As an entrepreneur, you depend on electricity to stay productive and get the job done. From employees’ comfort to communications and production, your business relies heavily on a constant power supply. Having a backup generator should be considered essential if you wish to remain operational during unexpected outages. Nevertheless, acquiring one is usually quite expensive – leaving many businesses debating whether it’s better to rent or own their emergency power source?

Making an informed decision to rent or buy a commercial generator is smart for any business striving to stay operational. The financial implications of renting versus buying can vary depending on the situation, so it’s important to weigh out all options before making your choice.

Make a Long-Term Investment or Meet Short-Term Needs?

To make the best decision for your business, you must determine if it is more advantageous to rent or buy a generator. They both accomplish the same result of providing backup power during an outage; however, are you in need of a short-term solution or one that will last in perpetuity? Do you have adequate capital to invest in a long-term option such as if natural disasters occur frequently near your location? Or do these instances occur sporadically and rarely throughout its timeline? Analyzing all elements involved with purchasing versus renting can help ensure an effective solution fulfilling those needs.

If you’re trying to determine whether purchasing or renting a generator is the most cost-efficient and sensible solution for your business, consider both the time frame and costs. It’s key to strike a balance between the two in order to make an educated decision; if you only look at one factor it could lead to an error in judgment. Think about what will serve your company better over the long term versus the short term when determining which option makes more financial sense.

Positives of Renting a Commercial Generator

Looking for an optimum solution to your power needs? Renting a generator offers copious advantages – here are just a few.

  • Rented generators are a great way to bring power where your business needs it, without any installation hassle. Rental companies conveniently provide these units on mobile skids or trailers for maximum ease and portability. If you’ll be providing services in an off-the-grid location, then renting the appropriate generator makes perfect sense from both an economical and practical standpoint – allowing you to get energy wherever you require it!
  • Don’t waste your hard-earned money on buying a generator that you will only use for short periods of time. Think smart! Opting to rent instead can keep your business up and running while also preserving capital, which could be used towards other operational costs. By renting a generator, not only are you saving the expense of purchasing one outright, but you’re paying exclusively for the amount of time necessary to meet your needs – without breaking the bank!
  • If you’re looking for a short-term power solution, renting a generator is the perfect way to go. Power outages are typically an infrequent occurrence, so it’s more than likely that your rental will be sufficient in getting your business through until repairs have been completed on the electrical grid. Plus, when all is said and done, you can just return the machine without breaking too much of a sweat or draining any significant amount of capital!

Negatives of Renting a Commercial Generator

Before you decide to rent, it is essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks. First, be sure to check the generator’s maintenance history. If it’s not up-to-date or if there are any issues that need to be addressed, ask the rental company if they will take care of them. Second, make sure you read any contracts and agreements thoroughly – double checking for any extra fees or hidden costs associated with

  • When it comes to energy needs, time is of the essence. This statement applies particularly for businesses that handle frozen or refrigerated foods as well as disaster relief services. Without power, any business can suffer from a lack of production output. To ensure that you don’t have to go for hours, or possibly days without power in the event of an outage, it is best to talk with a generator dealer and potentially enter into a contract. This way, they will always be ready with a rental generator when needed so that any delays due to shipping can be avoided.
  • Although renting a generator provides plenty of conveniences, it also comes with certain stipulations. When you own something, you can make whatever modifications or repairs as required; unfortunately when only renting the same is not true. During your contracted rental period, any damage done to the generator will be your responsibility and adhere to all conditions set forth in that agreement.
  • The rental company may have predetermined terms and conditions in place to restrict your usage. That means that while you have access to the generator for a set amount of time, there is an energy-consumption cap that must be adhered to. This ensures the safe use of both the equipment and its surroundings during the agreement length. If you rent a generator for constant use, commonly referred to as triple shift operation, these charges will generally be more expensive than regular rates. Over time, these costs can accumulate quickly; depending on your rental frequency, it may end up being cheaper to purchase and install a permanent generator at your site.

Positives of Purchasing a Commercial Generator

Investing in a backup generator can provide numerous advantages. First and foremost, when you purchase a generator, you don’t have to worry about any time or energy-usage limits. Plus, you can tailor your system to fit the exact power requirements of your site. You also won’t be limited by the condition or features of the rental unit you choose; it’s all up to you!

 

  • Owning your own generator is the ideal way to access reliable electricity no matter what. With a rental, you would have to wait and rely on others for help in an emergency, but owning one yourself ensures that backup power is always available immediately.

 

  • Analyze how long you’ll need the generator to determine if it makes more sense to rent or buy. Often, the cost of ownership is cheaper than renting when you look at a longer-term use; so if your requirement for a backup generator exceeds that period, then buying might be the better option.

 

  • Owning a generator is an investment that can pay off in the long run. When you purchase a generator, the initial costs can be high. However, over time, you will find that owning one will eventually save you money in comparison to renting for every use. Additionally, owning a generator allows you to make any necessary modifications or repairs whenever needed, so your source of power always remains reliable and efficient. Investing in a reliable power source for your company could make all the difference and should not be overlooked.

 

Negatives of Purchasing a Commercial Generator

Owning a generator comes with the following downsides.

  • Investing in a generator may appear to be costlier at first, but it will save you money down the road. If your business is short of capital right now, renting one may be your only choice for the time being.

 

  • Rental generators typically must be portable, so they can arrive on the spot quickly. On the flip side, owned generators are often stationary. If you ever wanted to relocate your generator, it could be difficult and time-consuming to disassemble and reconnect in a new area.

 

  • If your generator’s in need of repairs, it’ll be up to you to ensure they’re completed.

Unfortunately, if the power goes out while your generator is not functioning properly, you could find yourself in a difficult situation. To avoid this outcome and keep business running during any power outage, consider renting a temporary back-up generator as well as paying for professional maintenance on yours – that way your organization can stay afloat until the issue is resolved.

Rent or Buy Long Island Power Systems is Here for You

Long Island Power Systems offers business owners the perfect solution for their industrial and commercial backup generator needs. With its vast selection of power systems that are available to buy or rent, customers can select the ideal setup for their specific requirements. Whether it’s for short-term use or a more permanent setup, Long Island Power Systems provides businesses with the reliable and durable power generators they need to keep operations running smoothly.

 

Contact us today for any questions and take the first step in securing energy security for your business. With Long Island Power Systems, you’ll get the best in customer service and the most reliable power generation solutions available.

 

The Pros and Cons of Buying vs. Renting Industrial Generator Equipment

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