If frequent power outages and/or
the quality of your electric power has you considering a standby power
system, this would be a good time to also consider a DG system.
Although standby power systems
are generally less expensive to install than DG systems, a DG system can
give you continuous benefit in ADDITION to the benefit provided by a backup
system.
Standby systems are often diesel
systems and DG systems are generally natural gas. Diesel gensets are less
expensive than natural gas on a kW basis to purchase. However, diesel
systems are harder to permit (not allowed in some areas), are limited
in run hours in most all areas (for larger units), and have an on-site
fuel storage issues.
Standby units provide little
benefit when they are not running.
DG Systems can be more expensive
to install as they require different switch gear (electrical interconnect)
and heat recovery equipment if they will be operated as a CHP system.
However, the incremental cost difference can generally be quickly recovered
in operational savings.
In some applications, DG equipment
cannot be used to meet code requirements for standby equipment. If this
is the case, DG would need to stand on it's own economics.
If you are considering a Standby
-versus- Continuous DG system, please contact one of our Members
for more information about the benefits of a DG system.
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