Commercial Backup Generator Buyers’ Guide
Factors When Choosing a Commercial Backup Generator
Delta reported a $150 million loss when its Atlanta operations center experienced a power failure for just five hours in 2016. Regardless of what kind of industry they’re in, business owners can agree that time spent without electricity is money lost. However, a power outage looks different for every company. If you are in the food industry, a power outage can mean losing refrigeration or heat sources, leading to the loss of groceries and the inability to prepare food. In the manufacturing industry, a power outage results in machinery downtime, which renders your company incapable of meeting consumer demands. For professional services, a power loss may lead to data losses that cost you valuable time.
The effects of power outages vary significantly from one business to the other. The key to keeping everything up and running throughout the duration is investing in the right commercial backup generator in California. Although the market features all kinds of backup generators, these generators vary significantly in size, power output, and how long they can operate nonstop. Here are some of the most important considerations that you must make when shopping for a power system for your facility.
Standby vs. Portable Backup Generator
You might be weighing your options for standby versus portable systems. If you require an alternative source of power for your business, a standby power generator will fit your needs best. This type of stationary generator connects to your primary electricity line. It continuously monitors your electricity, and if at any point the supply of electricity stops, then the generator will automatically switch on. This means the supply of power will be restored within seconds.
Standby generators are larger and more expensive to buy and operate than portable generators. On the other hand, portable generators are compact and easy to take along to remote job sites. They’re a good choice for occasional power needs. However, if you’re looking for a generator that’s capable of handling your heftier power loads, you’ll find that a standby system is unmatched in performance and reliability.
Power Requirements
The power needs of your facility are a critical factor when buying a commercial generator. How many watts will be required to keep your business operational? Wattage varies depending on your type of business. For example, a small office that needs a power generator to keep office lights, computers, and network running will require less wattage than a manufacturing plant with heavy machinery.
Looking through your electric bills for the last 12 months will give you an idea of how many watts you need. Many utility companies will highlight the peak demand on your monthly statement. The highest wattage from peak demand each month will give you a baseline to use in your calculations.
When sizing a backup generator, you have to consider peak power consumption and your local power supply’s amperage. If you require power backup for the essential loads, you will need to work with a qualified technician to separate the main’s emergency circuits. Doing so will help create an emergency load panel. The professionals from Valley Power Systems can also assist you in sizing a backup generator for your business.
Types of Fuel
The fuel type of a commercial backup generator will help estimate fuel costs. Your generator engine may run on gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas. Each of these fuels has its share of pros and cons. You have to think about the accessibility of the fuel and how it will be stored. For a generator with over 150kW of power, you will likely find that diesel is the most efficient fuel type.
Diesel is one of the most popular fuel types for backup generators because it is readily available, runs efficiently, and can be stored on-site for up to 2 years. Diesel engines are also the cheapest to run and maintain. On the other hand, gasoline can only be stored for up to 1 year and is highly flammable, making it risky for business owners. A generator that uses natural gas will be a sound choice if you have a natural gas line at your premises. You can also opt for a dual-fuel generator that runs on both diesel and natural gas.
Running Time
How long will you need the generator to power your business? This is an important component to consider when choosing a new generator. In times of emergency, you won’t know how long power will be out. However, if you never want power interruption to cost you money, you need a generator that can run for a prolonged period. In this case, a standby generator is the best choice. You also have to ensure that your fuel source will be able to support your generator for as long as you need it.
There is no single recommendation on how much fuel you should have on-site. This is because generators use varying amounts of fuel. When choosing a generator that will run for extended periods, you need superior fuel efficiency. Valley Power Systems can help you select a generator that will best serve your runtime requirements.
Work With a Full-Service Generator Company
When you’re in search of the right commercial generator, you want to partner with a company that offers top-quality products and full-service power solutions. Valley Power Systems is your local power resource with a broad inventory and trained technicians ready to help with installation, repairs, and periodic maintenance services. Our goal is to ensure California businesses have a consistent source of power 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Contact Us Today
If you are in the market for a new standby generator in California, Valley Power Systems is here to help. As a reputable power provider, we go the extra mile to ensure our clients get a generator that meets their power needs and fits their budget. Contact our office today to find the best commercial standby generator for your business. Our knowledgeable team is ready to review your options.
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