Buying a generator: Types available, difference between diesel and petrol ones, comparing them, their prices and capacity
How to choose and where to order a generator, how long it can work with its tank full
Damage to the energy infrastructure of Ukraine by missile attacks has literally raised the demand for equipment and devices that allow surviving temporary electricity outages. It is primarily about power banks, charging sets and generators.
The first two types of devices, however, do require power supply (several hours a day, at least) to accumulate a charge. Therefore, if there is a complete blackout and many cities are de-energised for several days or even weeks, power banks will be of little use. The best solution to the problem in this scenario, will be a generator able to supply electricity to an apartment or private house almost 24/7.
Mind examined what types of generators exist, how their price has changed and what aspects should be born in mind when buying this kind of equipment.
What types of generators exist?
By the type of fuel consumed, generators can be divided into four types: petrol, diesel, gas and combined (gas-petrol). The first two types are the most prevalent. There are virtually no gas and combined generators on the market. Furthermore, they are quite fastidious about the quality of their fuel and have low operational independence.
Generators can also be categorised into two groups based on the number of phases:
- single-phase generators produce voltage up to 220-230 volts, which would be enough to connect standard home appliances;
- three-phase generators are capable of generating a voltage of 220/380 volts and provide a stable current without "jumps". Such generators are used for power supplying private houses, industrial facilities.
It is also worth noting that almost all modern models of generators have a built-in Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), which protects the connected devices from voltage swings.
Reasoning from the type of fuel, the choice will obviously be between petrol and diesel generators. They have differences too. Both in terms of specifications and operating conditions
The difference between petrol and diesel generators
| Petrol Generators | Diesel Generators |
| capacity from 0.7 kW, suitable for small domestic consumers | "start" capacity from 2.8–3 kW, which may be excessive for some users |
|
affordable cost from 9,000 to 10,000 UAH (equivalent to the price of three powerful power banks) |
cost 30,000 to 35,000 UAH, and the price is on average 30–50% higher than petrol generators |
|
portability that allows you to move the generator from place to place powerful generators are cumbersome and require stationary setting |
powerful generators are cumbersome and require stationary installation |
| relatively low noise level, in the range of 65-70 dB (as in a washing machine operating in spin mode) | high noise level, reaching 95–100 dB (comparable to the sound of a working perforator) |
|
friendly to the type of fuel – can consume petrol standards A-92 and A-95 |
picky about the quality of fuel, do not "like" low temperatures (additional heating required) |
| low non-stop operation time – every 5-6 generator needs to be given a "break" | can work almost non-stop around the clock |
| short engine life – has to be serviced after 500–700 hours of operation | long engine life – does not require overhauling before up 25,000 hours of operation |
| consume a fairly large amount of petrol | consume 20–30% less fuel than petrol generators |
What kind of generator to select?
To start, you need to judge by the place of your residence, availability of suitable space for the generator and the capacity of the equipment to be plugged into it.
To begin with, a generator is not the best solution for city apartments. First, the noise from its operation will violate sanitary standards. According to the order of the Ministry of Healthcare No. 463 dated 22 February, 2019, the noise level should not exceed 55 dB in apartment houses. But even low-power petrol generators produce 65 dB and more. The way out of the situation may be to buy an inverter petrol generator; it is "silent" among its "mates" with a 50 to 55 dB noise level. The second option is to cooperate with neighbours and buy a generator jointly so that it can be used by other dwellers of the house.
Second, exhaust fumes that are not going anywhere, need to be channelled somewhere. It is hard to do this in a flat, unless you set up your generator on the balcony or loggia. Or again look for a compromise with neighbours and take the generator somewhere outside your apartment. For example, on the balcony between the floors.
In a private house, of course, installing a generator is easier. The main thing here is to mark a place for it within your plot and think over the wiring with the network of your house. Some models, by the way, have an output end for plugging in power cables. This is useful when you need to power high-power equipment, such as a hot-water heater or electric boiler.
As for the generator's output, the more devices are connected to it, the higher it should be. For example:
- 1 kW – is enough to charge mobile phones, connect a portable lamp, a laptop or a small heater;
- 2.5-3 kW – such a generator will be able to operate a microwave oven, electric heater, refrigerator and washing machine (simultaneously), or an electric kettle, boiler or vacuum cleaner (singly);
- 5-10 kW – power enough to simultaneously power almost all electronics and home appliances that are in the house.
What is going on with demand and prices?
Many Ukrainians started stocking up on generators in the spring, as soon as the hostilities started. But the main surge in demand occurred in October after the first massive strikes on power plants.
