Inverter vs Generator — Which Backup Power Suits Your Home?

Both inverters and generators solve the same problem — power during outages — but they work completely differently and suit very different households. Apple Plumbing & Electrical installs both across Sandton, Midrand and Northern Johannesburg and the honest comparison is: inverter+battery wins for almost every typical home; generators still win for high-load applications (boreholes, workshops, big aircons) and very long outages.

What we do

We install lithium inverter+battery systems (silent, automatic, 0–10ms switchover, no fuel, app-monitored, 10-year battery warranty) and petrol/diesel generators with automatic changeover switches (high continuous power, refuelled indefinitely, ~70 dB noise, regular servicing required). We also install hybrid setups — inverter+battery for normal outages with a generator changeover for long grid failures or charging the battery on cloudy weeks.

Signs you need this service

• Trying to decide between the two before spending money
• Tired of generator noise, fuel cost and refuelling
• Existing inverter cannot run heavy loads like boreholes
• Live in an area with very long (24h+) outages

Inverter vs generator: which suits you?

The two main backup options, side by side.

Our process

1. 1Load and outage-duration assessment
2. 2Honest comparison quote — both options if relevant
3. 3Installation and changeover wiring
4. 4Commissioning and homeowner walkthrough
5. 5Electrical COC

Pricing

Comparable 5kW solutions: 5kW inverter + 5kWh battery installed ~R85,000 (10-year lifespan, near-zero running cost). 5kW petrol generator with auto-changeover ~R35,000 install + R4,000–R8,000/yr fuel and servicing (8–10 year lifespan).

Prices are indicative for Northern Johannesburg, 2026. Every job is quoted in writing on site before work proceeds.

Why choose Apple Plumbing & Electrical

We install both and recommend honestly. For 95% of suburban homes, inverter+battery is the better long-term choice. For workshops, boreholes and farms, a generator or hybrid setup is often right.

Frequently asked questions