Whether you live in an apartment or condo, power outages will eventually catch up with you. And it is for this reason you need a power backup. Generators are among the most popular options. But with varying condo rules and local laws, you may or may not run a generator in a condo.
Can You Run a Generator in a Condo?
Well, this depends on the condo rules and local laws.
Condo Rules
Many condos have regulations that prohibit the use of generators in a bid to protect the safety of all residents. Besides, generators can produce carbon monoxide fumes, are noisy, and are a fire hazard. Some may allow the use of solar-powered generators that are quieter and safer.
Local Laws
Some local laws may prohibit or allow the use of generators. For example, California and Florida have strict fire safety regulations that prohibit the use of generators within 10 feet of any building.
Generator Type Comparison
So, if your local or condo laws allow you to run a generator, you can choose from the following:
Home standby generator
Also referred to as a whole house generator, it can keep all your appliances running, small and large appliances alike. One chief benefit of opting for a home standby generator is that most utility companies sell it as a whole package.
Besides, some also have a backup power source such as gasoline or solar. Modern models come with smart control features allowing for remote monitoring. The downside, they fetch a higher price compared to other options.
Pros
- Powers an entire house
- Durable and reliable
- Compatible with existing power systems
- Turns on automatically
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires regular maintenance
- Takes up a lot of space
- Noisy
Solar generator
If you want a clean and sustainable energy source, consider opting for a solar generator. And since the conversion of sunlight to electricity does not emit greenhouse gases, it is an ideal option for running indoors.
While they have low maintenance costs, they are expensive compared to diesel and other types of generators. As you’d expect, they have a lower power out. And they are not reliable at night and in areas with little sunlight.
Pros
- Clean energy source
- Ideal for indoor settings
- Low maintenance
- Easy to use
Cons
- Expensive
- Low power output
- Require a backup
Diesel generator
As the name suggests, they run on diesel. What makes them stand out is their ability to run in harsh weather conditions. They are also more durable and reliable than other models since there’s less strain on the moving parts.
They are also fuel-efficient compared to gasoline options. That said, they are bulky, noisy, and emit harmful gases.
Pros
- Can withstand harsh weather conditions
- More fuel-efficient than gasoline options
- Durable and reliable
Cons
- Bulky
- Require a lot of space
- Emit harmful gases
- Expensive than gasoline generators
Gasoline generator
Gasoline generators are the most common in most homes and businesses. This is especially true if you are running lower-powered appliances. While they are cheaper than other generators, the cost of gasoline makes them expensive over time.
Furthermore, you’ll need specialized containers to store gasoline and you can only do so for up to six months. That said, most homeowners add a fuel stabilizer ensuring it stays safe for up to three years.
Pros
- Cheaper than most generators
- Gas is available
- They are readily available
- Quieter than diesel models
Cons
- Gas storage requires special containers and addons
- Emit harmful gasses
- Highly flammable
Inverter generator
Unlike other generators that run at a constant speed, an inverter generator adjusts its speed to meet energy needs. This makes inverter generators the most fuel-efficient generators for condos. They are also quieter than other models since they don’t run at a high speed.
Another benefit of using an inverter generator is that it produces clean energy, reducing emissions to a minimum. Furthermore, you can store excess power in the generator, making it ideal for people on the go.
Pros
- Stores excess power
- Portable
- Easy to use
- Produces fewer emissions
Cons
- More expensive
- Low power output
Condo Power Required
Well, the power required to run a condo depends on its size, how many people live there, and daily electricty consumption. On average, a condo requires 16kWh per day which amounts to $2.08 per day. This amounts to a monthly average of 486kWh for $63.18.
However, this varies depending on the condo’s location since electricity rates are different. Other factors affecting energy requirements include the age of an apartment and your lifestyle habits.
Most old condos have large areas with single-glazed windows. As such, they tend to consume more energy than newer, smaller units.
