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Home Generator Blog Standby Generators for Agricultural Use and Remote Homes

Standby Generators for Agricultural Use and Remote Homes

Full Home and Farm Energy

Imagine needing standby generators for any electrical supply, whatsoever... in the 21st century! Many of the nation's farm and ranches are located in remote areas and some in spots where electric companies will not run commercial power lines.

These farms and ranch owners must decide on alternate means to produce the necessary electric to run their agricultural operations requiring a power supply. It can be an extremely cost prohibitive situation, trying to acquire electrical power through the traditional method running lines great distances from a commercial power source. Additionally, the further the location is away from that power source, the weaker the energy supply will be with much being lost in long distance transmission. Standby generators and backup generators provide the perfect, most economical solution for North American farms.

Can Natural Gas Solve The Problem?

Even natural gas lines have to have pipelines laid from its distribution company to many remote locations. Just running cable lines a quarter of a mile is thousands of dollars, you can imagine the expense for a farm located miles off the beaten track, and set far off a desolate road. There are some proponents that will claim that propane, making it also a very cost prohibitive energy source. Many farms and ranches use diesel generators, while other prefer more economical propane generated energy.  Portable diesel backup generators offer them incredible power anywhere for activities outside the main farm buildings.

More Issues with Propane Generators

The popularity of propane fuel for heat and cooking, coupled with the knowledge that propane has an indefinite shelf life, making huge tanks possible for massive fuel supplies in remote locations. The convenience and marketing prowess of big industry and heating fuel distributors in the vicinity, would naturally want to fulfill every little need with their products that anyone in their sales district would find useful. All of this makes many people believe it is an excellent source of generating their own power. Propane generators have issues that you should know about before you buy standby generators for creating a private electrical power source in remote locations. This will remain true for emergency power backup generators as well.

Standby Generators With No Cooling Systems?

If you are going to replace or temporarily fill in for commercial power grid electricity, propane will fall short of diesel standby generators in power output and fuel efficiency, and more. While it is said that propane generators will not have carbon buildup issues, they also have no cooling mechanism and will overheat under constant power demand. Anyone who knows anything about power engines and their longevity will be very aware about what no cooling supply or available lubricating substance does to an engine. An engine your farm, ranch or remote home must depend on for every watt of electricity you need. In such a living situation, you must have performance on demand, delivering adequate electricity without fail – 365 days a year.

The air cooled backup generators powered by gasoline or diesel will be noisy, but the engine is maintained at a lower temperature than propane burning generators. Liquid cooled diesel standby generators will run incredibly quieter than the lower power production of air cooled backup generators or standby generators. A large power supply suitable for providing electricity for daily operations of a whole house, a farm or ranch operation, or even a business or industrial application that is powered by gasoline. Massive needs for consistent electricity will always depend on the torque and dependable operation of the liquid cooled diesel standby generators.

Propane Generators Are Less Expensive to Run

It’s interesting that you should say that. Further noted issues with propane generators begin with the fact that the fuel line hookups restrict the generator’s motor mobility, placing an automatic handicap on its ability to produce power at full capacity. Yes, propane engines will not have fouled plugs, but they also lack any advantages to engine wear due to a complete lack of lubrication delivered instantly with both gas and diesel generators.

Propane Fuel is Safer Than Gasoline

Well, that is true – to a point, but propane it isn’t as combustible, so be aware that this slows down your delivery of electricity for daily use where ever you need it, or in an electrical emergency. This also results in a 10% reduction in horsepower from propane generators to gas backup generators of the same size, none of which are large enough to power a house, let alone a farm. Propane driven engines do not have the cooling or lubricating benefits of gasoline or diesel fuels on valves.

Powering America’s Farms

Just like any area of the country, farms and ranches in more populated rural areas, can fall victim to man-made and natural disasters requiring the use of backup generators to ensure a consistent flow of electricity needed to maintain operations. This is especially true for livestock or poultry farms, where loss of heat and water would lead to rapid loss of animals, livelihood and capital. Farmers and ranchers also like the fact that propane can be stored for longer lengths of time without losing any effective power contrary to the fuel needed to run both gasoline and diesel generators. As with any demand for power situation, individual needs and preference will allow for different choices. A mixture of stationary propane generators and ot;>portable diesel backup generators will at times, provide the best energy production fit of all.

 

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