Generators

Generator, for the ones that have, ESSCAB-Option

  • Generator Buying Guide, Consumer Reports (CR), Jan 26, 2021 – subscription required.
    Types (power sizes and typical costs as per generators tested by CR:
    • Home Standby Generators
      • cost the most, plan with professional installation, starts automatically when power goes out and include automatic transfer switch, propane or natural gas fuel
      • 5,000 to 20,000 watts
      • $2,000 to $6,000 plus installation that can double the cost (i.e. calculate more with cost $4,000 to $12,000)
    • Portable Generators
      • typically run on gasoline, that require special handling for storage, need considered sheltering in case of rain and more severe weather
      • 3,000 to 8,500 watts
      • $400 to $2,500
    • Inverter Generators
      • much quieter than conventional counterparts because throttle up/down to match demand and include more complex engine and exhaust system, and costs more than portable generators at comparable output
      • 1,500 to 6,500 watts
      • $300 to $4,000
    • Portable Power Stations
      • does not use gas (gasoline) or propane but powered by battery that must be recharged, can include solar panel (‘Solar Generators’), relatively new to the market, extremely quite
      • 1,200 to 1,500 watts
      • $750 to $3,000
  • Fuels (more details in our Energy section)
    • Diesel
      • choice more common on bigger and more costly standby generators, think more commercial and industrial units than domestic
    • Gasoline (often used ‘Gas’ as abbreviation in the North America)
      • common for Portable- and Inverter- Generators
    • Natural gas (NG)
      • common fuel for standby generators
    • Propane (part of family of liquified petroleum gases, LPG, LP gases)
      • common alternative energy source for ‘Duel Fuel’ generators (gas/gasoline and propane)
  • Some vendors (US), for your own research and better understanding