The dependability of electricity may spell the difference between the success and failure of any critical project, whether residential or commercial. Generators provide access to power when there is no infrastructure or during natural disasters. Suppose you’re in the market to purchase a generator. In that case, you may be debating between buying and renting, and the variety of available generators may overwhelm you.
This article offers a summary of the things to think about when it comes to renting versus buying a generator:
Table of Contents
Generator Rental Services vs. Purchase
We will look at the pros and cons of each option below:
Benefits of Buying a Generator
Here is why you should consider Generators for sale:
It is Available for Long-term Use
The primary justification for buying a generator is long-term use. When planning a power generation system for long-term use, choosing the right size and generator rating is essential. For ratings, the general rule is:
- Emergency or standby: This is beneficial when utility power is unavailable.
- Prime: Used for about eight hours every day
- Constant: Constant functioning. Closed for repairs
An essential component of this aspect is determining the appropriately rated generator for the given application. Installing a generator that is not the right size or rating could result in the system not functioning as intended, failing more frequently, or both.
Power Availability is Under Your Control
In this case, a leasing contract does not govern prime, continuous, or emergency power in a permanent installation. Additionally, your facility is unrestricted in the unlikely event that local rental generators are unavailable during periods of high rental demand (such as storms and significant power outages).
Long-term Rental Costs vs. Savings
The cost might quickly rise when hiring a sizable commercial generator for several months. Here’s where it helps to calculate the cost of extended generator rents with monthly breakdowns and to analyze all the situations. Think about what would happen if you needed the generator longer than anticipated (which happens frequently). Also, remember that your company may benefit tax-wise from purchasing a generator.
Asset Ownership
You are the equipment owner; thus, you enjoy the benefits of generator ownership. You are free from time limits and rental agreements and can sell it if you want.
You Are Free to Change the Configuration.
Each generator installation is unique; permanent installations need customized configurations, which are often unavailable in rental units. These configurations include fabricating custom add-ons, wiring, altering enclosures, and tailoring exhaust systems and fuel tanks.
No Continued Maintenance Charges from Rental Companies
Heavy users will probably have to pay for extra services (such as load bank tests and maintenance) to maintain the generator at predetermined hourly intervals, raising the renting cost. You don’t have to incur these costs when you invest in your generator.
Options for Internal Staff Maintenance and Repair
Establishments with a maintenance crew can save money by doing their upkeep and repairs. More sophisticated testing, like load bank testing, is typically hired out to a nearby service provider.
The Benefits of Renting a Generator
Lower Startup Cost
The most obvious advantage of renting a generator over buying one is that renting has a far lower startup cost. Leasing allows you to assign the initial expense and the hassle of handling storage, transportation, and upkeep.You can also enjoy the convenience of having generators available at half the price whenever you need them. This is often the key driver for companies with limited budgets for power backup.
Variability in Generator Size
Renting offers the option to return a generator that is too big for a specific job and choose a different generator that will work better for your needs.
Available on Short Notice
Most outages are unplanned, and rental units are available on short notice in many locations.
No Installation Fees
Most rentals are portable generator sets designed for simple connection; they also benefit from little to no site preparation or planning required, unlike many permanent installations with multiple electrical code requirements.
Minimal Maintenance and No Risk of Downtime
The duration of the rental includes maintenance for the rented property. Your rental supplier offers service personnel on call to fix any issues with the generator and may even replace it. This can be crucial in minimizing the risk of downtime in high-availability continuous activities such as oil wells and mines.
Ideal for Short-term Use
Only rent the generator when necessary; this is ideal for short-term construction projects and activities like concerts.
Options for Rent to Own
This allows the client to buy a rented generator after the rental term.
Types of Generators to Consider
Whether renting or leasing, you must choose the ideal generator type for your needs. Here are the options:
- A diesel generator is among the most effective generators that are visible. Diesel water-cooled engines have a long lifespan when well maintained.
- Petrol-powered run on gasoline. The gasoline engine transforms the petrol into mechanical energy.
- Gas generators are highly effective, but they require fossil fuels. They are still great for powering homes and businesses but inferior to diesel generators.
- Solar generators: These devices use solar panels to replenish their batteries. They work well in emergency scenarios where you need short bursts of low power usage.
- NG-LPG generators: Consider looking into generators that burn natural gas or propane if you want to combine efficiency with environmental responsibility. They’re also excellent choices for businesses with regular, affordable fuel access.
- NG-Diesel Generators: Consider using natural gas and diesel generators to enhance flexibility. If you use natural gas to satisfy most of your needs and then switch to diesel power for additional capacity, you can still reach your goals for energy sustainability.
To sum up, compare the leasing and buying costs before deciding. A purchase could be ideal when the generator rental cost gets close to the purchase price. On the other hand, a generator rentalis helpful if you only use a generator occasionally and usually for limited periods.