What are Inverter Generators? Is it worth to Buy one?

Portable Generators demonstrate the best and modern ways of electricity generation through increased convenience, environmental protection, and reliable energy generation and power back up.

An inverter generator is among the best generators which you can rely upon for various uses.

You might be thinking of buying a portable generator but do not know what type would suit your pocket and your diverse needs.

In such a case, any default would cost you a lot and can cause damage to your power outlets or appliances.

Thus, if you have a slight idea or are not aware of an inverter generator, then you must read the entire article to make up your mind.

What is a Portable Inverter Generator?

Inverter generators are the pioneers of the portable class of generators and can provide power back up in any situation.

While most portable generators powered on fuel, whether it is diesel or propane, are the modified versions of bulky standby generators, which were invented for lesser power requirements, most inverter generators were the prototype of these generators, which came to be known as portable for their reduced size and mobility.

An inverter generator does not create electricity. It provides electricity through a reverse process, in which it converts DC (Direct Current) into AC (Alternating Current) when power is not accessible from the local grid.

An Inverter generator works beyond the quality of other-fuel based inverters as “fuel-efficient,” as they do not require frequent refilling of fuel tanks, due to the battery present in them, which does the primary role.

Features of an Inverter Generator

An inverter generator exhibits some characteristics which might be beneficial for you to know if you are planning to buy one.

1. An inverter generator mostly uses gas as its fuel for generating electricity, and it does not require it to be refilled repetitively, unlike other fuel-based portable generators.
2. An inverter generator has a much smaller fuel tank than other portable generators, owing to the lesser requirement of fuel for electricity generation.
3. It is mostly used for residential or recreational purposes because it is lightweight and easy to handle.
4. Inverter generators release minimal emissions in the environment, making them environmentally friendly.
5. They might not be suitable for powering heavy tools at a construction site.
6. An inverter generator is expensive than the usual portable ones, making the buyer dubious if he is concerned about spending lesser money.
7. They have shorter run-time and life-cycle than a diesel generator.
8. They are readily available online and are manufactured for almost all capacities.

Inverter Generators VS Conventional Generators

You might get confused between an ordinary portable generator and a portable inverter generator for the similarity of uses.

There can be a contrast drawn between both types of generators like given below:

1. Usual generators solely rely on fuel for power generation, whereas inverter generators use fuel as a catalyst for the same.
2. Usual generators are massive and a bit larger than inverter generators due to different machinery and parts.
3. Inverter generators release comparatively lesser emissions, making them environmentally friendly. The same cannot be said for usual generators.
4. There is a need for continuous lubrication and oil for usual generators to maintain the parts. An inverter generator does not need such thorough maintenance and care.
5. Usual generators occupy their spaces in the commercial sector, for providing power back up in open events, running a small restaurant or cafe, and for powering tools at construction or a mining site. On the other hand, an inverter generator is kept in a house to prevent the entire blackout or for recreational purposes like camping.

How an Inverter Generator Works

Now, you will get to know about some essential functions an inverter generator performs to generate electricity.

1. An inverter generator works on a reverse principle of electricity generation, i.e., it converts DC into AC and generates electricity.
2. The comparatively have lesser emissions and noise disruptions than other generators, but they need to be kept mostly in open spaces for reducing risks of harmful effects of released gases. In the case of a residential inverter generator, there is no problem of keeping it in a compact space.
3. Inverter generator comes with a built-in inverter inside it. In other words, there is a battery present inside it, which plays a crucial role in generating electricity.
4. Thus an inverter generator does not entirely depend on fuel but also on the battery present inside it, requiring lesser fuel for energy production.
5. The battery of the inverter must be replaced after a fixed period. This period depends on the capacity of the generator, but it can be a maximum of 3-4 years. Not replacing the battery reduces the power back up the timing of the battery, curtailing its efficiency.
6. An inverter generator does not need regular maintenance like oiling and lubrication. It can be cleaned on some occasions, but it would not lead to further expenses for little maintenance.
7. It reduces power fluctuations and provides a steady electrical connection.

Pros and Cons of Using an Inverter Generator

Inverter Generators are preferable for several reasons. Their features are uncompromising and reliable, but they are not perfect.

Here are some pros and cons of an inverter generator:

Pros

1. Inverter generators produce lower emissions, which makes them favorable to use at homes.
2. They have lesser noise disruptions and vibrations than other generators.
3. They can adjust their power according to the workload and do not need to be kept steady.
4. As they do not require frequent refilling of fuel, they are fuel-efficient.
5. There is no wastage of power if initially, the inverter is providing electricity to bigger appliances, and later it is powering a smaller one. It can automatically adjust its engine speed according to the requirement of the concerned appliance, which no other generator can do.
6. They are lighter and smaller than other generators, using them easy to carry anywhere.
7. Inverter Generators demand the least oil and lubrication for maintenance. Plus, when you get one, you do not need to worry about replacing gaskets or fuel lines that you might need to do in case of other generators.
8. They leave lesser residue and emissions, making them environmentally friendly.

Cons

1. They might cost more than a usual portable generator.
2. You also need to change the battery after some years; otherwise, efficiency deteriorates with time.
3. Might not be suitable for powering heavy tools or equipment.
4. You cannot rely on an inverter generator if you want power generation for events or large buildings.
5. Might not support devices with a huge capacity requirement.
6. Some inverter generators might seem overpriced to you if they are under-powered for their costs.

I’ve also compared Inverter Generator vs Other Types of Generators, Read it, it will help you to find out a suitable generator.

Conclusion

After knowing about the inverter generator, you might be able to make up your mind regarding what type of generator you can buy.

This was an article dedicated to the inverter generator, and you can buy any generator after checking your power requirements and budget.