When it comes to generators, one of the drawbacks is that it can be a contributor to environmental issues because, being equipped with internal combustion engines, there will always be a problem with hazardous emissions.
The dirtiest emissions come from engines fuelled by gasoline and diesel. Although many new generators today have been designed to be fuel efficient, you cannot eliminate the fact that their emission will always contain gases that can contribute to the ever worsening effects of greenhouse gases to world climate. Fortunately, the search for alternative sources of fuel has lead us to a number of new options that are environmentally beneficial.
The Propane Generator
Propane generators are basically the same as the popular petrol or gasoline generators as they employ the same principles despite the different fuel. However, with propane generators, you get significantly less dirty emissions and toxic gases which is good news for the ailing environment.
Furthermore since propane is in gas form, refuelling entails less hassles compared to gasoline which always entail the danger of spillage and environmental contamination. No such spills can happen with propane because they are usually distributed in tanks or cylinders which you can trade in for a new one when empty. Also referred to as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), propane easily dissipates in the air in cases of accidental release.
Establishments equipped with underground propane storage tanks can directly hook them up to propane generators which means you can have plenty of fuel supply to power up any generator in cases of prolonged power interruptions. Lining up in gas stations to get refills for you gas generator is a thing of the past with propane fuelled generators.
Silent Propane Generators by Cummins Onan

Cummins Onan is one of the bigger names in the higher end segment of the generator market. They have a line of silent generator models designed with propane engines. If you want the advantages the advantages of propane generators and want them in quiet designs that reduce noise levels, then it might be worth checking out the Cummins line composed of 5 models with maximum wattage outputs ranging from 2500 watts to 6500 watts.
The smallest of the bunch is the 2500 watt Cummins Onan RV Generator RV QG 2500 LP which weighs around 113 lbs. and a noise level of about 70 dB (A) at 10 ft. and 50% load. It uses a Cummins Onan overhead valve engine. Safety features include low oil shutdown, a magnetic circuit breaker and a cross flow cooling system.
The biggest and most powerful of the entire line is the 6500 watt Cummings Onan RV QG 6500 LP which weighs in at 290 lbs. This one is one packs a lot of power but is designed to reduce excessive vibration and is built in with an enclosed muffler for that low noise operation of 67 dB (A) at 10 ft. and 50% load. Safety features include self-diagnostic capability, low oil pressure protection, over/under speed protection, over-current protection, etc.
In-between models include the RV QG 2500 LP Remote Muffler (designed for travel trailers, truck campers, and folding camp trailers), RV QG 3600 LP and the RV QG 5500 LP.
For more information on these generators, check them out at http://www.cumminsonan.com. If you are looking for more high powered units, you can check out these 5000 watt generator models.
A Reviewer at another on-line site stated that propane generators emmissions are “carbon dioxide” not carbon monoxide.
Is this in fact true?
Yes, propane gas burns into a bunch of greenhouse gases that actually include both carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide but they produce them in levels that can be considered low and environmentally safe especially when compared to gasoline.