After every major nor'easter, ice storm, or summer heat event, the phones at electrical contractors across New Jersey light up with the same request: "I want a whole-home generator — I never want to go through that again." And the first question we ask every customer is: what exactly are you trying to back up?
The answer determines whether a 22kW generator will serve your home comfortably — or whether you need Generac's new 28kW Next Generation model, the most powerful air-cooled standby generator available in 2026. Both run on natural gas or liquid propane, both start automatically within seconds of an outage, and both are installed on a concrete pad outside your home with a licensed electrician pulling the required NJ permits. But there are meaningful differences that matter for specific types of NJ homes.
What the Numbers Mean
Standby generator capacity is rated in kilowatts (kW). The higher the number, the more electrical load the generator can carry simultaneously. Here's a rough guide to what common home loads require:
- Central air conditioning (3-ton): 3,500–4,000W running, 7,000–9,000W startup surge
- Electric water heater: 4,500W
- EV charger (Level 2, 48A): up to 11,500W
- Refrigerator: 150–400W running
- Sump pump: 800–1,200W running, 2,000W startup
- Lighting, electronics, appliances: 2,000–5,000W typical
A 22kW generator running on natural gas delivers approximately 19.5–22kW of continuous power — enough to run central A/C, a refrigerator, lights, a sump pump, and most household loads simultaneously. For the majority of NJ homes without electric vehicles or all-electric heating, the 22kW is the right size.
The new Generac 28kW Next Generation (Model 7282) delivers 28kW on LP and 26kW on natural gas — roughly 30% more capacity than the 22kW. It also features a new EFIC engine with hydraulic valve lifters that reduce maintenance costs, built-in cellular and Wi-Fi monitoring through the Generac app, and integrated surge protection on the automatic transfer switch.
When the 28kW Makes Sense for NJ Homes
The 28kW is specifically designed for homes that are fully electrified or moving in that direction. If your home has any of the following, the 28kW deserves a serious look:
An EV charger you want to use during an outage. A Level 2 EV charger (48A) draws up to 11.5kW by itself. Add central A/C, a refrigerator, and basic loads, and you're well above what a 22kW can handle comfortably. The 28kW is the first air-cooled Generac model powerful enough to run a full home with an EV charger operating simultaneously.
All-electric heating (heat pump). Homes that have converted from gas heat to a heat pump system can draw 10–15kW from the heating system alone during cold weather. Combined with other loads, this pushes past what a 22kW can handle at peak.
Large homes over 4,000 sq ft. Larger homes with multiple HVAC zones, larger water heaters, and more simultaneous loads can approach the capacity ceiling of a 22kW during summer peak conditions.
Future-proofing for full electrification. If you're planning to add solar, a battery like the Tesla Powerwall, and an EV charger in the coming years, installing a 28kW now avoids a costly generator replacement later.
Cost Difference: 22kW vs. 28kW in NJ
The hardware price difference between a 22kW and 28kW Generac is approximately $1,500–$2,500. Installed, a complete 22kW system (generator, automatic transfer switch, concrete pad, gas connection, electrical permit, and installation) runs approximately $9,500–$14,000 in Hudson County and surrounding NJ municipalities. A 28kW system runs approximately $12,000–$18,000 installed.
The installed cost difference — roughly $2,500–$4,000 — is modest compared to the total project cost, which is why we generally recommend that homeowners with EVs, heat pumps, or larger homes simply step up to the 28kW rather than sizing too tight and regretting it.
What the Installation Involves
Installing any whole-home standby generator in NJ requires:
- A concrete pad (we coordinate with a concrete contractor)
- A natural gas line extension from your existing service (coordinated with PSE&G or NJNG)
- An automatic transfer switch installed at your main panel
- Electrical permits from your municipality — required in every NJ town
- A final inspection by the municipal electrical inspector
From contract to final inspection, most generator installations in NJ take 4–8 weeks, with the permit process being the primary variable. We manage the full process — permits, gas coordination, concrete, installation, and inspection — so you don't have to chase multiple contractors.
Which Should You Choose?
For a typical 2,000–3,500 sq ft NJ home with natural gas heat, central A/C, and no EV: the 22kW is the right choice. It's proven, widely serviced, and more than adequate for most homes.
For a home with an EV, a heat pump, or plans to fully electrify: the 28kW is worth the additional investment. It's the only air-cooled Generac that can back up a fully electrified home without load shedding.
Not sure which size fits your home? Call us at (848) 294-1739 or request a free generator consultation. We'll do a load calculation for your specific home and give you a straight answer.