Generators

Hand sketched generator image of 350x350 size

Hand sketched generator image of 350x350 size Are you tired of loadshedding and power breakdowns and want to buy a backup generator? Are you confused how to choose the best generators for you?

Or maybe you have decided to go completely off-grid and use a petrol, gas or diesel generator for your electricity needs?

Well, in that case I would first recommend that you go for a solar system instead for your backup or off-grid needs if you are in a relatively sunny place.

However, if you are still interested in buying a diesel generator, here are some things to consider to help you buy the best generator for your needs:

It is important to size your generator correctly for your needs. Running a generator at 25% load uses a lot more fuel per kWh of electricity produced than running it at 75% load.

A good way to size your generator needs is to first make a list of all electricity consuming equipment in your home or office. Sum all of it up, and then assume your running load will be about 30-35% of the total. No one runs 100% of their equipment at the same time, and in most cases just 25-35% of the equipment is on at any point in time.

So size your generator to be a little larger than your running load. If you have a lot of motors, and hence power surges, you can buy a generator that is maximum double of your running load.
Hence, if your total installed equipment is 10kW, your running road will probably be 3kW or less. Including power surges, a generator of 5 or 6 kW will be more than enough for your needs.

Now notice the difference in fuel consumption and energy efficiency of your generator if you buy a 10kW petrol generator vs a 6kW one. A 6KW generator will run at 50% loading with your 3kW running load. The generator efficiency could be 1.3 kWh/liter in this case. But with a 10kW generator, which means a 30% loading with 3kW running load, the efficiency may just be 0.9 kWh/liter.

So not only did you pay more money to buy a 10kW generator, you will also pay more money for fuel and running costs every month. That is why it is so important to size equipment according to your actual needs, so you can minimize lifecycle costs. In the end, the lifecycle costs of your 10kW generator may be almost double of your 6kW generator, while still providing the same service, i.e giving you the 3kW running load you need for your home or office.

In general, as the generator size increases, the efficiencies also tend to increase. This is because more volume supports a continuous combustion.

However, fuel consumption efficiencies vary greatly between the different generator brands. A 6kVA petrol generator may give you 2.5 kWh per liter of fuel for one brand, and only 1 kWh per litre for another brand at rated load.

Compare Honda, Yamaha, Hyundai, Firman, Homage, Elemax, Angel Power and other backup generator brands in the table below to find the most fuel efficient generator for your needs. We have shown all brands and models that are available in Pakistan and compared them by lifecycle costs, fuel consumption and fuel bills. Check back regularly as we add more brands and models to the table.  Find the best energy saving generator brand for your needs.


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