half the weight of a comparable liquid cooled generator. It is 48 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 29 inches high. Considering the amount of power it puts out, along with engine size, alternator size, controls, and aluminum cabinet, the generator size and weight is impressively less than you might expect.
How Much is a 26kW Generac Generator
Standby generator installation requires an ATS for the generator to function as a home back generator or on-demand generator.
The Generac 7291 includes a 200-Amp Automatic Transfer Switch rated for service entrance use. However, you may already have a transfer switch, or you might not have a 200-amp main circuit breaker panel. You might even have 300-Amp or 400-Amp split service, which means you have two main panels. Different switches have a wide range of costs.
A 26kW Generac with 200-Amp ATS is not a one-size fits all solution. Your installer will help you choose the correct option that passes all applicable building and electrical codes.
If you have a 150-Amp panel, then you need a 150-Amp transfer switch. A larger panel requires a larger transfer switch. You need a pair of 200-amp switches for a 400-Amp split service or (in rare cases) a 400-amp switch for a single, 400-amp main panel.
Installation is another factor in the cost. Distance from the main panel and gas meter affect the cost of plumbing and electrical work. Placement of the generator requires certain distances from the home and any openings in the home like windows, doors, and vents.
