Help Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about purchasing, shipping, and using backup power in Puerto Rico — answered by the team that ships generators to the island every day.
Purchasing & Shipping
Yes. PR Electric Direct ships exclusively to Puerto Rico. Every unit is personally inspected and double-boxed before it leaves our warehouse. All shipments are fully insured. Puerto Rico is a US territory so shipping is domestic — but the maritime freight logistics involved are specialized, and we handle all of it so you don't have to.
Standard air shipping typically takes 10–14 business days. This applies to gas generators under 150 lbs and battery power stations under 70 lbs. Due to carrier regulations, battery stations over 70 lbs and gas generators over 150 lbs require specialized maritime freight transport, which takes approximately 17–21 business days from purchase to delivery. We will contact you within 24 hours of a freight order to coordinate logistics.
Yes. Goods shipped to Puerto Rico are subject to SURI/Hacienda Sales and Use Tax (IVU) and applicable excise taxes. While we do not charge sales tax directly on our site and do not pay Hacienda on your behalf, we guide you through the entire SURI declaration process. We ensure you have all the correct documentation so you aren't left alone to figure out how to pay your taxes, ensuring a smooth customs release.
While the client is technically the importer and responsible for clearance, we work closely with our logistics and shipping carriers to ensure a smooth transition. We walk you through the process, provide continuous communication, and supply all necessary paperwork, including the bill of lading and step-by-step instructions. Our expertise ensures your items clear without issues.
Yes. Use our Custom Request form on the site. We can source most major brands and will respond with a quote within 1–2 business days.
Sizing & Choosing the Right Generator
For most Puerto Rico homes, 3,000–5,000 running watts covers a refrigerator, window AC unit, fans, and lights simultaneously. If you also want to run a larger central AC or multiple AC units, you'll need 7,000W or more. Use our free Wattage Calculator on the site to get a precise recommendation based on your specific appliances.
An inverter generator converts AC power to DC and back to stable AC, producing clean electricity (under 3% THD) that is safe for sensitive electronics — laptops, smart TVs, phones, modern AC control boards, and medical equipment. Conventional generators produce raw AC power that can fluctuate and is not safe for electronics. For home use in Puerto Rico, an inverter generator is strongly recommended.
A dual-fuel generator runs on either gasoline or propane. A tri-fuel generator adds natural gas as a third option. In Puerto Rico, gasoline shortages after major hurricanes are common — having a propane-compatible generator means you can keep running when every gas station on the island is sold out. Propane also stores indefinitely, making it the ideal emergency fuel to stockpile before hurricane season.
No. Gas, dual-fuel, and propane generators produce carbon monoxide and must never be used indoors, on a balcony, or in any enclosed space. For apartments and condos, a battery power station paired with solar panels is the correct solution — completely silent, zero emissions, and fully safe for indoor use during LUMA outages.
A battery power station (sometimes called a solar generator) stores electricity in a LiFePO4 battery and discharges it through standard AC outlets. It produces no exhaust, no noise, and can be used indoors. A gas generator burns fuel to produce electricity in real time — it's louder, requires outdoor use, and needs fuel. Gas generators typically offer more total power output and longer runtime. Battery stations are ideal for apartments, condos, sensitive electronics, and daily LUMA outage management. Gas generators are better for whole-home backup during extended multi-day outages.
Brands & Products
For gas inverter generators we carry Champion, WEN, Honda, Predator, Westinghouse, Genmax, Ryobi, and Cabela's. For battery power stations and solar systems we carry EcoFlow, Bluetti, Jackery, ALLPOWERS, Anker, and Oukitel.
Yes. Every unit comes with its full manufacturer warranty. Because you are purchasing from an authorized retailer that explicitly services Puerto Rico, your warranty is fully valid on the island — unlike units purchased from gray market sellers or unauthorized importers. Champion warranties are typically 3 years residential. EcoFlow and Bluetti are typically 2–5 years depending on the model.
All units are brand new, factory sealed, and sourced directly from authorized distributors. We do not sell refurbished, open-box, or gray market inventory.
Hurricane Season & Timing
Buy by May 1st at the latest. Hurricane season officially runs June 1st through November 30th, but once a named storm enters the National Hurricane Center's 5-day forecast cone, maritime freight to Puerto Rico suspends immediately and local inventory sells out within hours. By the time most people decide to act, it's already too late to receive delivery before the storm. The only reliable window is early — before the season is visible on a forecast track.
Maritime freight shipping to Puerto Rico is suspended by carriers when a storm enters the 5-day NHC cone. Air freight may also be affected depending on storm track. Orders already in transit may be delayed or rerouted. This is why we strongly encourage customers to order well before hurricane season peaks in August and September.
For most families, a dual-fuel inverter generator in the 4,000–6,500W range paired with a battery power station is the optimal setup. The gas generator handles extended multi-day outages after major storms when LUMA restoration can take weeks. The battery station handles routine LUMA outages throughout the year silently and without fuel costs. Together they cover every scenario Puerto Rico's grid throws at you.
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