Being one of the most important pieces of equipment found at construction sites, infrastructure projects and outdoor events means that generators should be always be carefully considered. So, despite there being an obvious need for a generator for the job at hand, there are actually quite a few details you’ll need to first consider before you go out and rent or buy.

For starters, you should start thinking about how size and performance factor into powering a site, but even these points are just the tip of the iceberg. In this blog we take a look at a few things you need to consider before you sink precious time and money into a generator.

Factoring in the size of your generator

If your requirements for a generator have involved you simply looking out for a 150 kva generator for sale, there are a few more things you should know first. For starters, taking the motor and transformer starting kVA requirements as a measure for the total size of a can often result in generators being oversized and ill-suited to the real-world needs of the job. Modularity is another key thing you should look out for when deciding on a generator – even if you’re looking into utilising a single generator unit, inquiring about its modularity can help future-proof your operation.

When inquiring, remember to ask questions about whether modularity is a feature from the outset and how long it would take to pair another generator unit. Modular is a great idea as bigger in the world of generators does not at al translate to better, plus the versatility means you won’t have to be regularly swapping out generators to meet different needs. From a physical standpoint, it can also benefit you to have an understanding as to whether units can be easily towed or loaded on a truck. Plus, if you do choose to use multiple generators, their ability to stack can make your life a whole lot easier.

Considering generator fuel efficiency

One of the most important things you should keep in mind is the fuel efficiency of the generator. While most modern generators are far more efficient than the models that were produced five years ago, it’s still important that you enquire with the manufacturers before you drop a lot of money on a generator. Without proper knowledge of this, there’s always the potential for you to not adequately prepare for fuel – which can lead to a bit of a disaster in some cases.

As we discussed earlier, the modularity of generators, while making these energy sources much more versatile, can also result in better fuel economy. As a quick example, basic industrial usage dictates that a 1 MVA generator can translate to up to 1677 litres of fuel used daily, while with approximately 1558 litres of fuel is used with three modular three 325 kVA generators. So not only are you saving big on fuel costs and transportation headaches, but the 85 tonnes of CO2 that doesn’t make it into the atmosphere is also a perk.

Finding the ideal generator for your circumstances

When shopping around for a generator, there should be quite a few things you enquire about to ensure you get the best generator for your circumstances. While modularity, size and fuel consumption are a great place to start, also make sure to think about capacity and control system. After having considered all this, you should easily come up with the ideal generator for the task at hand.