What is the difference between a Standby, a Prime Power and a Hybrid Generator?

Generators are the backbone of a business and when it’s time to buy your first generator, or if you need to replace a generator, how do you make the right choice?

Generators have come a long way since the late 19th century when the very first models were invented. Thomas Edison – the very same Edison who invented the life changing light bulb – developed the first DC generator to be installed in New York in 1882.

By the early 1900s, generators were becoming more common in businesses with familiar names such as GE, Siemens and Westinghouse all exploring their potential.

Fast forward to today and the most modern generators incorporate the very best in design and performance, and there are plenty of types to suit different requirements. 

Prime Power Generators

Prime power generators are often the main source of power when a standard utility source isn’t available. Capable of supporting variable loads, they are often found in industrial settings like construction and mining sites. They are also a vital power source in rural and remote parts of Australia that are off the grid.

Standby Power Generators

As the name suggests, standby power generators are used in an emergency and provide peace of mind when there’s an unexpected and unplanned power outage. They are a key piece of infrastructure for industries, like healthcare, where a constant and reliable source of power is needed at all times.

Hybrid Power Generators

A hybrid generator combines two sources of energy to generate electricity through a renewable power source, such as solar or wind, and a diesel generator. The diesel engine only starts if required, for example, when power consumption is high or weather is bad. Hybrid Gensets are perfect for farms in rural and remote parts of Australia and New Zealand that need to spread their power load across a large area, or that cannot risk being offline.

When buying a generator, DEUTZ experts recommend asking:

  • What is my budget?
  • How much power do I need?
  • What is the weather like in its location?
  • What is the noise level of the generator?
  • Should I invest in a Diesel or a Hybrid Genset?

Once you’ve made your choice, correctly maintaining your generator will keep it running for longer and will reduce the running costs, too.