Power outages can be very disruptive, especially for those living in places where blackouts are frequent. Those people know first-hand the benefits of having a reliable backup power system, both in their houses and their workplaces; thus, they acknowledge the importance of installing gasoline, diesel, or natural-powered generator in their homes for such cases, but with the emergence of newer models of generators, most people are confused as to which one they should purchase. In the following guide, we’ll explain the pros and cons of the most common types of generators in order to make this task easier for you.
Diesel Generators
These backup powered generators are the most common type that homeowners purchase due to their efficiency and longevity. They also come at a relatively cheap cost and, compared to other types of generators, they are considered the most efficient. That’s why experts always recommend diesel engines. In fact, Nick Coulson from Ablesales explains that one reason diesel engines last longer than petrol engines is that they are slower revving. They can also retain their highest level of performance longer than other engines, thanks to the built-in cooling system that rids the generator of excess heat instead of using coolants, temperature gauges, radiators, or water pumps. These generators are also pretty versatile, so they can provide power to your house and serve as a reliable backup power system. Plus, they are efficient enough to power heavy machinery, which makes them perfect for people who live in rural areas and require this kind of power support.
Despite being commercially available and a necessity for many people, they can make a lot of noise— even more than fuel-powered generators. However, some models are made with noise-insulating canopy. There’s also the issue of maintenance, as not all repairs and spare parts of diesel generators are cheap, but this can be avoided by conducting constant maintenance of your generator all year. The last factor that can make diesel generators undesirable is that diesel isn’t a clean source of energy, especially if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option.
Natural Gas Generators
Many people consider this type of generator to be reliable because it can provide you with an endless supply of power and electricity, as it is basically powered by natural gas, which is available at most houses. Natural gas is cheaper than other types of fossil fuel so, in addition to being the cleanest and most eco-friendly option when it comes to fossil fuel, gas-powered generators will also reduce the costs of producing power and electricity compared to other types of generators. Natural gas can be stored above or below ground, which makes these generators durable, and they can also run without making much noise. In fact, they can be the quietest type of generators on this list. However, they don’t have a shorter lifespan than diesel generators, so they’re not as reliable. In addition to this, installing and connecting the generator to gas lines can be costly, but this can be balanced out with the lower costs of power in the long run.
Solar Generators
As more gadgets, machines, and appliances are now using solar panels to generate energy, the idea was applied to generators as well. Solar generators use the cleanest and most abundant source of energy around us; the sun. Typically, they use solar panels that are exposed to sunlight, which then converts that into energy that can be stored within the battery inside the generator. Because the electricity produced by solar generators is a DC (Direct Current), these generators are designed with an inverter that can turn it into an AC (Alternating Current), as most house appliances only work with this type of electric current. Like any appliance that uses solar panels, the solar generator’s main purpose and components work to convert solar energy into electrical power and store it so it can be used whenever needed. So, this means that you’re basically using a large battery that will require time to charge, as the panels will have to be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 8 hours to be fully charged.
These generators are convenient for many people for a couple of reasons: they are eco-friendly, they are perfect for tasks that require minimum electricity, and their engines are as quiet as natural gas generators. But on the other hand, they can be inconvenient due to how long it would take to charge them. Also, they can be very expensive compared to other generators, which doesn’t make them cost-efficient as diesel generators considering how much power they can generate at a time.
Gasoline Generators
Gasoline generators are probably the most common type out there and that’s probably because gasoline is available to almost everyone and it is easy to use, unlike the costly process of installation required for natural gas generators. Gas stations are everywhere, so you can get your fuel anytime you need, and your generator will be up and running in no time. Another advantage of these generators is their compact design, which means that you will find most of their models in a portable size. This can be useful for people who need generators for multiple purposes and not just for power outages. However, the smaller the generator is, the less power it will produce, so calculating how much power your house will need in case of a power outage will determine the size of your generator. Unfortunately, these generators can produce a loud noise, are not eco-friendly, and may lose some of their effectiveness in cold temperatures.
It is safe to say that there isn’t one generator that can have the full advantage of producing sufficient power and electricity with minimal noise, while at the same time, being environmentally friendly and durable, all at a low cost. That’s why you need to determine how much electricity you need for your house, whether you’re going to use the generator for other purposes, and if you can tolerate the noise produced by most generators. If you still can’t decide which one you should buy, an expert can help you with making a clear assessment of your home’s needs and narrow down your options.