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A natural gas generator is quite useful during a power outage situation. In the absence of access to electricity from the main grid, it allows you to burn natural gas to generate electricity.
When it comes to pricing, the cost of natural gas generators varies based on a range of different factors, including the manufacturer, the type of generator- standby or portable, the electrical capacity (kW or kVa), and other features of the unit.
Today we will learn more about natural gas generators along with the overall cost of these generators.
The Initial Cost Of Natural Gas Generators
The initial or cost price of natural gas generators varies considerably. In general, the cost of these natural gas generators for backup power ranges from $2,500 to $15,000 before sales tax.
The amount gives you a generator that helps you produce from 6 to 20 kW of power.
But, if you wish to reduce the initial price of a small natural gas generator, here is how to do it-
- Pick a generator unit that has a manual transfer switch instead of an automatic transfer switch.
- Since the latter starts generating power automatically as soon as the loss of current is detected, it costs more as compared to its manual counterparts.
- Most natural gas generators for longer-term power production cost as much as $2 million.
Factors Affecting The Running Cost Of The Natural Gas Generator
The cost of operating a natural gas generator typically depends on 3 key factors-
Generator Size
The size of a generator is one of the main factors that decide the running cost of a generator.
For instance, a 10,000W generator will burn a higher amount of natural gas as compared to a 3,000W generator.
Price Of Natural Gas
Another factor that helps to determine the cost of running a natural gas generator is the natural gas cost in your area.
Simply put, the overall cost of natural gas generator fuel consumption per kWh is directly related to the cost of natural gas.
Generator Running Load
Natural gas generators typically run between 0% and 100% of their maximum output watt. This means that if your generator is running at 70% load, the overall operational costs will be higher as compared to running it at 30% load.
Once you know all these data points, you can easily calculate the total cost required to run your natural gas generator.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Natural Gas Generator?
Installation is one of the key aspects in determining the cost of a natural gas or industrial generator. Every natural gas generator needs to be professionally installed, or else there will always be safety risks, as mentioned below-
- There is usually a carbon monoxide hazard if you place the generator too close to the home.
- Lack of a properly installed safety switch can put the line workers in an electrocuting hazard.
- Wet generators also run the risk of short-circuit and other similar risks
- A fire can breakout if the natural gas generator is overloaded.
In general, the typical installation cost for a natural gas generator is $1,500 to $5,000, apart from the cost of the generator itself.
However, what is important to keep in mind is that installation costs might vary based on specific situations. In some cases, the installation costs less, whereas in others, the installation cost can go up to $10,000.
Also, the more work the installation needs, the higher the price of the generator. Besides, there can also be additional charges not included that the installation company does not include in the bid, such as-
- Cost of gas line installation- $12 to $25 per foot
- City permits and inspections cost- $80 to $450 each
- Cost of installing the transfer switch and connecting to the electrical wiring- $6 to $8 per foot
- Concrete pad cost- $150 to $400
- Cost of propane tank installation:-$400 to $1800
Natural Gas Generator Fuel Expenses
The amount of money you spend on fuel or natural gas for your generator is dependent on below factors -
- How many kW is it?
- The size of the load it is carrying
- How often you're running it?
Every generator has a specification sheet that tells you the type of fuel used to expect at 50℅ and full loads. For instance, a 20 kW home standby generator uses 204 cubic feet of natural gas per hour at 50% load and 301 cubic feet at full load.
Cost Of Natural Gas Generator Maintenance
Regular maintenance is one of the most essential aspects for ensuring the reliable performance of the generator. This applies to both residential and commercial natural gas generator units.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that while some maintenance tasks are important since the start of the generator's life, others might not be an issue initially but become more and more crucial to the operation of your generator system with time.
Apart from this, some maintenance tasks can come up suddenly, such as poor battery performance. You can do this kind of maintenance either alone or take some reliable long-term maintenance plan.
In general, the regular maintenance for a natural gas generator typically costs anywhere between $250 and $500 per year. At the same time, the cost of commercial natural gas generator maintenance contracts can be between $500 to $2500 per year.
If you are also looking for natural gas generators at optimal prices, talk to the experts at PowerGen Enterprises about how you can select a system that works best for your specific needs.
FAQs about Natural Gas Generator Pricing
- What is the period that I can run my natural gas generator continuously?
Ideally, you should not run your natural gas generator for over 500 hours at a time.
- What is the main advantage of a natural gas generator?
One of the key advantages of using a natural gas generator is optimal costs and the convenience it offers.
- What is the best way to maintain a natural gas generator?
While natural gas generators are easy to maintain, they require more maintenance than diesel generators. Therefore, it is best to schedule maintenance services at regular intervals.
- Do I need a system to maintain sound for my natural gas generator?
No, natural gas generators do not create a lot of sound as compared to other types of generators. However, if you place your generator closer to your facility and wish to keep the sound level to a minimum, you can get a sound enclosure.
- Do I need to hire a professional to install a transfer switch for natural gas generators?
Not necessarily. If you have the required experience working in the field and are comfortable with the process, you can install a generator transfer switch on your own.