An inverter generator produces clean, stable power that is safe for laptops, TVs, routers and modern fridges, and it is the quietest kind of portable generator you can buy. GeneratorRepair.co.za puts you in touch with independent dealers who quote you directly on an inverter generator for sale near you, free of charge. Tell them what you want to run, whether you need to carry it, and if it must suit a townhouse or camping, and you can compare inverter generator prices, fuel use and noise.
Generator vs inverter generator
A conventional generator runs its engine at a fixed 3,000 rpm to make 50 Hz directly, so voltage and frequency wobble as the load changes. An inverter generator makes AC, converts it to DC and then electronically rebuilds a clean sine wave, with total harmonic distortion usually under 3%. That means:
- Clean power for electronics, chargers and inverter fridges
- Eco mode that idles the engine down at light load, saving fuel and noise
- Lighter weight and an enclosed, carry-handle body
Do not confuse it with a home battery inverter: an inverter generator still burns petrol or gas.
Inverter generator price guide
As a rough guide, a 1 kVA inverter costs R5,000 to R10,000, a 2 kVA R7,000 to R18,000, a 3 to 4 kVA R15,000 to R35,000, and larger 5 to 8 kVA open or wheeled inverter units R25,000 to R60,000. Prices vary with build quality, electric start, parallel kits and warranty. Some models run on LPG or are dual fuel.
Choosing the right inverter generator size
Add the running watts of what you will use together, then check the surge rating covers any fridge or freezer start. A 2 kVA unit handles a fridge, lights, TV, router and laptops. A 3 to 4 kVA unit adds a microwave or small pump. For a whole house or long daily outages, a diesel generator is cheaper to run. Two identical units can often be paralleled for more output. A 2 kVA inverter typically burns about 0.5 to 0.7 litres per hour at 50% load and 0.9 to 1.1 litres at 75%. Small engines lose 10 to 15% of output at Highveld altitude too.
Noise, safety and connection
Good inverter units measure about 50 to 58 dB(A) at 7 m in eco mode, close to normal conversation, which is why they suit estates and campsites; see silent generators for larger quiet sets. Run it outdoors only, well away from windows, because of carbon monoxide. Feeding household circuits needs a changeover switch fitted by a registered electrician with a Certificate of Compliance. When one does misbehave, see inverter generator repairs.
What to include in your request
- List the electronics and appliances to run
- Say if it must be carried by one person
- Note any estate or campsite noise limits
- Say if you want electric or remote start
- Mention petrol, LPG or dual fuel preference
Inverter Generators for different sites
- Homes: a 2 to 3 kVA unit for the fridge, lights, TV, router and laptops
- Estates and complexes: a quiet inverter that stays within body corporate noise limits
- Farms and smallholdings: a portable inverter for the farmhouse office or a remote cottage
- Shops, offices and restaurants: clean backup for tills, card machines and a small office
- Factories, mines and sites: a portable inverter for site offices and charging tool batteries
- Lodges, venues and events: quiet power for an outdoor event, food stall or film shoot
- Clinics, schools and towers: a portable inverter for a small clinic room, church or school office
Frequently asked questions
Will GeneratorRepair.co.za supply the inverter generator?
Can an inverter generator run a fridge?
Is an inverter generator safe for a TV and laptop?
Can an inverter generator work with an automatic transfer switch?
Inverter Generators by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
