No matter what type of business you run you should always have a backup power generator. In the case of a power outage if you don’t have a backup generator you could sustain a significant loss depending on how long the power outage is for.
Once you decide to have a backup generator, the next burning question is whether to buy or rent one. Below is list of pros and cons on buying or renting a generator.
Things to Consider
The decision to buy or rent a generator comes after deciding the power requirement for your business. So, at this point you should know the size and power of the generator you want.
How often do you need a generator?
If you are connected to the main local power grid, chances are power outages won’t be frequent. So, a backup power generator will be rarely used. In a situation like this it makes sense to rent a generator than buy one.
However, if you live in an area that often experience power outages then buying one would make sense.
Does your business require power all the time?
This might sound like a rather weird question. Basically, almost all business require power, but the effect of a power outage can vary. For examples if you are running a time sensitive manufacturing business, a power disruption can be critical. But if you run a corporate office the worse than can happen is a loss of few work hours.
Advantage of Renting a Generator
1. Minimum Maintenance
If you own a generator repairs and downtime will be inevitable. You’ll either have to get it serviced by someone or get your own technicians to do it. Either way you’ll incur a cost.
On the other hand, when you rent a generator you have nothing to worry about. Power Generator hire companies usually handle all services and maintenance.
2. Save Money
This is one of the main advantages of renting a generator over buying one. Depending on your goals if you’re looking at a short-term project renting a generator makes more sense.
3. Try Before You Buy
The best part about renting a generator is the fact that you can test it out before renting it or even return it and exchange it if it doesn’t meet your requirements.
4. Flexibility
Renting a generator also allows for flexibility. If you buy a certain type of generator with specific power requirements you are locked in for a while. Incase you decide to expand your power, requirements can change.
The generator you already purchased might be insufficient then. If you rent a generator instead when you expand you can easily exchange it for a more powerful one.
5. Responding to disaster
When you rent a generator, you can quickly respond to an unexpected event. This is also true when you have your own generator but let there is a high chance of your existing generator being wiped out from the same disaster.
If you are still in doubt, talk to an energy specialist and analyse your business requirements carefully. However, renting a generator has more advantages than buying one.
