South African load shedding pushed homes toward inverters and businesses toward diesel standby. The right answer depends on outage length, critical loads and fuel access. Many commercial sites now combine a silent diesel set with selective load shedding on non-essential circuits rather than trying to back up everything at once.
Why this decision matters
South African load shedding pushed homes toward inverters and businesses toward diesel standby. The right answer depends on outage length, critical loads and fuel access. Many commercial sites now combine a silent diesel set with selective load shedding on non-essential circuits rather than trying to back up everything at once. Buyers who skip structured sizing or compliance checks pay twice: once for the wrong unit, and again for downtime, fuel waste or a failed insurance claim.
AGP Generators engineers treat every enquiry as a load and site problem first, a product second. The notes below are the same framework we use on commercial RFQs across South Africa and SADC.
Practical method
Step-by-step
Start with a written load list: running watts, starting watts, duty cycle and which loads are truly critical. Convert watts to kVA using power factor (0.8 is the commercial default unless you know otherwise).
Apply site factors next — altitude derate, ambient temperature, fuel quality and whether the set will see prime hours or true standby. Only then shortlist engine brands and canopy types.
Validate with our Sizing calculator and a specialist review before you issue a purchase order. Catalogue pages for the 22 kVA home/estate silent and 100 kVA commercial silent show real price bands excl. VAT to sanity-check budgets.
- Record running and starting loads separately for motors and compressors.
- Separate essential vs shedable circuits so you do not oversize the set.
- Confirm phase (single vs three) against the DB and utility supply.
- Document who owns installation, CoC and first service.
Reference data
Use the table as an indicative planning aid, not a substitute for a site assessment. Prices and fuel figures move with diesel wholesale rates and exchange rates — we re-verify commercial quotes at order stage. Last updated 2026-08-01.
Common mistakes
Copying the kVA of a failed set without measuring today’s load. Ignoring motor starting. Buying open-frame units for estate boundaries. Skipping changeover and earthing design. Assuming “silent” means inaudible indoors.
How AGP helps
We size, supply, install and maintain diesel and petrol generators from 2.2 kVA to 1000+ kVA. Request a quote with your load list, or call +27 41 007 0618. For hybrid and long-hour sites, ask about diesel-solar controllers that keep engines in an efficient band.
Data table
Technology fit by outage pattern
| Outage pattern | Inverter/battery | Diesel generator | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| <2 hours essential only | Strong | Optional | Optional |
| 4–8 hours mixed loads | Limited | Strong | Strong |
| Multi-day / stage 6+ | Weak alone | Strong | Best TCO |
| Motor-heavy plant | Poor | Required | Genset + PV |
Figures are indicative. Last updated 1 August 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 5 kVA inverter enough for a house?
For lights, Wi-Fi and a fridge maybe — not for geysers, stoves and boreholes together.
Should shops back up air-con?
Often no; shed HVAC first to cut kVA and fuel.
Stage 6 planning tip?
Assume multi-hour gaps and fuel logistics, not just one evening.
Do estates share generators?
Some do via bulk metering and rules — engineering and legal setup is non-trivial.
Hybrid for homes?
Growing option where roof space and budget allow; still size essential circuits honestly.
Related tools: Sizing calculator · All insights
Related sizes, categories and services: 100 kVA generators, diesel generators and petrol generators.
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