Generator power output is measured in two critical units: kilowatts (kW) and kilovolt-amperes (kVA). Understanding the difference prevents the costly mistake of undersizing or oversizing your power solution.
kW (Kilowatts) represents the real power your generator delivers to operate equipment. This is the actual working power that performs useful work—running motors, lighting, heating, and computing equipment.
kVA (Kilovolt-Amperes) represents apparent power—the total power the generator must produce, including both real power (kW) and reactive power required by inductive loads like motors and transformers.
The relationship between kW and kVA is defined by power factor, typically 0.8 for most industrial applications. This means a 100kVA generator delivers approximately 80kW of real power. Industrial facilities with heavy motor loads may experience lower power factors, requiring larger kVA ratings to deliver the same kW output.
