Generators have evolved from being a convenient alternative to have for an occasional power outage to becoming a necessary form of backup power, especially considering the frequent rolling blackouts that South Africa experiences, with more people requiring backup power. A generator can be a lifesaver and it is the first line of defence against the inconvenience and damages to equipment and appliances. However, there is a wide range of generators for sale in South Africa to choose from, and it is not a one-size-fits-all situation. What should be considered when choosing?
Consider the Size
One of the most common mistakes that many people make, is buying a generator that is either too small or too large. The generator size will impact the price and for those who want to meet their power requirements while sticking to their budget, this is an important step. Not only can it be less cost-effective to choose the wrong size generator, but it can also lead to overloading, which can lead to safety hazards and increased costs for generator repairs. It will also lead to unexpected costs when the generator wears out faster than its expected life cycle. It is important to understand what your individual and unique power needs are so that you can pair those with the right size generator. Â
Consider the Situation
Finding the best generator will depend on your unique needs and situation and the best standby generator for the home is different from the best generator for running an off-grid home. Not all generators were made to withstand the heavy use of an off-grid home, for instance. If you are looking for a generator to use during load-shedding or extended durations when there is a power outage, make sure that you choose a generator made for that purpose. These generators are only intended for use during emergencies where they run for a short duration, for instance, two to four hours maximum. If you need a generator for longer than this time, you will need to consider a more robust generator made for longer running times. Â
Calculate energy usage
You need to know what your household’s average power usage is to choose the right portable generator for the home. You can do this by checking the manufacturer’s ratings on your kitchen appliances, air conditioner, power tools, and any other equipment that you need to power and then add them. Â
Consider the Noise Levels
Some generators, such as diesel generators, are cost-effective but they are inherently noisy and may not be acceptable in many residential areas, such as a security complex. For this reason, you will need to consider a portable generator with lower rotations per minute (RPM) to ensure that your power needs are met without sacrificing your neighbours’ ears. Â
Choose the right Fuel Type
Different generators use different fuel types, with different fuel tank sizes, and there are many to choose from between petrol, diesel, solar, natural gas, and inverter generators, with many designed to run on more than one fuel source. Fuel efficiency is an important consideration because it will affect the overall cost of the backup power source. Diesel and petrol standby generators are two of the most common types used today, and they are by far the cheapest options, especially for emergency and standby usage.