You can however reduce your energy requirements. For example, you can replace light bulbs with LED bulbs which reduces electricity usage significantly. You can also turn off appliances such as computers, TVs, and microwaves when not in use.
Adding floor-length curtains and door sweepers can reduce the need for running your AC. if possible, opt for a condo with airtight walls as it will prevent hot air from entering your house.
3 Best Solar Generator for Condo
Besides using gasoline and inverter generators, you can opt for a solar generator. It is quiet, easy to use, and maintenance-free. Here are a few to choose from.
If you are looking for a generator for a condo that is portable, easy to use, and compact, this might be your best bet. While compact, it has a maximum output of 1800W, ideal for running most appliances such as smartphones, coffee makers, and light systems. You can charge it using 500W solar panels, AC, or your car.
The best part is that you can control it on your phone thanks to the integrated app. Here, you can monitor its performance and health. As you’d expect, it is quiet, meaning you can place it in any room.
This is yet another ideal option for your condo. It comes with a 2,000Wh capacity so you can power your electronics. And since it produces pure sine power, you can use it to charge smartphones, laptops, and other delicate electronics.
There are 17 outputs for just about any device in your house. Whether you want to use it with a coffee machine or air conditioner, this generator got you covered. What’s more, it is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and quiet.
Finally, you can opt for this powerful solar generator for your condo with a 3,072Wh capacity. Just the right capacity for most home appliances. Unlike other generators, you can add up to four batteries giving you an output of 12,288Wh.
With a 2400W maximum solar input, it can recharge within six to eight hours under normal weather conditions. If there’s little sunlight, consider recharging it using AC, lead acid, or another generator.
Tips for Choosing a Generator for Condo
So, what should you consider when choosing a generator for your condo? Let’s find out.
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Type of Generator
Solar and gas-powered generators are the most ideal for a condo setting since they are quieter and produce less emissions. That said, a gas or gasoline generator is not an ideal option since it produces gases that can be harmful.
Besides, gas generators are highly flammable. This means a solar generator is the perfect choice for a condo. It is compact, portable, and quiet, meaning it won’t disturb your neighbors.
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Generator’s Capacity
Before choosing a generator consider the number of electronics you’ll be using, your lifestyle habits, and the number of people living there. This way, you’ll have an idea of the ideal generator capacity. Ideally, you want one that meets or surpasses your calculated needs.
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Charging Options
Can you recharge the generator with your car? Solar? Or perhaps another generator? If so, then consider buying such an option. The generator should have at least four ways to recharge it.
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Price
Your budget should dictate which type of generator to use in your condo. Smaller, portable generators are cheaper than bulky options. If you are on a tight budget, you can purchase a gas generator as they are cheaper. However, you should run it from your balcony due to harmful emissions.
How to Choose the Best Backup Generator for Condo?
When choosing a backup generator for your condo, consider buying a solar-powered option since they do not emit harmful gases. But what model of a solar backup generator is ideal for your needs? Let’s see what you should consider.
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Capacity
While selecting a backup generator for your condo, make sure it can meet your energy requirements. If possible, choose one that exceeds them. You don’t want to work with a generator that goes off after a few hours of charging your laptop.
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Safety
Safety is a crucial factor to consider since you’ll be using the generator in an enclosed space. Avoid purchasing backup generators that produce harmful gases. As you’d expect, solar-powered generators are ideal as they don’t emit harmful gases.
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Noise level
You want to purchase a generator that offers quiet operation, and solar-powered generators are the best option for this. They produce noise levels of less than 30 dB, meaning you can even sleep as they run.
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Battery life
Since this is a backup generator, you want to buy an option that has a longer battery life. Having a backup generator that can run for years is a boon since you don’t have to replace it after a few months or years.
Final Thoughts
Having a generator in your condo is a great way to keep your device running during outages. Before buying one, make sure to consult your local authority and the management of your condo. You should buy solar-powered generators since they do not emit harmful gases. And the best place to find reliable generators is BLUETTI.
