Key Factors To Consider When Renting A Portable Generator

Portable generators provide an excellent solution for emergency backup power and off-grid projects. They are well known in many industries for their adaptability to a wide range of applications.

While there are numerous applications for generators in this form factor, it may not be financially feasible for you to purchase one outright. In such instances, renting a portable generator may be your best option. At GenServe we can provide a variety of generators from 20kW to over 2 Megawatts of power available at all times.

Here are a few things to consider when renting an industrial diesel portable generator:

What is the purpose of the generator?

When renting a portable industrial generator, the first thing to consider is the generator’s purpose.

Do you need it for a construction project? An event? Is there a major storm predicted and you need a reliable backup power source?

Once you’ve determined your goal, you can begin to narrow down your options. If you need it for a construction project, you’ll need to consider the size of the project and the power requirements.

For an event, you’ll need to consider the length of the event and the power requirements. And for a backup power source for your business, you’ll need to consider the size of your facility and the power requirements.

A bolt of lightning strikes above high-rise apartment buildings during a nighttime thunderstorm—a vivid reminder of why renting a portable generator is one of the important factors to consider for emergency preparedness.
Large crowd at an outdoor concert at night, audience raising hands and taking photos under bright stage lights—a portable generator is one of the key factors ensuring the show runs smoothly.
A construction worker in a yellow vest and hard hat observes a building site with partially completed walls, exposed steel framework, and a portable generator rental powering essential tools.

How often will the generator be used?

Next, you need to consider how often you’ll need to use it. If you only need it for occasional power outages, then you won’t need to rent one that’s as powerful or as expensive as the one you’ll need if you’re using it every day.

That also influences what fuel source you want to choose. A bit later, we come back to that question.

Another thing to consider is how long you’ll need to use the generator each time. If you only need it for a few hours at a time, you can get away with renting a smaller one. But if you need it for days or weeks at a time, then you’ll need to rent a larger one, which leads us to the following question:

What size generator do you need?

When you need an industrial generator, you must ensure you get one that is the right size for your project. If you get one too small, it won’t be able to power everything you need. If you get one too large, it will be more expensive than necessary and may be difficult to transport and set up.

To find the right size industrial portable generator for your project, you will need to know:

The wattage of the devices you need to power
The voltage you need
The amperage you need

Wattage can be calculated by: voltage multiplied by amperage.

Once you calculate the wattage, you can find a generator that can provide that much power.

Estimate your power needs.

To estimate your power needs, start by determining what appliances and equipment you will need to run. For example, if you are running a construction site, you will need to power tools, lights, and other equipment.

Once you know what you need to power, add all the appliance and equipment wattage. This will give you a good estimate of the size of the generator you need.

Three different trailer-mounted industrial generators, ideal for emergency generator rentals, are displayed against a white background. All units feature the GenServe logo and vary in size and design.

What is the fuel source?

As mentioned before, the fuel source is one of the most important things to consider when renting an industrial generator. The three most common fuel sources are gasoline, diesel, and propane. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Gasoline is the most common fuel source because it is readily available and relatively inexpensive. However, it is also the least efficient fuel source.

• Diesel is more efficient than gasoline and will run for a longer time on the same amount of fuel. However, depending on the location, it can be more expensive than gasoline.

• Propane is the most efficient fuel source, but it can be difficult to find in some areas. And they are not suitable for all temperature ranges.

When deciding what fuel source you want to select when renting a generator, you also want to consider how long you plan to use it.

Two GenServe service vans and a portable generator are parked in a lot near a building, next to an electrical service panel and a dumpster—highlighting key factors to consider when renting backup power equipment.

How long do you need it for?

Portable generators can be rented for a day, a week, or even longer.

So it’s important to know how long you need the generator before renting it, as it affects your decision on what power source you prefer.

If you only need the generator for a short time, then a gasoline generator may be best. However, if you plan on using the portable generator for a longer time, you may be better off with a more efficient fuel source if it’s available.

Who takes care of the delivery and pick up of the generator?

One important thing to consider when renting an industrial portable generator is whether or not the rental company delivers and picks up the generator. If they don’t, then you need to factor in the cost of renting a truck or trailer to transport the generator.

Luckily, GenServe has you covered. We coordinate the operation and have the portable generator delivered and picked up from your facility so you don’t have to worry. 

Delivery and Pick Up is always factored in when providing you with a quote, so there are no hidden or additional costs.

Do you have the experts to set up the generator on-site?

One of the main considerations you need to factor in when renting an industrial portable generator is whether or not you have the experts to set up the generator on site.

Industrial portable generators are not plug-and-play. You need to ensure that you have someone knowledgeable about setting up these types of generators and who can do so safely. Otherwise, you could end up causing significant damage to both the generator and your property.

Again, the best option is to let GenServe take care of the proper setup and installation after the delivery as well as disconnecting the unit and preparing it for pick up once you don’t need it any longer. Our highly trained technicians will ensure it runs safely. So you can continue your day-to-day operations knowing you have a reliable power source.

Three GenServe generator vehicles are parked outside a building under a cloudy sky. A banner reads: "Contact us today for any generator rental or generator service needs! Rain or shine ⚡️".
An Emergency Generator Rentals unit on a trailer is connected to a building with multiple thick cables, parked on an asphalt lot near electrical utility boxes.

GenServe Capabilities I Backup Power When You Need It

At GenServe we not only have many 3 phase industrial generator rentals available through our various vendors, but we also have our field technicians on stand-by 24/7. Once we determine the right emergency generator for your facility, our technician will be onsite and ensure it is running properly.

All our generator rentals are equipped with auto-start. This makes it much easier to manage your backup power needs.

Contact Us Today

Contact our service department today with any questions about the best portable generator solution for your facility or project.

Two white service vans are parked on a residential street beside an apartment building, responding to a power outage and providing emergency response for condo residents, with city buildings visible in the distant background.