Whether you’re a business owner or just a homeowner looking for a reliable energy source, getting a diesel generator will be an amazing option. Still, it will also require a significant investment. This is why it’s always important to weigh your options before deciding on which generator to buy. You don’t want to pay thousands only to end up with the wrong size or rating, right? To help you find the right diesel generator, here are some tips to consider:

Size always matters

When buying a diesel generator for your home or business, size always matters! Ideally, you should get a generator to comfortably power all your essential equipment. As a rule of thumb, we usually recommend buying a generator that can manage 20% to 30% more than your energy requirements to offer you a certain degree of future-proofing and some extra power to play with should you ever need it. 

So, how do you know what size generator you need? You would need to work out the total watts of all the appliances and machinery you must run. Add all the active or high-performance watts for each item running at full capacity together to do this. Now, you’ll need to convert watts to kVA, which is the unit of measurement used to represent the capacity of a generator. 

To convert watts (W) to kilovolt-amperes (kVA), you use the formula:

kVA = W / (1000 × PF)

W is the power in watts, PF is the power factor (a value between 0 and 1), and 1000 converts watts to kilowatts. For example, if you have a 5000W load with a power factor of 0.8, the calculation would be 5000 / (1000 × 0.8) = 5000 / 800 = 6.25 kVA.

Prioritise autonomy and fuel efficiency

In general, if you place a 20kVA diesel generator next to a petrol generator of the same size, the diesel generator will be far more fuel efficient. This is one of the major benefits of a diesel generator and one of the main reasons why so many businesses opt for one. While still pretty flammable, diesel burns at a 50% slower rate than petrol while producing the same amount of energy, if not more. Thus, with a diesel generator, your fuel should last you longer and is also usually cheaper than petrol.

How big is the generator, and can it be transported

You’ll also need to think about how big you need the generator to be. Smaller diesel generators, like a 10kVA, might be more manageable to manoeuvre, but if you’re looking at something larger, like a 500kVA generator, you’re going to need a secure place to keep it and a way to transport it. Thankfully, many companies that sell generators of this size also offer installation services. 

This means that they would deliver and install the generator for you. Ideally, you want to mark out an area on your property that is further from offices or other residential homes, as the generator is noisy. In addition, building an enclosure for the generator can reduce its noise and improve its longevity. 

Control systems and power management are key

Generators have advanced greatly in the last two decades, with many now featuring advanced features that allow you to better control the system and manage its power output. For example, many generators can now be controlled wirelessly, are programmed to start automatically when they sense a loss in power, and most display warnings when they’re low on fuel and even provide broad data reports based on your total usage. 

These systems improve the usability and convenience of diesel generators for businesses as they can better track their power usage, fuel consumption, and machine maintenance. It doesn’t stop there, though. Many generators also have power management systems designed to optimise fuel consumption and the generator’s performance. This incorporates stopping and starting units to reduce fuel consumption and preserve the engine. 

Where to find the right generator

Finding the right diesel generator is vital! Ideally, you should look for a diesel generator that covers your power needs and gives you a little extra to play with. Renteca is a trusted and well-known generator supplier in Australia and can help you choose the right diesel generator to suit your needs. You can see prices on diesel generators here!

Final thoughts

Buying a generator is usually a necessity for most businesses that rely on a constant source of power or work at various sites without connection to power. However, before you buy one, it’s important to carefully consider the size and functions that come with it. Once you know what you need, the rest comes down to your preferences and needs.