For businesses that face losses due to power cuts, installing a large generator, such as a 500kVA generator, is the only answer. But is buying a 500kVA generator the way to go? They certainly have their benefits, but before you make the purchase, we encourage you to consider the following first.
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1. Is it powerful enough?
A 500kVA generator is certainly capable of managing a large load, often being a suitable generator size for industrial sites and facilities, large offices, or even shopping malls. There isn’t much a 500kVA generator won’t manage, like larger medical facilities or large mining operations. In the end, you’d need to figure out your energy needs and factor them into choosing the right generator.
2. What type of fuel?
Most large industrial generators run on diesel because it’s more affordable (depending on where you’re from) and because it burns slower than petrol. Large generators chew through fuel. So, it’s understandable that business owners would use a more efficient fuel source. When the ratios are compared, diesel burns 50% slower than petrol and produces more energy. Thus, it’ll offer you more power and longer use than a petrol generator would.
3. Rent or purchase?
Consider whether renting or buying a generator would be a better investment. Most businesses buy a 500kVA generator when they need to use it regularly to continue their operations. When it comes to only needing it every now and then, renting becomes the cheaper option. Weigh up what decision would work best for you. Buying has a greater upfront cost and will often only pay itself off over a few years, whereas renting provides immediate use with a cheaper upfront cost but could end up in the long run.
4. What maintenance will it need?
What will repairs cost you? What’s great about diesel generators is that they are hardier. Typically, diesel generators are made with better-quality parts and have a simpler design, making them easier to maintain.
Because of this, they last longer and don’t need maintenance as regularly. Still, you’d need to factor in what the cost of maintenance would be on a 500kVA generator and how often it would need maintenance to ensure that it continues to run at optimal condition. To be safe, giving your generator a service after 6 months or 400 hours of run time is recommended.
5. Where will you put it?
As you can imagine, a 500kVA generator is pretty large. Do you have space for it on your business premises? Generally, a large generator would need enough space for it to sit comfortably with space for ventilation.
Look for an area that’ll ensure that the generator doesn’t interfere with basic business tasks. Try to place it away from offices, residential areas, or any other places where it may be too noisy. In addition to that, you also need to factor in installation costs. The further a generator is away from a building, the more installation it requires. So, try to find a balance between the two.
6. Do you need additional features?
This might coincide with the type of generator you buy and why you buy it, but consider what additional features you need with your generator. Do you want it to turn on automatically when the power trips, ensuring a seamless transition between outages? Additionally, you could purchase a unit that allows for remote monitoring and control, allowing you to track and control your generator from anywhere in the world as long as it’s connected to the internet.
While these features aren’t always necessary, they are beneficial. For example, remote monitoring could alert you to potential issues with the generator and allow you to act on them before they get worse.
7. What’s your budget?
Finally, you need to have a budget. In Australia, a 500kVA diesel generator costs about Aus$90,000, making it a significant purchase. While prices may vary depending on the brand and additional features, we suggest doing some research and considering your ideal budget before buying one.
Remember to consider your business’s power needs and look for a generator with a more appropriate output. For example, if your business only needs 100kVA generators, buying a 500kVA generator might be a bit overkill unless you’re purchasing for the future.
Final Thoughts
No doubt, having a generator will prove beneficial in some way or another. However, are you getting a return on your investment by buying one? Making a large investment, like purchasing a 500kVA generator, should ideally pay itself off by how you use it. So, before you do, ensure you weigh the tips above.