During October the demand for generators jumped 2.5 times, according to Rozetka online store. Sales of this equipment on the Prom.ua marketplace skyrocketed 5 times in October. OLX classifieds service reports that the number of search queries for generators increased 4 times on the site by the end of October, and the number of ads for sale in October increased by 8% for diesel generators and by 27% for petrol generators compared to August.
Prices for hardware are also not on a standstill. The cost of generators spiked the most at the end of October, when massive power outages began. According to the data by the Hotline aggregator, petrol generators of low power, 1 to 1.5 kW, have risen in price most of all. Their prices have increased by 30–60% in just a few days. More efficient devices, over 2.5–3 kW, have gone up by an average of 10%.
As for diesel generators, the price situation is more relaxed. Their cost increased in the summer by about 1.5 times, which was due to the devaluation of the hryvnia (recall that on 21 July, the National Bank depreciated the hryvnia against the dollar by 25%, which immediately affected the price of imported goods). As October and November rolled around, there were no particular spikes in the cost of diesel generators. This can be explained by the fact that they are generally quite expensive and not in mass demand among domestic users (especially in cities).
What generators are on sale?
With a limited budget and modest electricity needs, you should start your search with petrol generators. The most basic models are available from 10,000 UAH; these are single-phase units with a two-cycle engine of less than 1 kW capacity, able to produce 230 volts of nominal voltage and endure for about 6-7 hours on one full load of fuel (its capacity is about 4-5 litres).
If you need a generator to power large home appliances, the cost of a petrol machine will fall somewhere between 20,000 – 25,000 UAH. This is a more serious device with a single-phase four-cycle engine and up to 3 kW capacity. The fuel tank volume of such a generator is about 15 litres, which provides up to 10–12 hours of continuous operation. But this is in the case of 50% load. Running your generator at full capacity will empty its tank twice as fast.
Diesel generators of low power are very rare. You can find units with only 2.8–3 kW and more available. Moreover, their price in comparison with petrol counterparts will be 50-70% higher. That is, starting somewhere around 35,000 – 40,000 UAH, which is equivalent to $900–1000. Their average run time is 10–12 hours.
Most models of diesel generators that are on the market have a capacity of 5 to 10 kW. Such a generator can provide electricity to the whole house. The price tag, though, will be heavier, somewhere in the range of 70,000 – 120,000 UAH depending on the model. The volume of the fuel tanks in powerful generators is from 15 to 25 litres. Fuel consumption is about 1–2 litres per hour, which can give the output time for almost a day without refuelling. But again, much depends on what sort of equipment will be connected to the generator and in what mode it will run.
Powerful petrol generators with a capacity of 5-10 kW also exist. Their price is 2–2.5 times lower than similar diesel ones. But their run time is 30-50% less. Also, remember that a petrol generator needs to be given some rest time, otherwise it may become out of order. This is especially true if it has to power some energy-intensive equipment.
A petrol generator with a capacity of 5 kW will work for 7-8 hours at maximum load. A similar diesel one, 10–12 hours.
Properties and cost of certain models of generators
| Model | Type | Capacity | Running Time | Price |
| Bass Polska BP-5021 | Petrol | 1 kW | 6,5 hours | 10,000 UAH |
| Kraft Dele KD150 | Petrol | 1.5 kW | 8 hours | 17,000 UAH |
| Sigma 3,2/3,5 | Petrol | 3.5 kW | 12 hours | 25,000 UAH |
| EnerSol SKD-3B | Diesel | 3 kW | 12 hours | 38,000 UAH |
| Iron Angel EGD 5500 CLE | Diesel | 5.5 kW | 7 hours | 56,000 UAH |
| Forte FGD9000E | Diesel | 6.5 kW | 15 hours | 99,000 UAH |
Source: hotline.ua
How to economise when buying a generator?
Given the high demand and limited supply of generators in Ukraine, which have already led to overpricing by sellers, you may prefer to consider purchasing such a device outside our country.
For instance, a petrol generator from Poland or Romania with about 1 kW capacity will cost around 5,000 UAH in terms of national currency. That is twice cheaper than in Ukraine. A diesel generator with a with a capacity of 7.5 kW can be found in the neighbouring EU countries for 40,000 – 45,000 UAH. In our country, its cost will be in the range of 70,000 – 90,000 UAH at least. So even with the shipping costs (they make about $100–200 depending on the size and weight), such a purchase will pay off.
Furthermore, on 8 November, the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting decided to exempt imports of generators, batteries, heaters from import tariffs and VAT. Therefore, there are currently no additional tax payments when importing a generator purchased abroad to Ukraine. And the government will definitely not reimpose them until the end of the cold season.
If you have read this article to the end, we hope that means it was useful for you.
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