Diesel Generator Cost per kWh Calculator

Cost per kWh Formula:

\[ C_{kWh} = \frac{Q_f \times C_{fuel}}{E_{kWh}} \]

Cost per kWh:

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1. What is a Diesel Generator Cost per kWh Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the cost to generate one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity using a diesel generator.

Purpose: It helps individuals and businesses understand the operational costs of diesel generators for budgeting and comparison with grid power.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ C_{kWh} = \frac{Q_f \times C_{fuel}}{E_{kWh}} \]

Where:

$ C_{kWh} $ — Cost per kilowatt-hour ($/kWh)
$ Q_f $ — Fuel consumption rate (liters per kWh, typically 0.05-0.1 L/kWh)
$ C_{fuel} $ — Cost of diesel fuel ($ per liter)
$ E_{kWh} $ — Energy output (kWh, typically 1 for per-unit calculation)

Explanation: The formula multiplies fuel consumption by fuel cost to get total fuel cost, then divides by energy output to get cost per unit.

3. Importance of Cost per kWh Calculation

Details: Understanding generator operating costs helps in making informed decisions about energy sources, budgeting for projects, and comparing with utility rates.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

Enter fuel consumption rate (default 0.08 L/kWh for typical diesel generators)
Input current diesel fuel cost per liter
Energy output is typically left at 1 kWh for per-unit calculation
All values must be > 0

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical fuel consumption rate for diesel generators?
A: Most diesel generators consume 0.05-0.1 liters per kWh, with smaller generators typically being less efficient (higher consumption).

Q2: Should I include maintenance costs in this calculation?
A: This calculator only considers fuel costs. For total operating cost, add maintenance (typically $0.01-$0.05/kWh) to the result.

Q3: How does generator load affect the calculation?
A: Fuel consumption increases with load. For accurate results, use consumption rates at your typical operating load.

Q4: Why is energy output set to 1 by default?
A: Setting to 1 kWh gives cost per unit. You could calculate total cost for a specific output by changing this value.

Q5: How does this compare to grid electricity costs?
A: Diesel generation is typically 2-3 times more expensive than grid power, but provides independence and reliability.