Portable generator rentals can be robust solutions for temporary backup power solutions for both short-term and long-term durations. While portable generator rentals are commonly used for events like unexpected power outages or construction sites that are located off-grid, they can also be used in many different industries such as events and festivals. Portable generator rentals can also be setup and used in interim periods when facilities may be upgrading or replacing their existing standby generators. These generators are extremely flexible, versatile, can be affordable solutions for those looking into a backup power solution for specific periods of time, but there are some items to consider before heading out and renting one.
Availability
Portable generator rentals may not always be readily available. While many generator dealers have rental fleets large enough to accommodate many concurrent rentals at once, there are peak times where generator rentals may be largely unavailable or already rented out. Peak times such as hurricane season, Winter, and other periods of extreme natural disasters are common times where there is a huge influx of people renting generators. Due to this reason, it’s often recommended that you establish a generator rental contract with a reputable generator dealer. For a nominal fee, you can reserve a generator rental and place it on hold and the generator will be available when you need it. This eliminates the need for you to pay a term rental fee and also worry about storage of the unit.
Service
For those not in the industry, there is often the worry about routine service or maintenance of a generator rental. When working with a generator dealer, routine preventative maintenance (PM) and service are usually built into the rental agreement. This means that you don’t need to scramble to find a generator technician that can come out to service the rental, but often times a generator dealer will send out one of their own technicians to perform all necessary service & maintenance. If there is nothing noted about these services built into your rental agreement, be sure to speak with the generator dealer to see if the option is available.
Fuel
Generally when renting a portable generator, you as the customer are responsible for the refueling and fuel supply for the unit. Be sure to speak with a generator dealer on fuel storage solutions, as many generator dealers may also have portable fuel cubes available for rent alongside the generator to provide a proper fuel storage option. Keep in mind that in times of emergency or natural disasters, it may be difficult to secure fuel, so this is a big reason why additional fuel storage on-site is recommended for those anticipating potential challenges.
Cost
Portable generator rentals can be costly, but it really depends on the type of unit you’re renting, how you’re using it, and for how long. While portable generator rentals are considered a cost-effective alternative to having a temporary backup power solution, be sure to keep an eye on overall expenses when it comes to your generator rental. Depending on how long and how much you rent a generator, there may come a point where total costs overtime may exceed the cost of installing a standby generator on-site at your facility.
Usage
One important item to note is that if you’re using a portable generator rental to provide backup power to your facility, it cannot simply be dropped off to your facility, hooked up, and expected to work. Facilities often need to be properly configured and a master electrician needs to build out an electrical circuit that enables the facility to accept generator power. Another option is to speak with your generator dealer who may be able to provide labor and send one of their technicians to help with the process.
There is a good amount to consider when renting out a portable generator, such as power calculations to figure out how much power you need, as well as other preparations that need to be made on-site or at your facility before having a portable generator rental delivered to you.
We strive to make the rental process as seamless and easy as possible, but if you’re looking for consultation, have questions, or would like to know more about portable generator rentals and what you need to prepare, feel free to reach out to us at RentPower.com
We have portable generator rental specialists that can help you calculate your power requirements and walk you through the steps for renting a portable generator.
Give us a call at 610-658-3242, send us an email at sales@woodstockpower.com or fill out our Generator Rental Form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!