A Powerful, Affordable Solution For Businesses — Automatic Standby Generators

Waukesha, Wisconsin — The duration and extent of power outages in the wake of Hurricane Wilma has prompted Florida’s governor and legislators to propose requiring gasoline stations to have on-site backup power. This focus on standby generators and their ability to keep businesses operating is an understandable development, but the question of cost may be on the minds of station owners.

Generac Power Systems, one of the premier manufacturers of automatic standby power products, offers an effective and affordable solution for small and midsize businesses. Generac QT Series generators range in output from 20 to 150 kilowatts and operate on natural gas, so there are no diesel fuel storage, spillage, spoilage or odor concerns. Liquid propane (LP) vapor fuel versions are also available. QT Series gensets are quieter than other generators of this type and can run with reduced sound levels during their weekly self-test routine for near-silent operation.

Backup power is now surprisingly affordable. “We’re doing all we can to put standby power within reach of all kinds of businesses,” says Mike Carr, Generac’s manager of marketing communications. “These new designs are priced 20% to 30% lower than previous offerings and are easy for electrical contractors to install, resulting in additional savings. We’ve broken the cost barrier and made this an affordable solution.”

Investing in standby power is a wise business decision. Compared to the expense of lost revenue and inventory spoilage, an automatic standby genset is a bargain that will provide years of reliable service. For example, here are four cost-effective options —

•  A 15 kilowatt Generac® / Guardian® air-cooled portable generator with transfer switch package (about $2500 plus installation). This gasoline-fueled system would operate several gas pumps, lights and a cash register. This is the most economical solution and is easy to employ during an outage. Operation is manual. When the power goes out, simply plug it in and start it up.
 

•  A 15 kilowatt Generac® / Guardian® air-cooled standby generator with automatic transfer switch (about $3000 plus installation). This fully automatic system would keep several gas pumps, lights and a cash register operating.
 

•  A 25 kilowatt QT system with automatic transfer switch (about $10,000 plus installation). This fully automatic system would keep several gas pumps, lights and a cash register operating.
 

•  A 100 kilowatt QT generator and automatic transfer switch (around $20,000 plus installation). This automatic system would keep a midsize convenience store fully operational, powering half a dozen gas pumps, multiple cash registers, lights, air conditioning, and refrigeration.

The cost / benefit analysis for a standby power system is compelling and simple, according to Carr. “It’s easy to see how quickly this investment will pay for itself. A store that averages $850 of revenue per hour will recoup the cost of a $20,000 backup system during its first 24-hour outage. Add the advantages of being open while competitors without backup power are shut down and the cost / benefit analysis looks even better.  It’s a simple way to serve customers, safeguard revenue, maintain security, avoid losses, and protect your bottom line. In areas that are prone to blackouts, having standby power is the best way to stay in business.”

Electrical power outputs of QT Series gensets include models rated at 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 55, 70, 80, 100, 130 and 150 kilowatts. The 100 and 150 kilowatt models are also available in modular versions, allowing multiple units to be combined for even higher output requirements. All are UL 2200 Listed and meet or exceed the safety and power output standards of Underwriters Laboratories for stationary generator systems. Both single and three phase electrical outputs are offered, as well as a variety of voltages.

“Gaseous-fueled generators are the superior choice for most businesses,” Carr says, “but not all have access to LP or natural gas. For those locations, diesel generators remain a cost-effective solution and are available in a wide variety of outputs.”

Before making a purchase, it is advisable to consult with your Generac® or Guardian® dealer representative or licensed electrician, who will conduct a site survey and electrical load analysis in order to recommend the best size and placement of the system. A check of local ordinances is also recommended to ensure compliance with any municipal requirements.