Fuel consumption of the generator depends not only on its size and the operating load, but also on how efficient the model of generator is, how many auxiliary loads (e.g. container fans, fuel pump & control system) are powered by the generator, and how well is the generator maintained / serviced. As a rule of thumb, a diesel generator uses 0.25L of fuel for every electrical kWh produced. For example, a small, 20kVA canopy generator uses, on average, 4 to 5L/h of diesel at 75% prime power 50Hz electrical output, while a larger 1500kVA containerised generator would consume 238L/h at 75% prime power at 50Hz electrical output, or 267L/h at 60Hz.

The combustion of diesel fuel releases greenhouse gases and pollutants. Alternative fuels could be a more sustainable alternative to diesel, and this approach to reduction of GHG is very attractive as it does not require extensive investments. Diesel generators can run on a variety of fuels, including HVO (renewable diesel), synthetic diesel, and biodiesel. 

When replacing diesel with biodiesel, please note that diesel generators manufacturers’ guidelines and recommendations for service intervals and maintenance requirements are specific to their equipment. These guidelines may include details on maintenance tasks such as filter replacements, oil changes, and general inspections. It's important to adhere to these recommendations to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the generator in use.

A measure of apparent power, kVA, or kilo-volt-amperes, reads the complete amount of power that is being used in a system, such as a generator. When such a system is 100% efficient, kW, or kilowatts, are equal to kVA. That being said, electrical systems are never working at 100% efficiency, meaning that only some of the apparent power is being converted into working output. Where one kVA is equivalent to 1,000 volt amps, a volt measures electrical pressure, and an amp measures electrical current. 

A much more common unit of measurement for the majority of electrical appliances, a kW is the level of actual power belonging to an electrical system. Also known as working power, a kW is the amount of power that does valid work. 

While you can use solar panels in conjunction with the generator, you would need an energy storage or an inverter for the system to operate correctly. It’s important to understand that solar panels generate direct current (DC) while a generator provides alternating current (AC power). 

Diesel generators can run for hundreds of hours non-stop, provided the following conditions are met:

1. Consistent supply of fuel (otherwise, fuel tank capacity will be limiting the run time)
2. Constant monitoring as per the preventative maintenance plan. 
3. Servicing requirements are met. Most Aggreko diesel generators have service intervals ranging from 250-400 hours - this would include visual inspection, testing, changing of oil and oil filters.

To determine the size of the generator you would need to rent, you need to take into account the total power requirements of all the equipment you need to run simultaneously, the maximum starting wattage of the most energy demanding equipment, and the ideal usage of a generator running at 80% of its capacity.  As a guide, check out our generator size calculator. 

The maximum size of the generator that can be used in your application depends on the maximum current ratings on the switchboard. If unsure, contact your electrician. 

The choice between a single-phase or 3-phase generator depends on the power requirements of the electrical loads you plan to power. If you only need power tools that require single phase, you can still use a 3-phase generator and use a distribution board to break the power down to single-phase outputs to match your equipment. 

3-phase generators are designed for larger electrical loads such as commercial buildings, data centres, and industrial applications. They provide higher voltage and can handle loads up to hundreds of kilowatts or megawatts. If you plan to power heavy machinery or large industrial equipment, a 3-phase generator is necessary. 

Battery storage systems are great when combined with a generator to dramatically reduce fuel usage and carbon dioxide emissions. However, being a storage system, they require an energy source, either renewable (solar panels or wind turbines) or generator, for recharging. If the battery is idle for a prolonged period of time, it will lose a considerable amount of power (self-discharge) and won’t be able to provide power.