Outages are some of the very events that we loathe, yet many of us still experience them at times, even when we live right in the center of the city. Yes, if you think outages only happen to people living on the outskirts of the city, you are mistaken. Apartment dwellers have their electrical supply cut up too!
So, what can we do if we live in an apartment and need a power backup source? The most logical and practical answer would be to have a generator. Without a doubt, there are pluses and minuses of having and operating a generator in an apartment. To start, gas-powered generators create harmful gas, which makes them unsuitable for indoor use.
Is there a better alternative than using gasoline generators for apartment dwellers? Read on to find out the answer to this question!
Types of Generators for Apartments
Now that you know that gasoline-powered generators are not suitable for apartment uses, what are the kinds of generators more appropriate for your circumstances?
Solar Generators
Solar-powered ones are probably the most common option in this category. Some popular models are Growatt INFINITY 1300 and Growatt INFINITY 1500. Two things that make them favored by apartment residents are their silence and eco-friendliness. And, because they get their energy reserve from solar panels, they are especially favored by those wanting to get clean energy.
Battery-Powered Generators
This one is essentially a solar-powered generator but without the solar panels and inverter. With that said, it still provides us with the portability, silence, and long runtime of a solar generator. However, it doesn’t have that self-charging capability. If you have a power bank at home, you can see it as a bigger version of it.
Propane Generators
Some apartment owners also use propane-powered generators during outages. They use liquified gas as their source of energy, making them a powerful and fuel-efficient option. However, since they create ammonia as well as other harmful gases during the electricity production process, they must be operated outside.
Can You Use a Generator in an Apartment?
When it comes to using a generator IN an apartment, which of the three categories above is suitable? If you guessed solar generators are the best device to use, then you are right! They are not only pollution-free but also easy to move around and make minimal noise.
So the answer to the question is: you cannot use a generator in an apartment unless you are using a solar generator.
Remember: Never use fuel generators indoors at any time, as the exhaust gases they produce can affect life safety.
Important Features to Consider
You have now learned that a solar-powered generator is the best one to use in an apartment, mainly due to its zero pollution, quietness, and ability to provide clean power, but what’s next? Below, you will learn about some of the factors to consider when choosing one.
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Output Capacity
If you don’t know how much output capacity you need, it is basically impossible for you to choose the ideal solar generator for your needs. Even though you can always go for the biggest one to be safe, they generally come in a bigger size and are costlier as well, which would be a waste if you don’t use their output capacity optimally.
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Runtime
Next, you should also take into account the runtime of your generator. Although figuring it out can be somewhat complicated since you need to factor in several things like charging rate, battery capacity, and device load, the basic rule of thumb is the fewer the number of connected devices, the longer runtime you will get.
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Noise Level
Noise level is also an essential factor to consider when choosing a generator. But, since we are talking about solar-powered ones here, it should not be an issue. They do not make any noise at all when they run. Thus, if you hear any kind of machine noise, then it must be coming from other devices in your apartment.
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Portability
Gone are the days of bulky commercial generators. Today, we already have a lot of portable options for generators. Without a doubt, the more portable a generator is, the more suitable it is to use in an apartment, especially one with smaller spaces. Also, when it comes to design, generators with detachable panels are often more portable.
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Budget
Ultimately, it all comes down to your budget. If you have an unlimited one, that’s good news! But, if you don’t have it, don’t be sad because there are now a lot of affordable quality options available. Do you remember the Growatt products we mentioned earlier? They easily give you the best bang for the buck than their competitors.
Sizing Your Generator Properly
There is basically no one-size-fits-all when it comes to solar-powered generators. Every person’s and home’s needs are different. Calculating how much wattage you need to run your devices can be a great place to start. If all you need to do is charge your smartphones and other small appliances, a 500W generator with a 100W solar panel should be more than enough.
However, aside from the wattage of your load, you should also figure out the starting wattage. Some bigger appliances, such as refrigerators, usually require a higher wattage rate to start. This is also an important thing that you should pay careful attention to. Otherwise, your appliance will not be able to run properly. Check this guide from Growatt for more details.
Related reading: 3 Best Solar Generators For Apartments
Safe Generator Use in Apartments
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Checking Local Regulations
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Proper Ventilation
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Fire Safety
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Carbon Monoxide Alarms
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Placement Tips
Because the use of generators is directly connected to the electrical system in your apartment, it is best that you pay attention to some of the things below. The first advice we want to give you is you should know about the rules and regulations that apply in your area and building.
The use of solar and battery-powered generators generally does not need any kind of license. However, it might not apply to other generator types. One of the reasons for this is that they make noise and air pollution, which is why some property managers deny them.
Next, don’t forget to make sure that you have decent ventilation at home. Even if you use a solar generator, you should still make sure about it because the HVAC system in your apartment dies during an outage, and it may cause a lack of ventilation.
If you want to be extra sure about your safety, then it is wise to have fire extinguishers and CO alarms at home. The risks that come with fire and CO are really no joke, so it is always to be as prepared as you can.
You should also, however, pay attention to the placement of your generator. Placing fossil-powered generators outside is mandatory. It is simply not a thing you can compromise with. Meanwhile, you should place a solar generator in a safe corner of your room.
Conclusion
Are you planning to get a generator for your apartment anytime soon? You can always refer to the guide above when choosing which model and what size to use. Remember, gas-powered generators should never be used indoors, so avoid buying one if you don’t have a balcony. On top of that, choose a portable model with great battery capacity, output supply, and low noise level, just like the solar generators mentioned previously!
