Introduction to portable inverter generators

What is an inverter generator?

An inverter generator is different from a conventional generator because it uses an inverter (hence the name) to turn mechanical energy into electricity.  The inverter uses a digital module to convert AC to DC and then inverts it to clean AC.  Conventional generators directly turn the exciter in the generator end (or barrel).  The use of an inverter allows the inverter generator to vary its speed based on the electrical load required (known as idle control), leading to less noise and better fuel economy.

Inverter generators make great portable generators because of their small size and relatively light weight.  They are generally limited to less than 6 kilowatts (kW), which is plenty for many recreational applications.

When is an inverter generator ideal to use?

• Smaller electrical applications – inverter generators perform well when the load is relatively small. 5 kW (4500 watt) generators are perfect for powering most RV air conditioning units.
• Quite is important – idle control allows inverter generators to slow down under decreased loads, reducing the amount of sound required. Many manufacturers also include sound attenuation around the engine to further quite the generator. A quiet inverter generator is perfect to run at a campsite without disturbing neighbors.
• Clean electricity is required – the inverter process produces much cleaner power (less harmonic distortion). Clean energy is important for running sensitive electronics such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.
• Fuel economy is required – idle control also allows the generator to burn less fuel under low loads. This saves fuel compared to a conventional generator that runs at a constant RPM.  The fuel efficiency also allows the inverter generator to have a smaller fuel tank, reducing the size and weight of the unit.

What inverter generators does Generator Mart carry?

Generator Mart carries Cummins, Briggs & Stratton, and Mi-T-M inverter generators, ranging from 2000 to 6500 watts.  The 4500 watt models (4.5kW) is our most popular size for camping and recreational vehicles (RVs), while customers use the 2 kW and 3 kW Mi-T-M for applications where portability is important.  Our 6.5 kW units are great for larger RVs or providing temporary home backup during an outage or storm.

We also carry paralleling kits, which allow two generators to work together to service a larger electrical demand.  This provides the user with the flexibility to separate the generators or use them together.

Comparison of 4500 watt (4.5 kW) inverter generators