In today’s power-driven world, downtime is no longer an option. Whether you are powering a major event, managing a construction site, or planning for an emergency response, a reliable power backup is essential to keep the business moving.
However, instead of buying a generator, renting one is an effective way to get the backup without the necessary upkeep. In this blog, we will discuss all about generators for rent, starting from their types, the benefits of renting vs buying, to the eight essentials to look out for before booking a generator for rent . This Curtis guide will enable you to make informed decisions and power forward with confidence.
Types of Generators
There are a lot of options in the market when it comes to renting a generator. The knowledge of their different types is an easy first step to deciding the right one for your needs.
Here’s a brief overview of the different generator types for rent:
Diesel Generators
Diesel generators are one of the most preferred power generators. They utilise diesel as their source of fuel to generate electricity. If you are looking for diesel generators for rent, consider their following features:
- Widely available fuel
- Offer fast and easy setup
- Fuel-efficient power generation
- Perfect for rugged and outdoor venues.
However, before considering a diesel generator for rent, it is crucial to understand that it is not a clean solution. It generates a lot of pollution and noise, which makes it unsuitable for indoor settings.
Natural Gas Generators
Unlike the diesel generators, natural gas generators offer an environment friendly alternative. They are fueled by Natural gas or Propane to generate electricity. The other features of neutral gas generators include the following:
- Don’t require fuel stock-ups.
- Cheaper fuel than diesel.
- Offer clean burning.
- Safe to use with no potential for spills.
Although they are better in terms of sustainability, it is important to check if your area has a constant supply of natural gas before booking a gas generator for rent.
Portable Generators
Portable generators are a great choice for versatile use with their compact design and ease of mobility. They offer power output in the range of 1 kW to 10 kW. Their other features include:
- Require minimal setup with easy installation.
- Typically run on diesel or gasoline.
- Perfect for small outings and camping trips.
Their ease of transport is their top-selling feature but they don’t generate enough power for large set ups and just barely enough to power laptops and mobiles.
Towable Generators
Towable generators are also known as trailer-mounted generators. They are easy to transport with a mounted setup on trailers. Their features include the following:
- Generate power in the range of 10kW to 500 kW.
- Can withstand extreme weather conditions.
- Perfect for moving between construction or mining sites.
They offer versatility of use with their mobility and good power output but require grounding for safe use.
Standby Generators
A standby generator is a popular choice for medical centers, hospitals, and commercial settings because of its automatic transfer switch. Let’s take a look at its other features:
- Turns on automatically in case of power failure.
- Protects sensitive devices against sudden power surges.
- Offers high power output that can power the whole house.
Standby generators fueled by natural gas are a great option for power backup as they can be connected to the house’s supply of Propane or Natural gas. But they do not offer much portability which can be a turn off for many businesses.
Benefits of Booking a Generator for Rent
Not all businesses can afford the upfront cost of buying a generator and its maintenance. Renting a generator is thus a great way of getting consistent power supply without breaking the bank.
Let’s take a look at some other benefits of booking a generator for rent:
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Expert installation and maintenance
With renting, you no longer have to worry about the generator's installation and maintenance. The rental agency will take care of it both so your generator is ready to power you, as soon as it is delivered.
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Immediate power backup
In case of a disaster or any other emergency, renting a generator is the quick-fix to get instant power supply. It especially helps the medical centers and other first-responders.
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Flexibility for both short-term or long-term needs
Renting a generator provides you with an easy ticket to fast and flexible power backup. You can utilise it effectively for both your short-term or long-term needs without worrying about power failure.
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Easy scalability
Instead of buying a generator, renting one offers a scalable option for businesses. You can upgrade your generator anytime, depending on your needs.
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Endless on-site support
With renting you don't have to worry about the generator breaking down or its service requirements. At Curtis Power Solutions, we provide ongoing on-site support for servicing, we also alert you about refueling or the generator performance, even when a storm hits.
