Generator Fuel Cost Calculator
Calculate daily fuel cost for running a generator. A 5 kVA generator running 6 hours daily costs approximately Rs. 2,500-3,000/day in fuel — making generator electricity 3-4x more expensive than grid power.
Generator Running Cost Calculator
Generator Running Costs — Size and Fuel Comparison
| Generator Size | Fuel/Hour | 6-Hour Daily Cost | Monthly Cost | Cost Per Unit (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 kVA | ~0.7 L/hr | Rs. 1,176 | ~Rs. 35,000 | Rs. 90-110 |
| 3.5 kVA | ~1.0 L/hr | Rs. 1,680 | ~Rs. 50,000 | Rs. 85-100 |
| 5 kVA | ~1.5 L/hr | Rs. 2,520 | ~Rs. 75,000 | Rs. 80-95 |
| 7.5 kVA | ~2.2 L/hr | Rs. 3,696 | ~Rs. 111,000 | Rs. 75-90 |
| 10 kVA | ~3.0 L/hr | Rs. 5,040 | ~Rs. 151,000 | Rs. 70-85 |
How This Calculation Works
Generator electricity is the most expensive power source available — Rs. 70-110 per unit compared to Rs. 30-55 for grid electricity. Generators make sense only as emergency backup during load shedding, not as a primary power source. For areas with frequent load shedding, solar + battery provides the same backup at a fraction of the ongoing cost.
Compare alternatives: UPS battery backup for lighter loads. Solar savings for permanent load shedding solution. Grid electricity cost for baseline comparison.
Hidden costs beyond fuel: Oil changes every 50-100 hours (Rs. 1,000-2,000), spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning, and engine overhaul after 2,000-5,000 hours. Total operating cost is 15-20% above fuel cost alone. Plus noise, fumes, and the daily hassle of starting/stopping.
Generator vs Grid vs Solar — Cost Per Unit Comparison
When evaluating whether to run the generator or wait for power to return, knowing the cost comparison helps:
Grid electricity: Rs. 30-55 per unit (varies by slab and month). This is your baseline — the cheapest source of electricity available.
Generator: Rs. 70-110 per unit (fuel cost alone). Add maintenance: Rs. 85-130 per unit total cost. Running a generator for 6 hours daily costs Rs. 50,000-150,000/month — a luxury most families can't sustain.
Solar + battery: Rs. 8-15 per unit (amortized over 20 years). After the initial investment, solar electricity is the cheapest available. A 5 kW solar system with 10 kWh lithium battery costs Rs. 1.3-1.8 million upfront but eliminates both generator fuel costs AND grid electricity charges.
The verdict: For areas with 4+ hours of daily load shedding, solar + battery is cheaper than a generator within 2-3 years. The generator makes sense only for occasional, unpredictable outages — not as a regular backup solution.
When a Generator Makes Financial Sense
Despite the high per-unit cost, generators are justified in specific scenarios: critical business operations that can't tolerate any downtime (medical clinics, restaurants, cold storage), areas with 8+ hours of daily load shedding where UPS batteries can't last, and events/construction sites requiring temporary high-power supply. For residential use in areas with 2-4 hours of load shedding, a UPS with 150-200Ah battery provides cheaper backup than running a generator. For 4-8 hours of load shedding, solar + battery becomes the most economical long-term solution — the generator should be reserved as a backup for the backup, not a daily workhorse. Calculating your specific cost per hour of generator operation helps make this comparison concrete.
Estimates only. Calculator results are approximate based on current standard rates and formulas. Actual amounts may vary due to regulatory changes, provider-specific charges, and individual circumstances. Verify with official sources for exact figures.
Generator Cost Calculator — Fuel Expense Questions
No — generator electricity costs Rs. 70-110 per unit (fuel alone) vs Rs. 30-55 for grid electricity. Generators are 2-3x more expensive than the grid. They're only justified as backup during load shedding, not as primary power.
Approximately 1.5 liters per hour at 75% load. Running 6 hours daily: 9 liters/day × Rs. 280/liter = Rs. 2,520/day or ~Rs. 75,000/month. This produces roughly 750-900 units — at Rs. 80-100 per unit.