Australian farms don’t run on a nine-to-five schedule, and neither can their power supply. With systems such as irrigation pumps, cold storage, milking sheds and ventilation for animals all relying on a consistent electricity supply, the thought of a blackout, however brief, is potentially devastating.
Many rural properties are either located on a remote site or are on a weak grid connection that can suffer blackouts during severe weather or at periods of high demand.
This is where diesel generators continue to shine as the foundation of rural energy resilience.
Why Reliable Power is Essential for Farm Survival
Unlike in the city, where a short power outage is only a minor inconvenience, for the farmer, it can be a disaster:
- Dairy and livestock producers lose ventilation, cooling, and automated feeding systems, putting animal welfare and yield at risk.
- Cold storage and produce storage facilities can spoil entire batches of stock within hours.
- During peak growing times, irrigation systems miss critical watering windows.
- Remote homesteads lack water pumps, communications, and household power.
Moreover, because many farming operations take place outside the reach of the electric grid, a backup diesel generator for farms is often a matter of survival.
Why Diesel Generators Are a Perfect Fit for Farms
There are many factors that make a diesel generator for farms suitable;
Built for Continuous, Heavy-Duty Use
Whereas small portable units are designed to run intermittently, a generator for use on a farm is built to run for long periods without interruption. Diesel engines are also better at withstanding the high temperatures of continuous useand are generally considered more hardy than their petrol counterparts. Diesel generators provide off grid power and are the preferred choice for heavy machinery which is operated day in and day out.
High Power Outputs for High Demand Equipment
Farms typically require more power to run high-intensity equipment such as pumps, augers, cold rooms, welders, or grain handling machinery. Diesel generators are ideally suited to providing prime power to this sort of equipment.
Fuel Efficiency and Long Run Times
Diesel fuel has a higher energy density than petrol or LPG fuels, meaning a given volume of diesel will produce more energy. This means a diesel generator can either run more equipment for a given amount of fuel, or run for significantly longer on the same amount of fuel. For remote properties without ready access to fuel depots, this can mean the difference between getting a week’s work done, or a month’s work done.
Simpler Designs and Low Maintenance
Compared to other forms of off grid power generation, diesel generators have far fewer components that require specialist servicing. This often means that repairs and servicing can be carried out by the generator owner, which saves money and time.
Reliable Regardless of Weather
While solar panels and battery storage are excellent additions to a farm’s power supply, they have one major weakness: the weather. Diesel generators provide a more consistent output of power regardless of cloudy conditions or seasonal variations. Diesel generators have become the backbone power supply for many farms, while solar and battery systems offer supplementary energy production.
Common Farm Applications for Diesel Generators
Some of the most common uses of diesel generators for farms are as follows:
- Irrigation and water pumping: Keeping crops watered on schedule, even when the grid is down.
- Housing systems for animals: Power for ventilation, heating, lighting, and automated feed systems.
- Cold storage and dairying: Protection of perishable stock and milk from spoilage.
- Machinery sheds and workshops: Running welders, compressors, and power tools in areas without grid access.
- Backup solar/hybrid systems: Step in during a power outage or low-generation season to keep the entire house powered.
Choosing the Right Generator for Your Property
The size of the unit is of particular importance because a small generator will wear out faster under a heavy load, and a large one will unnecessarily waste fuel. To balance things out, it is critical to analyse the current electricity demand in terms of kilowatts, with special attention to surge power (start-up power) required to start pumps and prime movers.
This is why people should entrust this task to experts. Able Power helps farm owners select diesel generators with the power necessary to meet the electricity demand at their agricultural holding. Whether you need a complete turnkey solution or a generator to supplement your solar power system, Able Power will help you achieve value for money.
FAQs
Do I need a diesel generator for my farm?
A diesel generator is a great backup power source if you have solar power installed on your property. Solar and battery storage systems are weather-dependent, but diesel generators can provide consistent power regardless of conditions.
How long will a diesel generator last?
With the right maintenance, diesel generators can run for prolonged periods of time, even weeks at a time.
What size generator do I need for my farm?
This depends on the equipment you need to run, and recommendations should be made according to the load requirements. It is not recommended to base a generator size for a property on square meters.
Final Word
Off-grid and remote farms cannot afford to have their electricity supply interrupted. Diesel generators are the preferred method of delivering electricity to farms because they are cost-effective, reliable, and able to run-in all-weather conditions.
They provide a vital backup power source that allows farms to keep irrigation, livestock, cold storage, and other essential equipment running. To protect your farm’s electrical supply, contact Able Power to discuss your backup power needs with an experienced technician.
