There are several types of electric generators, each designed for specific applications and electrical needs. The main types include:
- Portable Generators: These are small, mobile units typically powered by gasoline or diesel and used for temporary power in homes, outdoor events, or construction sites.
- Backup generators: These are permanently installed outside homes or businesses and automatically provide electricity in the event of an outage.
They are generally powered by natural gas or propane.
- Inverter generators: These are advanced generators that produce alternating current and convert it to direct current before converting it back to clean alternating current, making them suitable for sensitive electronic devices.
- Industrial Generators: These are large, powerful generators designed for commercial and industrial applications, often capable of operating for extended periods of time.
- Solar generators: These use solar panels to capture sunlight and convert it into electrical energy, stored in batteries for later use.
- Wind generators: They use wind turbines to convert wind energy into electrical energy, suitable for areas with constant wind resources.
The difference between a generator and a genset lies in their composition and functionality.
A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, usually using an internal combustion engine as the power source. It mainly consists of a rotor and a stator, where mechanical energy is converted into electricity. A genset, short for genset, includes the generator and an engine as well as additional components such as a fuel tank, control systems and an enclosure.
The generator set is a complete power generation unit that can operate independently, providing a plug-and-play solution for power generation.
The generator you need for a home depends on your specific energy needs and preferences. For essential power in the event of an outage, a portable generator with a capacity of 5,000 to 7,500 watts is usually sufficient. This size can power essential appliances like refrigerators, lights, and a few smaller appliances. For a whole-home backup solution, a backup generator with a capacity of 10,000 to 20,000 watts or more is ideal.
These generators turn on automatically during a power outage and can run most, if not all, household appliances, depending on their capacity.
The best generator depends on intended use, power needs and budget. For home backup power, backup generators from reputable brands like Generac, Kohler, and Cummins are highly regarded for their reliability and performance. For portable generators, brands like Honda and Yamaha are known for their energy efficiency and quiet operation. Inverter generators are best for sensitive electronics, with Honda and Yamaha offering high-end models.
Solar generators, suitable for eco-friendly and renewable energy solutions, are available from brands like Goal Zero and Jackery, which offer versatile options for both home and outdoor use.
An inverter generator is a type of generator that produces alternating current but uses advanced electronics to convert it to direct current and then convert it back to clean alternating current. This process achieves stable and consistent power output, safe for sensitive electronic devices such as computers, smartphones and televisions.
Inverter generators are generally quieter, more fuel efficient and produce fewer emissions than conventional generators. They are ideal for camping, tailgating and home use where quiet operation and clean power are required.