One of the biggest choices you’ll have when choosing the right generator is the choice between petrol and diesel generators.
There are several pros and cons to both types of generators that we get into further down in this article, but one of the biggest advantages of diesel engines is they are more energy efficient than petrol engines.
Although petrol is a lower cost than diesel in the UK, a diesel generator’s power production uses less fuel to produce the same power output as its petrol counterparts, making diesel engines more cost-effective to run than petrol engines in the long term.
They are also more powerful than other generators, such as inverter generators. Their diesel engine will be able to produce greater energy supplies making them more popular in commercial industries, construction, and large events.
The disadvantages, such as noise levels and the fact that they tend to smell more with the fumes they produce, can be unwelcome features, especially for use closer to homes and populated areas.
As with any decision, it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons before purchasing so you can make an informed decision.
Read on as we look further into why a diesel generator may be better than petrol, and which one would best suit your needs.
Throughout this article, we look at why diesel-powered generators may be a better choice over petrol engine generators.
We’ll look at the pros and cons of diesel and petrol generators and cover the major advantages of diesel generators vs petrol generators.
The type of generator you need depends greatly on what you need the generator to supply power production for.
If your generator will have higher power demands, such as for use on construction sites, industrial companies, large events, or powering farming equipment, you’ll need a generator suitable for heavy commercial use that’s capable of running for long periods with a heavy load.
If you need a generator for low-load applications such as domestic appliances, recreational vehicles, and smaller loads, you’ll want a generator suited for infrequent or temporary use.
Diesel generators are better for larger power needs with high demand for generator use.
For example, an outdoor project site may have very high demands for a generator to run equipment and power vehicles and tools, in this instance, a portable diesel generator is most likely to be the preferred choice.
On average, diesel generators burn at a rate 50% less than petrol-powered engines. Making a diesel engine more fuel efficient over time.
A diesel motor’s higher compression means it’s generally burning fuel slower than a petrol engine.
During its optimum operating range, you can expect a diesel generator to run at about 40% efficiency and up to 80% during total load capacity.
A petrol generator has various pros and determining factors that lead people to choose petrol over generators with diesel engines. Let’s look at the pros and cons of petrol generators.
Petrol engines are not as efficient as a diesel engine. Generally, petrol generators burn approximately 50% more energy over extended periods than diesel generators.
A diesel generator is better because a diesel engine gets much better fuel economy. Diesel engines do not have to burn as much energy to produce the same about of electricity.
If you are thinking of choosing petrol, there are a few benefits that outweigh the efficiency of diesel, but a lot of the decision comes down to your needs.
FAQs
To put it simply, yes. Diesel generators can handle large loads such as heavy machinery and powering portable construction equipment, so in terms of generating power for a whole house, a diesel generator should be more than capable.
When choosing your generator look at things such as the load the generator can manage and think about what you’ll be powering in your home, lights, appliances, etc.
Diesel generators are designed to produce high levels of power, they have larger fuel tanks for greater power production.
Inverter generators are designed to generate energy using lower amounts of fuel, which makes them more energy efficient but less powerful, they are better for reduced power and are not suitable for diesel generators.
Although they are noisier to run, we tend to defend diesel generators because of their efficiency and ability to generate large amounts of power.
If you’re looking to supply power for large commercial use or even to power a house, a diesel generator is going to be cheaper to run in the long term.
If you are looking to power smaller loads and appliances on occasions such as camping, a portable petrol generator will do the trick.
If you’d like to discuss which generator is best for you, contact Solent Power, our team will be happy to help.
We are also one of the leading suppliers of generators, so be sure to check out our range of generators in our online shop.
Solent Power Ltd (Company Number 12622565) is a company registered in England and Wales. Our registered office is located at Station yard, Bowes Hill, Rowlands Castle PO9 6BP. VAT No. 363504018