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Are you tired of power outages disrupting your daily routine or important events?
Whether it’s for personal or commercial use, having a reliable power source is important in today’s world.
But what if your location doesn’t have a dependable power source? That’s where generators come in—the ultimate solution for power backup.
And as per a recent report by Transparency Market Research, the generator rental industry is projected to witness remarkable growth in the upcoming years, with an estimated valuation of USD 6.2 billion by 2031. The market is predicted to achieve a CAGR of approximately 5% from 2021 to 2031.
So, if you’re looking for a temporary power source during a power outage, renting a generator can be a smart solution.
And if you’re wondering whether to buy or rent a generator, we’ve also got you covered. Just send a mail or comment below.
Renting a generator is not only a feasible option for individuals and businesses in need of temporary power, but it’s also perfect for events, construction sites, outdoor activities such as camping or tailgating, and emergencies.
But what’s the cost of renting a generator for a day? Keep reading to find out what factors affect rental prices and what you can expect when it comes to renting a generator for a day.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Generator for a Day?
The cost of renting a generator for a day ranges from $50 to $1,000 or more, depending on various factors like rental period, power, output, and more. In general, a small portable generator with a power output of 2,000 to 4,000 watts can be rented for around $100 to $200 per day. Conversely, larger generators with a power output of 10,000 watts or more can cost $500 to $1,000 per day or more.
Here’s a breakdown table to help you better understand generator rental costs according to watt.
And sometimes they are not calculated in watts—but that’s usually for diesel generators. They are calculated in KVAs.
| Generator Watts | Estimated Price Range Per Day |
| 1,000 – 2,000 Watt | $50 to $100 Per Day |
| 3,000 – 4,000 Watt | $100 to $200 Per Day |
| 5,000 – 7,500 Watt | $200 to $400 Per Day |
| 10,000 – 15,000 Watt | $500 to $1,000 Per Day |
| 20,000 – 40,000 Watt | $1,000 to $2,000 Per Day |
Please note that the price listed here is an estimated cost we calculated that might be the actual cost you might rent a generator per day depending on the watt.
However, despite that, there might be additional factors that could determine the increase in the cost of a generator, which include checking the rental company’s policies and the location of the rental.
In short, some rental companies may even require a security deposit, and there may be additional charges for delivery and pickup.
Factors that Affect Generator Rental Prices
The cost of renting a generator for a day can vary depending on several factors, including the following:
1. The Power Output
The size of the generator is one of the biggest factors that determines the rental cost.
The higher the power output, the more expensive the rental cost will be.
2. Fuel Type
Secondly, the type of fuel the generator uses can also affect the rental cost.
If you are to rent a diesel generator, you should consider it more expensive to rent than gas-powered generators.
But diesel generators are more fuel-efficient than gas-powered generators.
3. Rental Period
The longer you rent a generator, the lower the cost per day will be. Some companies offer discounts for extended rental periods. And sometimes, the reverse is the case.
4. Delivery and Pickup
If you need the generator delivered to your location, the rental cost will likely include delivery and pickup fees.
The distance between the rental company and your location can also affect the delivery fee.
5. Accessories
Some rental companies may charge extra for accessories like power cords, transfer switches, and distribution panels.
6. Availability
Sometimes, the availability of the generator you are renting matters.
If you need a generator during peak rental periods or in an emergency, the cost may be higher than during off-peak times.
That’s because more people are asking for the generator than usual these days.
Even with these factors listed here, there are still some other little charges that might account for an increase in the generator rental cost, no matter which company you rent it from.
Other Costs to Consider When Renting a Generator for a Day
Even as there are factors that might influence the cost of renting a generator per day, there are other little costs you need to consider and take note of when renting a generator, which include:
1. Fuel cost
In most companies, the cost of fuel is usually not included in the rental cost. Therefore, you are responsible for providing fuel for the generator.
The amount of fuel you will need to buy will depend on the generator’s fuel consumption rate and the duration of use.
2. Delivery and pickup cost
Secondly, if the rental company offers delivery and pickup services, there may be an additional charge for this service, and the total cost will depend on the distance between the rental company and the location where you will use the generator.
3. Maintenance costs
Thirdly, if the generator malfunctions during the rental period, you may be responsible for covering the repair costs.
Sometimes, rental companies offer maintenance services depending on how damaged they are, and in that case, there may be an additional charge for this service.
4. Insurance cost
Lastly, rental companies may also offer insurance coverage for the rented generator, and there may be an additional charge for this service just like the others.
So, you must check with the rental company about their insurance policies and coverage before renting a generator.
4 Tips for Renting a Generator
Now that you may have known the actual cost of renting a generator for a day, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience. These tips include:
- Determine your power needs: first and foremost, before renting a generator, you must determine your power needs to ensure you rent a generator with the appropriate power output. This will help you avoid renting an overpowered or underpowered generator, which can be a waste of money.
- Research rental companies: Secondly, you must research rental companies in your area and compare their rental costs, policies, and customer reviews. This will also help you find a reputable and affordable rental company.
- Reserve the generator in advance: Thirdly, at times, generators are in high demand, especially during peak seasons, which will therefore influence the cost to increase. Therefore, you must reserve the generator in advance to ensure its availability on the date you need it.
- Read the rental agreement: Lastly, you must read and understand the rental agreement before signing it. The rental agreement will outline the rental terms, rental costs, and responsibilities with the generator.
Final Thought
When it comes to renting a generator for a day, the price range is around $50 to $100 for portable generators, depending on the factors listed in this article.
You should always make sure to read the rental terms and conditions to know how well you can use the generator after you rent it.
And for things like this, for the most part, you will always be responsible for anything that happens to the generator.
So, you must always check in with a professional or ask around the rental company to know if the generator is standard for what you want to use it for.
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