Although the situation in Ukraine's energy system currently remains relatively stable, many Ukrainians continue to prepare for possible power outages and are considering purchasing backup power sources. UNN reports how much generators cost today, what determines their price, and what alternatives can be chosen for a home or apartment.
What determines the price of a generator
The cost of a generator is formed based on a number of factors related to the technical characteristics of a specific model and its functionality. In particular, the power of the unit - the higher the power, the more expensive the device. Generators with a power of 1-2 kW, designed for small facilities and apartments (if appropriate conditions exist) with a minimal amount of electronics. They will be significantly cheaper than models with 5-10 kW, which are capable of fully powering a country house, office, or small production facility.
Also, a key factor is the cost of components - generators from well-known brands are distinguished by higher quality materials than those from lesser-known ones. For example, copper or aluminum winding is used during manufacturing. It is worth consulting with a specialist about the quality of components in a specific generator model or independently studying the specifications on the manufacturer's website.
The cost of a generator also directly depends on the type of engine - inverter generators create a stable sinusoidal voltage, which allows them to be used for connecting sensitive equipment. They guarantee long-term safe operation of computers, medical devices, and household appliances with digital control.
In addition, the price is influenced by the functionality and the volume of the fuel tank.
When trying to choose a good generator, it is important to consider that a high price may be justified by additional advantages: reliability, efficiency, expanded configuration and functionality, as well as ease of operation.
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How to choose a generator for home
For ordinary household appliances, a generator with a power of 3 kW may be sufficient. With it, you can use lighting and essential appliances, for example, a refrigerator. However, you will have to give up using a hair dryer, iron, or washing machine simultaneously. Such a generator is best suited as an auxiliary power source.
A properly selected generator can provide electricity to a house, cottage, office, or retail space. If it will be used in a house with a small number of household appliances, a gasoline generator with a power of up to 3 kW will suffice. For powering a cottage, it is better to take a gasoline model with a power of up to 5 kW. For a small store or construction site, a gasoline or diesel unit with a power of up to 7-8 kW is suitable. For large construction or production, a diesel generator with a power of 10 kW and above will be needed.
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How much do gasoline and diesel generators cost
The cost of gasoline generators with a power from 2.8 kW to 3 kW currently ranges from 8 thousand hryvnias to 36 thousand hryvnias. As already noted, the price depends on the manufacturer, fuel tank volume, etc.
Prices for a diesel generator start from 9 thousand hryvnias and can reach 40 thousand hryvnias.
The cost of a gasoline generator with a power of up to 5 kW starts from 10 thousand hryvnias and can reach 150 thousand hryvnias.
For a diesel generator with the same power, the price starts from 30 thousand hryvnias and can also reach 150 thousand hryvnias.
More powerful generators (10 kW and above) already have a much higher starting price - from 45 thousand hryvnias.
Alternative power sources: what can be chosen instead of a generator
It should be noted that, according to the requirements of fire safety rules and to prevent people from being poisoned by fuel combustion products from the generator, generators are strictly prohibited from being installed inside residential premises, for example, in apartments, houses, as well as in basements, garages, entrances, and attics. Also, household generators cannot be placed in enclosed production facilities.
Therefore, for apartments, it is necessary to use alternative power sources. The simplest and cheapest source of autonomous power will be an inverter. An inverter is a device that converts direct current from a battery (usually 12 volts) into alternating current, which we get from an outlet, i.e., 220 volts. Without a battery, the inverter will not work. And the battery itself needs to be periodically charged, so a charger is also needed.
Prices for inverters range from 2 thousand hryvnias to 50 thousand hryvnias.
Also, portable EcoFlow stations are perfect for an apartment. This is a mobile charging device that works on a similar principle to a power bank. The power station differs from it only in power and size.
Currently, portable stations have many options - from charging a laptop to powering an entire apartment.
When choosing a charging station, you should pay attention to the battery capacity, its charging speed, dimensions, and the possibility of connecting solar panels for additional autonomy.
So, for example, stations with a power of up to 300 W, which are suitable for charging gadgets and laptops, will cost up to 25 thousand hryvnias.
For example, for the correct operation of a refrigerator, a charging station with a nominal power of at least 500 W is needed. The cost of such a station already starts from 30 thousand hryvnias.
The cost of a station for powering an entire apartment will already be up to 200 thousand hryvnias.