Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Sep 20, 2013 11:04 am I tried asking a similar question a few months ago - 200 views and no answers!! So I'll have another go. I need to buy a biggish generator 4,000W - 5,000W to operate tools while building but also as a backup generator and battery charger for the intended off grid solar set up when the build is finished. Can anyone tell me if I need an inverter generator or will a regular one suffice? (The inverters are a LOT more expensive!!) What are the primary benefits of an inverter generator? Cheers Re: Inverter or not?? 2Sep 20, 2013 11:33 am The inverter generators have a more pure sine wave. Basically the power is cleaner and more stable. With a generator the power is generated by a motor spinning at a fixed RPM. If that speed fluctuates the power quality also fluctuates. With a generator inverter, the first part still happens, but the power generated is DC which is fed into a Inverter which converts it to AC. The electronics in the Inverter part smoothen the power and keep it at a constant value. If you plan on using it to power computers and electronics in the long term I would be going for the Inverter Generator. If it was just for power tools or battery charging only, generator only would be fine. Re: Inverter or not?? 3Sep 20, 2013 4:57 pm A friend of mine looking to do this on a rural property pointed me to this excellent Whirlpool thread. http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2005603 Stewie Re: Inverter or not?? 4Sep 20, 2013 5:53 pm Another forum that may be useful is http://forums.energymatters.com.au/active-topics.html The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: Inverter or not?? 5Sep 21, 2013 12:31 pm Thanks Charger for your response (and others for links.) It made my decision easier - I really only need a regular generator as it will be used primarily for running power tools while building and when my solar (off grid) system is in place I believe it has its own type of inverter so the generator only needs to charge the battery bank when it is low on power. Re: Inverter or not?? 6Sep 21, 2013 12:53 pm I have two of these at work, they are both about 9 years old now and have been tough and reliable for a reasonable price. http://www.gentechgenerators.com.au/sto ... roduct=667 I'm also looking for a generator about that size for long term power backup at home. I would love one of these in the link below, but I priced them up and it was quite expensive. I can't remember exactly how much, but enough to scare me off http://www.gentechgenerators.com.au/sto ... roduct=711 The other one I am looking at is from this mob who have just popped up in Perth. Well priced, but you he what you pay for with cheap Chinese gear. Doubt it would last 7+ years. http://www.bluedm.com.au/diesel-generat ... -silenced/ The HIA contract, in the term & conditions section states that "Commencment" is deemed when the drainage is started or the piers are dug or the slab is formed up (incase… 2 6182 DIY, Home Maintenance & Repair But if it is a ground level open pit, then it is not a charged system. No surprises there. The pipes have obviously been altered and there would be a reason for this.… 3 31284 I work with owner, he/she is my man on the ground and I instruct them when to visit the site and take photos and I have other tools in the bag. 4 15284 |