Renting is thus a great way to ensure you never run out of power without the long-term commitment of buying a generator.
8 Things to Consider before Renting a Generator
Before making the final decision of renting a generator, it is important to consider the following points so you get the most out of what you pay.
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Understand Your Power Needs
A clear understanding of the power needs is essential before renting a generator. Outline all the devices that need a power backup, consider both their running wattage and the starting wattage (or surge wattage).
Pick a generator that can handle the total running watts of all simultaneously operating devices, plus the highest single starting wattage of a device.
PRO-TIP : Choose a generator with a safety margin of around 10-20% more power capacity than your requirement.
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The Type of Generator You Need
A good knowledge of the types of generators is important before selecting the right one. There are a lot of options out there, with each generator offering its own set of unique features.
Choose one that fits your power needs with its capacity and the type of fuel it uses. Both of these contribute to the generator's performance and efficiency.
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Type of Setup (Indoor/Outdoor)
The place of installation or setup is an important factor to consider before selecting a power generator for rent. Check out whether the generator is suited for indoor or outdoor settings.
Most generators offer an easy outdoor installation and functionality, except for the portable and solar generators. Neither of these generates much pollution and can be safely used indoors.
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Running Time of the Generator
Calculate or consider the amount of time you need the generator for. It is an important factor that determines your rental choice, so you get a consistent power supply without running into any downtime issues.
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Site Accessibility and Generator Transport
The accessibility to the site of generator installation is another essential factor to consider. Ensure that the generator size you choose can be transported easily without any delays.
Talk to your agency about their transportation services; in most cases, they will transport the generator themselves and even offer refueling assistance.
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Maintenance and Safety
The consistent use of generators necessitates monitoring their maintenance needs. Check with your rental agency whether they offer an initial maintenance report and ongoing services.
As each generator differs in its operation, do ask for the corresponding user manual and safety information before renting a power generator.
At Curtis Power Solutions, along with safety assistance, we provide real-time remote monitoring services to alert you of any issues including low fuel, and low battery, etc.
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Permits and Rules
Check out what the local or regional guidelines for generator setup are in your area. Also, look out for the permissible noise levels and emissions. This is important to ensure compliance and to prevent any legal issues.
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The Rental Agreement
Before making the final decision, go over the rental agreement and check for the rent duration, rental fees, and rental insurance. A transparent rental agreement ensures that you know exactly what you are getting into.
Conclusion
The current digital-first world necessitates a reliable power backup to stay in the game. Renting a generator is a cost-effective and smart investment as opposed to buying one. You should however consider your needs, the rental agency’s reputation, and its services before making the final decision.
At Curtis Power Solutions, we have industry experience of over eight decades and have powered all sectors, including commercial, institutional, and government. Our on-site power generation services include sales, services, and rentals. Contact us for all things power and get the right backup on your side.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does it cost to rent a generator for a day?
The cost to rent a generator for a day starts from $60. The exact cost of renting depends on the size, power output, and type of generator.
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Does Curtis Power Solutions rent generators?
Yes, Curtis Power Solutions offers the option to rent generators along with their sales and servicing. We have trailer-mounted generators from 22 kW to 2000 kW with containment systems, doorstep delivery, refueling, and remote alerts for updates on refueling and the remaining power.
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Why should I choose a generator for rent instead of buying one?
Choosing a generator for rent instead of buying one offers a cost-effective option to get instant power backup without worrying about its delivery, maintenance, and high buying costs. It also offers the option to upgrade as your power needs rise.
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What types of rental generator options are available in Curtis Power Solutions?
The rental generator options at Curtis Power Solutions include complete gensets from 22 kW to 2000 kW. We have diesel-powered, mobile, trailer-mounted generators.
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Does a generator for rent include delivery and setup?
A generator for rent may not necessarily include its delivery and setup. Some rental agencies may offer these services for free, while others may charge you for them. At Curtis Power Solutions, we offer delivery, setup, maintenance, and ongoing services for your rented generator.