In my last offgrid system I didn't use my AutoStart generator as I was lucky to be in the sunshine coast QLD. A bit of power conservation for a few days a year was all it took to get by ( A large PV array helped).
Now winter in SA is a little different . Though I will up the array size even more to compensate. looking back on our first SA winter Well not our first but i'ts been 20 years. So I forgot what they were like

) I think there will be some genset necessary in the dead of winter.
Bellow are the specs of the genset I am considering. One thing that a was really surprised by was the efficiency.
Fuel Tank Capacity :95 Litres (-/c Fuel Gauge) Running Time :47 Hours Continuous (prime load)Fuel Consumption :2 Litres/Hour (prime load)At 2lt hr producing 8kw that's 4kw /1lt of diesel or at $1.40lt that's 35c - Kwh

I wouldn't complain about that considering it's 40cents kwh from the grid. That said I'm kind of questioning the specs as it sounds a little to good to be true.
Kurt.
Prime Power :
8kW / 8kVA 240 Volts 33Amps
Standby Power :
8.8kW / 8.8kVA
Power Factor :
1
Phase Voltage :
Single Phase 240 Volt
Frequency :
50 Hertz
Engine :
OEM 3 Cylinder Diesel
RPM :
1500/min
Cooling Method :
Water Cooled - Rated For Australia's North
Alternator :
Single Phase 4 Pole Brushless Synchronous -/c AVR
Starter System :
12 volt Electric - Battery Included
Controller :
Smartgen HGM4010N
2 Wire / Remote Start Capable
Over Temperature Protection
Over Current Protection
Low Oil Protection
Safety Systems :
Battery Isolator
Emergency Stop
Failsafe Shutdown Fuel Solenoid
Noise Level :
65 dBA at 7 metres
Fuel Tank Capacity :
95 Litres (-/c Fuel Gauge)
Running Time :
47 Hours Continuous (prime load)
Fuel Consumption :
2 Litres/Hour (prime load)
Chassis Enclosure :
Lockable
Sound Deadening Throughout
Weather Resistant Powder Coating
Stainless Steel Fittings
External Use
Mine Site Ready Bunding :
No
ATS (Mains Failure) :
Easy Connect Plug (ATS Box Optional)
Single Phase Outlets :
2 x 15 Amp IP66
1 x 32 Amp IP66
Three Phase Outlets :
No
Hardwire Terminals :
No (Use 32 amp Global Socket)
RCD :
Australian Standard (IP67 Enclosed)
Options :
Automatic Start Systems
GSM
Timer
Synchronisation
Wireless Remote
Solar System Compatible (Majority)
ATS (Mains Failure Detection / Auto Transfer Switch)
Minespec Padlockable Battery Isolator
Weight :
570 kg
Dimensions :
153 L x 78 W x 108 H cm