Sustainable Energy: Buying a Diesel Generator vs Renting One

Is it wiser to invest in a diesel generator by purchasing one, or simply rent one? We are often asked this question by business owners and have to answer by saying there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Ultimately, it’ll come down to the most profitable decision for your business in the long run. If buying a generator, then buy one; if that’s renting, then hire one. While that may be the simple answer, there is still more to consider when making this decision. Here are some tips to help you. 

When to hire a generator?

Hiring a generator can be a lifesaver when the power cuts unexpectedly, interrupting your business operations during the day. Likewise, if you’re running an event in an area that doesn’t have access to electricity, you may benefit from hiring a generator too. Generally, when you hire a generator, tha

The benefits of hiring a generator

When considering whether it’s worth renting a generator, looking at the benefits can help you make up your mind. Here are some of the top benefits of renting a generator as opposed to buying one: 

1. There’s a lower initial cost

Not every person or business has copious amounts of money to spend on buying huge pieces of equipment, like a generator. While buying a generator may work out cheaper in the long run, when you don’t have the cash to buy one straight out, renting is definitely the more economical choice. In most cases, you will need to put down a deposit to rent a generator, but generally, this is much less than the cost of buying. 

1. No maintenance

One huge benefit of renting a generator is that when it comes to maintenance, you won’t have to bear the brunt of the expenses throughout the rental period—the owner does! However, you will be expected to pay a maintenance fee should you be a heavy user. 

1. Flexibility when it comes to generator sizes 

Should you buy your generator, unless you can afford to buy another size whenever needed, you’ll need to be able to work with the size you buy. When you rent, you can choose different generator sizes and swap them out for smaller or bigger ones when needed. 

 

1. Only rent as needed

The thing about buying a generator is that you might not always need it, so once the job is done, you’ll either need to sell it to make your money back or store it till you need it again. When renting a generator, you’ll only pay for the length of time that it is needed, and then you can give it back to the owner. 

When to buy a generator?

If you plan to use a generator long-term, you would be better off buying your own. Should buying be the best course of action, it’s important to know the best size and generator rating for your needs.

The benefits of buying a generator

Purchasing a generator comes with its own set of benefits that should influence your decision to rent or buy. Here are some of the top benefits of buying a generator: 

1. You have an asset

The thing about owning a generator is that you have gained an asset. Renting a generator comes with rental agreements that you’ll be locked into for a set period. Owning your own generator means that your use of the generator will not be controlled by anyone else but you. 

1. Not limited to a rental agreement

Once you’ve bought a generator, you’re not bound to have it for a certain period of time. This means that should an emergency or an unplanned outage occur, you won’t have to waste time trying to acquire a generator because you’ll already have your own. 

1. No maintenance fees

When you use a generator for long hours and for intensive tasks, when renting, you will be expected to pay maintenance fees to cover services and load bank tests. When you own a generator, these fees do not apply to you, but you will need to maintain your generator yourself in order to keep it in good working condition. 

1. You can modify your generator

Buying a generator means that you are free to make all the modifications you need to it. Every generator installation can be unique, and you can modify everything from wiring to the enclosures to the fuel tanks and exhaust systems. There are also several add-ons that you could get!

 

Find the right generator deal for you

If you need to hire a generator every month, you would be better off buying one. That said, buying a generator isn’t a small purchase, so buying it right the first time is important. To ensure this happens, we encourage you to contact professionals like Renteca, who specialise in diesel generators and can help you buy the right one. You can see prices on industrial generators for sale here or contact them for more information. 

Final thoughts

To conclude, hiring a generator is best suited when you need one for shorter periods and not as regularly throughout the year. For example, if you had an event or construction project on the go, hiring a generator would be wiser than buying one. However, if your business operations rely fully on electricity and you experience frequent power outages, then buying a generator would be a wiser investment for your business.