Can You Use a Generator in an Apartment? What Your Need to Know
Power or electricity is sort of a backbone of our daily lives, as it is required to run home appliances we use in routine, such as ceiling fans, light bulbs, televisions, juicers, blenders, and the list goes on.
If you live in an apartment, you must have faced power outages due to a range of reasons, such as utility maintenance, old infrastructure, and bad weather conditions. To deal with these things and to keep your essential appliances running during outages, you should have a reliable backup power solution. This is where an indoor generator plays its part.
Are you wondering whether or not you should use a generator for an apartment? Concerned about its safety? This article presents everything, from discussing the reason behind choosing an indoor generator for an apartment to the factors you should consider when buying your generator and much more.
Why consider a generator for your apartment?
A significant increase has been observed in the number of power outages around the world in the last decade. With the increasing population and rising demands for a seamless electric power supply, national grids have now become more vulnerable. Looking at this trend, there is an urgent need for upgrading electric grid systems to meet the current power demands.
Outages are prevailing for several reasons, such as extreme weather conditions, outdated infrastructure, and rapid urbanization, as stated earlier. Living in such circumstances without a power supply is next to impossible these days, especially for those who live in condos and apartments.
Do you live in an apartment? Want to eliminate the absence of electricity every now and then? Ensure to install an indoor generator to power essential appliances at any time you need. Selecting the right size indoor power generator for an apartment can help you swim your worries away.
Factors to consider when buying an indoor generator for an apartment
Before you purchase a generator for an apartment, make sure you have the factors listed below in mind. Let's look at how each factor plays its role.
1. Limitless power source
A solar generator for an apartment can provide you with unlimited amount of power at night or during outages. Solar generators capture limitless DC energy from sun using solar panels and store it into batteries. It is then converted into AC power to run home and commercial appliances when there is no grid supply or during outages.
2. Noise level
Always prefer to choose a quiet indoor generator to avoid listening to unwanted noises. Gas-powered generators produce a lot of noise when delivering backup power. Therefore, they are not suitable for installation in homes where we always look for peace all the time. This is why a solar generator is considered an ideal choice to use in an indoor environment, as it neither produces noise nor emits harmful gasses.
3. Size and portability
When buying an indoor generator, don't forget to consider its size and portability. The more compact a generator is, the better it will fit in small places. The lightweight structure of solar generators enhances their portability. You can move and transport them easily as and when needed.
4. Wattage requirements
When selecting a generator, you should know how many appliances you want to run with it. It will help you determine the right size. For example, if you want to power mini-fridges, WiFi routers, mobile devices, laptops, and other small appliances, you will have to calculate their running and starting watts to estimate the total power required.
Once you calculate the total power you need to run appliances, choose a generator that can at least provide power equal to the total power needed.
5. Safety
Always select an indoor generator with intelligent safety features, like fire safety, ground fault protection, anti-reverse current protection, and more. The more safe generator you install, the more tension free you will be.
How to safely use a generator for apartment?
A solar generator for an apartment provides you with a consistent, affordable, and environmentally friendly backup power supply. You should keep a few things in mind to safely use a solar-powered generator for your apartment. Let's look at them one by one.
- Select the right generator: Never choose or buy a solar generator until you know your power requirements. To determine the right size, check the power consumption of all appliances you want to run during outages. Then, calculate the total power. It will help you choose the right size generator to fulfill your energy requirements.
- Choose the correct position for panels: Make sure your solar cells are exposed to direct sunlight for maximum time throughout the day. You can place them on a window sill or balcony. Don't forget to ensure that PV panels are attached with a solid structure.
- Connect the solar generator: Use a transfer switch to connect your home appliances to the solar generator. It is good for protecting the utility grid as well as your solar power system.
- Charge the generator: Before you power home appliances with the generator, don't forget to ensure that it is fully charged. The charging time of a generator depends on multiple factors, like the amount of sunlight it receives and its size. Usually, it takes several hours (to even the complete day) to charge fully.
