The Cost Of An Industrial Generator
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- 04-03-2022
How much does an industrial generator cost? We look at what affects the cost of an industrial generator and the cost of running a generator.
Industrial generators are a needed power supply during power outages for companies across the UK, and their security systems rely on this temporary power. The question remains: how much do they cost to run?
What affects the cost of an Industrial Generator
Generators are designed to be a form of backup power, with different models having unique uses. Portable generators have another purpose to commercial generators, for instance, and have their own running costs associated.
While there are more factors to consider than these, here are the top criteria that will make running an industrial generator more expensive:
The type of fuel and required amounts (natural gas or diesel generators)
Location and space measurements of generator area
Sound attenuation
Regularity conditions
Power requirements
Generator repairs and general maintenance, along with other costs, will also affect the overall amount of money you will spend on the unit. Proper installation of any size generator is essential, especially when looking at whole house generators.
How Much Does a Generator Cost?
There is no one figure to give here, as more power will require a large generator and therefore cost more. Electric generators, diesel generators and standby generators all require different power outputs and higher running costs.
A whole-house generator will cost you anywhere between £4,500 and £8,500. This figure includes the installation and equipment required to run the generator. The installation, of course, isn't where your generator costs end, as you will experience anywhere between £35 - £115 in running costs per day.
Generator Cost by Size
You can see a direct correlation between the generator size and the running costs. Whole house generators may be more expensive than a small office, for instance, but you must ensure you have sufficient and efficient power no matter the room and building size.
Small Generators
Generators 2 to 5kw will cost you £200 - £1100 and will power one appliance to a few lights in your home or industrial property.
Medium Generators
Generators 13 to 16kw cost £2600 - £3400 and can power several appliances simultaneously, with ten lights.
Large Generators
Larger generators, on the other hand, such as 22 to 25kw, cost between £3500 - £9000 and can power a 5000 square foot home. If you go larger than that (30+kw), you should expect to pay a minimum of £7500 to £12000 and higher.
Types of Generators
Most generators are considered portable generators unless they run off solar power. Each generator type has an impact on the overall cost, and here are the main types you will find:
Gas Powered Generators
Gas-powered generators are cheaper than entire home models but will still cost you between £370 - £1900 to install.
A gas-powered unit will be noisier than other models and require adequate storage a minimum of 20 feet away from your property; otherwise, residents are at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Liquid Propane Generators
Liquid Propane Generators give you the choice of them being portable or permanently installed, depending on your requirements.
Portable models are considerably cheaper at £190 - £2900, whereas permanently installed will cost £1500 - £4500. The liquid propane fuel will burn slower, meaning you spend less, but the running costs are more expensive overall.
Natural Gas Generators
Natural Gas Generators will set you back between £1500 - £4500, but you can generally expect them to power your whole house with ease.
If your property has a gas line in place, you can connect your natural gas generators to that and power the property. Natural gas is cheaper than other gas and propane fuels, providing you with a cost-effective solution overall.
Diesel Generators
Diesel Generators are a popular and efficient model for commercial use but can cost between £2500 - £5000for a portable model.
Whole-home diesel generators are more expensive, ranging between £3700 - £13500. A reliable source of diesel is needed as you will have to refuel the generator, depending on how frequently it's used.
Cost to Install a Generator
There are also factors to consider when installing the generator, and these can drastically affect cost. If you are using a portable unit, you will not have to face most of these.
Concrete Pads
Concrete pads are helpful for large generator models and stop shifting ground or erosion from happening.
This will cost approximately £750- £1000 to install.
Permits
Permits may be needed depending on your local authority and their rules.
This can cost anywhere between £30 - £150 to get approved and is necessary for installing in some places.
Fuel
Fuel costs are one of the most expensive factors of running a generator. Fuel can easily consume three-quarters of a litre/gallon every hour.
One litre of fuel can easily cost you £2- £5, increasing to £30- £50 a day. The form of fuel you use and the generator's capacity and usage will all affect how high this figure reaches.
What Are Commercial Backup Generators
Commercial backup generators are essential for ensuring businesses do not lose work or electricity in the event of a power emergency. Backup generators tend to operate in an office building, facility, powering entire buildings when needed.
They are designed with the ability to kick in when a power cut happens, capable of running for hours on end until the mains line is restored. Obviously, customers will receive more power and continued electricity with bigger models, but standby generators are ideal for all forms of commercial sites.
Backup generators still run on either liquid propane, diesel, natural gas, or gasoline, among the main fuel sources. Typically, customers will purchase a diesel-based model, as they can generate a large amount of power for the lowest price. While they are a popular option, there is more to determine and may not fit every operation and industry.
When you need Backup Power
When you experience a power cut, all machinery, tools, and equipment at your facility cease to function. This can quickly raise running prices while you attempt to get everything running again, and this is where the benefit of a backup generator comes into the picture.
Depending on the model size, you can produce enough power to run your machinery and even full offices while you wait for the power to return.
Your consumption requirements will differ from the next person, so you should calculate the voltage and watts needed before buying a generator. The mains grid provides consistent power to all machinery with little-to-no feedback, which you want to achieve with your backup generator.
Common Uses For Commercial Power Generators
Commercial generators are becoming more popular, with brands and companies across the UK investing in these units for when emergencies happen.
Hospitals, factories, office buildings and more can rely on the kilowatts produced by a generator in the event of a power cut.
The most common uses for using commercial power generators are:
Mobile Businesses
Permanent power to mobile businesses. If you are off the mains grid or perhaps hosting a commercial event in a remote area, you will benefit from using a generator to power water heaters, lights and more.
Back-Up Power
Stable backup power for any sized business. Regardless of the type of work, you will be protected and kept warm and in the light when your generator powers the building.
Main Power Support
Supporting the mains power supply until it returns. Overloading the circuits is commonplace, but this eases the requirements from the main supply once you have a generator installed.
Machinery and Equipment
Powering machinery and equipment. An unforeseen power cut can lead to bodily harm and serious health hazards at your facility or factory, so knowing that a generator will kick in the moment the power goes will give you peace of mind. Your equipment and lighting can continue running without interruption.
There are many benefits from using a commercial generator, and businesses are making the switch today. If you would like more information on backup generators, please get in touch with our team today.
Do you need an industrial generator?
If you are looking for an industrial generator, call us today on 01172 541069 for help choosing the right generator for you.
Now you know the uses for, and cost of industrial generators, you might need to use one. Get in contact to find the right generator for you.
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