Buying a generator is in many ways similar to buying a car. Like in the case of a car, buying a diesel generator involves other things like inspection and maintenance. Again, like in the case of a car, the level of maintenance of a diesel generator depends on how it is used. There are several types of generators in the U.S depending on the fuel used. These include;
- Diesel generators
- Gasoline generators
- Natural gas generators
- Liquid propane generators
- Solar generators
How Much Power Do You Need?
To a large extent, the type and size of a generator depend on the amount of power that is needed. The most important factor before installation is the amount of power that the generator can produce. Depending on size, you can choose a permanent generator that works just like electricity when powered on. A permanent generator unit can cost as much as $15,000 in the US.
Apart from the large permanent generators, you can choose a small, less powerful, and portable generator that only powers major appliances. With a small portable unit, you can still heat food, heat water, and preserve food from spoiling. It is the level of comfort you need at your home when there is no power that will determine the size of the generator you buy, and hence the price paid for it. If you want to power your entire home and run all your electrical appliances, you may need a large standby unit of more than 20kw. On the other hand, if you are running a section or only a small unit, you may use a small portable unit.
Types of Diesel Engines
Diesel generators are the most popular types of generators for heavy-duty work. There are two types of diesel generators; two-stroke and four-stroke. Most generators operate on four strokes while the larger ones operate on two strokes. In many cases, banks of cylinders are used in multiples of two, although any number of cylinders can be used provided the load on the crankshaft is counterbalanced to prevent excessive vibration.
Generators produce power in either single or three phases. The single-phase generator is the most common in many homes while the three-phase generator is used for industrial and commercial purposes. Diesel generators are used in most areas largely due to their low operating costs and longevity.
Cost of Generator installation
The cost of installing a diesel generator in the U.S varies from one home to another depending on their power consumption and a number of other factors. In many homes in the U.S, it costs somewhere between $1,416 and $7,605 to install a generator. In some homes, it can cost as little as $400 while on the upper side, some homes can cost as much as $9,500. The average cost of installing generators in the U.S is $4,472.
There is an increase in homes that are embracing generators across the US as a way to navigate moments of power loss due to natural disasters or bad weather. During blackouts, a generator can provide heat, light, and electricity until the grid power is restored.
Prices of generators
Like hinted earlier, the price of a generator is determined by a number of factors like the type of fuel, size, and portability. Below are prices of generators in the U.S based on capacity
| kVA Range | Price Range(£) |
| 10-50 kVA | 2,600-4,700 |
| 50-100 kVA | 8,200-10,000 |
| 100-500 kVA | 11,000-21,000 |
| 500-1,000 kVA | 39,000-54,000 |
| 1,000-3,000 kVA | 98,000-112,000 |
