When it comes to backup power solutions, standby generators are most commonly the go-to solution for many businesses and facilities. Standby generators (also known as backup generators) are installed on-site at the location of a business or facility and set up to kick in during events like a power outage to help provide backup power until power from the main utility grid is restored.
While installing a standby generator for your business or facility can be a great safeguard against inclement weather, natural disasters, and planned power outages, what if your business of facility cannot afford to purchase and install a standby generator? Better yet, what if there is no space to install one? That’s where a commercial grade portable generator rental comes in.
Portable generators have been widely used for various industrial applications such as mining or new construction. A major reason for this is due to the ease of transporting the generator to remote work sites that are located off-grid. Portable generators can power key equipment and serves as the main power source for jobs where electricity is not readily available. This bit of versatility is touted to be an absolute necessity when it comes to these types of projects.
As mentioned earlier, portable generators may be commonly employed for commercial and industrial applications, but these portable form factors can also be used to provide backup power to businesses and facilities that lack the required space to install a permanent standby generator. Portable generators rentals are also great for businesses that only experience inclement weather certain times of year and do not find the need to install a standby generator permanently. Portable generators are versatile enough to fit many different needs and use cases.
So what makes a portable generator so unique? Why are rentals a good option? Check out our brief overview:
Portability
This is one of the more obvious answers, but portable generators are, well… Portable! Portable backup generators are manufactured to be extremely durable. These generators often come installed on trailers with a hitch for easy transportation, never-flat tires, and fairly simple design. This enables the generator to be moved around the work site or from location to location if needed.
Function
As mentioned, commercial grade portable generators provide flexibility in various different applications, but they also come with several advantages that make them a class of their own, including:
Capability to run in prime or continuous power for long operation periods
Voltage selector switches to meet the right voltage requirements for a task
Circuit breaker protection
Inverter technology that allows for the production of clean energy
Automatic shutoff capability in the event of low oil or fuel
Spark arrestor on the exhaust to prevent fire risks
Cost Savings
Permanent standby generators can often be pricey and out of budget for many businesses. A huge advantage of a portable generator is that generator dealers often have portable generator units available for rental. Rentals allow for a flexible short-term plan that include many benefits that won’t be found with traditional standby generators.
For example, generator rentals plans can span anywhere from a couple days to a couple of months. There are many areas that may only experience inclement weather or severe storms a couple months out of the year, so portable generator rentals can help cover you during these times and then be delivered back to the generator dealer when the season is over. When compared to purchasing a standby generator, this option can be a more cost-effective solution.
When you rent a portable generator from a dealer, the dealer is also responsible for regular service and maintenance of a generator lent out to you. This ensures that the generator will be fully functional and operational with no incurred cost to you. The only thing you have to worry about is not damaging the generator and making sure the generator has enough fuel to continue operating.
Peace of Mind
This might be one of those advantages that are only recognized when the need arises, but when using a portable generator for backup, you won’t have to worry about the power going out.
Power outages don’t simply equate to the light going out, but can take out heating and AC equipment, which can create an unsafe work environment for you and your employees. Key systems and equipment can cease to function, which brings business operations to a halt, and can even result in loss of profits or target deadlines.
If there are mission-critical or emergency applications required, like life saving equipment - a portable backup generator can provide the power you need, when you need it most.
Conclusion
While portable generators have many advantages, there are a few items to keep in mind. First, if you find yourself renting a portable generator many times throughout the year or for long periods of time - be mindful of the total costs, as they can greatly add up. Depending on the use case and duration, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a standby generator in the long run. Many generator dealers that offer portable generator rentals often have a supply of new, used, and surplus standby generators available for purchase. So assess your usage and contact your generator dealer for available options.
While the process of renting a generator is simple, the initial process of using it is not quite that easy. If you plan to use a portable generator rental for backup power, keep in mind that the facility’s electrical circuits must be properly configured in order to accept power from the generator. This is usually a task handled by a master electrician who can handle the necessary cabling and conversion process. Also, unless you have an electrician on-site to handle the process, a master electrician will also be required to set up the generator rental when it arrives.
If you’re looking to find out more information about portable generator rentals or would like to secure a generator rental, please give us a call at 610-658-3242.
Additionally, you can fill out our form including all requirements and our project managers will get back to you with options - Generator Rental Form
Lastly, you can send us an email at sales@woodstockpower.com and our project managers will touch base to assess your needs and provide you with a generator rental package.