Like most people, the first time you type “What size generator do I need?” into Google, you expect a simple answer. Instead, you get hit with wattages, start‑up loads, battery capacities, and a sea of opinions. It doesn't help that petrol generators, battery power stations, and inverter units are all mixed into the same search results.

So, after spending far too long comparing everything under the sun, you realise something important:

Choosing a generator isn’t actually about watts — it’s about what you need it to do.

Once you approach it from that angle, things click into place. Especially when you stumble across the NightSearcher GenZero range. Unlike fuel generators, these units are quiet, clean, maintenance‑free, and safe to use indoors — which immediately simplifies the decision.

This guide is everything I wish I’d had when I first asked the question. Whether you're a tradesperson, construction manager, event organiser, tool hire company, or an industrial user needing serious power, here’s how to choose the right GenZero model.

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Step 1: Understand What “Size” Really Means

When sizing any generator (battery or fuel), the important factors are:

✔ Running Watts

The continuous power the unit can supply.

✔ Peak / Surge Watts

The short burst needed when tools or appliances start up.

✔ Capacity (Wh or kWh)

How long the generator can power your equipment before needing a recharge.

✔ Your Combined Load

Think of what you run at the same time — not just what you own.

Once you match your devices or tools to these numbers, choosing a GenZero model becomes surprisingly simple.

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The GenZero Range — From Compact Power to Industrial Energy

Below is a breakdown of each model and who it’s best suited for.

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🔋 GenZero 300

Best for: Mobile workers, surveyors, facilities teams, light outdoor users
Link: https://nightsearcher.co.uk/products/genzero-300-230wh-rechargeable-portable-power-station

The smallest and most affordable model — great for powering and charging everyday electronics on the move.

Ideal for:

• Survey equipment
• Laptops, mobiles, tablets
• LED work lights
• Inspectors, engineers, assessors
• Camping and leisure

If you only need low‑wattage power without carrying a bulky unit, this is the one.

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🔋 GenZero 500

Best for: Trade vans, onsite professionals, mobile workshops, campers, outdoorsy people
Link: https://nightsearcher.co.uk/products/genzero-500

A step up from the 300, offering more outlets, more runtime, and the ability to run small tools.

Great for:

• Small rotary tools
• Low-wattage pumps and fans
• Work lights
• Charging multiple devices at once
• Electric camping appliances

If you want a dependable “everyday power bank” for unpredictable site visits and minor tool use, the 500 hits the sweet spot.

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⚡ GenZero 200

Best for: Construction trades, tool hire, maintenance teams, professional site work, dog groomers, hair dressers, barbers 
Link: https://nightsearcher.co.uk/products/genzero-2000

This is where GenZero becomes a serious alternative to petrol generators. It provides the stability and output required for real tools while remaining silent and emissions‑free.

Perfect for:

• SDS drills
• Jigsaws, circular saws
• Worksite lighting
• Property refits with no mains power
• Indoor renovation or enclosed-space work
• Electric clippers and shavers

If you regularly run power tools and want something cleaner and safer than a fuel generator, this is the recommended starting point.

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⚡ GenZero 2400W / 2048Wh

Best for: Events, film crews, site lighting, multiple-tool operation
Link: https://nightsearcher.co.uk/products/genzero-2400w-2048wh-rechargeable-portable-power-station

With extended capacity and more output headroom, this model is ideal for teams who need long runtimes or a combination of devices.

Ideal for:

• Events & hospitality (PA systems, catering appliances within limits)
• Film and photography lighting
• Outdoor corporate events
• Running multiple tools simultaneously
• Long-duration job sites

If uptime and reliability are your priorities, this is the safest choice.

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🛠️ Professional & Industrial GenZero Models

For heavy-duty or business-critical applications, NightSearcher’s Professional Portable Power Stations deliver significantly more output.

Collection:
https://nightsearcher.co.uk/collections/professional-portable-power-stations

These units bridge the gap between portable power and true on-site energy.

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🔷 GenZero Cobalt 3600 (3600W / 7200W peak)

Best for: Construction sites, commercial operations, industrial tools
Link: https://nightsearcher.co.uk/products/genzero-cobalt-3600

This model is built for demanding tools that need consistent, clean power.

Suitable for:

• High-draw power tools
• Site lighting towers
• Industrial fans or pumps
• Multiple workers operating from a single unit

If you run heavier equipment but still need mobility, the 3600W Cobalt is the go-to.

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🔷 GenZero Onyx 3600 (3600W / 18,000W peak)

Best for: Tools with extremely high start-up currents
Link: https://nightsearcher.co.uk/products/genzero-onyx-3600-3600w-18000w-peak-industrial-portable-power-station

This is designed for equipment with aggressive inrush currents — the kinds of tools that would normally trip smaller generators.

Ideal for industries such as:

• Construction
• Fabrication
• Heavy mechanical work
• Specialist tool hire fleets

If your tools frequently “kick” on start-up, this is the safest buffer.

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💥 GenZero Cobalt 12,000 (12,000W / 24,000W peak)

Best for: Industrial operations, full-site backup, high-load equipment
Link: https://nightsearcher.co.uk/products/genzero-cobalt-12000-12000w-24000w-peak-industrial-portable-power-station

This is a true industrial portable power station capable of running large tools, multi‑team workstations, and critical equipment reliably.

Used by:

• Large construction sites
• Civil engineering firms
• Events & production requiring high wattage
• Business continuity & backup power
• Disaster response and field operations

If you need a fully portable alternative to a towable generator, this is the flagship.

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How to Choose: Industry-Based Summary

Construction

→ GenZero 2000, 2400W, Cobalt 3600, Onyx 3600, Cobalt 12000
(Based on tool size and simultaneous usage)

Tool Hire Companies

→ 2000 (general hire), 2400W (premium hire), Cobalt/Onyx 3600 (heavy-duty), 12000 (industrial fleets)

Events & Production

→ 2400W, Cobalt 3600, Cobalt 12000
(Silent power + long runtime)

Film, Media & Photography

→ 500, 2000, 2400W
(Noise-free lighting power)

Outdoor Trades / Surveying / Civil

→ 300, 500, 2000
(Mobile, reliable, maintenance-free)

Industrial Users

→ Onyx 3600 or Cobalt 12000
(Where output stability and peak tolerance matter)

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Final Thoughts: So, What Size Generator Do You Need?

It all comes down to your workload:

• Charging & light electronics → GenZero 300 or 500
• Tools & site work → GenZero 2000
• Long runtimes / event setups → GenZero 2400W
• Commercial & industrial tools → Cobalt 3600 or Onyx 3600
• Full site or heavy plant power → Cobalt 12000

If you think of “size” as use case rather than wattage, choosing becomes easy — and the GenZero range covers everything from pocket-sized power to industrial-grade performance.