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Power outages are a major concern for UK residents and businesses, with the North West, Scotland and Wales being the most affected. Some of the reasons for this are the recent spate of storms and severe weather, rising power demand, as well as the steady transition to renewables, and reliance on oil and gas imports. As a result, backup power supplies are becoming increasingly important – encompassing everything from off-grid solar and wind turbine power on commercial estates to more affordable generators for household use.
Collectively, various power machinery aids businesses in preventing losses due to downtime or equipment failure. Even more importantly, it allows basic public and private services such as hospitals and data centres to operate without interruption, and homes to retain basic utilities, including heating and hot water.
Put simply, power-generating machinery converts mechanical, chemical and renewable energy into usable electricity. Generators, turbines, solar panels and internal combustion engines can support grids stressed from growing power demands, as well as serve as off-grid power supply in remote areas and during outages.
Key Benefits of Generators
High demand during peak winter months, unpredictable weather and relatively low annual solar output have catapulted generators as the main backup power choice. While there has been a shift to hybrid systems combining multiple technologies, generators are still the preferred choice for a continuous power supply.
Their affordability, ease-of-use and availability are key to efficiency, safety and uninterrupted electricity where and when you need it. Additional benefits include:
Automatic Backup Power for All Essentials
Power machinery ensures appliances and lights stay on, and that equipment operates around the clock. Generators seamlessly switch to off-grid power, maintaining lighting and functionality of crucial devices.
High Power Output
Larger standby generators come in capacities that cover all basic power needs. For instance, 10kW types are more than enough to simultaneously run power-hungry residential appliances such as air conditioners and ovens or equipment used in production and material processing.
Continuous and Reliable Power Supply
Generators can run uninterrupted for days or weeks and operate flawlessly in all weather conditions and extreme temperatures. This makes them more dependable than batteries, wind turbines and solar panels for consistency and providing backup power during prolonged outages and emergencies.
Versatility
The wide variety of generators covers different needs and different budgets. Smaller and more affordable portable generators are used for backup residential power, camping and recreational activities. For larger commercial and industrial sites, high-output models are often preferred.
Cost-effective
Generators are often the most cost-effective long-term power supply option. They are known for having lower upfront costs (especially compared to solar and battery-based systems), and being low-maintenance and safe to operate.
Common Types of Generators and Their Uses
Powering a home vastly differs from the energy needs in larger commercial or industrial operations. General knowledge about generator types and classifications helps both in making the right purchase. In this context, consider the following types:
Standby Generators
These are large units permanently installed in homes and businesses. They automatically detect issues and outages, start almost instantly, and can provide constant backup for hours. Standby generators vary in power output, with ranges between 7kW and 30kW (or exceeding 150kW for industrial use), depending on the fuel source. They are available as natural gas, liquid propane or diesel variants.
Portable Generators
Compact, lightweight and easy to transport, portable generators have outputs between 1kW and 10 kW and are ideally used for home emergency backup, camping and in areas without a mains power supply. Most are petrol or diesel types.
Inverter
These use a specialised process that constantly switches between AC and DC power for cleaner output. Inverter generators are known for higher efficiency, considerably lower noise and lower emissions. The clean current can safely power sensitive electronics and equipment, such as laptops, TVs or power tools. This makes them the preferred type for outdoor events, camping and job sites.
Industrial
Providing continuous and stable electrical power in demanding settings, industrial generators have outputs exceeding 100kW, work with standard single and high-voltage three-phase power, and generally run on diesel or natural gas. They’re backup power supplies in large operations such as hotels, utilities, construction, data centres, manufacturing plants and warehouses.
Power Generators Buying Considerations
When buying a generator, consider your power needs, where and how you plan to use it, fuel type, size and weight.
To calculate power needs, list the maximum power output of all electrical appliances and equipment. This is generally 3 to 4 times that of the generator’s listed running power. As an illustration, generators with output between 5kW and 10kW can start and run more demanding appliances and smaller machinery during an outage. Conversely, generators used in recreational vehicles can efficiently operate all essentials, even with output numbers of 1kW to 5kW.
Next, determine which power generator works best for your needs. Portable types are easy to transport to and from camp and worksites. Additional features, such as non-slip handles and wheeled options, help in this respect.
Larger and heavier stationary units, such as standby types, require nearby gas lines and supporting bases that protect them from external factors and provide stability. More efficient inverter variants tend to be more compact and lighter, but somewhat pricier due to the cleaner energy and quiet operation.
Fuel types, availability and cost are other factors. Diesel generators are known to be highly efficient, durable, and safe, making them the preferred choice for demanding settings such as remote work sites.
Petrol generators are widespread and cheaper. They usually have a lower output for partial backup or light outdoor use.
Generators running on natural gas or propane generally have larger capacities and sizes, usually in standby units. Newer bi-fuel types can run on both natural gas and diesel, ensuring more flexibility and longer run times.
Lastly, consider safety and operational features, such as auto and remote starting, carbon monoxide shutoff valves, circuit breakers equipped with overload protection and spark arrestors. These protect users from burns, electrical shock and potential fires while ensuring efficiency and ease of use.
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