In modern society, diesel generator sets have become an indispensable power support in many industries. For those industries that require mass power generation, such as manufacturing, construction and healthcare, it’s important to ensure the stability of electricity supply in the event of a power outage. Disruption of the power supply not only brings production lines to a halt, causing financial losses, but can also affect a company's reputation and relationships with customers.

If you need a backup diesel generator for your business, you may be wondering whether it is better to rent or buy. To make a smart decision, you need to analyze your specific needs and consider various factors. Read on to determine which option is right for your business.

Advantages of renting a diesel generator

Lower upfront cost and no installation costs

Generally, renting a generator is a more affordable option than buying in terms of initial cost. In addition, most rentals are portable generator sets optimized for easy connection, which are designed to be easily and quickly installed. You don’t need to pay for the high costs for permanent generator installation. If you are with limited budgets and need power temporarily, renting a diesel generator is a better option.

Available on short notice

If you have an emergency and need a generator as quickly as possible, renting a generator is suitable for you because a generator rental will usually take less time than a purchase. It takes time for manufacturers to produce new customized diesel generators. At Dingbo Power, our production time for open-type diesel generators is 15 days and 20 days for silent diesel gensets.

No maintenance risk

If the rental units malfunction, you don’t need to worry about the generator maintenance because the rental company typically have service technicians who can undertake on-site repairs. If you find the generator you’re renting can’t provide the powered needed, you can request a new one. Generator hire can help you avoid the hassle of maintaining a generator.

Generator size flexibility

Hiring a diesel generator from rental companies allows you to return a generator sized for a particular job and select another appropriate generator for the next project. It gives you the flexibility to choose the size generator you need for each project instead of purchasing a one-size-fits-all solution or buying multiple generators.

Generator configuration options

Most rental diesel generators are setup to provide many different configuration options like voltage selector switches, numerous connection options, advanced control panels, and are generally easier to modify on the fly in many cases.

Good for short-term projects

Generally, rental generators are suitable for short-term projects. They can be rented for specific periods, ranging from a day to a week, a month, or even longer. For example, if you need to power up concerts, events or short-term construction projects, it may make more sense to rent a generator than to buy one that may sit around unused once the project is over.

Advantages of purchasing a diesel generator

Asset Ownership

Investing in a diesel generator means that you can enjoy the ownership and use it without any limitations. You have no rental agreement to worry about and can determine how and when you use your generator. You can make upgrades your generator in the future if necessary or resell it if desired.

Savings vs. long term rental costs

When renting a diesel generator, you may save money with lower upfront costs, but the total costs may increase rapidly over the long run, such as months. If having a backup generator meets a long-term need, consider buying instead of renting. If you purchase a diesel generator, you do not have to worry about spending extra money anywhere else, leading to saving long-term rental costs.

You control power availability

If you own a diesel generator, you can get the backup electricity whenever the power goes out. You don’t need to contact the rental companies and wait for them to bring you a rental generator. Please note that local rental generators may not be available during peak rental times, such as hurricanes. In addition, the generator you purchased is specific to your application’s needs.

Configuration modifications

When buying a new diesel generator, you can calculate the power requirements and choose the right size diesel generator that best fits your needs. Unlike the rental units, you can customize wiring, fabricate custom accessories, modify enclosures, and customizing exhaust systems and fuel tanks when investing a new diesel generator.

Renting VS buying a diesel generator: Which is right for you?

Renting or buying a generator has its own pros and cons, you need to consider your specific needs and choose the option right for you. If you only need a generator for a short period of time, hiring is the most cost-effective option. If you need a standby generator for an extended period of time, buying may be the better choice for your business.

Cost is a key factor for making the decision. To figure out the cost comparison between renting and buying a generator for your business, you need to determine how long you’ll need the generator. Then calculate the cost of rental payments for that period. Once you have your total rental cost, compare that to the total cost of purchasing a generator, including installation and site-prep. If the rental cost is close to the price of a purchase, you may want to buy instead, but you should still consider the other factors before deciding.

If you are looking for a new diesel generator set for you business, contact Dingbo Power today. We can meet your needs with the right generator for your business. Feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns, or inquiries to learn more about the products services we provide.