- Power essential appliances: Run only essential appliances during outages like mobile chargers, laptop chargers, fridges, and light bulbs. It is better not to use energy-hungry appliances, such as electric heaters and air conditioners.
When using a generator in your apartment, you should focus on some safety considerations. Always place the generator in a dry place and keep it away from too hot or too cold environments. Similarly, allow the generator to cool before you charge it. Don't disassemble the unit by yourself, instead ask for the assistance from professionals. Perform regular maintenance to make sure the generator works well all the time.
How much does a generator for an apartment cost?
The cost of the generator depends on the type of fuel it needs and the size of your apartment. Let's look at both one by one.
The cost of the generator by size
The area a generator covers can help us determine the cost. Different apartment sizes and generators' cost is listed below.
- A 2-5kW solar generator is enough to power small apartments. It costs between $300 and $1,500.
- With a 13-16kW generator, you can easily power apartments of up to 1,500 square feet. This size generator costs between $3,500 and $4,800.
- To run a big apartment with an area between 3,000 square feet and 5,000 square feet, you will need a solar generator with a capacity of 22-25kW. It will cost somewhere between $4,500 and $12,500.
The cost of the generator by fuel type
Different types of fuels run different generators. The cost of fuel may vary every month. In general, gas-powered generators are relatively cheaper. Let's look at the prices of generators powered by different fuel types.
- A gasoline generator costs between $500 and $3,200.
- The cost of a natural gas generator is between $2,200 and $25,000.
- The price of solar generators is between $2,000 and $25,000.
Though solar generators need a one-time higher investment, they have proven to be highly efficient and dependable backup power sources in the long run. Moreover, solar generators provide you with free unlimited energy captured directly from sunlight.
Best indoor generators for apartments
Are you looking for efficient indoor generators to run your apartment's appliances during outages or at night? Try any of the three options listed below.
1. Renogy Elite Portable Solar Generator
This portable solar generator is designed explicitly for off-grid uses. It comes with two 10-watt monocrystalline PV panels to fulfill your small power needs. The DC input port of this generator helps it take additional power of up to 100W. You can charge this generator in four different ways, i.e., with solar panels, an AC adapter, a CIG port, and a USB-C wall charger.
2. Package Bag for Renogy Portable Power Station 200
This portable power station, with detachable straps, makes it super easy for you carry the whole setup. You can place this power bag anywhere, including places where there is a risk of water splash, dirt, or dust.
3. Renogy 400W Lightweight Portable Solar Suitcase
It has a lightweight, compact, and foldable structure. ETFE coating and IP67 protection allow you to enhance the durability of this portable solar panel. Renogy offers a 5-year warranty on workmanship and materials. It is durable enough to perform seamlessly in the outdoor environment.
Conclusion
You should be familiar with your power consumption requirements before you choose a generator for apartment. When selecting the right generator, you should consider its portability, size, safety, and noise level.
Indoor generators should operate silently. Similarly, they must be safe enough to use in apartments and offices. To determine your power needs, check the power consumed by all the appliances you want to run with the generator. Once you get the figure for overall power, you can choose a generator accordingly.
Trusting a reputed brand is a good idea for buying a cost-effective and high-quality generator that perfectly matches your requirements. The discussion above has presented the three best solar generators for apartments you can count on.
Frequently asked questions
What size generator do I need for an apartment?
It all depends on the size of your apartment and your energy needs. A 2-5kW generator is enough to run appliances in a small apartment. In comparison, a 3,000-5,000W generator can run basic appliances in a medium-sized apartment.
Can a generator be used in an apartment?
Yes, you can install and use a generator to run your apartment's appliances. Remember to choose the right size generator for maximized performance.
Which generator is best for an apartment?
Portable solar generators are perfect for running home appliances during outages. They are very easy to move and transport. In addition, a solar generator features a silent operation and does not emit toxic gasses. Usually, solar generators are compact and fit in all small places.
