What Size Propane (LP) Tank Do I Need To Fuel My Generator?

What Size Propane (LP) Tank Do I Need To Fuel My Generator? Well that depends. How large a generator are you using? How much time do you want the capability of running your generator. Time to compare apples and oranges.

Let’s begin with the 50 amp sized units. These generators can supply 12,000 running watts and sometimes even more. These generators come equipped with 2 cylinder engines. That means a 50 amp generator will burn more fuel than a 30 amp generator which has an engine with only 1 cylinder. Therefore we must rationally expect the 50 amp units to require a larger fuel source than the 30 amp generators. Typically a 50 amp generator burns at least one gallon of LP per hour, while a 30 amp generator will consume about a half a gallon of LP per hour. These numbers are just estimates and each generator must be estimated for it’s individual fuel consumption. But just for shits and giggles let’s give it a shot.

Let’s continue with the time factor. If you intend to power your house during an extended power outage, you will need a fairly large tank. Lets say 7 days 24 hours a day. Well that is either 7 x 24 x 1 = 168 gallons of LP for a 50 amp generator. Or it is 7 x 24 x 0.5 = 84 gallons of LP. That would imply you would need either a 200 gallon tank (or 2 of the 100 gallons, etc.) for a 50 amp generator. With regards to a 30 amp generator you would need a 100 gallon tank. Do you see how this works?

In the case of frequent outages that less just a few hours at a time, you might be able to get away with using 20# tanks. I actually prefer using 20# tanks over the 30# or larger because of my bad back! I like to pair together 2 of the 20# tanks with a dual tank lp kit because it lasts as long as a 40# tank.

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