GENERATOR SALES

There are various reasons why some generator brands are favoured over others. This may come down to the engine modes used, the price of the unit or availability. Ultimately you need a quality product that is reliable and has good after sales support and warranty. Price is important because not everyone has the same budget. 

At Solent Power we learn about your requirements first before we suggest suitable options. This way we can ensure that whatever brand you choose, you will be happy and confident with your purchase with us. Remember….we only supply leading brands and refuse to sell poor quality equipment!

The kVA rating of a generator relates to the power output capability of the unit. The larger the kVA, the bigger your generator. To calculate the size of generator you need, you must convert the kVA rating into a kW (kilowatt) rating.

Three phase generators have a design power factor of 0.8, which means that you multiple the kVA rating by 0.8 to work out the total rating in kW.

e.g .  A 100kVA three phase generator will produce 80kW  (100/0.8=80)

Single phase generators usually have a power factor of 1, but this can change.

Calculate your maximum demand by adding all of your individual loads kW rating together. This will help you work out what size generator you need.

Be sure to consult a qualified engineer to verify your calculations before committing to buy! Solent Power can assist you with sizing your generator.

Petrol generators usually range from 500W-8000W and are used for light loads such as small appliances and power tools. Petrol generators are suitable for camping and recreation as they are lightweight, portable and fuel costs are lower.

Diesel generators can produce a  much higher power output and range from 6kVA all the way up to 2000kVA. Smaller diesel generators are generally air cooled with 3000rpm engines, whereas industrial diesel generators are water cooled with 1500rpm engines. Diesel engines are used to power larger industrial equipment and machinery and also provide standby power for buildings.

If you are buying a portable generator and want to keep noise down as low as possible, we would suggest an inverter generator. These types of portable generators are designed to run at slower speeds with light loads and increase the speed and power output when the demand is higher. They generally run quieter and are more economical on fuel.

If you are buying a diesel generator, you can choose a silent diesel generator or canopied set. This means that the engine and components will be housed in an acoustic generator canopy, which reduces the noise from the engine during operation. Noise levels for a canopied diesel generator will typically be approx. 70-80db @ 7 metres distance.

Costs vary when it comes to standby generators, because there is so much that can be done to alter and increase the specification and options for a standby generator.

A generator for your home can cost between £2500-6000 depending on what brand, rating or specifications you choose. You will need an ATS panel(auto transfer system) and will have installation costs in addition to this.

Industrial generator prices don’t really have a ceiling! For a standard canopied diesel generator for a building or business you will expect to pay between £10-30k depending on the kVA rating. Some brands are cheaper than others but it is really important to choose a generator with a leading engine brand such as Perkins, Baudouin, Doosan, Yanmar, John Deere, Cummins etc as you will be supported with a better warranty and have easier access to spare parts if you need them.

Solent Power are approved distributors for a number of leading generator brands and can advise you of the benefits and advantages of your generator brand.

Contact us for a friendly discussion about your options.

To determine the size of generator, you will need to calculate the total size of your equipment in Watts or KiloWatts (kW). This will give you an indication of the generator size you may need.

Equipment with motors such as machinery will have inrush currents, which mean that they will draw more current to start than when they are running. You will need to allow for 2-3x for small appliances and 5x for large motors on machinery as a rule of thumb.

Standby generator sizing is different to sizing a generator to power machinery. A generator running prime power should have a total load of 80% of the diesel generator rating for optimum fuel efficiency and to reduce maintenance.

One critical thing to make note of, is that most diesel generator engines will not be able to switch onto their full rating in one transition. Size your generator with your total kW load as 50-60% of the generator rating as a guide to allow for generator load acceptance.

Sizing a generator is not a simple task and advice should be sought before committing to buying a diesel generator. Please feel free to contact us for advice.

Most diesel generators have a base fuel tank designed to last 10-12hours @ 100% load. The fuel tanks are usually located below the engine inside the generator canopy, but can sometimes be overhead on smaller units.

You can extend the run time of your generator by connecting an external fuel tank, which is common when using your diesel generator to power machinery.

Sometimes extended tanks are a good option for standby generators for large homes located in rural areas that experience long power cuts in their area.

You can order custom build standby generator with larger long-run fuel tanks as base tanks. This way your generator will take up less space as the footprint is reduced.

The first service of a generator should be done within 6-12 months of the purchase or generator installation for standby generators.

If your generator has been running often, it is important to have it serviced at regulars intervals in line with the generator manufacturers guidance to keep your warranty valid and prevent any issues or failures.

As a rule of thumb, diesel generators should be serviced every 250-500hours including oil change and oil and filter replacement. Your diesel should be checked to ensure it is free from contaminants and water that can cause major engine failure.