Diesel Generator Running Cost Calculator
Estimate hourly and monthly diesel consumption (liters/hr) and fuel expenses for your DG set, with a direct cost comparison against an inverter battery.
Running your 3 kW load for 3 hours on a diesel genset costs ₹333. The exact same energy delivered by an Inverter + Tubular Battery system costs only ₹98 (including grid recharge tariff & battery depreciation).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Reference official efficiency and safety guidance from Bureau of Energy Efficiency and standards information from Bureau of Indian Standards.
Calculation Assumptions & Safety
Calculations are planning estimates using the displayed inputs and assumptions, not certified designs or verified provider bills. Actual runtime, generation, cost and wire requirements vary with equipment, installation and operating conditions. Confirm manufacturer specifications and current provider rules. Have a qualified electrician review wiring and backup installations.
How to estimate diesel generator running cost per hour
Start with the generator rating in kVA, your expected load percentage and the local diesel price per litre. The calculator estimates fuel consumption and then multiplies litres per hour by the entered fuel price. This is a planning estimate, not a measurement of a particular DG set.
Worked cost example (illustrative only)
If a generator consumes an assumed 1.5 litres per hour and diesel costs ₹90 per litre, fuel costs ₹135 per running hour. Four hours per day for 30 days would cost ₹16,200 in fuel alone. Actual consumption must come from the generator maker's load-specific fuel curve or measured usage.
What affects the result?
Running cost varies with generator load, maintenance condition, ambient conditions, fuel price and operating hours. The estimate excludes servicing, depreciation, oil and other ownership costs unless explicitly listed in the calculator.
Common questions
- How much does a diesel generator cost to run for one hour?
- Multiply litres consumed in an hour by the current price per litre. Use manufacturer fuel-consumption data at your expected loading for a more reliable estimate.
- Does a half-loaded generator use half as much diesel?
- Not necessarily. Fuel consumption is not perfectly proportional to electrical load. Compare the manufacturer's data at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% loading.
- How can I reduce generator fuel expenses?
- Avoid unnecessary loads, maintain the generator and compare alternatives for light, continuous loads. Any saving estimate depends on actual usage and local prices.