When your business needs reliable power for a limited period of time, buying a generator isn't always the most practical option. You can explore getting a power generator rental.
It can give you the capacity you need for your construction project, a planned shutdown, emergency outage, event, or a temporary increase in demand without the upfront investment of purchasing a genset. But renting a generator isn't simply a matter of choosing a genset and arranging delivery.
This guide by Curtis Power Solutions covers the key details that businesses should consider before renting a generator. We’ll discuss everything from how much power you need, what type of equipment suits your application, and what services and supporting equipment are included in a rental power generator.
When it comes to getting a generator for your business, most compare rental vs buying a genset. While purchasing a power generator can be useful if you have a higher energy need for longer durations, power generator rental is a great option if you need it only for a specific time period.
Let’s break down how a generator rental vs generator purchase compares.
Here’s when renting a generator is the right choice:
Temporary construction projects - Construction sites often need power before permanent electrical service is available.
Planned electrical shutdowns - A rental generator can help to keep your essential operations running while electrical or maintenance work is being done.
Emergency outages - If your permanent backup generator is unavailable or the utility supply fails, a rental can provide temporary power.
Events and festivals - Outdoor events may need temporary power for lighting, sound systems, food equipment, and other electrical loads.
Facility expansions or renovations - Additional power may be required while a facility is being expanded or its electrical infrastructure is being upgraded.
Seasonal or peak demands - Businesses with occasional increases in power demand can use rental equipment without purchasing a generator that may sit unused for much of the year.
Generator replacement or repair - A rental can bridge the gap while an existing generator is being repaired or replaced.
The biggest advantage that you gain with generator rental is scalability. You get access to the power capacity you need without committing to a permanent piece of equipment.
There’s a lot of options when it comes to renting a power generator from standby and mobile generators to diesel and natural gas generators. The right choice depends on your power requirements, fuel availability, location, runtime, and how the generator will be used.
Here’s a list of some common types of power generators:
Diesel generators are widely used for commercial and industrial applications because they can provide a substantial power output. They are also preferred for their durability, and superior fuel-efficiency.
They're commonly used for construction sites, emergency power, industrial facilities, and other applications where dependable temporary power is important.
Natural gas generators are a good fit for sites with easy access to natural gas supply. It is a clean fuel that provides reliable temporary power without requiring fuel storage on-site like diesel.
However, you still need to consider fuel availability and site infrastructure before choosing this option.
Mobile generator sets offer flexibility for when your power needs change from one location to another. They're particularly useful for construction, events, emergency response, and other temporary applications.
They have a range of power output that you can choose from - small portable ones to large industrial units.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) store electrical energy in batteries so it can be used when and where it's needed. Depending on the application, BESS can complement your traditional gensets or fulfill your temporary power requirements.
If you’re looking to reduce your generator runtime, manage changing loads, or integrating temporary power with other energy sources, battery storage can offer great flexibility.
Generator size is one of the most important decisions that you'll make when renting temporary power.
A generator that’s too small may not handle your equipment, particularly when motors or other high-starting-load equipment switch on. On the other hand, choosing a much larger generator than necessary can increase your rental and operating costs without providing any real benefit.
Here’s how you can pick the right generator size for your needs:
You can also see our guide to 8 things to know before booking a rental generator to learn what other factors you should consider.
Common fuel types that most businesses compare for generator rental are Diesel vs. Natural Gas generators.
The table below presents a comparison of these two gensets:
The right option for you depends on your application and site conditions. You can also check our guide to 6 key differences between diesel vs. gas generators for a more detailed comparison.
An emergency power generator rental is different from a planned temporary project. When the power is already out, you may not have much time to compare different equipment options. That's why having a plan in place can make a huge difference.
Before an emergency occurs, identify:
Which systems are critical to your operation and how much power they need.
Whether the site can accommodate the equipment and where would you position the rental generator.
How the generator would be connected to your electrical system.
What fuel supply would be needed.
Who will handle installation and connection.
How long would you need the temporary power for.
You should also factor in the chance of the outage lasting longer than expected. Fuel delivery, monitoring, generator maintenance, and emergency support are all important during an extended outage.
It is therefore vital to be in touch with a reliable generator rental provider like Curtis Power Solutions so the response reaches you quicker. We offer 24-hour emergency services and wireless remote monitoring through Curtis on call and Power Connect.
A generator rental doesn't always include just the generator itself. You may need additional equipment and services depending on your usage to get power to your facility or job site.
Rental power generators generally include the basic connecting cables or distribution panels, and standard maintenance support along with the generator unit itself. Depending on the provider and the package you choose, your generator rental may also cover the delivery, initial setup, auxiliary fuel tanks, and 24/7 emergency technical service.
Before signing a rental agreement, ask what’s included in the rental quote and what will be charged separately. This can help you avoid unexpected costs once the equipment arrives on site.
The cost of a rental power generator can start from as low as $50 - $180 per day for small portable units and $185 - $800+ per day for large, towable industrial models. This cost varies a lot depending on the size and power output of your genset.
Other factors that contribute to your rental cost include:
As each project has different power requirements, the best way to get an accurate estimate is to provide your rental company with as much information as you can about your project.
Request a generator rental quote from Curtis Power Solutions to discuss your temporary power requirements.
A wide range of industries can benefit from power generator rental because businesses don't always have the same power requirements all year round.
Common industries that need rental generators include:
Construction - Generators power their tools, lighting, pumps, HVAC systems, and temporary facilities.
Healthcare - For supporting critical operations during planned or unexpected power interruptions.
Manufacturing - To keep the production equipment and essential systems operating.
Commercial buildings - For maintaining critical building systems like HVAC, elevators, lighting, and security systems during outages or electrical work.
Data centers and technology facilities - Providing temporary or backup power for critical infrastructure.
Events and entertainment - Powering lighting, sound, food service, and other temporary installations.
Government and institutional facilities - Maintaining operations when normal utility power is unavailable.
Power generator rental gives businesses a flexible way to handle their temporary, emergency, and project-specific power needs without committing to a permanent generator.
To choose the right equipment for your business needs, consider your required power capacity, fuel type, rental duration, installation requirements, and site conditions. Also factor in the support like maintenance, transportation, and refueling that you'll need throughout the rental.
If you're not sure what type or size of generator your business needs, Curtis Power Solutions can help you find a solution that fits your business needs. We also offer support for planned maintenance, emergency response, and testing and certification for your generators. Get in touch with us to discuss your requirements.
To know the right generator size for your business, calculate your total electrical load by adding the running watts of your essential equipment plus the highest starting surge of your largest motor. Add a 25% safety buffer and there you have it, your power requirements.
You can check your rental agreement or talk to your rental company to confirm whether your generator rental includes delivery and installation. At Curtis Power Solutions, we offer both delivery of your trailer mounted gensets and its installation support.
The cost of generator rental varies a lot depending on the size, power output, and the fuel type of your genset. It can be anywhere from $50 per day to over $800 per day. Additional costs include transportation, installation, service, refueling, and maintenance costs.
A 20kW generator can easily power a mid-sized house that’s 1,200 to 2,500 square feet. It can run whole-house utilities including, AC, a 5 ton refrigerator, lights, furnace fan, and other common appliances.
A 1200 watt generator can cost anywhere from $180 to $450 with gas-powered models being the most budget-friendly and inverter generators or solar power stations costing higher.
You can easily scale your generator systems as your power requirements increase if you get a rental generator.
The generator type appropriate for you depends on your power requirements. Inverter generators are best for quiet, fuel-efficient power for sensitive electronics or camping, portable generators suit high-wattage job sites or budget-friendly emergency backup, and home standby generators power up the whole house.