Every business needs both a primary and a backup source of power. Shopfronts have to keep their lights on and their point-of-sale systems active. Mines, construction sites, film sets and festivals need a reliable source of power to operate, sometimes in remote locations. Power outages can spoil food in manufacturing facilities and cause medical emergencies in hospitals. For businesses, generators are one of the most reliable ways to ensure an uninterrupted power supply and protect your equipment, your revenue and the safety of your team.

Generators are a popular, widely used solution. In 2023, the global generator market was valued at USD 30.09 billion, with even higher growth levels expected. Backup generators for businesses are widely used in industries like construction, mining, healthcare and data communications, where even a brief spell without power can have disastrous consequences.

If you only need a generator for emergencies or a short-term set-up like a music festival, generator rental is the best option. It offers you the full benefits of a generator for your business, with the flexibility to hire it for as short or as long a time period as you like.

If you’re wondering what the best generator for your business is, Total Generators can take you through your options, including different types and what to look for. Here is our brief guide to generators for business to get you started.

The Difference in Generator Options

There are several different types of power generators on the market, and all of them offer a unique experience. The most common generator types for businesses include:

Hiring Diesel Generators

As most generators run on diesel, this is the easiest type to find and hire. Diesel generators are frequently used in on and off-grid applications where baseload power is hard to come by. Diesel generators can be either prime or backup power sources, and you can count on them to provide consistent power as long as they’re well-maintained.

Hiring Hybrid Renewable Generators

Hybrid technologies enable optimised efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and significantly improved OPEX outcomes. Hybrid renewable generators use photovoltaic technology, which has been shown to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a sustainable solution.

Hiring Trailer-Mounted Generators

As the name suggests, trailer-mounted generators are towable generators that are easy to move between job locations. Frequently found on construction sites, military bases and mining operations, trailer-mounted generators connect to the back of your vehicle so you can easily haul it from location to location as your needs change.

Hiring Standby Generators

Standby generators are built for backup, and designed to switch on immediately when the power goes out. Like most other generators, standby generators are available in a variety of fuel types.  

Hiring Industrial Generators

Industrial generators are heavy-duty generators designed for the most demanding operations. This includes mining sites, medical facilities, manufacturing plants and data facilities, where keeping the power on is a constant priority, and blackouts can have devastating consequences.

Hiring Emergency Generators

Emergency generators are infrequently used but incredibly important, often life-saving, pieces of machinery. When the main power is lost, they provide electricity to essential facilities. In the case of an outage, most emergency generators won’t power your entire facility; instead, they will supply much-needed power to the most essential facilities.

Key Factors to Look For In Hiring a Generator For a Business

Deciding on the best generator for your business isn’t always an easy task. There are a lot of factors to consider, and the most important ones include:

Load demand

Understanding the load profile and demand is paramount when sizing a generator to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. The load profile involves analysing the types of electrical loads the generator will support, including steady-state loads, motor starting requirements, and any potential transient surges. Accurate assessment of peak demand and total load is crucial to avoid undersizing, which could lead to system failures or oversizing, which results in unnecessary operational costs and reduced efficiency. Factors such as the nature of the application, power factor, and load sequencing must also be considered. A well-sized generator aligns with the specific power requirements of the application, ensuring reliable operation, fuel efficiency, and longevity of the equipment.

Type

As you know by now, there are several different kinds of generators. Establish your power needs: do you need primary, standby or emergency power? This will help you determine what kind of generator you need: stationary or portable, industrial or inverter.

Fuel source

While diesel remains the most common generator fuel source, there are other varieties, such as petrol, solar, and gas, each with its pros and cons.  

Noise levels

Keep an eye on decibel ratings when you’re selecting your generator. It’s important to comply with local noise restrictions.

Maintenance

Good suppliers don’t just provide generators, they provide ongoing support and maintenance to keep them running smoothly. When maintenance is included as part of the service, it means greater peace of mind for you.

Reliability

As always, it’s important to choose a provider with a proven track record of reliability. Look at online reviews and testimonials to see which providers are willing to go the extra mile.

Which Generator Suits Which Industry?

The best generator for your business varies by industry. Here are some examples of industries where generators are frequently used:

Diesel generators

These common generators are used to power many industries, including in remote and off-grid locations. Examples include construction, manufacturing, mining, logistics, oil and gas and telecommunications.

Hybrid renewable generators

These generators suit any industry where a constant source of power is needed, and restoration needs to be quick in case of a blackout. This can be everything from agriculture to telecommunications to disaster relief.

Industrial generators

These tough generators are designed to cope with rugged conditions and huge power supply needs and benefit industries like manufacturing, mining and chemical plants.

Emergency generators

Emergency generators are essential when continuous power is necessary for lifesaving equipment or data protection. They’re common in healthcare and schools, as well as data centres, banks and other office buildings.

If you’re unsure which generator would best suit your particular industry, Total Generators is happy to help.

Hire Diesel and Hybrid Solar Generators at Total Generators

Total Generators stocks the best diesel generators for hire Australia-wide, trusted by leading professionals in industries like mining, construction and events. We’ll provide you with an uncomplicated, user-friendly generator purpose-designed for simplicity. Our range of super-silent diesel generators includes trailer-mounted and truck-mounted units, and we handle supply, delivery, and installation. We also offer 24/7 support.

We’re excited to offer you a range of hybrid solar generator hire options with the latest solar, battery, inverter and generation technology. With locations in Brisbane, Moranbah, Cloncurry and Katherine, NT, we can fulfil your generator hire requirements no matter your situation.

Do you have a short or long-term project in mind and think one of our generators for businesses might be right for you? Contact the Total Generators team for a free quote on our generators for hire.