Inverter or Generator: Which Is the Best Option?

Inverter Or Generator: Which Is The Best Option?

Which is better, inverter or generator? It is a frequent question people face when thinking of investing in a power backup solution.

Electricity is a focal necessity in our lives, without which we will cease to function.  Whether it's our air conditioners, fans, television, kitchen appliances, literally everything in this day and age is run on electricity. What happens when the electric supply in your area starts fluctuating or comes to a standstill, which is a frequent occurrence in Nigeria?

You need an efficient backup source for electricity, there are two primary choices: inverter or generator. Now both have the same purpose that is to provide you with electric supply; however, both differ in terms of cost and long term benefits. 

In this blog post, we will be focusing on why Inverters are more beneficial than fuel generators in the long run.

Inverters are a Top Favorite In Nigeria

There is no doubt that Nigeria's power sector has not improved, leading the residents to rely heavily on alternate power sources.  During the past few decades generators have been the most common solution Nigerians turned to. 

Today, Nigeria is one of the largest generator markets in the world.  However, due to various reasons, inverters are becoming more popular among the general public in Nigeria.

With so much to choose from, a common man may feel lost when searching for the best backup solution for his needs.  Nowadays, inverters are a big hit in Nigeria, so without further ado, let's look at why inverters are better than generators.

Difference Between Inverter And Generator

Before we can understand why Inverters have become so popular, and which is the best option for your needs Inverter or generator we first have to examine how they are different in terms of function.

• Generator: Today Nigeria is one of the largest markets in the world for generators. The best generator in Nigeria sells millions of units every year. Gensets are popular because they are relatively easy on the pocket, and there is no hassle while setting them up. However, they come with their fair share of cons: They are incredibly noisy and cause air pollution. They run on expensive fuel, which regularly needs refilling, proving costly in the long run. 

Now let us look at why inverters are a better investment than generators.

How much will Generators Cost you In the Long Run?

Even though the Inverter Price in Nigeria is higher than that of a generator, there are additional costs associated with generators that you should keep in mind.

• The fuel required to run your generator: Estimating a rough cost at N143 per litre, many houses in Lagos end up spending around N50, 000 every month solely on fuel for their generator. This adds up to a whopping N600, 000 a year.

• Repairing costs: If you are unable to maintain your generator, a technician will have to make regular maintenance visits. These maintenance costs can add up to N10, 000 to N120, 000 per annum.

Generator or Inverter: Why Inverters are a Better Investment?

Let's look at some of the reasons why inverters are a better investment as compared to generators.

1- Difference In Cost

When you compare the cost of investing and running a generator of any size in the long run with the cost of an equal-sized inverter, the owners can save up 35-50% annually.  

Figure 1: Yearly Spending

For instance, the buying and running cost of a 1.5kVa fuel generator would estimate to N727, 000 per annum. However, for an inverter, you will pay around N340, 000 for a 2.4kva Complete Inverter System.  You could  end up saving 47%.

2- Inverter require less Maintenance

The best part about investing in an inverter is that it doesn't need expensive or regular maintenance. On the other hand, generators need routine maintenance so that they can operate effectively. Moreover, its oil needs changing after it has been used for more than 200 hours. 

3- Inverters are Silent

While the majority of generators are loud and deafening, Inverters on the other hand are relatively silent.  You won't disturb your neighbours while using an Inverter, and you can leave it on all night while you sleep in peace.

4- Inverters are Environment Friendly

Inverters are a better option than generators owing to their easy maintenance and reliability.  Generators require you to buy and store diesel/petrol, you need to be extra cautious as these fuels are extremely flammable. 

Inverters are free from the use of fuel.  Moreover, generators add up to air pollution as they emit toxic fumes. This is why inverters are environment friendly. 

5- The Difference In Size And Portability

There is a stark difference in the size of inverters and generators. Inverters are small, lightweight, and easily portable. 

On the other hand, generators are heavy and bulky. Moving them to and from requires more than one person. It is possible to move generators; however, they lack the portability feature of inverters. 

6- Inverters Change Over Automatically

Inverters switch over automatically in case there is a power outage. It works on the same principle of a UPS, and as long as the Inverter Battery is charged, it will automatically take over.  On the other hand, a generator must be turned on manually in case of a power outage. Final Thoughts

Are inverter or generators worth it? Well, you know the answer now. Whether you are going for a generator or inverter, you should do thorough research of what fits your long term budget.  Although they cost less than inverters, generators will have you paying an arm and a leg in maintenance and fuel costs. With the ever-growing power outages in Nigeria, it is best to stick to an option with minimal costs in the long run.

Appendix

Mercury World's largest selling brand of Inverters and Deep Cycle Batteries

Sumec Firman Best generator in Nigeria (Portable)